Well, back to my regularly scheduled updates. I suppose they aren't REALLY scheduled, but I do like to update once a week, which is one of the reasons the chapters are so short. The last chapter was a bit shorter than usual as well, but that's because I had to cut out part of it. I was going to have some Naruto in there…but I just wasn't feeling it. I'd prefer to give a small good chapter than a larger mediocre chapter.
For any spelling mistakes…I blame Microsoft Word and the Dark Force Monkies! Oh…and the man eating octopus of the south seas. Curse those evil octopi…
Now, originally I was going to go more into the new aspect of Hinata's Byakugan…but S-Wanderer999 makes an interesting point and I can't resist explaining a bit more. So, today I'll have a small chat about the Kage Bunshin and jutsu in general.
First, let us define the word Kage. Kage translates in many ways, but my dictionary gives the definition as this…
Kage: (1) Shade, shadow, silhouette (2) reflection, image (3) presence, sign (4) other side, back, background (5) light (stars and moon) (6) fawn colored, fawn colored horse
While we're at it lets look at some pretty cool definitions of a couple other words that use kage as a root word.
Kageboushi: shadow figure, silhouette
Kagehinata: double-faced
Now to define the term Bunshin, a term that also has a quite a few definitions.
Bunshin: (1) parturition, delivery, one's child, branch, offshoot, one's other self (2) dividing and advancing (3) civil official (4) tattoo
So now we have the definitions, the translation of the Kage Bunshin as Shadow Clone is pretty good but it doesn't exactly do full justice to the jutsu. Now let's clean up the definitions for what actually applies.
Kage: (1) Shadow, shade, silhouette (2) reflection, image (3) other side
Bunshin: (1) Branch, offshoot, one's other self (2) Dividing and advancing
Now if I had to literally translate this one it would translate more as Dividing and Advancing Images. After all, that is what the jutsu does, but it doesn't give a full appreciation to the full power of the jutsu. Likewise, Shadow Divide and Advance doesn't quite do it either. Now…Shade of One's Other Self might work, but that would imply that the copy wasn't as powerful as the original. Reflection of One's Other Self would work too, but it's still not complete. So let us combine the entire definition and see what we get shall we?
Dividing and Advancing Shadow Image of One's Other Self
Actually that pretty much sums out what Naruto's jutsu does. Still, what's the shadow part about? After all, it doesn't actively use shadows so what's so shadowy about it?
How troublesome.
It's not actually the Bunshin itself which is a shadow…it's the mind placed into it. Each Bunshin has the ability to think and act separately from the original. While we've seen it before I will point out that the Bunshin do tend to act differently in each situation they are put in. This means that the Bunshin are probably a copy of the users mind at that particular moment. In essence they are but a shade of the real version not fully the original, but real enough to do what is needed.
Another problem lies in what most people consider the "canon" lists of Ninjutsu. I shall head over to…shudder Wikipedia and give a small list and the changes that I believe are appropriate. The Body Flicker (Taijutsu), Creation Rebirth (Taijutsu), Down On All Fours(Taijutsu), Sexy/Harem no Jutsu (Genjutsu), Mind Transfer (Genjutsu), Multi-size Technique (Taijutsu), Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique (Taijutsu…although a more proper translation might be Divide and Advancing Shuriken Technique. This one does full physical damage and makes a real weapon. If I really wanted to split hairs I could say that it should be a weapon kata/jutsu, but that's going a bit far.), and the Telescope Technique (Genjutsu).
By doing this we set a precedent for exactly how to classify the techniques. Taijutsu would have anything to do with physical attributes, not just the attacking. To limit your self to attacking with taijutsu is a fallacy. A ninja should use all their attributes to their utmost. Lee's superior maneuverability and strength, for example, would allow him to not only move quickly in a dangerous area, but also make him invaluable for getting rid of heavy items that are in the way or just plain destroying barriers.
Genjutsu is perhaps the least understood of the jutsu list. Right now it pretty much only entails those jutsu that have "Illusion" in their name. Bleh. Isn't Kurenai supposed to be a Genjutsu specialist? The Demonic Illusion: Tree Bind Death doesn't really seem to be limited to just manipulating the mind, but the way the world is perceived as well. If we include all things that deal with the mind and perceived reality, this list actually becomes a lot bigger and a Genjutsu specialist can become very dangerous.
So in conclusion I believe that jutsu classification has been quite lax. By broadening the spectrum of classification we end with these definitions to work with for classifying jutsu.
Taijutsu: This section of Jutsu involves any physical attack techniques. In addition, this classification of Jutsu covers those techniques which cause the body to do something (Creation Rebirth) or modifies the body for more optimal usage of physical attacks (Down on all Fours).
Genjutsu: This classification encompasses all mental jutsu, not just those that affect others, but those that affect yourself and the world around you as well. Now we not only have the Illusion series, but we can make an argument that all Bunshin would be classified as a Genjutsu (Enduing your chakra with the world around you to manipulate the perceived reality), many of the scrying Jutsu (such as the Telescope technique), and possibly even Sai's animation techniques.
Ninjutsu: This classification now encompasses those techniques that involve affecting the world around you through the pure use of chakra and most elemental jutsu. This is a lot more definable than the previous listing which was pretty much just a place to put jutsu.
If we really wanted to go crazy with this we could add in a few sub-categories.
Summoning: Through the use of chakra and the life-blood of the jutsu user, one may summon a spirit creature to fight with you.
Emono (specialized weapon skill): This is a branch of Taijutsu dealing with weapons specifically instead of the more traditional fists and feet of Taijutsu. All weapon dependant abilities would fall under this category.
That looks a lot better to me. A little confusing? Yeah perhaps, but it makes a lot more sense to the martial arts mind. Anywho, that's it for my rambling this time.
Hopefully this made you think. You don't have to agree with me, I just want people to look at the jutsu and think twice before placing it as a Ninjutsu. All techniques are special and they should be treated as such, not placed in a dumping ground because people don't want to take their time and think about the classifications. If you want to debate the topic, then that's cool with me! I do love a good debate.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
THE HYUUGA WAY
Chapter 11
Understanding
Uzumaki Naruto didn't really like it when he was forced to be mature. The mature part he could live with, it was the forcing that he disliked. That being said, he had wanted to talk to someone about the current events, but whom?
Tsunade wasn't an option. She'd actually had a hand in starting it!
He'd already had a talk with Neji, which was enlightening, but he didn't want to try and sort things out by talking to him. He'd go on about duty and such.
It would be too troublesome to Shikamaru. Choji and Ino would likewise be a poor choice. He knew them, but really didn't feel too comfortable opening up to them.
Shino didn't usually talk and Kiba rarely had useful advice when it came to women. If he remembered right the only lady that Kiba had successfully dated was one of the local pet store owners. This would be after attempting to date about 30 other women without success. No, Kiba wasn't a good choice.
That left Sakura...and she wasn't available at the moment due to one of the missions having gone bad and the hospital needed her skills to patch up the survivors.
That didn't exactly leave anyone that would be easy to talk to. While pondering the question over a bowl of ramen, he was surprised to hear a familiar voice.
"Sorry about being late. There was a lady by the side of the road that asked me to hold her child…"
Naruto turns toward the voice and exclaims, "Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's face twists a little, "That has got to be the lamest excuse yet."
Kakashi shrugs and sits down, "I hear that you are living in interesting times."
Naruto gives a deep frown as he nods, "Yeah, something like that.
"Interesting times are like that." Kakashi replies.
"Why can't it all be simple? I heard the Hyuuga stance on love and everything, but she can't be forced to marry me! I wouldn't want her to have to do that. What about the rest of her family? I mean, I'll be Hokage someday, but until then won't she have to deal with me being too low ranking or something like that? Then there are all these rules and everything…" Naruto rants, letting the frustration out at the only person that might actually understand the meaning behind the frustration and not just the complaining.
Kakashi motions for a drink and then looks at Naruto, "Have you talked to Hinata-sama about this?"
Naruto blanches and shakes his head, "Are you crazy? I don't even know how I feel about it! What am I supposed to do, go up to Hinata-chan and say, "Hey, Hinata-chan, I know we're supposed to be married, but I have no clue how I feel about it"?"
Kakashi raises a hand to scratch his check, before replying blandly, "That might not quite be a good idea."
"Damn right it's not a good idea!" Naruto yells. Thankfully, it was only him and Kakashi at Ichiraku at the moment. At this time everyone would normally be at work. "Hinata-chan is my friend."
Leaning back Kakashi looks at the ceiling, "So getting married would change that?"
Naruto stops for a moment, having not entirely been prepared for that question, "I…I don't know…"
"If Hinata-sama is your friend, then nothing would change that." Kakashi shakes his head, "I thought I taught you better than that. Your friends will always be there for and that won't change."
Naruto shakes his head, continuing to be obtuse, "But…I mean, what about…IT? Won't that change things?"
Kakashi sighs and stands, having finished his drink sometime during the conversation without Naruto knowing, probably during the last part of the rant. "I don't know. You'll have to talk to her about it."
Naruto shakes his head, "Talk to her? You mean actually go over there and ask? But…"
Kakashi gets to the door and opens it, "Do not keep her waiting Naruto-kun. Do not make my mistake…" With that Kakashi disappears.
Frowning darkly, Naruto plops back into his chair, "What the heck is that supposed to mean?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The practice area was always a place of solace for Hyuuga Hinata. This particular practice area held a poignant significance to her. Four years ago in this very spot she had encountered a downcast Uzumaki Naruto. After some very heartfelt words on her own part, Naruto had said a few words that would remain with her forever.
"I think I like people like you."
Now she wondered exactly how true those words actually were. Well, maybe she was more wondering if the word 'like' was the key word. Had she managed to deceive herself that completely? She takes a deep breath and then hears a sigh from beside her.
Turning slightly, her gaze is greeted by the same face that causes so much joy and confusion.
Naruto gives a weak smile, "Came here to think too, huh?"
Hinata gives a small nod, not entirely sure what to say.
"You know…this whole marriage thing was a surprise. So surprising I was actually speechless for a change." Naruto starts, his voice laughing to cover his fear. "I'm still not quite sure what to think of it…what do you think of it Hinata-chan?"
Hinata pauses and blushes deeply. Naruto was asking her opinion of the marriage? What would she say? She wanted to be loud, just like him. Tell him flat out what she wanted, but the words were hard to come by. "Um…Naruto-kun…I…d-don't mind the decision…" The downcast face that started to appear on Naruto wasn't quite what she wanted. No! She couldn't have Naruto keep that face! "I-in fact…I l-like the idea…"
Though the words had been almost unbearably soft, they had managed to reach Naruto's ears. "What?" He really couldn't believe what he was hearing. He'd never really dreamed of it…well…ok…maybe he had in recent days, but that was entirely beyond the point!
Hinata lowers her head, letting her fingers fidget. She really didn't like to talk about this kind of thing in the open. It really wasn't proper. "I…I would l-like to m-marry you Naruto-kun…b-but…if you d-don't want to…"
Naruto frowns. Here he'd been worried about all this stuff and Hinata was saying that she wanted it. It wasn't the typical proper stuff either. He'd been with Hinata pretty constantly for the better part of 4 days now. Not to mention off and on two years prior. He could reasonably tell when Hinata was being polite and when she was nervous and telling the truth. This was the latter, "I didn't say that, but we're still young! What about if you find someone you like better, someone that everyone in the village actually likes?"
Hinata shakes her firmly. It would seem that this was the place for the two of them to talk. Just as before, Naruto was insecure and just as before, the battle was with himself. "N-Naruto-kun, I don't care w-what everyone else likes. I-I waited three years to see you again a-and another year j-just to spend more time with you. I-I'll wait as long as it takes f-for you to decide…"
Naruto raises a brow. How had Kakashi known that Hinata would say something like that? This was pretty eerie. Meh, worry about that later, there was one more important thing to bring up. The rest….well, he could digest it later. "Hinata-chan…you remember about the Kyuubi no Kitsune right?"
Hinata nods firmly, "Yes. 16 years ago the Yondaime Hokage defeated the Kyuubi…" She pauses, what the heck. She'd already been embarrassed today. Why not go for broke? "He did this by…using a seal to cage the spirit in a young boy…who has become a great ninja…and will be the next Hokage…"
Naruto stares at Hinata. What the…? Wait, Neji had said that Hinata already knew, but there was a different question now, "How long have you known Hinata-chan?"
Yes, the ground was definitely more interesting for Hinata now, "Umm…since right after the Chunin exams. I overheard Father and Neji-niisan talking about it."
Naruto lifts up a stone and chucks it at the far side of the training area, wierdness seemed to follow the two of them these last few days so it was really hard to get a good rant going around Hinata. "You know there are times when I use the Kyuubi's power. It's not a pretty sight."
"You're still Naruto. Sealed Kyuubi no Kitsune or not!" Hinata admonishes sternly and then shies away. She shouldn't have done that.
Naruto frowns in thought and then laughs, "You know, I think you're the first person I've ever heard actually say that! And you're right!"
For a few moments neither of the young adults says a word, not trusting what would come out of their mouths at the moment. Finally, Naruto is the one who breaks the silence.
"So, how has the Kage Bunshin been coming?"
Hinata stops, her breath caught in her throat. He would have to ask that wouldn't he? "Umm…perhaps you should ask Neji-niisan? He was on the…umm….receiving end."
At Hinata's admission, Naruto gives a big grin, "Awesome! I knew you could do it! What did I tell you?"
Hinata nods once more, blushing now from the attention and not from what had happened earlier, "Yes, I should have believed in myself more and believed when you said that I could do it."
Naruto grins, "Well, now you know you can do it, so next time will be that much easier! Of course, you'll never be able to make as many as me!"
Hinata smiles and shakes her head, "No, but I think one will be enough for me. Neji-niisan was very surprised."
"I bet! Man, I would have loved to see his face!" Naruto laughs. This was the first time he'd talked to Hinata the entire day. To be truthful it was really nice. He'd started to miss it.
"Father was slightly startled as well. I think he approved…" Hinata adds, not sure exactly what Naruto might think about that.
Naruto crosses his arms. "Just approved? Man, he's a tougher nut to crack than I thought. We'll need to find an even better jutsu and show him then!
Hinata stares at Naruto, slightly dazed.
"What?" Naruto asks innocently, "I'm sure if we thought really hard we could come up with something good, even if we have to create the jutsu ourselves!"
Hinata gives a small smile and then nods, "Yes. I'm sure we can do it. What kind of jutsu should we make though?"
Shrugging, Naruto replies, "Beats me, but it'll be awesome!"
Covering her mouth, Hinata lets out a very small giggle. Maybe it would work out all right.
Pausing, Naruto gives a small sigh, "I guess I'll have to work on that later. I have to go to those talks all next week."
Hinata sighs. There goes her time with Naruto during the day. Still, maybe…"Naruto-kun. If you like…we can go and get you some more shinobi clothing. Now that I have your ledger, I've sorted it…it looks like you are due for new clothes…"
Naruto blinks as he looks at Hinata, "You mean I don't have to buy them with my own money?"
Mentally, Hinata made a reminder to send the accounting lady an explosive tag made to look like a cash note.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Minutes later, Hinata leads Naruto into the tailors shop. The shop itself wasn't too very large, but Hinata had been getting much of the family tailoring done here. She could vouch for the quality of the work. After all, she wore an outfit made here. However, her companion wasn't exactly thrilled.
"What do you mean we're going in there? They threw me out 7 years ago and said if I stepped foot in there again they'd string me up by my toenails." Naruto complains.
Hinata stops a moment and then looks at the tailor accusingly. Instantly, the person at the counter withers under the gaze, "I-if Hinata-sama says that the de…er…Uzumaki-san is a good customer then we will be happy to assist in any way we can."
Hinata gives a small smile, letting her disapproval of the previous actions be known before dragging Naruto into the store to look about.
Quietly, the clerk calls over one the young son of the owners and whispers, "Look, you need to tell your parents that Naruto-san needs to be able to shop here or we're definitely going to lose the business of the Hyuuga's."
Not fully understanding, the boy nods and runs to tell his parents.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Nearly an hour later, Naruto and Hinata leave the store with a small bundle.
"That wasn't so bad, was it Naruto-kun?" Hinata asks.
Grumbling, Naruto finally mutters, "No…not really." He looks at the sky and sighs. It was almost dark now. At least he'd been able to spend a bit of time with Hinata.
Hinata giggles once more. That was pretty much Naruto's way of saying he didn't mind even though he wasn't going to admit it. "Well, perhaps we should get some food to make up for it?"
Naruto gives a broad smile, "Sounds good to me! You'll have to pay though…I didn't bring my money with me…" He adds.
Hinata gives a small shake of her head, "I wouldn't ask you to pay with your spending money Naruto-kun. That money is for you to spend on whatever you like."
The single intelligent word that leaves Naruto's mouth is, "Buh?"
She loved that confused look sometimes, it made Naruto look so cute. "Naruto-kun, since I have your ledger I am in charge of all your money. Now that I think about it, we should probably pick up some groceries for you on the way back as well."
"Food shopping too? Is there any other kind of shopping that I don't have to use my spending money for?" This would be interesting. Hinata was definitely a lot better with his money than the ghoul.
Hinata takes a seat at one of the tables, "Weapon, furniture, bills, cloths, food, house repair…I will take care of setting aside the money for such things Naruto-kun. Each week I will give you a little money that you may spend however you like. If you need anything for missions or your home then I will make sure the money goes to the right people and the things get dropped off or you can pick them up."
Joining Hinata at the table, Naruto can only nod and smile, "Wow Hinata. You're even better with money than you are with jutsu and your jutsu's are great!"
Blushing, Hinata manages to reply, "Thank you Naruto-kun." She was definitely glad she had brought Naruto to one of the more relaxed places to eat where he could be a bit loud.
Naruto picks up the menu, "So, what did you want to talk about?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Naruto and Hinata head up the stairs to Naruto's apartment. Carefully, Naruto reaches for his keys while juggling two bags filled with food….and not just ramen! Hinata had been quite insistent that Naruto eat more than just ramen.
When he'd tried to complain, Hinata had quickly decided that she'd hear none of it. When it came to Naruto's health, Hinata was just as stubborn as Tsunade.
"Well…it's not much, but it's home." Naruto says as he opens the door to a very sparkly decorated room…with a couple of ramen cups lying about on the floor from where he'd forgotten to pick them up earlier.
Hinata steps inside and looks around, taking in what was in the apartment; one couch obviously used to the point of falling apart before Naruto took ownership, a few ancient cooking utensils that still looked mostly usable, one bed that had definitely seen its last days about a year ago, a dresser that looked to be warped and a radio that may pick up a single station. There was a LOT of work to be done. Not that she would mind at all.
Naruto sets the bags down on the counter, "Is everything ok Hinata-chan?"
The voice wakes up Hinata who instantly blushes for both her wandering mind and the realization that she is in Naruto's room, "Yes, I'm fine Naruto-kun." Quietly, Hinata moves through the room and sets the bundle of clothing on his dresser. She would certainly need to get new furniture or this place.
Naruto comments, "It's a bit late, you should probably head home and I should be going to bed. Don't want to keep Tsunade-obaachan waiting you know."
Not trusting words once more, Hinata holds her breath and nods her agreement.
Offhandedly Naruto says while putting up the groceries, "You know, now that I think about it Hinata-chan, I don't just think I like people like you." He pauses a moment to give a grin, "I like you."
There is a soft thump to which Naruto turns around and looks. "Aw man…"
Naruto runs through his options. He could carry Hinata home again, but last time he'd gotten an earful from Neji. He could have someone else take Hinata home, but he'd probably get an earful from Neji later. Neither of these options really worked for him.
As if on cue, Naruto hears a knock on the door, "I swear…there's a kami out there just to toy with me…" he mutters and then calls out, "Gimme a sec!"
The reply from the door is most certainly Neji, "I am certainly not in a rush."
Finally, Naruto opens the door, "Hey Neji. Man, you look like you ran into a wall and the wall won. I guess you're here for Hinata-chan right? Well…umm…I made another comment and she fainted?"
Neji sighs and shakes his head. "I suppose, I…" Wait a second….yes, vengeance for the sparring match earlier would be sweet, "should let her sleep here if you don't mind. She's probably quite tired and being carried home might aggravate any bruises she might have from the sparring match earlier."
"I suppose she could stay if you think it'd be better for her." Naruto says after a few moments. It sounded kind of odd to him, but if Neji said it was for the best…
Neji smirks as he turns to leave, "Ok then, I'll see Hinata-sama in the morning. Rest well."
Naruto closes the door and turns back to his room. Something told him that no good could come of this, but as he lifts Hinata into his arms to place her on the bed to rest he couldn't help but to think that maybe any trouble would be worth it.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
And thus ends this chapter of The Hyuuga Way. The last part wasn't quite what I thought it would be but I like it. I'm evil like that though. Lesse…I know there was a secondary rant around here somewhere…oh yeah!
I ask that nobody ever define the term "–hime" as princess with me. My simple reason…exactly when did the Japanese have princesses? Would that assume that they had kings and queens too? The simple fact is…they didn't. There was the imperial family and if you weren't that then you were just a noble. "–Hime" and "–himesama" both mean young lady of noble birth. I can see where one could use it as "princess" but don't refer to it in the contest of the Japanese culture. That is, unless you use "himemiko" that actually refers directly to the Imperial linage. I guess you can call anyone with that title an Imperial Princess.
I would like to take this time to thank Ikasury right now. I just came up with a neat little jutsu after reading his review. I shall call it…Inari. Mwahahahaha! Bwahahahaha! Gwahahahahahahahaha!
Now, I did promise some hints on the name "Tentou" did I not? While individually the oarts do end up as heaven and to ask, combined the two actually change definitions just a bit. Let's go with "Way of Heaven" which is also related to "divine justice" not to mention the word also translates to "the sun." Man I love Japanese. Perhaps with these definitions the joke is a little more clear cut. Still, you'll have to look up Bushido on your own…or wait a couple of chapters for me to explain it in relative detail.
As for Hinata's added power, I guess I can explain it later. It's not really something too off the wall, just a natural extension of the Bayakugan in my opinion. People without the Bayakugan could do the same thing, she just has it easier. Although some of you might want an answer right now, so I'll let Q-bert explain. Q-bert?
Q-Bert!#)#$&!$(&
Very well said Q-bert and so eloquent. Anyways, have fun and I'll see you all next chapter! Remember if you want to debate I'm free to message. See you next chapter and have fun!
Q-Bert: #&&#!
Edric Loto