I do not own Naruto nor Kamen Rider Blade. Those belong to their respective creators and not me. I hope you all enjoy the latest addition of this story.
The Forgotten Rider
By Ten-Faced Paladin.
Chapter 4: Finding my Place. Chuunin Exams!
The walk to Konoha was a somewhat calm affair. No doubt the void Gatoh left behind in his death was being fought over as the group of five ninjas and one Rider made their way back through the Land of Fire. Still, everything seemed peaceful enough.
"Kyle-nii! What does this one do?" Naruto asked Kyle while holding up one of the Rouze cards.
Well, it was quiet for a while. To help pass the time, Naruto had asked to see the Rouze Cards that Kyle used to fight as the Rider. Kyle handed him one of the suits to pass the time. Right now, Naruto was passing through the Hearts suit. He was currently holding up the Recover Camel.
"That one is called Recover Camel," Kyle answered with a smile. "Category 9. When I slash it through my Rouzer, it allows me to recover from any injuries I sustained up to that point."
"Wow," Sakura gasped as she heard Kyle's explanation. "That's a very powerful card."
Sakura was even showing a mild interest in the Rouze Cards. She definitely hadn't heard of things as small as the cards being capable of doing the things the Rider had done with them.
"Am I right to assume that a Rouzer is what you use to activate the cards?" asked Haku with some curiosity.
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "Rouzers are weapons that are capable of drawing the energy from the cards and using them the way my armor allows me to use it."
While the four chatted, Sasuke was hanging near Kakashi. He tried not to look interested, but the lure of the power these cards possessed was tempting. The last Uchiha knew that he would have no idea about the capabilities of the cards. In his line of work, the unknown is all one needs to get killed or emerge victorious.
Kakashi himself was likewise keeping an ear on the conversation. He didn't doubt that Kyle was on the level, but he wanted to hear all he could about those strange cards should he have to fight someone who used them.
"So all of your summons are sealed inside of these cards?" Naruto asked as he continued to flip through the set.
"That's right," Kyle nodded. "I really find them more useful sealed in those cards rather than free, but they sure come in handy when I'm outnumbered."
"I'll bet," Sakura nodded.
The group continued to travel along until the gates which surrounded Konoha loomed over the horizon. Kyle absently thought that they looked bigger than any of the comics made them look.
"All right!" Naruto cheered. "We're home!"
"Feels good doesn't it?" Kakashi 'smiled'. "Let's go everyone."
The six-person team walked along the path while the gates loomed closer. None of the Konoha-nins seemed terribly bothered by their size, but Haku was becoming slightly uneasy. Kyle himself was desperately hoping that he wasn't going to screw anything up. The small group continued walking until they were in front of the gates. Up at the top were two ninjas who were on guard duty.
"State your business," one of them called.
"Kakashi Hatake and Team 7 returning from a mission," Kakashi replied as he pulled out some official-looking papers. One of the two ninjas leaped to the ground and took the papers and examined them.
"Who are the two with you?" the ninja asked sternly.
"The girl is named Haku," Kakashi answered. "She's a former Kiri-nin who is looking for sanctuary in Konoha."
"And the boy?" the ninja pressed.
"Kyle Jones," Kakashi answered. "A civilian."
The ninja gazed at both Haku and Kyle before nodding. He leaped to the top of the gate with his partner and made a signal. The gates then slowly began to open, allowing the small group to enter Konoha.
Kyle quickly found himself rubbernecking as he gazed at everything around him that made up Konoha. It was definitely more impressive than anything in a cartoon or manga. Kyle secretly hoped that the Hokage would let him stay since he was having trouble deciding where he wanted to start exploring first.
"All right," Kakashi spoke up before turning to face his fellow travelers. "Team 7, you are dismissed for the day. Get some rest. You've earned it. Haku, Kyle, you both will follow me to the Hokage's office. We will get your situations straightened out in no time."
The three Genin nodded before breaking off from the group and heading their own ways. Well, Sakura tried one last time to get a date from Sasuke before he blew her off once again. Naruto tried his hand with Sakura only to get a punch to the face.
"Kid's got a thick head if I've ever seen one," Kyle sighed as he began walking beside Haku as they accompanied Kakashi towards the Hokage Tower.
The journey was pretty quiet. There were several villagers going about their own ways with whatever they needed to do for the day. Some off-duty ninjas were talking with friends at some of the food stands. There were even a few small children running through the street playing games. Kyle felt it almost hard to believe that a village of ninjas could be so calm.
Eventually, they got to the Hokage's Tower and entered it. They made their way up several sets of stairs before coming to a pair of doors. Kakashi silently opened them and entered with his two guests behind him. At the other end of the room was a polished desk with an old man sitting in the chair behind it with white robes and a hat which had the kanji for fire on it. He did seem to be getting on in years and he had a gray goatee and a pipe in his mouth. Kyle easily recognized him. He was looking at Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage.
"Kakashi Hatake reporting in for Team 7," Kakashi spoke.
"Glad to see you back, Kakashi," Sarutobi smiled. "I assume the mission was a success?"
"With no casualties," Kakshi nodded.
"Good," Sarutobi smiled. His gaze then landed on Haku and Kyle. "Are these two the ones you sent that report about?"
Kyle blinked. Kakashi sent a report? When had he done that? Most likely it was sometime after the battle on the bridge or while they were traveling back to Konoha.
"These are them," Kakashi nodded. "Haku, former Mist-Nin with a Hyouton (ice release) bloodline, and Kyle Jones, otherwise known as the Rider.
"I see," Sarutobi nodded. He then turned to Haku. "Well, I can easily allow you in Konoha, young lady. Unlike in Mizu no Kuni, we look up to those who hold a bloodline ability. It shouldn't be too hard to get you citizenship."
"Thank you," Haku bowed deeply. She would finally have a home. Something that she didn't have for a very long time.
"You're very welcome," Saurtobi smiled. "If you would please excuse us though, I would like to talk to Kyle without anyone listening in. I'll send word to the Konoha Inn to get you a reservation so you at least have a place to stay before we get you a permanent residence."
"I understand," Haku nodded. She then spared a glance at Kyle before she exited the Hokage's office, leaving Kyle, Kakashi, and the Hokage himself in the room.
"Now, Kyle," Sarutobi spoke up. "Kakashi tells me that you re in possession of some strange artifacts. If I am to be able to grant you citizenship to Konoha, then I'm afraid you will have to tell me about them."
"That's reasonable," Kyle nodded. "What do you wish to know?"
"How about where they come from?" asked Kakashi.
Kyle nodded before he reached into his pockets and pulled out all the Rouze Cards and placed them on the Hokage's desk. The old man looked down at them and began to flip through them and take in their appearance.
"Be warned that what I'm about to tell you may end up being considered an S-class secret," Kyle spoke, gaining the undivided attention of the two ninjas in the room. "I'm not sure how I received the cards because the last thing I remember was being at my home before I was hit with some kind of jutsu. The next thing I know is that I was on the ground in Nami no Kuni with the Rouze cards with me. I don't know how I got there or how the cards got there, but I do know a lot about them."
"Do tell then," Sarutobi nodded.
"Okay, well, according to those who first found the cards, Kami-sama or whatever you guys call the almighty created this world along with these 53 creatures called the Undead. Each Undead was based off one of His creations and given a special ability to call its own. Each of them was immortal and made especially for fighting."
"But why would Kami-sama make them?" asked Kakashi. "What's the point?"
"Survival of the fittest," Kyle answered. "The Undead quickly put themselves in a war called the Battle Game. Each Undead fought to be the last one standing. The winner would have their progeny become the dominant species of the world.
"Incredible," Sarutobi blinked. Both he and Kakashi had their eyes wide with shock.
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "Needless to say that the Human Undead won or we wouldn't be here. When the Battle Game was over, all the Undead were sealed into the Rouze Cards and placed in an unknown location."
"I understand," Sarutobi nodded. "You make it sound as if people had discovered the cards. Were they ever unsealed at one point?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Kyle sighed. "At one point, an advanced people discovered the Rouze Cards and took them from that spot. They believed that the cards held the key to immortality and were eager to study them."
"Fools," Kakashi sighed. More people obsessed with gaining the ultimate power ended up creating disaster for everyone else. "What happened?"
"Well, they didn't make much progress towards immortality since they didn't want to release the Undead by accident," Kyle explained. "Unfortunately, one of the researchers lost his love while he was studying the Undead. In his grief, he was convinced that if he studied an unsealed Undead then he could bring her back."
"I take it his idea didn't turn out," Sarutobi frowned.
"Some of the other researchers attempted to stop him, but in the struggle, he released almost all of them," Kyle sighed. "The Undead were free to go fight and cause havoc to their hearts content."
"And just how were they resealed?" asked Sarutobi.
"That is where the buckles come in," Kyle grinned as he pulled out the three buckles and gestured to the one around his waist. "While the researchers didn't find the secret to immortality, they did develop the Rider system which emulated the powers of the Joker."
"Joker?" asked Sarutobi as he pulled out the card in question.
"The most powerful of the Undead," Kyle commented. "He has the ability to copy any of the other Undead and use their powers as his own."
"So he's the most dangerous," Kakashi reasoned.
"Perhaps," Kyle shrugged.
"So what did these people do with the Rider system?" asked Sarutobi. "I assume that they were used to seal the free Undead."
"True," Kyle nodded. "The two silver buckles are for the Blade and Garren Riders. They need the Ace of Spades and Diamonds to transform properly."
"And this last one needs either Clubs or Hearts?" asked Kakashi.
"Well, it would be prudent to know that the upper-class Undead are not stupid. Category Jack and up are capable of taking human form," Kyle explained. "It was the Peacock Undead who assembled the third buckle you see. That is for the Leangle armor. It was his hope to create the ultimate Rider so that he would have a perfect warrior who could defeat the other Undead and leave him the winner."
"I take it he failed?" asked Kakashi.
"Leangle is strong," Kyle acknowledged. "However, he was not invincible. He was eventually defeated and the buckle fell into friendly hands."
"And what about this last suit?" asked Sarutobi.
"That is one of the more twisted stories," Kyle spoke. "The Joker himself took up the task of fighting Undead and used that suit to do it."
"He wanted to cut down the competition?" asked Kakashi.
"Far from it," Kyle smiled. "When he was first released, the Joker had claimed the Category Ace of Hearts otherwise known as Chalice. He was the most powerful fighter of the Undead. When the Joker held that card, Chalice's battle instincts managed to suppress his destructive instincts so that he could think rationally."
"So the Joker could plan ahead for his battles," Sarutobi reasoned.
"Yes, but it began to change when he sealed the Human Undead," Kyle continued. "When he began using that card, the Joker was being influenced with the Human Undead's compassion and love for life. The Human Undead suppressed the Joker's desire for destruction. Instead he had a desire to protect. In short, the Joker was free of his dark side and allowed to live. He decided to protect the people he had come to care about as the fourth Rider, Chalice."
"An emotional tale," Sarutobi commented. "Are these all the Rouze Cards or are there others?"
"As to my knowledge, there is only one which is unaccounted for," Kyle replied. "It is called Keroberos. It's an artificial Undead created by the man who funded the research for the Rouze cards."
"Why would he feel the need to create his own Undead?" asked Sarutobi.
"He did it because he wanted to become a god," Kyle explained. "He had built a mechanism into his arm which he would use in conjunction with the Keroberos and change into an Undead. His plan was to let the Riders seal the Undead before making himself into one and defeating the final Undead, making himself the winner. He would have then made the world in his image and rule over it. Thankfully he failed."
"Then what happened to this Undead?" asked Sarutobi.
"No one's sure," Kyle sighed. "The Category King of Diamonds took it after he killed the man and was in turned sealed after he hid it somewhere. He wasn't in the mood to talk then either."
"I see," Sarutobi nodded. "One last question then."
"Shoot," Kyle shrugged.
"The belt you are wearing now," Sarutobi spoke. "You gestured to it as a change mechanism, yet you never said a fourth system was built."
"This was a failed experiment on my part," Kyle sighed, thinking fast on his feet. "I attempted to use the Joker card. The surge of power got to me and I passed out. When I woke up, I discovered this belt around my waist. I believe I may have absorbed some of the Joker's power, namely his ability to copy other Undead. I'm still human, but I'm not sure how much."
"I see," Sarutobi nodded. "I'd say I'm satisfied for now. I will take your citizenship into consideration. You should hear from me before the end of the day though."
"Sounds good to me," Kyle nodded. He was allowed to collect the cards and buckles before leaving the office. There was silence for a moment before Sarutobi decided to speak again.
"What are your thoughts, Kakashi?" the aged Hokage asked.
Kakashi said, "I have witnessed the kind of power the Rider has and the kind of person Kyle is. He has a noble heart filled with justice. I doubt he will ever use his power to cause harm to others. He might be a great help in Konoha for its people. But, that is his choice to make. For now, I don't think the council needs to know about the Rider. They may fight over him and his cards."
Sarutobi nodded. The clans would definitely want Kyle with them if they knew what he was capable of. Sarutobi had read through Kakashi's report and was amazed at the kind of abilities the Rider had displayed. He had flipped through the cards and saw that they were written in a form of writing he had little familiarity with. He would ask Kyle about them more specifically later. Right now, he needed to arrange Kyle a place to live. He smiled, thinking, 'Maybe Naruto needs a new roommate.'
Kyle heaved a sigh as he exited the Hokage's office The old man was nice, but when it came to him and his home, he was as strict as any of the teachers the boy from another world had before he ended up here. Haku was nowhere to be found so Kyle merely assumed that she had gone to get those reservations. That still left him with nothing to do until he was contacted by the Hokage.
Deciding to just wander, Kyle found his way into district after district of Konoha. He had some funds to work with since Tazuna had been paying him for his work on the bridge, but nothing he saw had really caught his fancy. It wasn't until he saw a familiar orange-clad ninja that he decided that eating sounded good.
He checked the sign to the stand and found that it was Ichiraku Ramen. How he could read it, Kyle wouldn't know but he didn't care at the moment. He walked over to an empty seat next to Naruto and sat himself.
"Do guys have beef ramen here?" he asked the attendant, who he guessed was Ayame. She was the only girl there anyway.
"Sure do," she smiled. "We'll get right on it."
"Hey Kyle-nii!" Naruto grinned as he saw his friend take a seat next to him. "How'd the meeting with Jiji go?"
"Pretty good," Kyle shrugged. "He's trying to get my citizenship through so all I had to do was tell him about the Rouze Cards."
"Rouze Cards?" asked Ayame as she placed the bowl of Ramen in front of Kyle. "What are those?"
"Oooooh!" Naruto cried out. "They're these super cool awesome cards that Kyle-nii can use to transform into the Rider! It's so awesome to watch!"
"Cards make your transform?" Ayame blinked in confusion. "You're pulling my leg!"
"No he isn't," Kyle chuckled. "My Rouze Cards can do some pretty cool things. Maybe I'll show you sometime."
"Maybe," Ayame shrugged. "I still think you're making this up though."
"We're not!" Naruto insisted. "I saw him use them myself!"
"Easy there Naruto," Kyle chuckled. "We'll make a believer out of her soon enough."
"So what are you going to now Kyle-nii?" asked Naruto curiously.
"Well, I was going to look and see what's around Konoha," Kyle answered. "I've never been here so everything is new for me."
"Well you came to the right guy if you want a tour!" Naruto snickred. "I know so many ways around here it will make your head spin!"
"With all the pranks he pulled, he'd have to know how to get around," Ayame giggled.
"The future Hokage has to know his home inside and out!" Naruto retorted. "That way he can know the best ways to get his precious people away from danger and keep them safe from harm."
"Now that's an attitude a future Hokage should have!" Ayame's father laughed from his position over the stove. "Keep an attitude like that and you'll be the Hokage in no time."
Naruto grinned broadly while Kyle chuckled before digging into his ramen. He silently thanked Tsunami for taking the time to teach him how to use chopsticks. He was inept at using the wooden utensils before she got through with him. He was also enjoying the taste of ramen which Naruto seemed to love so much. Kyle just figured his addiction was because of the fact that the owner and waitress of Ichiraku were some of the first people to acknowledge Naruto and give him something for free.
Kyle finished up the bowl of Ramen and set out some money to pay for the food, "This stuff is pretty good. I can see why Naruto would eat here."
"Darn tootin'!" Naruto snickered. "Ramen is the most perfect food out there! I don't need to eat much else while I've got this stuff with me!"
"I doubt that," a new voice spoke behind the two boys.
"Ahhh!" Naruto cried as he fell off his stool. Kyle quickly turned to see who was talking and he found himself looking at Kakashi who had his face buried in his orange book which was titled 'Icha Icha Paradise'.
"Don't do that!" Kyle cried. "You scared the crap outta me!"
"Sorry," Kakashi shrugged. His gaze lifted from the smut he was reading and looked to Kyle "Hokage's sending for you. He wants me to escort you to Training Ground 7. He's going to be meeting us there with some others."
"Jiji's calling Kyle-nii?" Naruto blinked as he scrambled to his feet. "Hey! Can I come too?"
"Sorry Naruto," Kakashi replied as he turned to his student. "This is more of a private get-together."
"Ah don't worry Naruto," Kyle grinned. "I'll probably tell you later. It isn't like he's going to fight me or something."
Kakashi's gaze was silent for a moment as he returned to his smut. He mere gestured Kyle to follow him before he started walking off. After saying a brief goodbye to Ayame and Naruto, Kyle ran off after him. It amazed Kyle to see that Kakashi could navigate without looking up from his book. Kakshi eventually brought Kyle to an open clearing which had some training dummies at the other end. However, they weren't alone.
The Hokage was there, but he wasn't alone either. On his right was a man who was dressed in a Jounin vest and a green jumpsuit. His hitae-ate was wrapped around his waist and he had orange leg warmers on. A confident smile was on his face and his hair was in a bowl cut. A noticeable feature was that his eyebrows were...for lack of a better word, huge.
On the Hokage's left was a rather beautiful woman. She had a red top on which only covered one arm while she had what appeared to be bandages wrapped around her waist and acting as some kind of skirt. She had long black hair and a rather entrancing feature she had was that her eyes were red in the iris.
"Ah, hello Kyle," Sarutobi smiled. "I'm glad Kakashi found you."
"And did it while reading his little book," Kyle shrugged. The woman seemed to look a little offended for a moment. She obviously didn't like the book that Kakashi was reading. Considering what the pervert Jiraiya would put into it, Kyle really couldn't blame her. Personally, Kyle was more of a romantic rather than someone who leaned toward smut. "Anyway, how can I help you Hokage-sama?"
"Well, I believe that a test of your abilities would be in order," the aged Hokage asked. "It would be good to know if my ninjas wouldn't need to protect another person or know they have some extra help."
"Well, if you need my help all you have to do is ask, but I guess a test would be fine," Kyle shrugged. Honestly, he was half-expecting this. He knew from reading the Naruto manga that the unknown really came back to bite you in the ass. Kyle liked the life in Konoha so he didn't want to leave, especially with most of the action going to happen with the upcoming Chunin exams. "How's this test going to work?"
"Well, as you might know, ninjas are experts in three main areas," Sautobi explained. "They areas are Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu. I wish to compare what abilities you possess to these three areas."
"I assume that Kakashi and those two next to you are going to be the ones testing me?" Kyle asked with some certainly. He already knew who the people were. Who could miss people who dressed like them?
"Yes," Sarutobi nodded. He gestured to the male Jounin. "This is Maito Gai. He's the top Taijutsu specialist in Konoha. He will be testing you in Taijutsu."
"YOSH!" the man smiled, the light gleaming on his teeth and a big thumbs up. "I hope we have an invigorating battle for this test!"
Sarutobi ignored Gai's passionate outburst before he then gestured to the female Jounin, "And this is Kurenai Yuhi. She is the best Genjutsu user you'll find anywhere in Konoha. She will test you on you aptitude in Genjutsu."
"It's nice to meet you," Kurenai nodded to Kyle.
"Likewise," Kyle nodded. Here he was actually meeting one of the hottest women in the Naruto manga. A lot of fanboys would be giving their left nut for this opportunity. Then again, this woman probably was used to fanboys by her age.
"And Kakashi will be evaluating your Ninjutsu capabilities," Sarutobi finished. He then gestured towards the open area. "We'll begin with Taijutsu. If you would please, Kyle? Gai?"
Both Kyle and Gai nodded as they headed out into the clearing. Both stepped into the middle and took each other in. Kyle knew that he didn't seem all that impressive in the physical department. Working on the bridge may have gotten him a little muscle and rid him of some body fat, but he was in no way considered close to what Gai was capable of. Gai was the guy who could open his Heavenly Gates and ran around Konoha a ridiculous amount of times, if what some of the things he heard were true anyway.
Gai just smiled again and held out his hand in a handshake gesture, "Let us have a youthful match!"
"Lets," Kyle smiled as he shook Gai's hand in return. A little eccentric he might be, but Gai was still a good person at heart.
Both combatants stepped back a few steps from each other while Sarutobi placed himself between them. He looked to both of them for a moment before he raised his arm above his head. In a flash of movement, he brought his arm back down again, "Hajime!"
Gai instantly sank into a stance of his fighting style as he prepared to attack. Kyle was likewise swift in pulling out one of his Rouze cards. This one depicted a wolf on the front with the word 'Fusion' written on the side. This was the Category Jack of Hearts, Fusion Wolf. Acting fast before Gai could actually begin any attacks; Kyle slashed the card through his belt.
"Fusion!" Kyle's body was engulfed in a static-like field before his body began to shift and change. He then emerged from the field donned in black armor which had gray fur sticking out on the arms. The face was lupine-like with green fur visible and yellow eyes. The only thing that remained unchanged was the belt which was wrapped around his waist. Satisfied that the change was complete, Kyle/Wolf Undead took a battle stance.
All four witnesses were shocked by the sudden change. Kurenai had tried a simple 'kai' to release what might have been a Genjutsu, but the wolf-like creature remained. Sarutobi and Kakashi both were stunned because they hadn't been told this, but then Sarutobi recalled Kyle telling them he had received the Joker's ability to copy other Undead. This must have been the full extent of that ability. Gai was just plain shocked by the sudden appearance of this creature where his youthful opponent had been a moment ago.
"Well then Gai-san," Kyle/Wolf Undead spoke up. "Shall we begin?"
Gai smiled as he heard Kyle's voice. Apparently Kyle merely changed his form. Without warning, Gai charged forward as Kyle/Wolf Undead went on the offensive.
Gai went for a roundhouse to see how Kyle would react, but the wolf-like creature reacted quickly and flipped right over him. Kyle/Wolf Undead landed right behind Gai and tried to use a straight kick to get the Taijutsu master off balance, but Gai caught the blow in his hands. He then twisted Kyle/Wolf Undead's foot, forcing him to twist so that it wouldn't break. The boy in an Undead's body then tried swinging his other foot to try and get the Taijutsu specialist off guard. Gai was fast as he dodged the attack, but he had to let his opponent go so he could avoid it. Kyle/Wolf Undead took the opportunity to get to his feet and face his opponent again.
"Such wolfish youth!" Gai grinned. "I am happy to be your opponent today!"
"I'm enjoying this too Gai-san," Kyle/Wolf Undead grinned. "It feels good to spar just for fun."
"OOOHH!" Gai cried out. "WHAT A WONDERFULLY YOUTHFUL REPLY! I SHALL DO MY BEST TO MATCH THAT YOUTHFUL POWER!"
Kyle/Wolf Undead did his absolute best to avoid sweatdropping. Gai was just being enthusiastic about the testing. Apparently he liked people who put everything they had into whatever they did. It was probably what got Rock Lee to look up to him.
"Now he got him going," Kakashi sighed. "Let me know when it's my turn to test him.
As the gray-haired Jounin returned to his world of smut, Kyle/Wolf Undead and Gai continued their match. Gai was impressed by the speed his wolfish opponent could unleash as he moved to match it. Still, the new arrival to Konoha was proving to be a most exhilarating opponent.
Gai pressed forward with a straight punch, but Kyle/Wolf Undead managed to catch it in his clawed grip. He then reared back for a punch which would make a sure impact at the range they were at. Gai was already moving to counterattack.
KRACK!!
Both Gai and Kyle/WolfUndead skidded backwards from the sheer force of the punches they had just planted on each other. Gai seemed to have had some wind knocked out of him while Kyle/Wolf Undead had a green trail of blood running from the corner of his mouth.
"Enough," Sarutobi spoke. Both Gai and Kyle/Wolf Undead released their battle stances. Gai looked like he had the time of his life while Kyle/Wolf Undead wiped the blood from his chin. Sarutobi looked to Kyle with some curiosity. "Kyle, were the skills you showed actually yours, or were they from the Undead in the card you used?"
"The moves were mine," Kyle/Wolf Undead answered. "Since you told me Gai-san was a master Taijutsu user, I figured he must have trained his body to the limit and even beyond. I decided that the Wolf Undead's strength and speed might help close the gap between us."
Sarutobi nodded. That was some quick thinking on Kyle's part. He estimated what Gai might be capable of and picked a card in which he may have had an advantage or perhaps even the playing field.
"All right then," Sarutobi continued. "Now we will be testing your aptitude in Ninjitsu. Kakashi?"
The gray-Haired Jounin nodded and put away his book. He knew what the Rider was capable of so he couldn't putter around like he did with his team during the bell test.
Kyle likewise knew that Kakashi had seen some of his abilities as a Rider before. This was also a Ninjitsu test made to see what kind of skills he had. Still, he couldn't decide which Rider armor he should use. That was when he got an idea, Naruto may have told the others what he saw, but Kakashi had never seen the power of Garren himself before.
Liking his choice, Kyle/Wolf Undead drew his Spirit Human card and slashed it through his belt, which called, "Spirit!" before returning him to normal. Kakashi eyed the boy carefully as he drew the Garren buckle and the Category Ace of Diamonds.
"Going for your armor then?" Kakashi asked.
"Well, I figured I might as well show you what Naruto had seen that day," Kyle smiled as he slipped the card into the buckle. A pulsing noise echoed from the belt as he placed it on his waist, letting the belt wrap around him. The three witnesses found themselves becoming very interested in what Kyle was doing.
"Henshin!" Kyle smiled as he pulled the handle on the buckle, revealing a panel which was green with a gold diamond on the front.
"Turn Up!" the buckle spoke as it released the blue field with the stag beetle on it. Not noticing the looks of shock on the audience's faces, Kyle dashed forward and passed through the field before emerging as Kamen Rider Garren.
"So that's the armor Naruto told us about when he came back that morning," Kakashi nodded as he took in Garren's appearance. "Should have figured it was you when you didn't come back until later."
"What can I say?" Garren shrugged. "I made myself look like no one special so no one guessed that I could be a Rider."
"Well, you succeeded at that," Kakashi nodded before he started forming hand seals for one of his many jutsus.
"Not on my watch!" Garren cried before he drew his Rouzer and started shooting at Kakashi's feet.
The Copy-nin leaped back as the ground exploded in small bursts near his feet. He didn't know what the weapon Garren was holding was for, but he wasn't going to get another warning shot.
Garren decided to press his advantage by spreading out the Rouze Card panels he had stored in his gun. He didn't want to invent any new combos yet, so he decided to use an old standby. He plucked three from their panels before the panels shut and he began swiping them through his Rouzer.
"Drop! Fire! Gemini!" the Rouzer called as the cards became energy and were absorbed. "Burning Divide!"
Garren charged towards Kakashi and leaped into the air. Everyone's eyes widened as they watched him split into two separate beings while their feet caught fire. Both Garrens came down upon Kakashi, ready to score a hit. The cycloptic Jounin attempted to dodge just as the attack came within striking range.
There was a blast of dirt and soil which blocked the view of Sarutobi and the two Garrens rose from the smoking crater as the dust cleared. They both recombined as they kept an eye out for wherever Kakashi had moved to.
"He didn't hit?" Kurenai blinked.
"No," Sarutobi answered. "Kakashi was able to dodge the attack. It was a close one though. Kakshi had to dodge two attackers rather than the one he was expecting."
"Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu!" Kakshi's voice echoed through the clearing.
Garren couldn't tell where the attack w going to come from since Kakashi himself was no where to be seen. Rather than try to second guess the attack, he spread out his cards again and grabbed the Category 7 of Diamonds: Rock Tortoise. As the giant fireball began flying towards him from behind, Garren slashed the card through his Rouzer.
"Rock!" was all that was heard before the fireball hit Garren like a speeding truck.
Kakashi eyed the impact with a critical eye. He decided to see what a sneak attack would do and how Garren would react to it. As he waited for the smoke to clear, he suddenly heard more of those blasts from Garren's weapon and the branch Kakashi was sitting on suddenly broke.
"Damn!" Kakashi hissed before he leaped to the ground.
He looked up to see if he had done any damage to Garren, but his eye widened when he saw the Rider steep out of the smoke unharmed. The only difference was that instead of the armor, it looked like his entire body was made of stone. His body flashed for a moment before he returned to the normal set of armor.
"You pulled that same trick in Nami," Kakshi nodded. "Only you turned to steel."
"Different card, different effect, same result" Garren shrugged. "Still, since I have to show techniques, let's reveal my golden wings shall we?"
Kakshi's eye widened as he realized what Garren was talking about. His suspicions were confirmed as he witnessed Garren pull two cards from his arm device and slid one into it.
"Absorb Queen!" the device called. Kakashi's hands began moving into hand seals again. Kyle merely slashed the second card through the slot. "Fusion Jack!"
A golden peacock appeared in front of Garren before it fused with him, creating a golden chest, face, and shoulders on the Rider. Six gold 'wings' likewise appeared on his back.
"Katon: Karyuuendan! (Fire release: Fire Dragon Bullet)" Kakashi called as he unleashed the jutsu.
Garren took to the air while Kakashi inhaled deeply before he unleashed a large dragon made of fire, Garren's eyes narrowed as the attack came closer. He just poured more speed on as he tried to keep out of range. He looked down at Kakashi to see that he was releasing a large breath so the Dragon was going to get longer still. He would have to cut off the flow of chakra if he wanted to stop the technique. Garren quickly reached to his gun and pulled three more Rouze Cards before slashing them through.
"Bullet! Rapid! Scope!" the Rouzer called out. "Quick Shot!"
As the cards were absorbed into his system, Garren quickly took aim at Kakashi. He didn't even flinch as he pulled the trigger. Kakashi instantly felt more attacks from Garren's weapon hitting the ground near him and hitting dangerously close to his feet or scraping his arms. Inwardly cursing, Kakashi released the jutsu and leaped back again. Without a constant supply of chakra, the dragon of fire couldn't be steered anymore and it only had a limited time before it finally burned out.
Garren landed lightly on the ground as Kakashi stood ready for another go.
"That's enough," Sarutobi spoke. His voice caused both Rider and Ninja to calm down. Garren reached to the buckle and turned the panel over, which made the blue field appear before moving over him and stripping the armor off.
"I didn't even get a chance to use some more jutsu," Kakashi shrugged. "Nice attacks though."
"Thanks," Kyle grinned.
"Very well done," Sarutobi nodded. He then looked to Kyle. "Kakshi told me about the golden wings you were able to use, but it is something else to see it for oneself."
"Well, I hope they were impressive," Kyle chuckled.
"Indeed," Sarutobi nodded with a smile. "Now, Kurenai will be the last one to test you. You may begin when ready."
"I hope you're prepared," Kurenai smiled slightly as she stepped forward and replaced Kakashi on the field.
"I can only hope," Kyle commented as he put the Garren Buckle away and drew the Ace of Hearts. "Henshin."
"Change!" the belt called before engulfing Kyle in the static field before releasing him in the form of Kamen Rider Chalice. Kurenai was slightly shocked by how easily he could change forms, but put that aside for later. She could ask the Hokage for some answers about his strange abilities later.
"Let's begin," Chalice spoke as he took a battle stance.
Kurenai nodded as she began a few hand seals. She didn't say a word which brought big warning alarms into Chalice's head. If she didn't need to pronounce the jutsu then she had such fine control over it that she didn't have to. Apparently she was sufficiently convinced that she didn't have to half-ass her attacks for the test.
All at once, Kurenai finished her motion of hand seals and she became blurry in his eyes. It went slowly up her body until Chalice looked at her as if she was in the middle of some fog. At the same time, Chalice felt as if he was against a tree. He turned to look at it and found that a large growing tree erupted from the ground. Tree roots coiled up and around him before pinning him to the tree in question. Movement caused Chalice to look up to see Kurenai coming out of the tree with a kunai, getting ready to strike.
'Huh?' Chalice thought to herself. 'But isn't she still over there?'
Chalice looked forward and still saw the blur that Kurenai had turned herself into when she activated the jutsu. He knew that he must have seen it before, but the memory of one Itachi Uchiha being targeted by the jutsu entered his mind. That was when the answer hit him. This was the Magen: Jubaku Satsu (Demonic Illusion: Tree Bind Death)!
'Something's wrong though,' Chalice thought. 'Someone like Kurenai wouldn't be so sloppy as to hide herself so poorly like that blur and then make a copy coming out of the tree. This isn't just a jutsu, it's a powerful Genjutsu!'
Chalice hadn't expected the Genjutsu Mistress to pull out one of her stronger techniques, but the hazy sight of her really made it fall apart. Chalice now knew that he wasn't trapped in real tree roots. Snickering, he reached to his belt to grab some cards even as the illusionary Kurenai started moving to thrust a kunai in his heart.
Kurenai felt a small measure of both disappointment and accomplishment as she watched Chalice just hold still. She had decided to use a stronger Genjutsu to see how he would react. Her disappointment stemmed form the fact that he seemed to be held securely, but the accomplishment stemmed from the fact she had beaten someone who could match Gai and Kakashi to an extent was put down so easily by her.
The Rider seemed to struggle a few more moments. She'd release the Genjutsu once he experienced the pain. She might as well put some humility in the boy.
"Float! Drill! Tornado!" a mechanical voice echoed.
Kurenai recognized the voice coming from the Rider's weapons when he put one of his cards through it. That didn't make sense since he hadn't picked up any of them. She looked at Chalice and noticed that his hands were behind his back. Her eyes widened in realization.
"Spinning Dance!" the voice called as Chalice began to spin inside a powerful tornado before beginning to lift into the air.
Not seeing any reason to keep the Genjutsu going, Kurenai released it as she watched Chalice coming at her with a spinning kick. She drew a kunai and leaped back to avoid the kick.
Chalice hit the ground and created a gouge in the dirt. Taking an opportunity, Kurenai lunged forward. Chalice revealed his weapon, the Chalice Arrow, and blocked the kunai the Genjtusu Mistress was holding in her hand. Using her momentum, Kurenai flipped over Chalice and got some distance from the Rider. She began going though more hand seals for another jutsu.
"Not this time," Chalice muttered as he drew another card. This one had a moth depicted on the front with the word 'Reflect' written on the side. This was the Category 7 of Hearts: Reflect Moth. He gripped the card and slashed it through the Rouzer.
"Reflect!" the Rouzer cried before the image of the card was absorbed into his body. It was in the nick of time since Kurenai unleashed her technique at the same moment.
The Genjutsu Mistress waited for Chalice to show signs of being affected. As she did, she saw something in the corner of her eye. She turned only to see a kunai coming at her. She easily dodged, but another one came at her with equal speed. Soon, she was being attacked at all sides by flying kunai.
'Where are they all coming from?' she asked herself. Another second passed before she eyes widened in realization. 'Wait, this is MY jutsu! He turned it back on me!"
Kurenai immediately made the proper hand seal for the 'kai' release which would dispel the Genjutsu. As the illusion of kunai vanished, she was faced with the image of Chalice charging at her with his weapon raised, ready for battle.
"Enough!" Sarutobi called, halting the battle.
Chalice topped in his tracks and lowered the weapon. Kurenai, despite her calm looks, was trying to slow her rapidly beating heart down. Being hit by her own Genjutsu was definitely an experience she would remember.
"Impressive," Sarutobi spoke as he, Gai, and Kakashi waked over to their fellow ninja and the Rider. "And how did you escape Kurenai's first Genjutsu?"
"She left a glaring hole in it," Chalice answered. "It was obvious since she didn't even make herself vanish completely before the full Genjutsu activated."
"What do you mean?" asked Kurenai, sounding a little bit insulted. "I made sure that my chakra was properly sent into the Genjtusu for the full effect."
"Well something went wrong because I could still see the real you," Chalice answered. "You were as blurry as hell, but I could still see you"
"Hmm," Sarutobi pondered. He then got a sudden thought. "Kyle, your current form is that of one of the Undead, correct?"
"Yes," Chalice nodded.
"Then I believe that you were able to see Kurenai because Genjutsus were specifically created to be used on humans," Sarutobi explained. "Your current form has some human qualities, but it is not human so the full effects of the Genjutsu could not hit you."
"So I have a partial immunity to Genjutsus?" Chalice asked. "Cool!"
"Perhaps," Sarutobi shrugged. "Either that or something disrupted Kurenai's chakra molding for the technique."
Chalice shrugged before he slashed the Spirit Human card through his belt and returned to his natural form. He looked to the three Jounin around him and they didn't have any readable looks on their faces.
"Thank-you for cooperating," Sarutobi smiled. "I decided that you can stay with Naruto for the night. You should still be able to find him at Ichiraku's if I know him half as well as I do."
"Sure," Kyle nodded. "I'll see you guys around then. Nice meeting you."
Kyle then turned and left. Once Sarutobi was sure that he was far enough away, he turned to the three Jounin ninjas in front of him. "Now, your professional opinions?"
"Our youthful friend's physical skills show much promise!" Gai smiled. "He holds considerable ability as it is!"
"His Ninjitsu is unique with those cards of his," Kakashi spoke, not looking up from his book. "In both using and reacting to Ninjitsu, I'd say he's got what it takes."
"Genjutsu may be his only weakness," Kurenai spoke. "But if he really can see through it just by being in one of his other forms, then I think it won't matter."
"Hmm," Sarutobi pondered. "Then you all saw what I had seen. It's good to know my eyes aren't that old just yet. I don't think we'll have any problems then."
"So you're going to give him that?" asked Kakashi.
"Well, he became a true citizen when he complied with our questions," Sarutobi smiled. "This test was to see how well he fares in our line of business. I think we can safely agree that he has earned it."
"YOSH!" Gai cheered. "I WHOLEHEARTDLY AGREE!"
"I agree too," Kurenai nodded with a small smile.
"Unanimous then," Kakashi shrugged. "Good luck with the council though. They'll want all the details."
"No doubt they will," Sarutobi sighed. "Ah well. I will have to deal with them eventually. In the meantime, we might as well welcome Kyle to Konoha properly."
Kyle wandered back to the main streets of Konoha to try and find Ichiraku. It was the only place that he knew he could find Naruto at. Sure enough, the blonde Genin was right where Kyle had left him.
"Hey Naruto!" Kyle called as he got closer to the stand. Naruto looked up, his mouth still full of ramen with some noodles sticking out. His eyes widened at seeing Kyle and he eagerly sucked the noodles down before he started talking.
"Hey Kyle-nii!" Naruto grinned. "What did Jiji and Kakashi-sensei want you for?"
"Ah, they were testing what I can do as the Rider," Kyle shrugged. "I had to go against a Taijutsu master named Gai, Kakshi, and this really pretty Genjutsu Mistress named Kurenai."
"Woah!" Naruto gaped. "You had to fight Kakashi-sensei? How'd you do?"
"I decided to use the Garren armor, the suit you saw me use when I was fighting that Undead back in Wave," Kyle explained. "Had to use Jack Form too, but I think I held my own pretty well."
"Cool!" Naruto grinned. "Maybe Jiji wants to make you a ninja! That would be so cool! You could replace Sasuke!"
"Me? A ninja?" Kyle snickered. "I dunno about that. Sure, I have my own amazing jutsus and stuff. I'm pretty strong too I suppose and I think Genjutsus have a hard time with targeting me… come to think of it, maybe the Hokage will make me a ninja."
"You'd be awesome Kyle-nii!" Naruto nodded. He then began to smirk. "Of course, second only to me since I'm going to be the next Hokage!"
"You sure about that?" Kyle smirked. He decided it was high time to press some of Naruto's buttons. "I bet I could get the position first. I am older so they'll take a closer look at me."
"No way!" Naruto cried out, pointing at Kyle. "You maybe the Rider, but I'll have so many super cool jutsus that it will make your head spin!"
"Oh yeah?" Kyle smiled. "Better get practicing then. You know how awesome some of my techniques are. You haven't even seen some of my strongest ones yet."
"Oh I'll beat them!" Naruto grinned with his unspoken challenge. "Believe it!"
Kyle smiled at the younger blonde. Oh yeah, the real Naruto had nothing on the manga version that he had been reading about back home.
"I do believe it," Kyle nodded. He then slapped Naruto across the back. "Now pay for your meal and let's go. Hokage says that I'm bunking with you tonight."
"Really?" Naruto blinked. He never had a roommate before. "Cool!"
A soft knocking at the door was what roused Kyle from sleep the next morning. The sole Rider in Hi no Kuni moaned softly as he got up from the couch which was made into his bed for the night. Upon getting back to Naruto's apartment, Kyle saw that it was more or less an absolute sty. There were scrolls and books littering the floor and lots of old cups of instant ramen stacked up in the trash and at the sink along with the dirty dishes. Kyle might have felt appalled at the filth, but he figured that he didn't have much room to say anything since Naruto had been living on his own his whole life with no one coming over to his apartment.
Kyle had snagged the couch for himself after stealing a blanket from Naruto's closet. It wasn't the most comfortable position to be in, but it was much better than nothing. Even so, Kyle swore he and Naruto would clean the place up when they got the chance.
The soft knocking caught Kyle's attention from his sleep addled mind, "I'm coming! Hold on!"
Kyle shifted his way past some of the scrolls which littered the ground and got to the door. He gripped the doorknob and opened it. Who he found himself looking at was the Genjutsu Mistress Kurenai.
'Now she's a sight worth waking up for,' Kyle absently thought to himself. "Good morning Kurenai-san. What can I help you with?"
"Good-morning Kyle," Kurenai nodded. "There's no reason to be formal. I'm just here to deliver something from Hokage-sama."
"Oh?" Kyle blinked. "What would that be?"
"This," Kurenai answered as she presented a box. Kyle blinked at it before taking into his hands. Satisfied that the package was delivered, she nodded to Kyle. "I'll see you later."
With that, Kurenai walked away from the entrance. Kye was half-expecting her to leap away or something. Shrugging to himself, he shut the door and walked back to the table with the box in hand.
"Who was that?" A sleepy Naruto mumbled as he stepped out from his bedroom.
"That Kurenai lady I met yesterday," Kyle answered as he put the package on the table. "She dropped off something for the Hokage. I wonder what it is."
"Eh?" Naruto blinked. He seemed to wake up instantly. "Well? What are we waiting for? Open it!"
"Fine," Kyle sighed as he tore open the paper which wrapped the package before reaching a cardboard box. He grabbed the flaps and opened it. He found himself looking at a note which was written by the Hokage.
'Dear Kyle:
Welcome to Konoha. Meet up with Kakashi and Team 7 this morning. Naruto has the time and place.
Sarutobi (The 3rd Hokage)'
"Wow!" Naruto cried as he peered into the box. Kyle likewise looked into the box and his eyes widened as his eyes landed on a hitae-ate with a Konoha symbol on it.
"You're a ninja Kye-nii!" Naruto smiled brightly. "Awesome!"
"Yeah," Kyle nodded dumbly as he took the hitae-ate and held it up to look at it. After a moment of peering on it, he slowly brought it up and let it hang around his neck. "How does it look?"
"It looks cool!" Naruto smiled. "Okay, now for breakfast. I gotta meet Kakashi-sensei soon."
"I have to go with you," Kyle added as he headed for the kitchen. "I think I might be assigned to your team."
"Double awesome!" Naruto cheered. "I really hope you replace Sasuke."
"Don't get your hopes up," Kyle sighed. "They might just make us a four man cell instead."
"Ah well," Naruto shrugged. He seemed clearly disappointed at that thought. "It will be cool having you there along with Sakura-chan!"
"Gotta stick with friends," Kyle grinned.
The two quickly had their breakfast, which composed of buttered toast. With that, Naruto dashed off to get dressed. Kyle had slept in his clothes so he was more or less ready. As soon as Naruto was dressed in his usual orange jumpsuit, the two were out the door.
Naruto led the way until they had reached a bridge which hung over a river. There were several arches which were placed over the path. Naruto still had his bright smile on as he reached the bridge with Kyle in tow. Sasuke was already there looking like he was brooding again while Sakura stood across from him and with an adoring look on her face
"Hey everybody!" Naruto called out to his teammates.
Sasuke eyed Naruto for a moment before he took notice of Kyle, "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't you hear the news?" Kyle smirked as he held up the hitae-ate which was around his neck. "I've been officially inducted as a ninja of Konoha. It's the Hokage's orders that I meet here with you guys."
"Wow." Sakura blinked. "That's amazing. Why do you think the Hokage wanted you to be with us today?"
"Dunno," Kyle shrugged as he took a seat at the foot of the bridge. "Kakashi probably knows."
Sasuke kept an eye on Kyle for a moment before he returned to his brooding mode. Naruto tried to ask Sakura on a date, but the she glared at him, making him shut up. Kyle just amused himself in trying to think of new combos to use for his Rouze cards. He knew that Kakashi had a penchant for being late.
And late he was. Time wore on for those of team 7 and both Sakura and Naruto were growing irritable. Sasuke remained cool and aloof of all things while Kyle had managed to think up of three new combos for his cards. About three hours had passed after the time Kakashi was supposed to arrive. Both Naruto and Sakura looked ready to explode.
"Yo!" someone called. All four ninjas looked up to see Kakashi sitting on top of one of the arches. He appeared to be smiling.
"YOU'RE LATE!!" Naruto and Sakura shouted while pointing at Kakashi.
"Sorry," Kakashi shrugged as he leaped to the ground. "A black cat crossed my path so I-"
"LIAR!" the pair screamed out again.
Kakashi shrugged before he eyed Kyle and turned to him, "I see you got the package the Hokage had Kurenai give to you. Welcome aboard."
"Thanks," Kyle nodded as he pocketed the Rouze Cards and stood up. "What I would like to know is why I'm here."
"Well," Kakashi shrugged. "Under the Hokage's orders, you are hereby assigned to Team 7 until further notice. Since you're a part of Team 7, you get to help us out with some D-rank missions we have been assigned today."
"Joy," Kyle sighed. He knew what D-ranks missions entailed. It was usually civil services or chores that people were too busy, injured, or lazy to do themselves.
"All right team," Kakashi spoke loudly to catch the other three ninjas' attention. "Let's move out."
Team 7 then was put through several D-rank missions that included weeding a garden, picking up groceries for an elderly woman, and chasing down the feudal lord's wife's cat. Kyle just couldn't figure out how the cat managed to keep escaping. It had plenty of incentive, but when did it get the opportunity. The lady hugged the thing constantly.
It didn't help that Naruto tried to impress Sakura every so often as they worked. At one point, he tried weeding a garden faster than Sasuke and ended up taking out all the plants. The client was not happy about that particular screw up. Finally, Kakashi had run out of missions for them to do as he faced his team near the bridge again.
"Okay team," Kakashi spoke. "I'm off to file the mission reports. You have the rest of the day off."
Kakashi then vanished in a puff of smoke and swirl of leaves. Sasuke sighed and began walking away from the small group. Sakura, seeing her crush walking away, seized her opportunity.
"Ah, Sasuke-kun!" she called. "Why don't we train together?"
"I decline," Sasuke replied. "You'd only hold me back."
Sakura stiffened at the cold remarks. Inner Sakura was struggling underneath a large boulder which was engraved with Sasuke's words.
"You should concentrate on your own skills first," Sasuke continued. "You're lower than Nartuo in that regard."
Sakura further flinched at the remarks. Inner Sakura looked like she was about to be crushed by an even bigger boulder with the words 'lower than Naruto' engraved on it. Sasuke just turned away from her and began walking again.
"The only one I would even consider sparring with is the Rider," he finished before he vanished into the distance.
"Ouch," Kyle grimaced. "The mother of all rejections. I don't know what you see in that guy Sakura."
Suddenly, Sakura was up in Kyle's face looking like she was possessed or something.
"Don't talk that way about Sasuke-kun!" she shrieked. "He's good-looking, talented, and he's a genius!"
"And?" Kyle sighed, "He doesn't respect you at all. Why would you care about someone who doesn't give a damn about you?"
"Sasuke-kun just needs someone to open up to!" Sakura insisted.
"Please," Kyle chuckled. "The only reason he's so popular is because he doesn't want people to bother him. People want to be near him because he won't let them get close. It's the forbidden fruit concept. You only want what you can't have."
Sakura blinked at that. Did she only want Sasuke because she knew she would never get him? She then shook her head. No way! She could still snag Sasuke. She only needed to get him to open up! What better way then being on the same team?
Naruto watched the squabble with some interest. This was the first time that he had seen anyone say that Sasuke wasn't great at all. It was like a breath of fresh air, but he didn't like seeing his friend fighting with his crush.
Suddenly, Naruto felt like he was being watched. He slowly turned around and he spied what looked like a rectangular rock with eyeholes cut into it. The object in question seemed to be moving and following him. Naruto tested his theory by moving and was answered by the 'rock' following his movements.
Naruto frowned slightly. He could tell who was behind this, "All right Konohamaru! No rock is that square and has eye holes cut in it! Come on out!"
"He he he he," a child's voice laughed inside the box. "Just as I expected from my rival!"
The 'rock' then suddenly lit up in a huge explosion which sent smoke everywhere and sufficiently got Sakura and Kyle out of their argument.
"I think we used too much gunpowder!" a kid coughed in the smoke.
"You think?" cried another.
As the smoke cleared, Sakura, Kyle, and Naruto could see three kids coughing where the fake rock was a few moments ago. There were two boys and one girl to be counted in the small group. The girl had orange hair which was tied into pigtails and she seemed to have rosy cheeks. The first boy had a bowl cut, glasses, and a snot bubble coming from his nose. He seemed to be pretty neutral. The final kid had bushy brown hair and a scarf around his neck. A noticeable fact was that they all had a pair of goggles strapped to their heads.
The three kids managed to stop coughing for a moment before they noticed that they had an audience to their antics. Things were still for a moment before the kids seemed to get their acts together again.
"Sexiness of an adult kunoichi! Moegi!" the girl cried as she struck a pose.
"I like long division! Udon!" the glasses-boy called before he struck a different pose.
"Konoha's number one genius ninja! Konohamaru!" the apparent leader called as he took the last pose. "And together we are the Konohamaru Corps!"
Naruto just stared at the posing trio of school kids. Sakura and Kyle both tried to keep their judgment held back, but the combination of cute and funny almost made them laugh.
"Konohamaru Corps?" asked Naruto bluntly.
"Yeah!" Konohamaru nodded. "We're gonna be the #1 team in all Konoha!"
"Yeah, but why the heck are you guys wearing goggles?" asked Naruto.
"We wanna be like you Boss!" Konohamaru answered proudly as he and his two friends showed off their goggles. "So we got matching goggles like the ones you had!"
"Boss?" asked Kyle. "Didn't know you had a gang to back you up Naruto."
"Friends of yours?" giggled Sakura.
Konohamaru looked at the two people who were hanging out with the guy he looked up to so much. He immediately got a little suspicious before he turned back to Naruto, "Hey Boss. Who are these two?"
"These two?" Naruto blinked. "Well, the guy is the super cool Rider who came all the way from Nami to join up with my team!"
"Oooh!" Moegi squealed. "Boss is so famous already?"
"Yeah!" Konohamaru nodded. "Grandpa mentioned the mission to Nami about the bridge or something. So this is that Rider guy?"
"That's me," Kyle nodded.
"And this is Sakura-chan," Naruto continued proudly as he pointed out his pink-haired teammate.
"Ooooooh!" Konoharu began to snicker sinisterly. "Is she your…you know?"
"Well…ahaha," Naruto chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. A blush was on his face.
Sakura, on the other hand looked incredibly ticked off. It didn't help that her Inner Sakura was just as pissed off. She was only more vocal about it, "NARUTO!!!" Her battle cry was heard all around as she planted a powerful punch into the blonde's face. The force of the blow sent he sprawling into a wall, which caused him to crack it before falling to the ground.
"Boss!" the Konohamaru Corps cried as they rushed to see to their fallen leader. Konohamaru shook Naruto's body several times to try and wake him up. "Wake up Boss! You can't die yet!"
"A little extreme there?" Kyle asked a seething Sakura. "It was Konohamaru who asked, not Naruto."
"How dare you!" Konohamaru cried while pointing at Sakura. "It's obvious you aren't the boss' girl! Who'd want an ugly girl like you with a forehead like yours!?"
"WHAT?!" Sakura cried. A stress vein had appeared on her head and she looked about ready to kill. Kyle immediately took an opportunity to slowly step away from the very pissed off kunoichi. "WHY YOU!!"
"Ulp!" Konohamaru gulped fearfully.
"Run Konohamaru!" Naruto cried to his younger friend. He knew that Sakura hated being teased about her forehead and it meant instant death for those who did.
"Ahhhhh!!" Konohamaru cried. Thanks to the inspiration from his boss, the young Sarutobi took off with his crew right alongside him. Sakura was on his tail screaming bloody murder for when she caught up with him. Kyle was close behind with Naruto following, having recovered from the punch.
"Spare him Sakura-chan!" Naruto cried desperately.
The Corps continued running for their lives through the streets of Konoha, hoping to find a safe haven. Konohamaru was in the lead since it was him that Sakura was gunning for. He quickly turned a corner and ran straight ahead, but he then ran into something big and dark.
"Hey!" a gruff voice growled. Konohamaru looked up and saw a large boy who had a large object wrapped in bandages slung over his shoulder and paint covering his face. Next to him was a girl with a large fan who was blonde with her hair done up in two ponytails.
"Who do you think you are kid?" the boy growled as he grabbed Konohamaru by the scruff of his shirt.
Naruto, Sakura, and Kyle were quick to arrive at the turn where Konohamaru ran into the black-clad ninja. Kyle immediately recognized the faces of Kankuro and his sister Temari. If his guess was right, then Sasuke would be in the nearby tree while Gaara would be right behind him without the Uchiha ever knowing he was there.
"Let him go!" Naruto frowned while Udon and Mogei hid behind him.
"Ha," Kankuro laughed. "Make me."
"I'll be sure to write that on your memorial stone," Kyle growled as he stepped up next to Naruto.
"Oh yeah?" Kankuro snickered. Temari seemed to be a little more apprehensive. At least she seemed to have the common sense not to be arrogant. "And what is a weak Konoha-nin going to do?"
"Why don't I show you?" asked Kyle with a grin. He pulled out his Category 8 of Spades: Magnet Buffalo and slashed it through his belt.
"Magnet!" the belt cried before engulfing Kyle in the static field again. His body changed before coming back out. Now he was bulky with muscle and had dark brown fur under his leather strap armor. A fur cape ran down his back while sticks of some kind ran out from his shoulder. His head was decorated with long horns while the face was covered in steel with a metal nose ring sticking from his bovine nose.
"What the hell?!" Kankuro gasped as he staggered back from the sudden change. He dropped Konohamaru before beginning to reach for his wrapped bundle.
"What are you?!" Temari cried in genuine surprise as she reflexively reached for her fan.
"Category 8 of Spades," Kyle/Buffalo Undead answered before he activated his given ability. Both Temari's fan and Kankuro's bundle were suddenly jerked from their hands and flew right into Kyle/Buffalo Undead's waiting arms. "Magnet Buffalo."
Both Suna-nin were stunned by the actions that the creature in front of them had just done. Sakura and Naruto were likewise shocked. The Konohamaru Corps were amazed at whatthey were seeing. Their mouths were wide open in astonishment.
"Now, I'm going to ask you a question," Kyle/Buffalo Undead spoke. "For your sakes, you had better answer correctly. I'll even return your weapons."
The two sand siblings didn't offer very much resistance. They were at a disadvantage without their weapons.
"I'm assuming that you two are here for the upcoming Chunin exams." Kyle/Buffalo Undead spoke. "Do you have some kind of identification to confirm this?"
"Uh…yeah," Temari nodded. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. Kankuro did the same, but he didn't look pleased with having to do so.
"Sakura, would you check them?" Kyle/Buffalo Undead asked calmly.
The pink-haired kunoichi shook herself out of her stupor at seeing Kyle change his form so easily. She stepped towards the two Suna-nins and took the papers from them. Naruto and Kyle/Buffalo Undead peered over her shoulders. After a moment, Sakura handed the papers back to the two Suna-nins.
"It's official," Sakura confirmed. "These two have permission to be in Konoha."
"All right then. I suppose you can get your weapons back," Kyle/Buffalo Undead shrugged as he tossed the fan and the bundle to their owners. He then glanced over to the only nearby tree. "Sasuke, would you tell that Suna-nin behind you that he can come down now?"
Everyone's eyes widened at Kyle's statement, wondering if it was true or not. After a moment, Sasuke came down from the tree looking as emo as ever and behind him dropped the red-headed jinchuruuki, Sabaku no Gaara.
Kyle's agitation began to grow as he watched Gaara step closer. His Undead instincts in the Buffalo Undead were demanding him to start fighting Gaara. It was understandable to Kyle. Gaara was the host to the Ichibi no Tanuki, Shukaku and the seal, wherever it was, was probably a piss poor one if it allowed Shukaku to influence his host so easily. Of course, growing up like Gaara did probably didn't help him either.
"Kankuro, you are being an embarrassment to Suna," Gaara commented coldly. He then turned to the collected Konoha-nins. "My apologies for my brother."
"B-but Garra! They started it-!" Kankuro tried to mumble out.
"Shut up or I'll kill you," Gaara cut in with a bit of an edge in his voice. Kankuro immediately snapped his mouth shut. He then turned to gaze at Kyle with his cold gaze. "An impressive transformation jutsu. What is your name?"
"Kyle Jones," Kyle/Buffalo Undead answered. "You are Sabaku no Gaara if I am not mistaken."
"Your information is correct," Gaara answered coolly. If he felt any amount of surprise, he didn't show it. He then turned to his older brother and sister. "We're leaving."
Kankuro seemed to almost tremble before he nodded. Temari cast a glance at Kyle before she followed her brothers away from the spot where their confrontation took place. The collected Konoha-nins and wanna-be Konoha-nins only watched them go before turning back to Kyle.
"That was so cool Kyle-nii!" Naruto cheered as he ran up to Kyle. "That henge you're using is pretty darn cool!"
"Who says I'm using a henge?" asked Kyle/Buffalo Undead. He then drew another card, the Spirit Human, before slashing it through his belt.
"Spirit!" the belt cried out before Kyle was engulfed in the static field before coming out of it looking normal again.
"You mean you really changed into that buffalo thing?" Sakura asked with some surprise in her voice.
"My belt is a Rouzer in itself," Kyle shrugged. He then turned to the Konohamaru Corps. "Let that be a lesson to you. If your enemy is afraid of you, then you've won half the battle."
"Yes sir!" the Corps cried with a salute.
"Hey Boss!" Konohamaru grinned at Naruto. He was still in his saluting position "This guy is almost as cool as you!"
"Why do you think he's on my team?" Naruto asked with his patented foxy grin.
"Almost?" Kyle blinked with mock disappointment. "And here I thought I was just as cool as Naruto."
The collected ninjas, save for Sasuke, and the three children shared a small laughed at the older boy's joke.
-----Hokage Tower-----
Inside the Hokage's office, there were numerous Chuunin and Jounin standing at attention in front of their aged leader. He had a concentrating frown on his face as he watched his collected friends and fellow ninja.
"Now, I called you all here for a reason," Sarutobi spoke. "Although, I'm sure that you can all guess what that reason is by some of the people coming into Konoha."
There were some nods in the group before Kakashi began to speak, "So it's that time of year again?"
"So you've already told the other countries?" asked Asuma, Sarutobi's chain-smoking son. "I've already seen some foreign faces already."
"So?" asked Kurenai patiently. "When is it?"
Sarutobi looked over to the Genjutsu mistress while taking a puff from his pipe, "One week from now."
Kakashi's head tilted slightly at the answer. One could almost say he had some apprehension, "That's a little sudden."
"Perhaps," Sarutobi nodded as he blew some smoke from his mouth. "But my decision stands and I will announce it today. In seven days the Chuunin exams will be held here in Konoha."
Sarutobi cast his gaze out into the collected ninjas, "Now, are there any Genins you wish to nominate for the exam? Those who have new Genins please step forward."
Kurenai, Asuma, and Kakashi took a couple steps forward before standing in front of Sarutobi at attention.
"Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma," Sarutobi spoke seriously. "Are there any Genins you wish to nominate for the exam along with the ones you teach? Also remember that any Genin who has accomplished eight or more missions can be nominated with your recommendation."
"In that case," Kakashi nodded. "I, Kakashi Hatake, nominate Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakrua Haruno, and Kyle Jones for the Chuunin exam."
In the crowd of collected ninjas, one Iruki Umino stiffened at Kakashi's recommendation. Team 7 was nowhere near ready for this kind of danger! Especially when they just received a fourth member! To Iruka, it seemed that Kakashi was banking on the skills of this Rider and the Uchiha to help his team get through and the school teacher wasn't going to let his former student and sometimes little brother get risked over two higher skilled ninjas.
Sarutobi's gaze turned to Kurenai, who continued, "I, Kurenai Yuuhi, nominate Hinata Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Arubame for the Chuunin Exam."
Asuma then went last, "I Asuma Sarutobi, nominate Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Chouji Akimichi for the Chuunin Exam."
There were rumblings among the collected ninjas. Rookies were actually being nominated for the exams. It was also at this time that Iruka had enough. He quickly stepped forward to make himself known.
"Wait a minute!" he cried.
"Yes Iruka-kun?" asked Sarutobi. All eyes were trained on Iruka now.
"Forgive me for interrupting," Iruka began, satisfying the need for manners. "But nine of those ninja you called were once my students not too long ago. Granted, each of them are talented, but it's too early. Also, we know next to nothing about the Rider and what skills he possesses. He hasn't even been a ninja for a day yet!"
"I became a Chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto," Kakashi answered calmly.
"Naruto is different from you!" Iruka snapped. "Are you trying to ruin him or something?"
"Not in the least," Kakashi replied. He had pondered the use of a joke, but with people in the collected ninjas questioning the recommendation of someone who just became a ninja, he felt he had to explain his reasons, if only a little.
"As their teacher now, I know what they are capable of to a better extent," Kakashi explained. "As for the Rider, it is my belief that he is more than capable of obtaining Jounin status as he is now."
Kakashi's answer sent more ripples through the crowd. Some of the ninjas were wondering if Kakashi had stumbled onto another genius or if he was insane. Kurenai was watching Kakashi carefully. While she would admit that Kyle had good chances of becoming a Chunin in skill, she had doubt he could become a Jounin without training and experience. Had Kakashi seen something in the Rider she hadn't?
"I understand your argument Iruka," Kakashi continued. "But remember, they are no longer your students. They are my subordinates."
Iruka frowned at Kakashi's stayement, but he knew it was true. Naruto and his classmates ceased being students when they earned their hitae-ates. They weren't students anymore. They were ninjas. He was going to have to accept that fact about them.
For better or for worse.
To Be Continued…
A/N: Hey everyone. How was the chapter? This was more for getting Kyle established in Konohathan anything else. Now the Chuunin Exams will really take off. How do you think he'll do?