Caught in the Middle
Chapter 6
New Puzzles
Disclaimer: Blah blah blah.
Sorry about the super long wait guys, I got so much shit going on right now. I've had bowling team tryouts, overdue homework, preparations for a robotics competition, CHEMISTRY! Anyway, I'm back and the new chapter is here, so enjoy.
The gym that Kakashi had chosen for their training was well equipped. There were weights, treadmills, sparring mats, everything you'd need to get into shape. As the three of them entered the room, Naruto caught site of…well a very odd pair of individuals. They seemed to be sparring using some sort of hand-to-hand martial arts, and they were both moving faster than the blond could fathom.
The odd thing was they looked like clones of each other. They both had huge ass eyebrows, black bowl-cut hair, and they were wearing identical green spandex suits for reasons unimaginable. At their sudden entrance though, they both stopped their fighting.
The elder of the two ran straight for Kakashi and stood there smiling with a thumbs-up.
"Ah Kakashi, my eternal rival, finally you've returned! I believe it's my turn to choose the challenge."
Kakashi sighed. "Not now Gai, I'm a little busy at the moment."
He looked past Kakashi to see Naruto and Karen both standing there with equally confused looks.
"Finally found someone worthy of being your student eh? Well it doesn't matter, Lee will always be one step ahead, right Lee!"
The younger of the two clones leaped forward and nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes sir, my flames of youth shall never be outshone!"
"That's the spirit!"
Kakashi sighed again. "Look Gai, I really need to get Naruto's training started, so could we just sort of move this to another time and place."
"Of course my worth opponent, I would never impede on a potential agent's education. Train him well Kakashi, Lee needs a good rival."
Lee then rushed to Naruto and stood rigid in front of him.
"What is your name?" he asked enthusiastically.
"…Uh, Naruto."
He nodded. "Very well Naruto, you are now and forever my eternal rival, I shall not be defeated by you!"
Next Gai appeared next to Lee and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Come Lee, if he's to be a worthy opponent, we must not interfere with his training, we'll continue some other time."
Lee nodded again.
"Yes sir," he then turned to Naruto, "Farewell for now Naruto!"
With that, the two were gone; out the door before Naruto could even say goodbye. Naruto looked over his shoulder, then back at Kakashi in confusion.
"What the hell was that!?" he demanded.
"Yeah, I'm sorta wondering the same thing," said Karen.
Kakashi sighed and shook his head. "Trust me; you're better off not knowing. Anyway, we have training to do, so let's get started. Take off your shirt and shoes."
The blond nodded and removed his shirt and shoes while Kakashi took off his jacket, tie, and shoes, while rolling up the sleeves on his white shirt. Once they were set, he opened up a closet and pulled out two Bokken (training swords). He tossed one to Naruto and held the other in his right had. The blond caught his easily and held it firmly in his hand, analyzing it.
It was a hard rubber foam sort of material and a dark gray, almost black color. It was a little heavy, about fifteen pounds, and looked safe enough to use in a training exercise.
He looked up at Kakashi as he stepped into a sparring mat and followed him. They each stood on opposite ends and Kakashi cleared his throat before beginning.
"Alright Naruto, I'm going to teach you some of your mothers original style of fighting; it's called Oiuchi-Tsukeme (translates roughly into "Final Blow to the Weak Point). It's a difficult style because you must switch between defensive and offensive stances at a moments notice, and you must be able to quickly dodge incoming attacks," he explained.
"It consists of only two stances in the entire style, but they are both extremely different and vital to success. The one you'll be using for most of the duration of your fights is called Gedan-no-kamae (low posture). It's a defensive stance that you will use for almost the entire fight, as it's designed to deflect attacks and open up defenses. Here, let me show you."
Kakashi placed his left foot off to the side, and his right foot a bit farther in front of him, then held his Bokken in front of him at an angle so it was pointing to the ground in a small slope.
"This is Gedan-no-kamae. See, Oiuchi-Tsukeme is designed to be a style of fighting where you bide your time until you can find where your opponent is weakest, then deflect attacks until you can get a shot in on that particular area. Once that happens, you switch quickly to the second stance, Jōdan-no-kamae (high posture)."
Kakashi against shifted position, reversing the roles of his feet, with his left out in front, and his right to the side. His Bokken had also moved from a low position near his waist to a higher position where the hilt was hovering right over his head, raising the sword high into the air.
"This is Joden-no-kamae. While Gedan-no-kamae is for defense and deflection, this posture is for offense and guard-breaks. Once the weakest point of your opponent has been identified and you've created an opening, you will use this stance to relentlessly attack that point until you can either hit it, or your target is disarmed. This stance delivers the strongest and quickest blows, but its defensive capabilities are practically non-existent, so you will need good footwork to dodge any attack that may come your way," he finished.
Naruto had been watching and listening in total infatuation, he couldn't wait to learn this. He gripped his Bokken in anticipation, practically shaking in excitement.
"Now Naruto, do exactly as I do," he instructed calmly.
Kakashi slipped into Gedan-no-kamae again, and Naruto mimicked the motion. Once he was in the stance, Kakashi dropped out of it and approached him. He walked around him in circles, observing his posture.
"Spread your legs out more Naruto, otherwise when you begin deflecting attacks you'll lose balance and fall over."
The blond nodded and did as instructed. The next hour or so consisted of this; Naruto switching between the two stances and Kakashi giving him advice on how to improve on them. After Kakashi was satisfied with his progress, he moved on to having him left weights. He'd need exceptional arm and leg strength to get the fullest out of the Oiuchi-Tsukeme style.
Karen joined in when Naruto began lifting weights. She took to a punching bag nearby the workout equipment, and practiced with the little martial arts she knew. Her mother was amazing fighter and taught her a little of the kitsune hand-to-hand style before she…passed on. Thanks to her natural enhanced strength, she was able to knock the bag every which way with relative ease, but still found it a good release of tension.
Kakashi watched them both with a critical eye, making notes of their strengths and weaknesses. Naruto had a good sense of balance and amazing reflexes, while Karen seemed to have more physical strength. They both had above average endurance, but nothing truly extraordinary in that aspect. Speed seemed average enough, so again, nothing extraordinary.
The silver haired agent thought back two nights previous however, when the phenomenon with the four-tailed kitsune who Karen had designated as Kaito had occurred. Naruto had shown several kitsune traits at that particular instance. Increased strength and speed, some regenerative abilities, enlarged canine teeth and red eyes, but what really worried him was the aura.
To his knowledge, nothing like that had ever happened before. A human inheriting kitsune trait was almost unheard of unless he or she was a hybrid, which wasn't too uncommon in older days, but there were laws now. Of course, it was always possible that Naruto could in fact be a descendant of one of those very hybrids and some recessive kitsune genes laid there by his heritage were awakened by the sudden influx of demonic energy. Of course, this was all merely speculation on his part, he wasn't a scientist.
He did come to the decision though, that it would be a good idea to check it out. A simple blood sample would probably do, and luckily, Kakashi just happened to have a medical syringe on hand. (Don't ask me why, he just does! He's Kakashi, he's prepared for everything! EVERYTHING!)
"Naruto, it's been about four hours, we can quit for now. Before you go though, I'd like to take a quick blood sample."
He tilted his head in confusion while he wiped away the sweat that had accumulated on his body with a nearby towel.
"Why do ya need that?"
"Oh, just for the med-lab. It's standard procedure for new agents to put their blood on record for medical purposes. Incase you need transfusions or something," he said pleasantly.
"Eh, well okay, I guess that makes sense."
"Good."
Kakashi knelt down and stuck the needle in his arms, drawing his blood into the container. Once a good amount was inside, he withdrew it.
"Alright, well I'll take you two to your rooms then I'll get this to the lab; come on."
The two nodded and they exited the gym, Naruto more than a little sore and tired. He was in good shape, but wasn't all that muscular, so those weights really put him through the ringer. His shirt was now matted to his body from all the sweat, and the air conditioned hallways were a sweet relief.
He literally thanked God when he saw that their rooms were on the same floor as the gym. Naruto examined his room as he walked through the threshold. The walls were tan and plain; there was one queen sized bed, a desk with a laptop on it, and a bookcase with some books and…scrolls?
He shrugged and instead of questioning it, he just plopped down on his bed, just wanting to go to sleep for days. He laid there for about five minutes, really not wanting to get up, but knew there was something he really wanted to get to now that he had the time.
He slid off his bed with a groan; his muscles sting him for his sudden movement. He opened his door and shuffled across the hall to the door right across from his, and tapped the door firmly but quickly. Within a few seconds, the red headed kitsune –who had reverted to her more natural form with fox ears and tail-, opened her door, staring back at Naruto.
"What is it Naruto?"
The blond sighed. "I don't know, I guess I was just thinking how you've been on your own since you parents…you know. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that if you need to talk about it, I'll listen," he said, scratching the back of his head nervously.
Karen looked downward a bit, seeming slightly more depressed.
"I appreciate the offer Naruto, but I just don't think I can right now."
Naruto nodded and turned to head back to his room, but was stopped when he felt a hand on his wrist and turned back around. As soon as he did, Karen wrapped her arms around his neck and had the side of her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you though," she said softly.
Naruto's face instantly went red and nodded slightly.
"Y-yeah, no problem," he stuttered.
She let go and stepped back across the threshold, looking downward at the floor.
"Maybe tomorrow after training we can talk, but right now I just want to be alone."
"I understand, but I'm right across the hall if you need anything, and the doors always open."
He watched as she gave him a ghost of a smile as she closed the door, leaving him to head back to his room. He plopped back down on his bed with a thud and took a nap.
Kakashi meanwhile, was a few levels up in the med-lab, awaiting the results of Naruto's blood work. Shizune, while still the Directors assistant, also ran the medical division of the FBPS. When she'd heard Kakashi wanted blood work done for Naruto, she offered to do it personally. He'd been down in the lab for at least forty minutes, so the tests should be done any minute now. The FBPS had access to quite a bit of experimental/classified tech, so things ran much faster than in normal facilities.
Like clockwork, Shizune appeared in the lobby just as Kakashi closed his book and the clock stuck 1:00 PM.
"So, what's the news Shizune?" he asked casually.
She stared down at the paper with a perplexed look. "It's…interesting to say the least. Were you aware that Naruto's DNA has traces of kitsune elements?"
He sat back in his chair and crossed his legs.
"I suspected it, but I couldn't really confirm it. He does carry quite a bit of traits common in kitsune; above average strength and reflexes, good balance, hyperactive and mischievous."
"Well, his family had a demon member somewhere along the way, but that in no way explains this other phenomenon I found. Apparently, Naruto is also radiating low levels of demonic energy, like he's actually a demon himself. It makes no sense."
Kakashi cleared his throat. "Actually, I may have the answer to that little riddle."
Shizune cocked a curious eyebrow.
"You see, when I went out to retrieve him, Naruto was already being tailed by three kitsune assassins. I managed to kill one right off the bat, the other two gave chase. Another kitsune entered the mix though; this one had four tails and went by the name of Kaito. He aided me in fighting until it finally spilled into the streets. Naruto, being the rash soul that he is, rushed in to save Kaito from a beating, only to be impaled by one of the kitsune's fist, effectively killing him. Kaito used some sort of magic I'm not familiar with and resurrected Naruto at the cost of his own life, and along with renewed life, Naruto came back with some frightening abilities, including a red aura in the shape of a kitsune."
Shizune eyes went wide, and Kakashi watched in interest as she rushed back into the lab, only to come back out with a rather thick book. She plopped it down on the floor and sat Indian style, while madly flipping through the pages. She finally stopped with an, "Ah-ha!" Kakashi leaned over and peered at the book.
It read:
The Kitsune's Gift.
Kitsune may, at the cost of his/her own life, transfer their life force and powers to another being, human or otherwise. Depending on the race of being receiving the powers, their bodies will react differently and the powers will manifest themselves in different manners. Humans are the most receptive to this gift as their physiology is identical to kitune's in almost every way, and if given to a human with demon heritage (preferably kitsune) the powers may be amplified in intensity and killing potential.
Beings who have received the Kitsune's Gift gain all advantages that kitsune have over most races, which include but are not limited to; increased strength and speed, quicker reflexes, increased balance, increased lifespan, and increased perceptual senses (sight, hearing, ect.)
This gift comes at a risk however, as while under the influence of said powers, other beings who have not had their minds trained are subject to mental degradation. In layman's terms, they will have drastically decreased judgmental abilities, often even attacking friends and loved ones in blind rage.
"Well, this could be quite a problem," he said, still sounding casual.
"It's more than 'quite a problem', Naruto is in danger of hurting himself and others if he uses this new power of his! Moreover, does he even know he has it yet!?"
Kakashi scratched his cheek and sighed. "Not quite yet, I didn't think it was this urgent. I think it better if we not tell him though, not unless it becomes a real problem."
"He has a right to know!"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes he does, and we will tell him eventually, but let's wait until he's had more training. Who knows, it could give him enough mental discipline to handle the demonic energy."
Shizune gave him an unconvinced look but gave in.
"Fine, but I want monthly checkups and blood samples. I'm also reporting this to Director Senju, she needs to know about this."
Kakashi nodded calmly. "Fair enough, just don't tell him just yet, and don't even hint at it either. Hopefully when we do tell him he'll have the discipline to control his powers."
Shizune sighed and headed back into the med-lab.
"I hope you're right Kakashi."
All the way back in Konoha city, a team FBPS agent were sent on city surveillance nearby Naruto's house to see if they could capture any would-be assassins such as rouge demon hunters or kitsune stealth soldiers. One agent in particular was in the driver's seat of a car, watching out for anything suspicious. Well…at least that's what he was supposed to be doing, what he as actually doing was staring out the window looking at clouds. (If you haven't figured out who this is yet, I'm going to have to beat you with a metal bat.)
Shikimaru Nara sighed at his troublesome assignment. Watching over some house in the hopes of capturing criminals wasn't his idea of an important mission. He'd much rather be out in a field somewhere watching the clouds there, or maybe playing chess, there were always worthy opponents down at the parks.
His solitude was interrupted though, as a shrieking cam blaring into his ear through his communications earpiece.
"Shikimaru, pay attention damn it!" came a female voice.
He held his ear in momentary pain, grinding his teeth at the shrill voice.
When he regained his composure, he replied with his lazy voice, "Jeez Ino, I'm paying attention alright. Don't be so troublesome woman."
Ino Yamanaka was one of Shikimaru's partners from this mission; they were both sixteen and had been working for the FBPS for a year now. (Yes, they recruit straight out of high school. More on that next chapter.) Shikimaru had always been bored with school, even after skipping grades and taking the most advanced tests. When he was offered a job at the FBPS, he was sure he'd finally found a job that would challenge him mentally, but so far, it's been one boring steak-out after another, nothing good.
Still, it wasn't a total loss; at least he'd made some friends, something he'd had a hard time doing at his old schools. Speaking of friends, his best friend was his second partner for this mission, and jumped into the conversation.
"Guys, quit fighting or we might get caught by surprise," he said urgently.
Shikimaru sighed. "Hate to break it to ya Choji, but we already have."
"What do you mean?" asked Ino.
He sighed again. "Do you see that black hair man walking down the street on the opposite side?"
"Yeah," replied Ino.
"I see him to," said Choji.
"Well," began Shikimaru, "that guy has walked past this house twice already; he's definitely up to something."
"I don't know," said Ino, "he doesn't look all that suspicious to me, in fact he looks pretty cute."
"Well while you were busy defending him Ino, he just eyed both your positions. He knows we're here, I think he's just walking around the block and analyzing our vantage points and coming up with a plan while trying to look innocent in the process."
"So what do we do?" asked Choji.
Shikimaru thought about it for a minute, then just shrugged.
"Unless he does something, let him be, but keep your weapons out and be ready to move in on him if he makes even the slightest provocative motion. Got it?"
"Got it," said Choji.
"Rodger that," agreed Ino.
With that settled, Shikimaru eyed the mysterious man. He looked about their age with black hair and eyes. The pineapple haired agent remembered him from the newly updated Bingo Book. Sasuke Uchiha, wanted in over twenty-three countries for illegal supernatural assassinations and manslaughter. Shikimaru didn't want to engage him unless absolutely necessary, it was dangerous to attack someone like him, plus it would be way too troublesome.
Still, Shikimaru couldn't help but want to figure out his plan, it was a new puzzle that he intended to solve.
"Sasuke Uchiha…what are you up to?" he whispered to himself.
Bum! bum! bum! Shikimaru, Ino, and Choji against Sasuke, here comes the boom! We'll get to see some of Sasuke's abilities and not just his fancy-shmancy guns, though who doesn't like guns right? Anywho, plenty of action to go around next chapter, and I hope to get it out sooner than I did this one, but I can't make any promises.
Review ladies and gentlemen, review.
