Here's another long chapter. Where do all these thoughts come from?
For those who are interested, I plan to make a prequel to this, then a sequel (or two). When I'm happy with each section I will mash it all into one giant story. Then maybe I will finally leave this part of the Naruto timeline alone!
I ascended the stairs to reach Kakuzu's workshop. I knocked and was granted access. I slid the door open and looked into the dark room. "Over here." Kakuzu grunted helpfully.
I spotted his movement in the corner and approached. I found he was leaning over a calculator and a very long strip of paper.
He put his pen down and turned to me. "What is it?" he asked impatiently.
"Well, I was just wondering what exactly you were planning to teach my brother. Please remember he's only seven years old." I asked, looking him in the eye. I found the fluorescent green a bit disconcerting actually.
"About the human body first of course. Then Kisame's anatomy, it's slightly different to an average person's. Then Zetsu's, which is completely different on the inside. About forty percent of it is plant cells… So, anatomy first and foremost." He finished, picking up his pen again.
"Is that all?" I asked. It seemed to be something I could learn relatively quickly anyway.
"I suppose we can start on common and simple injuries after that. But it's mandatory that he practices chakra control." He said returning to his calculations.
I took this as my cue to leave, "Okay, thank you for clearing that up." I swiftly exited the room when he didn't so much as nod.
Just I was about to slide the door shut, he called, "You have to switch with Zetsu san on patrol duties. You can use your eyes if you can't walk very far yet." He added.
I nodded in understanding and closed the door completely. By now I had noticed that everyone changed their posts at the front door. Apparantly they left a bunshin to guard until the next patroller arrived.
A sound system I thought. But if someone happened to come during the change over, there would be a delay to get to the source of concern…
I relieved Zetsu before sitting on the roof of the complex. Activating my Sharingan I stared out at the town, watching for odd chakra signatures.
Eight long hours later it was Sasori who relieved me of my post. I was feeling rather drained after using the Sharingan for so long. At least this would improve my stamina, and then I could use the Mangekyou Sharingan properly.
Anyway, Sasori had been giving me the cold shoulder since he'd heard about what had happened during the 'Orochimaru incident'.
"I've been looking for you." He stated. I heard a trace of annoyance in his voice. "It's time to get your brother."
"Thanks." I said, grateful he wasn't grudging against Sasuke as well.
After a series of uncomfortable stares I found myself at the Amegakure Ninja Acadamy again. By now most of the children had left. When I entered Fumuku's classroom I saw he was stapling a series of papers together.
Sasuke was sitting at his desk, I guessed that he was starting on the extra work he had to catch up on.
"Sasu chan, how long have you been waiting?" I asked, kneeling down next to his desk.
He jumped slightly, "O-only ten or fifteen minutes." He replied.
I stood and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry. We should go now."
He looked up and smiled at me. That's better.
Fumuku picked up two stacks of paper and handed them to me. "This is the homework Sasuke kun missed out on, and here is the class work we've covered so far. I've also made a course outline including what Tai, Nin and Gen jutsu we've looked at."
He seemed to hand them over rather gingerly as if expecting an attack. These piles of paper were quite sizable.
"A lot to have done over five weeks." I commented, flicking through the first few pages. These particular pages were all about different hand seals and even practice exercises involving both performing and recognising them.
Quite basic really, but it was covered in such depth. I was sure that Sasuke wouldn't be able to remember it all.
"Of course, Akatsuki sama. The Water Country puts quality over quantity when it comes to ninja." He seemed to have relaxed slightly, now that I wasn't so… imposing.
"We also have an Acadamy uniform. These should fit Sasuke kun." He added, proffering what looked like two sets of uniforms.
I took them, noticing it consisted of a navy blue T-shirt and white pants which would be tucked into navy blue material, which would cover the bottom half of his leg. The make resembled that of the Akatsuki uniform. Water proof material on the outside, but a warm woolen layer on the inside. These people had developed clothing to suit this climate well. You could go swimming in these clothes and stay warm.
"We have to leave now." I stated, as I transferred the papers and clothing to one arm and left the room, Sasuke in tow.
All the way back Sasuke was bursting to tell me what he'd done that day. But I wouldn't allow him to speak, not while he was in town. Not while we were under the gazes of those people.
So of course, when we got back he started speaking straight away. "Niisan, niisan!" he began, trying to get my attention. Little did he know that at least forty percent of it was always focused on him.
Another habit my friend paranoia had implanted into my mentality. I turned to face him, showing him that my attention was all his.
"The day went for so long! Eight hours! That's two more than Konoha! But the first lesson was pretty hard." He continued, his speech jumping from one topic to another.
But he had my interest. He was finally being challenged?
"We were working on hand seals, recognising them that is. I just wasn't used to the exercise."
"Well," I replied, seating myself on my futon, "once you master the Sharingan that will never be a problem again." I spread the worksheets out, and began to look through them more closely.
I found there were all kinds of things in there. There was written information covering a range of topics including; chakra, elements, human anatomy and well-known kekkei genkai.
There were practical activities such as Taijutsu challenges (new kata, doing so many pushups in a row etc.) Under Ninjutsu you did things such as practicing basic jutsu (cloning and disguise), practicing hand seals and learning basic jutsu in your element(s).
The Genjutsu study involved casting, breaking and recognising illusions.
I was utterly amazed. In Konoha you wouldn't do anything like this until you broke into your group of three and were instructed by a jonin sensei.
"You're going to be extremely busy Sasu chan." I remarked.
"Yeah, I've already had a busy day!" he exclaimed, flopping onto his own futon, "We ran laps and did strengthening and flexibility exercises for three whole hours. After morning break we were taught the theory behind henge no jutsu. Then we attempted it ourselves. Afterwards, Fumuku sensei cast a Genjutsu on us and we had to try and release it all by ourselves." He looked away from me.
I raised my brows and said, "You have been busy. How did you go with that?"
His cheeks tinged slightly and his facial expression changed to that of shame before answering, "I was the last person to get out of the Genjutsu, but I managed to trick a few people with my hand seals. I… kept up in the Taijutsu training but…"
He wasn't happy with his results. I was amazed by the difference. From the top of the class to the middle, just because he'd changed schools, "Looks like we'll be working on Genjutsu and recognising hand seals then. You should make some goals to work towards. Say you'll be graded to genin in… five years, then by that time you'll want to be able to keep up with my normal hand seal speed." To my surprise, Sasuke had pulled out a piece of paper and had started writing.
"Can I see your speed Niisan?" he asked. I casually made a bunshin and smirked at the look on his face.
"Was that it there?" he asked, frowning.
"Yes." My bunshin replied from behind him.
He jumped violently in surprise and pitched forwards, his hand on his kunai holster. I caught him and sat him on my knees.
"You're not supposed to run into your opponent you know." I teased and I poked him in the forehead as my bunshin vanished. He pouted and rubbed his forehead, just like always.
I wrapped an arm around him and picked up the piece of paper he'd abandoned. "So, what else? Escaping from one of my normal Genjutsus?"
"Even Kisame san has trouble with that." He replied, staring at me as though I were mad.
"Well, Kisame san is just naturally not very good at that. Besides, you can learn the sharingan." I answered, running a hand through his hair. He responded by leaning into my shoulder like an overgrown cat.
"Sleepy, hm? Don't you have lessons with Kakuzu yet?"
He instantly snapped awake again, "Oh yeah! I'll go see him now."
"Alright, but you have to get up early and do some homework." I replied, pushing him to his feet.
"Ok, ok." He said and exited the room, smiling.
He had sure bounced back from this morning.
To Anom: Yes, they will meet in the sequel, which I have yet to plan fully.
Thank you to everyone who reads, reviews and most of all enjoys this story which I have slaved over. Your comments are highly appreciated! Only three chapters of this part left (so far).