Chapter 10
5 months has passed since last we met the two siblings, and things outside of where they are have not gotten any better. Riots have broken out more often causing more upon more collateral damage, the plague taking more victims by the day, and the cure for it is no closer to being found. Since the first attack on the siblings house there have been 3 more like it, but have happened less frequently over time. Those foolish enough to at least try to gain something from them have been dealt a slow, agonizing, unmerciful death...without the knowledge of his sister knowing of course.
5 months has passed since the boy had decided to train his sister in the way his sensei had taught him. Things may have gotten weird between the two, but they manage to get through it together with help from each other. The girl may have at first regretted her decision to have her brother train her like this, but has now embraced it fully in the hopes that once she's finished she could have her Niichan back to normal.
Right now the two siblings were in a training dojo built from the elder brother himself with own two hands...with a little help from some shadow clones of course. It was poorly made to be sure, you could tell just by looking at it, but it was at least stable to the point where nothing short of an powerful earthquake will shake the foundation.
The girl was in her training uniform which was a worn out faded yellow shirt with ripped edges, metal gauntlets around both her wrists to her forearms which also had a knife holster just above the gauntlets, a ninja pouch on her right leg, loose training pants tied at the waist with bandages, and was barefooted. She was currently holding two small twin knives, since she couldn't get the hang of a sword the boy found she had a talent for smaller blades or better yet blunt weapons like her fists.
The boy was wearing a skin tight mask covering his lower face, a simple dark blue hooded kimono that went down to his feet with long sleeves, had a simple sword tied to his back and was barefooted.
"Ok, it's time to see what you've learned the past few months. Ready?" the boy said admiring how far his sister had gone.
"Hai! Sensei!" the girl yelled as she got into a fighting stance of her own
"Begin!" the boy yelled
The girl charged her sibling while the boy prepared himself to see how far his sister had gone with his training.
8:14
A lot of thoughts were going through the two youth's mind right now from Shintaro realizing how pretty.
"Kami, she's pretty. Has she's always been like this? Maybe it's due to the fact I haven't seen her face in forever, I mean I remember what she looked like, its just I don't think I remember her being this pretty before."
To Ayano trying to figure out if her crush is crushing on her.
"Does Shintaro-kun love me? I mean I'm happy, but also confused why. Oh what does that matter now? I have a chance to be with Shintaro-kun! I don't know if it's right to think like this, but if it is me then I hope I can make Shintaro-kun happy. I wonder if I should ask him-" but those thoughts were interrupted thanks to a certain individual Shintaro made friends with the last hour
"So, she's not your mate? You must have a different perspective on "good friend" than I do." Akihiko said chuckling to himself in his usual large voice.
However something seemed different about it like it was...smaller somehow if that makes sense. At the sound of his voice the two children realized their situation and backed off each other both embarrassed to their core with their faces steaming red from the blood rushing to their faces.
"A-Akihiko? W-what are you doing here? Actually where are you?" Shintaro asked looking for the huge tiger that was hard to miss
"S-Shintaro-kun, w-who are y-you t-talking to? I-Is t-there someone e-else here?" Ayano asked stuttered still embarrassed and confused now putting her mask back on.
"Oh, yeah I forgot to mentioned I found someone to help me with a jo- I mean errand I planned out in here. Isn't that right Akihiko? Not to mention that promise I made to you that I expect you to keep." Shintaro said forcibly
"Calm down will ya? I remember our deal so keep your nonexistent shirt on." Akihiko said coming out into the light looking….different.
Different being him looking like a human child about a year older than him, but that wasn't only thing he noticed about his appearance like the fact he was….naked in full view of Shintaro, and Ayano thankfully with a shadow covering his...manhood. Other than the fact he was showing off his male anatomy member to them he had other physical traits that seemed to transitioned from his beastly form.
For starters the scars that were on him were transitioned to his human body, like his whole torso had 3 giant slanted consecutive scars like some animal clawed deep into his chest, his left leg also had a huge gash up on his calf, and he also had 3 vertical scars on his right eye that went down to his jaw line like he was attacked by a rabid animal. Other than his scars he had tanned skin, an athletic muscular body with a six pack, his arms and chest on both sides though had 3 horizontal black stripes that didn't connect were either tattoos or birthmarks had dark orange hair that was very spiky and very wild, his eyes though were golden yellow with a black vertical slit for the pupil. However, unfortunately Akihiko wasn't the only one hiding from Shintaro and Ayano's sight.
"What are you kids doing out here!?" Kushina said as she, Misaka, and Honoka dropped down out of nowhere surprising both of the children
"O-Obaa-chan!? I-uh, w-we were uh….it's not what it looks like I promise!" Ayano said flustered on the edge of fainting
"Really because it looked like you two were about to get it on. We might've not heard you what you guys were talking about, but we could see everything." Katsumi said chuckling to herself on a tree branch
"The hell you come from?" Shintaro asked surprised about Katsumi's appearance
"We've been watching what happened for the past 5 minutes actually. Sorry about that, but we couldn't help ourselves." Momiji said half apologetically
"Agreed! Katsumi-san insisted we watch such….inappropriate ways of expressing your youth." Ling said surprisingly not energetic when she mentioned youth
"Perverts! The whole lot of ya!" Shintaro yelled at the group
"Except you of course Misaka-chan." Shintaro quickly said while Misaka simply grunted while she retreated her sword as if he knew she was going to hit him
"Hey, I resent that statement." Kakashi said mock hurt
"Says the guy with his shirt off who was just on top of girl pinning her to the ground doing Kami knows what." Katsumi retorted to Shintaro making the two victims blush in embarrassment
"I didn't do nothin to her!" Shintaro protested
"Suuure, pervert." Misaka said
"Ayano, I know about how you….feel towards Shintaro, but your too young for something like that." Kushina said carefully making Ayano blush even more
"O-Obaa-chan! I-I told you it's not like that! S-Shintaro-kun just protected me from an insect that was about to attack me. S-See?" Ayano said stepping aside pointing to the insect split in half
"Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! Ewwww! Gross, I hate bugs with a passion!" Misaka said jumping back while spazing out at the sight of the sliced insect
"Yeah, he did, but he spent way too much on top of you with your clothes close to being shredded off completely." Katsumi said incredulously
"I, I, I was just uh….checking out her eyes." Shintaro said trying to think of something on the spot
"Heh, saved by my brilliance once again." Shintaro thought with confidence
"S-Shintaro-kun was looking at my eyes? Does he think they're pretty? Oh, what am I thinking? Oh, of course not they're not that great. Still though, it wouldn't hurt to ask would it?"
"I-Is that true S-Shintaro-kun?" Ayano asked really embarrassed
"Oh, crap! I didn't she'd say anything about it. Damn it, gotta think gotta think. Is this a trick question? What should I say? Oh damn it all to hell I should just tell her the truth...or should I lie? No, I can never lie to Ayano-chan. NO WAIT I GOT IT! Half-truth/Half-lie, it's the perfect solution for everything! I get to compliment Ayano-chan on something true while giving myself the perfect alibi! Man I'm a genius!" Shintaro thought to himself with pride
"Uh….yeah, because they're pretty?" Shintaro said hoping he said the right thing which was hard to tell considering her reaction.
"Please be the right thing, please be the right thing, please be the right thing!" Shintaro thought to himself internally crossing his fingers
"He does! He really does! Oh, I'm so happy right now I could just-"
Was her final thought before fainting with hearts in her eyes for hearing how her crush firsthand told her he loved her eyes.
"Was wondering when she cracked. New time record at least count it….3 minutes and 34 seconds." Katsumi said looking at her imaginary watch
"Well, come on let's get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps." Misaka said shivering again looking at her surroundings.
"Well, you guys can leave I'm gonna go this way." Shintaro said heading in the opposite direction
"Hold on there lover boy." Momiji said grabbing onto Shintaro shoulders
"We came here solely because Ayano came charging in here because she was worried about you." Momiji said pointing at him
"Why? Not that I don't appreciate it, but like I told Ayano-chan I didn't tell anyone about where I was going." Shintaro said confused
"I don't know, she just left as Misaka told her that when you bumped into her on your way out, and asked Misaka for your sword for "gardening" she freaked out, got out of the tub, and took off looking for you. Then we decided to chase after despite us just getting in the tub for barely 5 minutes." Momiji said wishing she was back in the warm water of the bathtub instead of the humid hot air in the middle of this deathtrap of a forest.
"Only because its her birthday and a certain someone guilt tripped us into helping." Misaka said glaring at Kushina who kept an innocent smile for a second before turning her eyes back to Shintaro to keep a promise to herself.
"Which reminds me…." 'WHACK!'
"Oww! Misaka-chan what'd you that for?" Shintaro said rubbing his head
"That's from all of us to you for being an idiot making Ayano worry about a baka like yourself." Misaka said massaging her fist
"Kami, I forget what a hard head you have almost making it impossible to beat you senseless on a daily business." Misaka said
"It still hurts you know." Shintaro groaned
"Anyways, the point is that we don't need Ayano chasing after you again when she wakes up." Kushina said butting in the conversation
"Well, like I said I came here to do some gardening, and that's what I intend to do. But if you're that concerned then here." Shintaro said as he made a shadow clone
"Look, he'll take Ayano-chan to safety out of here. Meanwhile, I will continue to search for what I came here for Ayano-chan's birthday gift." Shintaro said a bit embarrassed at that last part
"Look, you see that flower in Ayano-chan's hair?" Shintaro said pointing to said flower
"Yes, I've been meaning about that. Where'd she get it, because it looks beautiful on her though it looks like it's starting to wither a bit." Kushina said admiring the flower
"Exactly, it's a special flower I gave her for her 10th birthday, but the thing is it's supposed to never wither away. It's called the Eien no Hana no Kaori, A.K.A Eternal Flower Fragrance. It's supposed to symbolize the complete trust, eternal friendship, and….love between two people. The stronger the connection between the two, the longer the flower lasts proving the...bond between two people." Shintaro said really embarrassed completely red faced
"B-but I didn't find out that last part until I translated that scroll the merchant gave me! And I haven't told Ayano-chan about that last bit so please don't tell her I'm begging you guys." Shintaro said on his knees with anime tears rolling down his face expecting to be mocked
"Awwww! How sweet!" Kushina said gushing over Shintaro's gift while others were….unmerciful
"Sweet? If anything I now have loads of blackmail ready for you. I'm so gonna use this when we get back!" Katsumi chuckled with a huge grin underneath her mask
"Marvelous! Once again Shintaro has proven he's full of youthful passion for his friendship, and now love with dear Ayano-chan!" Ling said also gushing over Shintaro's reasons
"I'd never thought I see the day where you of all people would something romantic. Even if it was by accident." Misaka said containing herself while Momiji was romanticizing what her boyfriend might do in the future hoping it might be as romantic as what he did.
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah whatever. Can we please keep this between ourselves?" Shintaro begged to which all girls present giggled while Kushina simply said
"Yes, don't worry this won't get out right girls?" Kushina said in a stern motherly voice
"Yes Ma'am!" they replied in unison gathering themselves
"Hm, actually seeing this reminds me of what you tried to do on your first date with Rin Kakashi." Kushina chuckled to herself while Kakashi blushed at the memory, Kami forbid he do something like that again.
"So, I guess you girls aren't going to listen to what I have to say?" Shintaro said dejectedly with his head down
"Calm down baka, just continue where'd you left off." Misaka said
"Do you have to be so cruel?" Shintaro said mock hurt while Misaka gave him a "You want more?" look
"Never mind. So, like I said I gave her the flower, but the method of retrieving the flower was a little….difficult and….demanding." Shintaro said reluctantly recalling the memories he had trying to get the damn thing
"What do you mean difficult, and demanding?" Kushina asked while piquing Kakashi's interest as well as everyone else's wondering what could be so hard about picking a flower
"You see uh….these flowers are protected, and I mean really protected by uh….their guardians." Shintaro said
"Guardians for flowers?" Katsumi asked skeptically
"Hey, Misaka-chan do you remember the time I went missing for three days, and you guys found me unconscious with my clothes ripped holding onto a black box?" Shintaro asked
"Yeah, Ayano freaked the hell out, and kept looking for you crying her eyes out thinking you were dead. Then when we finally found you, you were sleeping holding onto that damn thing like it was a treasure box or something surrounded by what looked like ruins or something. Why?" Misaka asked
"Well, I kinda was in a fight with a giant 50 ft. earth golem with 4 arms each holding a different weapon, 2 heads one being a bull the other lion, and a tail in the shape of a mace that nearly killed me. That would explain the "ruins" you found me in." Shintaro said without it being a big deal making everyone give him a quizzical look
"Wait Wait Wait Wait….wait. You're telling me that the giant ass rocks we found scattered for MILES thinking it was some destroyed city when it was actually a giant rock monster!" Katsumi said in disbelief
"Giant golem to be precise, and yeah I did. How else would you explain me just lying there taking a nap low on chakra?" Shintaro said
"You're a strange kid you know that?" Kakashi said
"Only as strange as you perceive me." Shintaro said matter of factly
"Alright, let's just say we believe you, and say that you did. Is the same thing gonna happen here if you're looking for this flower of yours? Because the last thing we need is one of those Golem things walking around the village." Kakashi said
"Nah, this guardian is just the collective will of the Forest of Death itself meaning I gotta face an endless supply of living plants, bugs, animals, and dead shinobi while trying to pick this one flower out of a bunch." Shintaro said counting the threats on his hand turning the heads of everyone there
"Ok? Bugs I get, living plants i get, I get the animal bit, and I'm even willing to believe this "collective will of the forest" thing, but dead shinobi that can use chakra? That's not the Reanimation Jutsu? How is that even possible?" Kushina said confused
"Well, from what I've researched your First Hokage founded this village along with Madara Uchiha a long time ago. The thing is the village needed allies to ward off invading forces so they allied themselves with the Uzumaki Clan with your Shodai marrying the princess of the Uzumaki clan Mito Uzumaki, that being the reason your chunin vests have that orange swirling symbol on the back. Anyways, when he wanted to make an impression to his newly beloved he remembered the forest he built the village around had beautiful flowers in it so he decided to go there. However, thanks to a certain discovery he made, it triggered something to awaken fallen shinobi that have died in that forest to relentlessly attack him with full force as much as they were alive chakra attacks and all." Shintaro said remembering what he learned from the library's hidden book stash in Konoha
"This is starting to sound like more of a fairy tail than a history lesson." Katsumi said
"Hey, I'm only repeating what I read in Konoha's hidden book stash at the public library." Shintaro said looking at Kakashi but turning away to look at Kushina
"Look, I don't have time to give a history lesson right now, and I have an asset to find to free from her imprisonment in order to win her trust. I need to find Joōbachi in order to have a fighting chance against those things." Shintaro said directly to Kushina giving her a grim look
"Shintaro, for what possible reason do you have for releasing that….creature from her prison. There's a reason she was put away by Jiraiya you know." Kushina said directly at Shintaro
"Simple, like I said I need her in order to have a fighting chance, plus the reason for her imprisonment is bullshit, and you know that. Don't try to defend them, if you know the whole story then you would agree with me, but if you don't I have nothing more to say. If there's anything I despise more than anything it's creating weapons of war that have a mind of their own then expecting them to fight for their cause with a power they didn't even ask for in the first place."
"That and Clan hierarchies, blood lines, and prodigies that think they're hot shit comes in a close second. I can't stand people who brag that just because they're in a clan or born "perfect" that they think their invincible or that's all they need in order to gain respect. Present company included." Shintaro said looking at Kushina, and the others he knew that were part of a clan of some sort
"How dare you say such things to Lad-I mean Ms. Uzumaki! Show some respect, and there's nothing wrong with being proud with your heritage." Honoka outburst
"I agree, but you clearly didn't listen to me. I said I can't stand people who think they're powerful "because of their clan name." Also if you know anything about me it's that my respect is earned not given out like free candy, clan or not. I'll be polite, but that's as far as I go. Now are you going to let me go, or is there going to be trouble? Because I may not have the same war experience as you do, but I know this terrain better than you think, I have allies here, and a new friend that's looking for a fight. Isn't that right Akihiko?" Shintaro said looking to the shadows hearing a dark chuckle
"Oh? I get my first fight already? How exciting!" Akihiko said exposing himself out the shadows showing off his body including his….lower half
"Who the hell are y-WAAAAAH! Pervert!" Misaka shouted blushing at the sight of Akihiko's….exposed body along with the other girls present blushing like mad covering their eyes
"H-How u-unyouthful! P-Please cover yourself w-whoever you are!" Ling said red faced covering her eyes
"W-What she said." Momiji said still covering her eyes
"A-Agreed." Honoka said flustered
"T-The h-hell? W-Why is t-there a naked b-boy here?" Katsumi said embarrassed but trying to secretly take a peek in admiration and curiosity
"Oh yeah, I forgot your naked as can be, but you're used to not wearing clothes so I suppose I can't blame you. Here take this, and put that thing away dude. No one wants to see that." Shintaro said as he took off his shorts giving them to Akihiko leaving Shintaro only his navy blue boxers, his fingerless gloves, and his mask as the only articles of clothing on his person
"Tch! Whatever, I don't see a point in wearing something that covers something that obviously puts me in an advantage when fighting women apparently. It's like they haven't seen one before." Akihiko said putting on the shorts while Misaka ranted
"That's because we haven't, and we're not used to fighting naked boys! Also…." 'WHACK!'
"That's for ruining my virgin eyes with that….thing!" Misaka said after smacking Akihiko on top of the head still blushing.
Only Akihiko looked more annoyed than anything after Misaka pelted Akihiko.
"You call that a hit little girl?" Akihiko growled in annoyance as if that hit had no effect on him causing Misaka to flinch a bit
"And what of your "virgin" eyes? Unless you planned on being a virgin your entire life you're bound to run into one of them eventually. Or are you one of those girls that prefers the same sex?" Akihiko said plainly making Misaka blush even more
"W-what!? I'm not a lesbian! I prefer guys like Shusuke-kun!" Misaka said defending herself
"Shusuke-kun?" Akihiko asked with a quizzical look
"An over eccentric emo whose power hungry, broods all the damn time, claims he's the strongest because of his clan heritage, thinks he's hot shit, and desperate for his daddy's attention even though his dad's only concern is whether or not Shusuke doesn't embarrass his family name." Shintaro said explaining Shusuke to Akihiko
"Ah, I see." Akihiko said getting a description
"Hey! Shusuke-kun's not like that!" Misaka protested
"I don't know sounds accurate to me." Momiji said
"Yup, what the wonder twin said." Katsumi said causing a twitch of annoyance in Momiji's eye
"Unfortunately Shusuke-kun has not yet known the pleasure of youthful friendship, and has intended to keep himself distant from those who care about him." Ling said remorsefully
"You know, I think I know someone that you'll get along with well." Kakashi said to Ling while the other girls were thinking
"Oh Kami, there's another Ling out there?"
"Are we going to fight or what?" Akihiko asked annoyingly
"That depends, are they going to let me go about my business?" Shintaro said looking at Kushina who was figuring out what to do
"Shintaro, this is more about giving Ayano a birthday gift isn't it?" Kushina asked with a light serious tone
"Huh, aren't you perceptive. Yes, this is more about Ayano-chan's birthday, though that was my first intention I plan to do something….extra with the new friends I plan to make in here. I plan to add our chances of defending ourselves against….him." Shintaro said with hate not wanting to even say that man's name instantly stiffening Momiji, Ling, Misaka, and Katsumi gaining their attention seriously ignoring everyone else around them
"Shintaro, are you talking about-"
"Yeah, I am" Shintaro said seriously interrupting Misaka which he hardly ever does.
"What exactly are you kids talking about?" Kushina asked them making them jerk forgetting about their company
"HE is none of your concern, simple as that. The only thing you need to know is that He is a dangerous man, that's hunted us down ever since we left the village, and that I intend to end his life….painfully, slowly, and with extreme prejudice." Shintaro said squeezing his fists darkly raising his KI unconsciously to high levels making the other less experienced with this tremble despite his appearance.
"Hey, Shintaro you're freaking out your friends with that KI of yours." Akihiko said getting the attention of Shintaro
"Oh, sorry about that." Shintaro said dropping his KI to nonexistent levels
"Man, sometimes I forget how scary you can be." Momiji said getting her bearings
"Well, remember this. I'm a trained assassin/swordsman that's capable of killing multiple Shinobi without getting a scratch, and that I'm the only one in our group except for Kimimaro, Jugo, Genyumaru, and even Haku who has killed before when you guys either freeze up or back down when given the opportunity. It also seems you forgot that I'm capable of surviving in harsh environments such as this one. Tell me did any of you reach a section of the forest called the "Poison Pods?" Shintaro asked with Kakashi's group nodded
"We did, and had to move carefully around it in order to avoid the poisonous air." Kakashi said
"Well, I didn't go around like some cautious amatuer. I went through that section without a scratch by filtering the air in my lungs to match the poison air like I was trained to." Shintaro said directly at Kakashi
"What! Why would you do something so reckless!?" Kushina said surprised
"It's not reckless if it's planned, and like I said I was trained to do that. Besides I needed a faster route to where I needed to go, and that fit the bill." Shintaro said defending his position
"So, I'll ask one more time. Will you let me go?" Shintaro asked Kushina one last time not backing down.
"Is this what it's like to meet someone that's as stubborn as you?" Shintaro and Kushina thought at the same time
"Alright, if you're going then I'm going to, and that's the only way I'll let you go. It'll be faster and besides I need to get some exercise in to test how strong I am so I'll have a good idea on how far i'm behind, and see if I'm fit for duty as a ninja. I can't cook meals out of nothing you know?" Kushina said grinning to herself
"Fine by me. You ok with that Akihiko?" Shintaro asked
"As long as she doesn't slow me down, and get in my way of any fighting I'm fine with it." Akihiko grumbled
"Trust me I won't, or at least I hope I won't. Girls, you need to take Ayano, and leave this place. I'll make sure these kids make it back alive, and don't do anything stupid that'll kill them ok? That includes you too Honoka, consider this an order to make sure your girls get out of here safely. Got it?" Kushina said sternly
"Hai, Lady Kushina-sama I'll do my best." Honoka said in a soldier like voice even saluting making everyone sweat drop
"Right, now lets get going-Ow! Who hit me!?" Shintaro demanded
"You're not planning to go into battle with nothing, but your undies are you baka?" Misaka said rubbing her hand again
"Oh yeah, I forgot hehehe!" Shintaro laughed to himself while picked a scroll out of one his ninja pouches
"By the way how'd you lose your clothes like that anyways?" Katsumi asked
"Oh…. yeah I kinda forgot to mention to you guys, and Ayano-chan that I got a face full of explosion when getting rid of a fail safe of a seal. I disabled them all, but apparently there was a ground trap hidden in the grass which triggered a huge explosion that would've killed anyone else, but not me." Shintaro said with pride
"Wait, you mean that big ass explosion we saw from outside the gate was you? And all that blood we saw scattered everywhere was yours!?" Katsumi asked
"Yup, it hurt like hell taking something that powerful in full force. I mean it, it really hurt. Arm was broken nearly hanging by some veins, 3rd degree burns all over, leg was bleeding all over the place, internal organs ruptured an all, and even some of my hair was singed off. I was lucky my pants even survived, well I guess their shorts now." Shintaro said chuckling to himself rubbing the behind of his head while everyone there was just staring at Shintaro in disbelief
"You mean to tell me, that you not only survived that explosion, but healed all those injuries on your own? How!?" Kushina asked trying to make sense of this
"I heal fast." Shintaro simply said making everyone fall over in a comedic fashion except Akihiko, and Kakashi who just shrugged it off accepting it.
While Shintaro also shrugged while he opened the scroll having a large puff of smoke to appear to reveal it had a spare set of clothes to which Shintaro quickly changed into without a thought while they were on the floor recovering.
"Nice wardrobe I suppose, gotta say it's better than what you were wearing before, but it looks...unfit for battle." Akihiko said observing the new set of clothes Shintaro was wearing
"Man you change quick, but I gotta agree the clothes fit you…..if you're going to some fancy restaurant." Momiji said admiring Shintaro's wardrobe.
Shintaro's new set of clothing consisted of a new black mask this one being skin tight instead of a bandanna like Kakashi's leaving only his eyes exposed, he wore a white undershirt, and a grey long sleeved shirt with mesh armor hidden underneath it, he wore a black sleeveless v-neck vest made of special fabric that was buttoned up all the way to the top covered by a black suit, he wore nice black ninja slacks with thin vertical grey stripes that had held his ninja pouches, and his feet were covered by nice polished black shoes. He basically looked like combat butler/ninja.
"My my, aren't you a handsome one all dressed up like that?" Kushina teased making Shintaro confused looking at himself
"Handsome? It's just some simple clothes, what is she talking ab-"
"Ah, damn it! I picked up the wrong scroll!" Shintaro yelled annoyed at himself
"How did you not know what you were wearing?"
"I can change into whatever I need to without thinking about it, it's just a habit of mine." Shintaro said
"So, what the hell was that for anyway? You plan on treating yourself to a job well done or something?" Katsumi said sarcastically
"This was supposed to be what I was going to wear as part of a surprise for Ayano-chan's secret dinner gift tonight!" Shintaro complained without realizing what he said
"Secret dinner gift eh?" Kushina continued to tease making Shintaro a flustered stuttering mess
"Uh-I-uh I mean….please don't tell Ayano-chan. I was going to surprise her by taking her out to this expensive fancy restaurant for dinner as a surprise thinking that the lunch d..d...d-date."
"Why am I having such a hard time saying it this time? I said it just fine yesterday with Ayano-chan, and Ms. Uzumaki. What's wrong with me?" Shintaro thought to himself as he shook his head of that thought.
"I promised her yesterday was all I was going to do when really I had something big planned for her. Since I haven't done anything significant for her last few birthdays other than those earrings I gave her that one time that doubled as a secret weapon….which she seemed to love at first, but for some reason when I told her about the weapon part she seemed a little less….excited about it."
"Although, I didn't expect her to keep the gift after that much less master the weapon I gave her. I don't get it, it doubles as jewelry, and as a weapon perfect for looking pretty, and being deadly as an assassin the perfect combo for a kunoichi-OW!" Shintaro said rubbing his head again.
"BAKA! You're not supposed to give a girl a present on her birthday like that! You're supposed to do something romantic for her! Girls don't like it when you give stuff like that, well maybe not Ayano, but she's a special case." Misaka said trying not to expose Ayano's secret crush for him….well secret to Shintaro only.
"Romantic? Why would I be romantic on someone's birthday? I thought I'm just supposed to give someone a gift based on what would be best suited to their personality, and functionality." Shintaro said confused
"Well, you do have a point Misaka, but I thought it was rather sweet of him to do something like that. Speaking of which are those the earrings you were talking about?" Kushina said pointing to Ayano making Shintaro take a closer look at her
"Yeah, they are. She must've brought them in case she needed them. Guess she really liked them after all." Shintaro said as he picked the unconscious blonde up while he was about to hand over her to the clone when Ayano stirred herself awake.
As Ayano opened her eyes letting her eyes adjust to the light she swore she was in a dream. Because what she saw in front of her was a very sharply dressed and handsome Shintaro carrying her bridal style with the light reflecting on his eyes making them sparkle. Seeing her wake up Shintaro decided to take up Misaka's advice, and change things up a bit by acting like those guys he always saw around princesses in movies Ayano watched whenever they were in a big city thus making a big change to his….personality.
"Romantic eh? I guess that makes sense...somehow...to a girl anyways. Alright if romantic is what they want then romantic is what they get. Time to put those acting skills to the test! I'm actually glad I went with Ayano-chan to those...films, if they could be called that...alright, let's do this!"
"I see you've awaken from your slumber my dear Ayano-hime. Is there anything I can do for you on this beautiful day of ours? I am yours for the day if need be, for I am your humble servant fit to serve whatever needs or wants you desire. Be it to fetch someone, feed you, or even fight or die for your honor. It would be both a privilege and honor to serve someone who has such beauty, and pure of heart for one such as your self Ayano-hime. So what is it that you desire most? Just say the word, and it will be done. My body, my soul, my very being only belong to you my precious Ayano-hime." Shintaro said smoothly while giving Ayano an eye smile.
"Heh, how's that for romantic!"
However, this personality difference was not having the effect Shintaro had in mind, rather making Ayano blushing like mad to the point he gave her a nosebleed making her pass out in the process with a blissful smile behind her mask with giant pink hearts in her eyes.
Meanwhile when this was going on all of the girls present practically had their jaws hit the floor seeing the 180 change in personality Shintaro just demonstrated from a bumbling kid with an attitude to an all out butler of all things, and well mannered smooth talking one to boot. This led to the group all wondering different, but more or less the same thing in the following order: Kushina, Katsumi, Misaka, Kakashi, Honoka, with the last two Ling, and Momiji with hearts in their eyes.
"When did..."
"...that dumbass..."
"..perverted baka..."
"...turn into a..."
"...smooth talking..."
"...dreamy eyed..."
"...hunk!?"
This however was quickly changed after Shintaro saw that him being "romantic" caused such a reaction from her.
"Ah! Ayano-chan wake up! What did I do? Was it something I said? Oh crap your red all over, do you have a fever? Talk to me!" Shintaro said frantically shaking Ayano back and forth trying to see if she's alright.
This led to the girls revert back to their original opinion of him in the following order: Honoka, Katsumi, Momiji, and Ling with Misaka instead saying what's on her mind.
"Never mind..."
"...he's still a clumsy..."
"...dimwitted..."
"...but caring..."
"BAKA! Quit shaking her!" Misaka said pelting Shintaro's head with her fist
"OWW!" Shintaro said as he slowly put Ayano into the hands of his clone
"Misaka-chan! Why do you keep hitting me?" Shintaro said as he rubbed his head
"Because you keep acting like an idiot! Damn it, I can't believe you actually fooled me with that acting of yours." Misaka grumbled to herself
"Speaking of which how'd your sorry ass manage to act like that in the first place?" Katsumi said trying to hold in her laughter
"Hn. All I did was trying to do what Misaka-chan said about being "romantic" though I still don't know why. So the only thing I could think of were those cheesy ass movies Ayano-chan made me watch with her whenever we were in a big city. Ugh, just thinking about it makes my head hurt from the pure stupidity. The Three Princesses, The Butler and the Queen, and Lady Kamui's Princesses Adventure with her Hell of a Butler." Shintaro droned while rubbing his temples
"Oh Kami, that last one was one of the worst things I had to sit through, but Ayano-chan seemed to like it so I stuck through to the end….even if I did lose some of my pride because of those movies, but I suppose it was worth it seeing Ayano-chan happy like that after all the crap she's been through." Shintaro said groaning at the memory, but lightened up remembering her face at the time
"Sounds like you're her boyfriend more than just her friend to me." Katsumi teased while she outright busted into laughter
"Katsumi…." Shintaro said darkly with his eye twitching while he raised his chakra levels along with KI slowly with one word at a time "if you or anyone here repeats to anyone especially the teme. I'll skin you alive and hang you to dry for the leeches to feed on what's left, or would you rather keep your mouth from barking like it usually does." Shintaro said staring down Katsumi while cracking his knuckles, and neck at the same time reminding Katsumi, and everyone there Shintaro's not just an bumbling kid, but a well-trained expert of a cold-blooded assassin/warrior.
"Eh….sure, whatever you say." Katsumi said nervously getting up while her pups whimpered in fear
"Even in that outfit of yours you manage to strike fear even in your comrades….I'm really starting to like you." Akihiko said chuckling at the scene before him
"Tch. Just hold on for a minute. No one go anywhere I'll be back in 30 min." Shintaro said quickly disappearing before everyone
"Uh, are we sure we can trust him?" Kakashi asked
"Despite how he is Kakashi-san, Shintaro-san has never broken his word to this day. He's never done in the past for as long as I've traveled with him so I'm sure he'll be back." Honoka said reassuring him
"Well, I guess we wait 30 minutes then." Kushina said as she sat down on a tree trunk
"This is a good time for you girls to get out of here. Kakashi make sure they get out of here safely." Kushina said to Kakashi who nodded
"Yes Ma'am. Let's move out. I'll take point." Kakashi said as he started to run with Shintaro's clone that held Ayano as the girls thankfully nodded
"Finally I can get out here, and take my rightful spot in the tub." Misaka said
"Why? So Shusuke will have something even uglier to ignore?" Katsumi teased as she left
"Damn it! Take that back you bitch!" Misaka yelled as she chased after her
"Yosh! It is unyouthful for comrades to say such things, but if it's a chase you want then I'll shall comply. If I don't come first then I'll do a thousand laps around the village on my hands backwards!" Ling said as she ran after them
"Please don't do that." Momiji groaned as she too left
"Be safe Lady Kushina." Honoka said as she chased after the rest. As Kushina and Akihiko waited for Shintaro to come back Kushina quickly got bored, and tried to start a conversation with the jungle boy
"So, Akihiko was it?" Kushina asked to which he nodded
"What's a kid like you doing here anyways?" Kushina said trying to pass the time
"My 'family' abandoned me here after I tried to explore the boundaries of our village….and by the way I'm not a human just so you know." Akihiko said passively
"Oh, I'm so sor-wait what was that last part about you not being human?" Kushina said confused
"Long story short: I'm a giant warrior tiger from Batorubarē banished for using a forbidden technique that makes me able to turn human, like I am now, when I was less than a cub like I am now. Any more questions?" Akihiko asked annoyingly
"Just one." Kushina said
"Ask then." Akihiko simply said
"Are you completely human biology wise or is this just an advance henge?" Kushina said
"It's a real human body biology wise if you want to put it that way. The body in which I am in functions like any other human body from needing substance to food to the stamina this body can produce. I can even have children of my own in this form if I wish, though I doubt any women will be willing risk what their children would like with someone like me. So I discarded the idea completely, and decided to be last one in my family line my final revenge to those who used me for their own needs thinking they can use me to breed new warriors. At least by teaming up with Shintaro I can lead a full life of battle, and die a warrior's death. Also in this form I can travel with him without raising too many eyes, not many would take kind to a giant tiger walking about in their village." Akihiko said explaining himself
"Oh, I see. Well, if you need a place to stay my doors always open, well as soon as I get one." Kushina said with a smile
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm used to living on my own." Akihiko said sitting down into a meditating position indicating he didn't want to talk anymore leaving Kushina to wait another….28 minutes and 32 seconds, this was going to take forever.
28 minutes and 32 seconds later….
8:42
Hearing the rustling of bushes near them Kushina, and Akihiko both go into position to attack whatever was foolish enough to prey on them. Only to see that it was Shintaro dressed in….bear/tiger pelts like some jungle boy.
His new mask this time was one made of some animal skull with the top part removed leaving only the jaw line with the teeth closed wrapped around his face that still had some blood on it, he had a sleeveless vest made from tiger pelts that was opened revealing his chest that was stringed by 3 thin vines, he also had skulls acting like shoulder pads both only they were obvious human skulls instead of animal.
He also had a necklace made out of long sharp teeth out the various animals he must've hunted down connected through a string like some trophy similar to the wrist/anklet bracelets he wore, he had a tiger striped loincloth/skirt that had 4 parts 2 on the sides of his legs, and the other 2 covering the front/back of his waist that hid his nether regions going down to his hips that was held by a spine belt from some poor animal, and for his feet he decided to go barefoot.
"First casual wear then a butler outfit now you're a jungle boy. You sure love to play dress up don't you, but I have to admit I'd rather wear that than just these shorts; don't you have anything else that doesn't chafe?" Akihiko asked giving Shintaro a tick mark
"Hey, I make due with what I had at my disposal, and last time I check there aren't any stores in here. And by the way that's what underwear is for ." Shintaro retorted
"Like I would know." Akihiko grumbled
"Um, Shintaro? You mind telling me why you're wearing "human" skulls for shoulder pads, and a whatever that is on your mouth? It's kinda unsettling." Kushina asked worriedly thinking he killed someone.
"Oh these? I just found them lying about thinking they would look cool, and badass like. Not to mention like I said I had to make due with what I had. So lets get going already, I'm sure the Aburame Clan is wetting their pants right now, and I don't need any more interference. I've wasted enough time as it is." Shintaro said as started running towards his next destination
"This should be fun. I've wondering when I get to truly fight again, though this form will take some getting used to." Akihiko said catching up to Shintaro
"Hey! You kids-tiger-you two wait up!" Kushina said as she stumbled a bit trying to catch up with the two boys.
To say this place was "unholy" was an understatement.
The Unholy Nests weren't named so just to scare people to avoid it, no this place was unholy by all means. From the look to the stench of this place there's no doubt that if the Shikigami had a vacation home this would be it. Various human remains littered this place almost replacing the grass itself with old fragile skeletons of fools trying to pass here. Most capable ninja are familiar with the stench of death, after all if part of the job description; however a even a war-hardened veteran would have trouble keeping his lunch in from the repugnant odors that crawled into the nostrils of anything with a nose. Even in top of the trees you could see skeletons, or at least whatever was left of them hanging over the tree branches that had kunai embedded in parts or in between the bones or left bare probably died from the wildlife. When this place was accessible for the early Chunnin Exams back when the village was founded you had three choices of how you would travel through here.
Option 1 would obviously be on land where one would presume to be somewhat safe, when in fact you'd be dead wrong seeing as the ground was filled with hidden flesh eating insect mounds throughout this section of the forest that would automatically prey on whoever dared step near or Kami forbid on top on one of their mounds befor they could do everything fast from moving to eating the flesh off your bones.
Option 2 was high up in the trees, but you'd have to be either insane or immune to all of the poisonous leeches, insects, bees, hornets, and other various flying insects who prefered to have their nest hidden up in the tallest part of the trees to even dare climb through the forest.
Option 3 was probably your riskiest, but best/safest bet of getting out here alive, though it did come with it's own share of troubles that could end your life your not careful. If you wanted to survive here your best bet was to go through the middle of the trees; climbing about halfway, but not exactly at the top where the nests rested from the tree branches. However, there was wrong problem with that plan….it's just so happened that every Kami damn tree around here was overflowing with tree sap, and not just any tree sap.
No, you had to gamble on which two tree saps you would hopefully wouldn't stumble upon, and both were dangerous in their own right; however one that they shared would be surely be the cause of the end of your journey: that thing being that they both attracted the attention of all wildlife near the vicinity making you a viable target to every living thing thinking your an all you can eat buffet. Now, one tree sap was a dark shade of yellow this one would put you into a sticky situation literally.
It's nearly impossible to escape this sap as it grabs you if not slows you down indefinitely with the only known method of removing it is heating it to a high temperature until it crystallizes to the point it breaks. The other tree sap was a more lighter shade of yellow almost invisible to the naked eye, but made everything it touched give an unnatural shine to it; but other than making something shiny it also made everything it touch as slippery as grease oil making it nearly impossible to get a grip of any kind onto the tree. Now, when one normally comes across such place they would usually turn tail, and either run for the hills or go around if they're so desperate to reach their destination.
8:56
However, Shintaro somehow managed to know the in's and out's of this section expertly tracking the trees with little to no problem…. as if he's been before, something that Kushina seemed to notice as she observed him following his movements that kept them all safe from harm. Said movements involved throwing kunai into the sticky sap stepping on them quickly throw them to the next tree then rinse, and repeat.
'Shintaro, is there nothing you can do? You outsmarted some goons something which anyone with brains can do, you managed to perform a completely advanced fuuinjutsu that someone only from my clan can do that brought Tsunade, and myself from our coma's; though I know you didn't use any type of jutsu at all….that was the Kyuubi's chakra he sent into me there's no doubt about it. The only thing is just "how" you even knew that I was the jinchuuriki, or even how to revive me with that chakra.'
'You saved my son even offering a home to him if he was unable to revive me, for that I am eternally grateful for him, but before I left for the forest that Yugao girl told me something that might question your motivation. You said to her that your not here in Konoha to make friends or allies only to ensure the survival of your friends. But survival from what, or rather whom? You kids seem to be on the run from someone that seems to be hunting you kids down, but for what exactly? This obviously gave you guys trust issues hiding your faces, and even some of you your eye colors from what I saw from Ayano's eye's wearing colored eye cotacts. Still though, back to what Shintaro has done.'
'You managed to take on 3 Anbu by yourself, even if you did catch them off guard taking them down is no easy task, you somehow survived this forest on his own without even being here at all, but can act and move as if this was his own backyard. I'm even shocked you found a summoning animal of all things that can turn into human at will apparently, and you're now traversing this wretched place like it was nothing in search of a monster that nearly destroyed Konoha on it's own. His skills in taijutsu, ninjutsu, fuuinjutsu, kenjutsu, survival, negotiation, stealth are above what any normal child should posses.'
'Almost like you're a ninja yourself maybe even on Kakashi's level, but I heard you say last night that you'd rather die than become a citizen much less a ninja of Konoha or any other hidden village great or not. And I know you weren't faking that, I don't care what acting skills you have that was pure hate he had spilling out of his mouth. You even went so far as to apologize to poor Ayano after you took some of it on her.'
'You act like a kid sometimes, but that's just for show for people who don't know you. There's also that KI you can produce. That level of KI comes from someone who's been in battle multiple times, and come out as a different person.'
'I feel as if I should know you, and I don't know why. It's been tearing at me the second I met you, and you not wanting to say about anything being an Uzumaki only bugs me more. Shintaro….just who are you? If I'm to find out anything I need to stay close to him.' Kushina thought to herself as she followed Shintaro's movements through the trees
"I gotta say I'm impressed with how you're moving in this terrain cub." Akihiko said as he followed Shintaro's movements
"Thanks, but we need to be quiet. We don't want to wake the bugs up, and besides we're practically there so watch your watch your step." Shintaro said as he carefully stepped down from the trees.
"What do you mean we're he-oh Kami what is this place. I mean it smelled bad before, but here...blegh!" Kushina said in both awe and disgust of the skeletal remains that had hives embedded into their bones, rib cages, and even their skulls all resting in these pod like coffins made from fungus, and other forest material.
"This is where Joōbachi has been sleeping all these years, and from the look of things she's been trying to make herself more human this entire time. I'm guessing she used her bugs to paralyze shinobi who passed by here, drag them here, and used them to try to make a hive like the Aburame Clan does with their bodies; but it looks like she's failed on multiple accounts."
"Joōbachi may have been trapped here, but her influence still reached outside of her prison. Poor bastards never stood a chance. Let's get a move on, and keep quiet we don't need to wake up the children now do we?" Shintaro said quietly crouching down as he pointed to a group of logs that seemed to stir underneath as if something was trying to wake up.
"Got it. Let's just get what we came here for, and just leave." Kushina whispered as she got into a crouching position
"Hm, I would jump at the chance to wrestle one of those things, but even I'm not that desperate for a battle." Akihiko also whispered as he crouched.
As the trio made their way through the pods Shintaro found one that was untouched, and unopened from the look of it. It was about 6 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide with some sort of mucus serving as the door or rather protection from the outside, and what it was protecting….and what it was protecting was a little girl about the age of Shintaro full blown naked actually.
"Kami, is she still alive? Is there anything we can do for her?" Kushina asked hoping she could do something for the girl
"She is alive, I can hear her heart, and there is something we can do." Shintaro said answering her
"What?" Kushina asked
"This." Shintaro said grabbing a kunai stabbing the mucus shield ripping it open to grab the unconscious girl in his arms.
The young girl appeared to be around Shintaro's age with a tan pigment for her skin along with strange black pattern tattoos throughout her body, other than that she had a thin layer of black hair on her head with her bangs covering her eyes.
"Hey, do you have anything she can use for clothing, or use parts of your own. She's got a pulse, it's weak, but I can tell she's about to wake up now; and I don't think she'll appreciate us looking at her like this." Shintaro said looking for something to cover the girl
'Hmm….I'm sensing a strange chakra presence from her, maybe she's…..no, I can't decide anything until she's awake, but if what I'm sensing is true then….' Shintaro thought to himself
"Here she can use this. You better let me do this, I think you boys seen enough as it is." Kushina said cutting up a big piece of her apron making Shintaro blush a bit.
"Yeah, sure. Here she can use this as a shirt." Shintaro said handing the girl over along with his torn up tank top to Kushina
"It may be a bit torn up, but it'll have to do." Kushina said as she put on the tank top that covered her chest modestly, and started to craft a makeshift skirt from her apron. After a couple of minutes the now covered mysterious girl was starting to gain consciousness
"Uh…." the girl moaned as she started to wake up
"Hey there, take it easy. You've been through a lot. Can you talk?" Kushina asked gently
"Mo…." the girl whispered
"What was that?" Kushina asked as the girl tried to open her eyes more to reveal that they're completely reversed from the yellow pupil to the black iris
"Mo….mother?" the girl asked leaving Kushina stumped
"Uh…."
"No, she's not your mother, she is though someone who wants to help find her for me." Shintaro said interrupting her
"Uh, yeah that's right. So, can you tell us your name?" Kushina asked
"It's….I think it started with….Regashī. Yes, it's Regashī." Regashī said quietly while slowly nodding her head
"Regashī? Strange name, but it's yours so that's what we'll call you. Now where's your mother? I'm sure she's worried, do you know where she is?" Kushina asked
"No, I don't. I don't even know what she looks like, only what she sounds like." Regashī said "Only what she sounds like?" Kushina said to which Regashī nodded
"How long have you been in that sack of yours?" Akihiko asked
"My entire life. Mother kept me safe, and taught me everything I know. Even about the outside world, and how scary it is. I'm not supposed to talk to humans, but you're not scary like the one's Mother has told me about through stories." Regashī said plainly without emotion turning the heads of Kushina and Akihiko while confirming a suspicion Shintaro had
"Humans? Like us? Wha-"
"Why don't we take you to your Mother? I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you alive Regashī daughter of Joōbachi." Shintaro said instantly gaining the full attention of Kushina, and Akihiko
"You know about Mother? Are you here to help her?" Regashī asked slowly in a monotone voice
"Yes, I'm here to free her from her imprisonment from this forest." Shintaro said extending his hand to Regashī
"You're going to help Mother!? Thank you, thank you skull boy!" Regashī said with monotone excitement taking Shintaro's hand
"Sku-oh yeah, the mask. Listen Regashī I'm here to take you and your mom out of here, any idea where your mother is?" Shintaro asked Regashī who was appearing to have a headache of some sort.
"Hey, are you ok?" Shintaro asked
"Mother wants to talk to you, this way." Regashī said walking off
"Mother would also ask that only the skull boy would come please. She insures that she just wants to talk. She believes what you say, and would like to talk in person; but she's not sure about the others. The fake boy, and former container, I don't know why she called you that, need to stay here with the other children." Regashī said pointing to the other seemingly endless rows of pods full of children of various ages between pre-teens to early adulthood that were unopened.
"She sadly asks that you please end their suffering. Their bodies aren't able to last longer than a few weeks at this point, and their minds are nothing to save, just mindless beast by now. However, they will fight since all they have is their instinct of pure survival, and nothing more." Regashī said to Kushina, and Akihiko
"Now hold on! I came here to make sure Shintaro makes it out of here, not murder innocent children!" Kushina protested
"They're not all actual children like me. Mother uses that term generally for everyone. There are as much if not even more "children" that are actually in their late teens to even adulthood. Mother wanted strong soldiers for her invasion, but almost none of them could handle Mother's...indoctrination." Regashī said softly looking down with saddened eyes with Kushina still trying to protest
"Yeah, but still..."
"Didn't you hear her woman? They won't last long out of those pods, and their minds are nothing, but that of feral's looking for a meal. Unless you insist on making them suffer until they wear out I see this as a mercy killing if anything else. The cub's right, besides I thought you wanted to see if you're still fit for duty." Akihiko said with a smug smile making Kushina scowl at him in disgust
"Not like this. I don't see how this is the only option, can't we find a cure for them or something? It's not right to rob them of a life they've barely experienced." Kushina protested
"Mother asks that you please hurry, my siblings are about to wake up. Even though they are her children she knows that this is what's best for them, and please end their suffering." Regashī said solemnly
"I know that this is hard for you seeing that you're also a mother, but as a mother you need to respect her wishes as well. Think what would happen if these things got out into the village, think what would happen if one of them ran into Naruto. Do you think they'll be capable of mercy when they'll be ripping him to pieces while he's scared out of his mind wondering where you are?" Shintaro said unmercifully to Kushina snapping her out of her fit
"NO! I won't allow that to happen to Naruto! I'm his mother, and as his mother I will protect him with my life. This may go against what I want, but the village, and more importantly my son is in danger so I'm willing to do anything to protect them both….even if it means doing this." Kushina said thinking lowly of this gritting her teeth bearing this weight on her shoulder, but would do so if it would mean the safety of her son.
"Good, that's the mindset you need to have. Since you don't have a weapon take mine." Shintaro said taking his sword off his back handing it to Kushina as she unsheathed it to get a feel as she tired to cheer herself up
"Have you ever handled one before?" Shintaro asked curious
"Are you kidding me? Besides fuuinjutsu, kenjutsu is one of the things we Uzumaki are experts at. Although, it is a bit small for my tastes...and a bit dull, but it'll have to do." Kushina said
"That's good to know, which means I can give you use of Azuma's full potential." Shintaro said walking up to Kushina who was confused
"Azuma, I'm guessing that's the name of your sword?" Kushina asked to which Shintaro nodded while he bit his thumb making it bleed
"No, Ketsueki Hiru is the name. Azuma is...well, can you hold it out for a second?" Shintaro asked to which Kushina complied exposing the blade to Shintaro as he wrote something with the blood from his thumb on the blade making it extend like it did before.
"That is Azuma." Shintaro said with pride
"Woah! Now this is something I can get behind. Where'd you buy this or who'd you buy this from? It's beautifully crafted, and well made from the tip to the hilt, excellent handling as well, really moves with grace." Kushina said swinging the new sword some more
"Why thank you, I did spend about a month or two working on it." Shintaro said accepting the praise of his sword
"You made this? How? Who taught you?" Kushina asked with curiosity and skepticism
"No one did, at least the easy stuff anyways. I just read how to do it from some books I borrowed from an old blacksmith that taught me the basics." Shintaro said modestly
"Really? Wow, the things you kids are capable of these days. You're like a prodigy in your own right." Kushina said praising him mildly
"Thanks but, I really don't like it when people call me that. Makes me think I was born perfect instead working my ass off to get where I am today, and that thought makes my blood boil; but thanks nonetheless." Shintaro said mildly annoyed
"Oh, I understand then. Still though you really should consider becoming a ni-"
"Forgive me Ms. Uzumaki, but that is out of the question. Though my friends may have a different stance on the subject, I still have no plans to become a shinobi for Konoha or any other the 5 Great Hidden Villages, or the small ones even like Ame, Kusa, or Tsuchi. I have my own reasons, and would prefer to leave it to that. Now before I leave there's some things I need to tell you about Azuma, and its current….abilities." Shintaro said extending his arm politely asking for his sword back.
"Oh, very well if that's your decision then I respect it." Kushina said politely handing the sword back
"Now, I intended Azuma, the first level Ketsueki Hiru is in, to be an offensive sword most of all. Now you may have noticed it's blade looked dull at first , but when I applied my own blood to it it gain a sharper edge to it." Shintaro said pointing to the blade with Kushina paying attention nodding
"The reason for this is because I drew inspiration from Zabuza-Sensei's Kubikiribōchō: A.K.A Executioner's Blade in the sense that blood can make it stronger. It's meant to deceive people thinking I have a crappy dull sword when really it's a bloodthirsty sword that gets stronger/sharper with every drop of blood that touches it's blade, including the one who's wielding it. With every drop Azuma gets sharper and sharper to the point where it transforms when it "drinks" enough blood to a new form called "Akuma" then it's a whole new ballgame."
"Now Akuma's a bit tricky, if you get to the point where it transforms, it's the sharpest the blade's ever gonna get making it an offensive weapon in all it's entirety, I honestly have yet to meet anything that's been unable to handle my sword besides chakra metal without the use of wind chakra sharpening my blade even more. However, if Akuma takes too many hits or you parry too many times it shatters back into it's weakest form: Yowai nibui katana literally meaning "weak dull sword" so you're fucked if that happens."
"However, if Akuma drinks even more blood it eventually transforms into it's ultimate form "Asura", and when that happens all you need to do is swing in the general direction and let the sword do the rest. I won't explain what will happen, but I'll say this...it's gonna be awesome even though it'll last for a short amount of time. Any questions?" Shintaro said admiring his creation finishing his explanation leaving Kushina in awe of what the weapon she held, much less even believed that the boy made this weapon.
"Yeah, how do I even know when this sword….drinks enough blood to transform I gu-did you say Zabuza, one of the Legendary Seven Swordsmen of the Mist?" Kushina said with that last part with a bit of skepticism
"To answer your first question, or your incomplete question really. You'll know when that dragon that's carved in down at the bottom of the blade is fully red almost glowing if need be. And to answer your second question yeah, I said Zabuza. We met him when we ran into Haku in the Land of Water, and needed help with some hunter nin after us. He saw that we needed help killed them with ease, and even offered to help us find a place to stay. He eventually led us to a small town where we stayed for about 3 months in which he trained me, Misaka-chan, the teme, Haku, and Suigetsu in both kenjutsu, whereas he taught some advanced water ninjutsu for me alone, and even his Silent Killing technique to which I mastered in a few weeks giving the teme something else to hate me."
"He even said he'd consider giving me his Kubikiribōchō when he dies or needs a new apprentice, which I think is awesome because what's more cooler than a giant ass blade that can decapitate with ease? Nothin that's what! Although, I may have to consider giving it to Suigetsu if I can't find another one of the swords before then because of who his big brother is. Oh well, anyways he's a cool guy in my book, and was wanting to see if we were interested in joining him when he needs help in liberating Kiri or something, and wanted Haku with Suigetsu as an apprentice as well."
"I was cool with it letting the two of them decide, but they ultimately decided to stay even though they wanted to. Haku stayed because of Guren no matter what we says, even though he denies it ALL the damn time, and Suigetsu stayed because he did not want anything to do with Kiri, liberated or not until he found all of the Seven Swords making them his in honor of his brother Mangetsu Hozuki." Shintaro explained leaving Kushina to her thoughts on how potentially dangerous Shintaro really is.
'Shintaro….I seriously need to keep an eye on you.'
"Wow, to think you're that good to be considered an apprentice for one the Seven Swordsmen. Well, thanks for this I'll be sure to take care of it while you're gone. Be safe alright?" Kushina said
"I will, and Akihiko….try not to lose the shorts. If you're going to blend in you need to wear clothes that normal people wear." Shintaro said despite what he was wearing
"Sure, whatever you say jungle boy." Akihiko mocked while intentionally looking at this outfit
"I never said I was normal now did I?" Shintaro said rhetorically "Fair enough. Now go already, we still have a big battle ahead of us." Akihiko said cracking his knuckles while his nails started to turn into claws, and his teeth becoming more feral
"Right, now Regashī where's your mother at?" Shintaro asked the girl waiting for him patiently
"This way, and Mother would like to thank you for what you're doing for her….you better hurry my siblings have smelled you, and are very hungry" Regashī said to Kushina and Akihiko as the pods began to rip from the inside with the various "children" climbing out with moans of pain, and anger looking for something to eat
"This way hurry." Regashī said anxiously as she quickened her pace with Shintaro following her deeper into the Unholy Nests where Joōbachi awaited them.