Treasures of Time
Chapter 2: Teammates
Please enjoy. I would love to hear any suggestions or reviews.
Perspectives: Kakuzu, Saizo, Hazel, Snow
Kakuzu's Perspective
I woke early to the irritating beeping of my alarm clock. I hit the damn thing. It shattered. Shit! I shifted to my side and smiled, when I saw Snow with our two youngest children huddled by her side.
"Mmm, Kakuzu", said Snow as she slowly sat.
Rose gave a soft whine as she was moved from her mother.
"You shouldn't call me that with them so near", I said.
That name belonged to the past. This the present. She rolled her eyes. Snow leaned toward drawer and pulled out another alarm clock and handed it to me.
"Our children have picked up that habit", I said.
"Why are you up this early?" asked Snow.
"A surprise meeting with Eiji threw off my schedule so I have to leave early. Go back to sleep", I said.
"Wait",
I glanced back at her. She pointed to her soft pink lips. I kissed her. A gentle smile appeared across her lips.
"I love you my treasure", I said.
"I love you", said Snow.
"Oh, if Saizo is awake give him this", said Snow as she placed something in my hand.
She made herself comfortable and fell asleep beside our children. When I opened my hand, I saw it was small green vile. Why would the boy need smelling salts? I put it in my pocket. I walked into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.
"Shit!"
"Saizo?"
"Yes, dad", he answered.
I walked over to him. He was lying on the floor of the dining room. I was surprised to see him dressed and ready to go somewhere.
"Why are you on the floor?" I asked.
"I tripped on Kotaro's toys and didn't feel like getting up after I fell", said Saizo.
I lifted him off the floor. Saizo has grown so much. Now he stands at level with my upper chest. It feels like just yesterday he was a toddler who cried whenever I left for missions. He followed me into kitchen and took a seat at the island.
"What has you up a this hour?" I asked.
"Training", he said.
"When?" I asked.
"Seven", said Saizo.
I placed a box of cereal and a bowl in front of him.
"Raisin Brand?" he asked.
"If you don't like it get up and get a new box", I said.
He rolled his eyes at me.
"Not worth it", said Saizo.
He started eating.
"Who's your sensei?" I asked.
"Ren, she seems nice enough", said Saizo.
"Careful Saizo she's one of your mother's student. She won't treat you special", I said.
"Good, I hate it when people call me Lord Saizo. Why aren't you a lord dad?" he asked.
"I'm the keeper of the funds. That's my official title", I said.
He got up and put his dish in the sink.
"Wait, your mom wanted to give you this", I said as took the vile from my pocket.
"What is it?" he asked as he took it from my hand.
"It's smelling salt. It wakes someone who has fainted. I have no idea why your mother wanted me to give you it", I said.
"Tell her thanks. This should be useful", said Saizo.
"You can tell her that yourself, when you get home", I said.
He walked out the door. Not even a goodbye. I can't say I wasn't the same at the age. I went to funds building. It was the middle of the banking section of the village. I channeled my chakra into the large metal doors. There was a gently clanking as the doors unlocked.
"Avery",
I found her sleeping on her desk using a pile of files as a pillow. And this is my assistant. An alarm went off. Papers went flying as she woke up. Her orange hair was messier than normal and her blue eyes were hazy with sleep. She put on her large pink cat eye glasses.
"Hey boss", she said.
"You're wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday", I said.
"Yes, there was a last minute request by an elder. Old people are such a bother", said Avery.
I glared at her. I'm hundred plus years old. I don't think I'm such bother. Of course my two eldest think I'm a constant thorn in their sides.
"Oh, I didn't mean you boss. You're only in you mid seventies. That isn't that old", said Avery.
It was obvious she hadn't had her coffee yet.
"Coffee now before you say something you can't take back", I said.
She turned on the coffee maker.
"Anything you need me to look at", I said.
She he handed me a red folder.
"I finally calculated Tsunade's debt to us with interest", she said.
"Let me guess he wants to press it", I said.
She smirked.
"I love seeing the big breasted blonde squirm", said Avery.
"She's terrified of you. An impressive feat scaring a Sannin", I said.
"Everyone hates their loan shark", said Avery.
We worked quietly for a few hours.
"Don't you have a mission coming up?" asked Avery.
I nodded my head.
"Don't you have meeting with Eiji in ten minutes", she said.
"Why did you have to remind me", I said.
"Revenge for not giving me the weekend off", said Avery.
"You practically live here", I said.
"You're stalling", said Avery.
"Yes",
"I would love to take your place. Eiji is very dreamy. I wonder what he's like bed", said Avery as she looked up from her papers.
I left. The last thing I want to hear about is my assistant's fantasies of Eiji. I went into his office. The smirk on his face bothered me greatly. I hate that smirk. It never means anything good.
"What do you want? I already know my mission", I said.
"I'm aware of that. I want you to have partner", said Eiji.
The door opened and Mari came in. My eye twitched. This is what he's smirking about. He so enjoys making my life hell. It's his payback for me returning from the dead and reclaiming my position as husband to my wife.
"From now on Mari will be your partner. I thought it would remind you of old times", said Eiji.
I suppressed a groan.
"Why the fuck did you partner me with him?" asked Mari.
"Why the sudden need for a partner?" I asked.
The only reason he gives a crap about my safety is he know if anything bad were to happen to me Snow would blame him.
"I thought it would be smart if our allies saw you with a partner. It would ease some of the tension. And you can't kill Mari", said Eiji.
He was right about it easing the tension, but that didn't make me enjoy the prospects of the idea. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Mari displeasure was obvious. Normally, my sister in law leaves me alone and I leave her alone. We both agreed that was best way to deal with each other and the safest way.
"If I need a partner I can take Avery", I said.
"I'd prefer if she stayed here to watch over things", said Eiji.
"Is there anyone else who I could go with?" I asked.
"No", said Eiji.
I told Mari about mission and we left.
Saizo Perspective
So damn early in the morning. Mika was waiting at bridge where were meeting. She smiled brightly at me. How the hell does she have this much energy this early in the morning? I took a seat on the bridge railing. I yawned.
"Want some candy?" she asked.
"What kind?" I asked.
"Salt water taffy fresh from my grandpa's shop", said Mika.
I nodded my head. She took a piece from her shirt pocket and gave it to me. I put in my mouth. Sugar, that's it how she does it. That's how she has energy at this hour.
"How do you not rot your teeth out?" I asked.
She giggled.
"My mom said the same thing", said Mika.
She frowned. I wonder what caused that. Did I say something wrong? Uh, who knows with girls?
"My dad is a dentist", said Mika.
"What about your mom?" I asked.
"She died on a mission", said Mika.
I hugged her. I know that pain. When I pulled away from her, I saw face was a dark red. She turned that same exact color right before she fainted. Oh no. I caught before she hit the ground. I carefully put her down. I took the vile dad gave me from my pocket. Please, let this work I put the vile underneath her nose. Her sky blue eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" she asked.
"You fainted", I said.
"Sorry", she said.
I got back up on the bridge railing and made myself comfortable. I yawned.
"Oh thank you", said Mika.
"For what?" I asked.
"Taking care of me", said Mika.
"You're my teammate that what I'm suppose to do", I said.
"You can sleep", said Mika.
I closed my eyes. My sleep was interrupted when heard someone running onto the bridge. I didn't even bother opening my eyes. I knew it was Sterling. He walked closer to me.
"Don't even think about it", I said.
"You know me so fucking well", said Sterling.
"I don't need to know you to figure you out. Your motions are far too obvious. Any idiot could read them even with their eyes close", I said.
Mika glanced nervously at her watch.
"She's late", said Mika.
It was seven thirty. I was finally awake. Sterling had fallen asleep on the railing. Unlike him I had no intention of pushing him off it. The longer he sleeps the better. Sensei finally made an appearance. She was carrying a heavy looking duffle bag. Sterling finally woke up.
"You're fucking late", he said as he pointed to Ren.
That earned him a flick on the forehead. He was sent flying backwards.
"If you insist on talking in such a manner I suggest you wear your forehead protector", said Ren.
"What are we doing today sensei?" asked Mika.
"Heh, now we are waiting", said Ren.
"For who?" asked Mika.
"Them", said Ren.
It was Hazel and her group. Her and Felix looked tiny compared to Kuro. Toshi carried the same duffle bag as Ren.
"Do you six know what this bridge is?" asked Toshi.
It just looked like another boring bridge too me. I shook my head.
"It's the Grand Discipline Bridge the father to the Disciple Bridge. The first Guardians signed with their students and their students signed it with theirs. It became such a popular tradition that another bridge was built for average shinobi of the village", said Hazel.
I don't understand my sister's love history. There's too much reading in it for my liking.
"Someone paid attention in history. What else can you tell us about it?" asked Toshi.
Hazel smiled. She just loves a chance to show off.
"The names that are painted over in gold are ninjas who died on missions or protecting the village. The painted over in silver are ninjas who died of natural causes", said Hazel.
"Found it", said Ren.
We went to where she was standing. On the pillar were the names of mom's students.
"You six of the honor of carving names into this bridge amongst", said Ren.
We each took out a kunai and carved our names into the surface.
"Now it's time to get to business", said Ren.
"See you later", said Toshi.
He walked off with his students. Ren opened the duffle bag revealing three pairs of leg weights. She handed each of us a pair. Each weighed fifteen pounds.
"You'll each be wearing throughout your time with me. Every week I'll increase the weight by five pounds", said Ren.
"Why the hell do we have to follow this old training style?" asked Sterling.
"This is how Lady Minori was taught, how I was taught, and how you three will be taught", said Ren.
Sensei watched us we put on our leg weights. We walked onto a training field. Ren sat underneath the tree.
"Sit", she said.
Mika sat between Sterling and I.
"I will be honest with you three. Fifty percent of your class will give up in a week. If one of you gives up the whole group will be sent back to the academy. I won't go easy on you three", said Ren.
"What the fuck? With this fucking weakling on our team there's a grantee we will be sent back to the damn academy", said Sterling.
Ren frowned. She made no reaction to him, but I could tell it hurt her. I punched Sterling.
"She's more useful than you Sterling, so leave her alone", I said.
His nose was bleeding. Ren sent a warning glare in my direction. She channel her chakra into Sterling's broken nose.
"Today will be doing a few things. One, discover your chakra affinity. Two, you'll be given the weapons I found best for you. And lastly my favorite training exercise", said Ren.
She handed each of us a small square of paper. Sensei put it in between her fingertips. It crinkled.
"The paper is extremely sensitive to chakra. Depending on the your nature there will be a different response. For example my chakra affinity is lighting, so the paper crinkled. Saizo you first", said Ren.
I channeled my chakra into paper. It crumbled into dirt and then caught fire.
"As I expected you take after your mother. You have an affinity for fire and earth. Now it your turn Mika ", said Ren.
"Oh okay", said Mika.
She channeled her chakra into paper. It spilt in half.
"Your chakra is wind. It's a perfect compliment to Saizo's fire affinity. Now you Sterling", said Ren.
He channeled his chakra into it. It crinkled.
"Your affinity is lighting like me. Now for the part you're excited for", said Ren.
She handed two fans to Mika. When she opened them revealing the decorations inside. The first fan was black with golden decorations. The other was white with silver decorations.
"They might look delicate but they are extremely strong. You only have to believe in them and they will serve you loyally. Now you Sterling", said Ren.
She handed him a small cylinder. When he hit a button, it extended into a spear.
"I will train you how to fight with and without them. If a ninja who is defenseless without their weapons aren't worthy of the title of ninja", said Ren.
"What about Saizo?" asked Mika.
"With his kekkei genkia he doesn't need one", said Ren.
She got up. A small jingle caught my attention. There were two bells connected to her belt.
"This was a training method passed on from my sensei. You will try get the bells from my belt", said Ren.
"I hate to point out the obvious but there's only two bells", I said.
"Correct Saizo. One you will be tied to a tree if you can't get a bell. I encourage you to attack me as if I were your enemy. That's the only way you'll get one of these bells. You have until twelve in the afternoon get a bell from me. If you fail in this there will be no lunch for all of you. We will keep going until both of the bells are taken", said Ren.
Hazel's Perspective
We sat in the training field. After a long lecture on the aspects of chakra affinities Toshi finally handed us the pieces of paper.
"You first Hazel", said Toshi.
"Yes, sensei",
I channeled my chakra into the paper. It crumbled into earth than caught fire.
"Your mother affinities have been passed on. I should have known. Now Kuro", said Toshi.
As Kuro channeled his chakra into the paper crumbled to earth and then caught fire.
"What the hell big guy? Why didn't you tell us you're from Hazel's clan?" asked Felix.
"Felix, Kuro having the same chakra affinities as Hazel doesn't mean they share the same kekkei genkia", said Toshi.
I stared at Kuro in disbelief. I never knew. Why didn't he say anything?
"Show them", said Toshi.
"I rather not sensei", said Kuro.
"These are your teammates Kuro. Soon they will become family. Them not knowing the full extent of your abilities could be dangerous", said Toshi.
He nodded his head. Kuro closed his hand, when he opened it again it was filled with white sand. He blew into the sand. It glowed a molten red before turning into spikes of glass.
"My clan is also known as the glassblower's clan", said Kuro.
He seemed to hate his abilities. Why would anyone hate such a gift?
"Your turn Felix", said Toshi.
He channeled his chakra into the paper and it caught fire. Sensei gave a loud sigh.
"Three fire affinities. I have my work cut out for me", said Toshi.
"What's that suppose to mean?" asked Felix.
"Nothing, let me give you your weapons", said Toshi.
Sensei gave Koruo a large clever like sword. He easily picked up the blade.
"Do you like the weight?" asked Toshi.
He nodded his head. Toshi threw Felix a circle of wire. Felix frowned.
"But sensei I can't use my gift. There's no way I can use this properly", said Felix.
Felix has a kekkei genkai too? Then I remembered he come from the Oshiro. It was one of the oldest clan in the Land of Wealth. They had some kind of dojutsu. I wasn't sure of its exact power though.
"You'll figure out a way", said Toshi.
"I hope so", said Felix.
"I chose these weapons especially for you", said Toshi.
"What about Hazel?" asked Kuro.
"Hazel body is the perfect weapon. She'll be fine with the basic ninja tools", said Toshi.
A cheeky smile appeared on sensei's face. That couldn't mean anything good.
"Now it's time for my favorite exercise. The bell test", said Toshi.
He explained the rules.
Saizo's Perspective
It was four in the afternoon. None of us managed to even touch one of the bell. Ren sighed.
"You three still have figured it", said Ren.
"Then give us a fucking hint!" yelled Sterling.
He was standing right in sensei's view exposed. Idiot. He fell for every one of Ren's tricks.
"Okay the hint is one simple thing. Teamwork. Do that and you might have a chance", said Ren.
She's right that's the only way we stand a chance. Working with Sterling will only cause problems. I snuck up behind Mika and put her hand over her mouth.
"Don't freak out. It's me", I said.
I moved my hand from her mouth.
"Why do you want to work with me? Sterling is much stronger than me", said Mika.
"He's an idiot and you're not", I said.
She smiled.
"I'll let you get a bell first", I said.
"Okay, how will we do it?" asked Mika.
"A simple distraction method. I'll keep her busy as long as I can", I said.
I jumped from the tree into the air. Diamond kunai appeared in my hands I threw them at Ren. She is blocked every one of them. Sensei threw one back at me. I used a substitution jutsu. I landed a few yards away from her.
"So much like your mother in you style. She never liked making the first move", said Ren.
I groaned. I didn't like being constantly compared to my mother or father. I'm own person with my own powers. I charged at her. Dad has taught taijutsu me, since I was toddler. She managed to block every one of my attacks. I shouldn't be surprised she is one of mom's students. My finger actually managed touch one of the bells. Ren jumped away. Come on Mika where are you. I attacked again. I smirked, when I caught a glimpse of her lavender hair. Mika ripped one of the bells from sensei's belt. Ren threw me to the side without any effort.
"Good job Mika you may go home", said Sensei.
Ren put the other bell in her pocket.
"Are you sure, Sensei?" asked Mika.
"Yes, go home", said Ren.
Mika frowned, but walked back to the village.
"You two have ten seconds to run", said Ren.
Something in her eyes made both Sterling and I want to run. She caught me in the first five seconds. Ren grabbed Sterling by the shirt. As he tried to run there was a loud rip as Sterling's shirt ripped. I held in gasp when I saw the many long scars that covered his back. This didn't seem to have an effect on Ren. She slammed the both of against a large tree. Wires wrapped tightly around us.
"What the hell?!" growled Sterling.
"You two are both in trouble. Do you have any idea what for?" she asked.
"I did what you said!" I growled.
"Yes, Saizo you did. But you made the mistake of using only one of your teammates during this exercise. You completely ignored Sterling. What if he was in danger?" asked Ren.
"He wasn't in any real danger. Why should I care about him?" I asked.
She smacked my on the back of the head.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!" I yelled.
When Sterling laughed, she smacked him on the back of the head too.
"Sterling you were even worse. You didn't even take in consideration of either of your teammates. Both of you will tied here either until you escape or until morning, when I untie you", said Ren.
"You fucking bitch!" screamed Sterling.
She flicked him on the forehead. Ren disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"This is your fault", said Sterling as he tugged against the wire.
"How the hell is this my fault?!" I growled.
"I don't know it just is", said Sterling.
"That's not a real answer!" I yelled.
Hazel's Perspective
Kuro and I managed to get the bells. Felix ended up being tied to the tree. He didn't mind his position. His exact wording in explaining this happiness was it was a chance to master his bird calls. Kuro looked saddened.
"Kuro wait up", I said.
He stopped and waited for me to catch up. We walked in silence for awhile.
"You are going the wrong way", said Kuro.
"What?"
"Your house is the other way", said Kuro.
"I know, but I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong. It's obvious so don't bother with lying to me", I said.
He rolled his eyes.
"Follow me home if you like. See if I care", said Kuro.
"Fine", I said.
I followed him to a large wooden house. Every window was stained glass. It was beautiful. We went up to the front door. The dark wooden door framed a stained glass cherry train with little blue birds flying around it. One of the double doors opened. A woman with long black hair and ice blue smiled at the two of us.
"Whose the cutie? Have you been keeping a hidden girlfriend from me?" she asked.
We both blushed.
"Mom she's my teammate not my girlfriend", said Kuro.
"Please come I won't let my son's teammate go without dinner", said Mrs. Koizumi.
"Let me send message to my mom", I said.
I summoned Pearl. I tied a message to her ankle. I followed into a large dinning room. A long table with at least sixteen chairs was at the center of the room. Each chair had a person sitting in them. All of them shared to similar features. Wow, and I thought my family dinners were big.
"Sugar lump get chair for Hazel", said Mrs. Koizumi.
I giggled.
"Mom", whined Kuro.
He pulled a seat to the table. We were extremely close.
"Baby brother aren't you going to introduce you to your girlfriend", said one of the men at the table.
Kuro sighed.
"Hazel the idiot who just spoke is my eldest brother Kazuo. The other seven are Jirou, Kichiro, Saburo, Norio, Ryo, Rokuro, and Sadao", said Kuro as each name was said one of the men stood up.
All of them were huge. I think the shortest one was 6'5.
"It's nice to meet all of you. Thank you for inviting me into your home", I said.
"You're right brother she isn't your girlfriend. She's far too good for you", said Kazuo.
"Shut up!" growled Kuro.
Dinner went by peacefully. I want to help, but Mrs. Koizumi refused to let me.
"I should walk you home", said Kuro.
"You don't have to do", I said.
"No, I actually do. My mom will kill me if I don't", said Kuro.
"Okay", I said.
"My family likes you", said Kuro as walked off his property.
"That's nice to know", I said.
"There's a reason I don't show off my abilities", said Kuro.
He seemed nervous about telling me. I waited.
"Did you notice anything odd about brothers' children?" asked Kuro.
"They were all boys, but I don't see how that's odd", I said.
"There's a reason why girl born into my family", said Kuro.
"What about your sister?" I asked.
"She's the reason", said Kuro.
"Why?" I asked.
"I bet you also notice that all of brothers were giants. There's a reason for that. You need a big stature and powerful lungs to handle the kekkei genkia of my family. If you're tiny and frail the ability will slowly turn lungs into glass. It's a horrible a death", said Kuro.
He looked like he was about cry. I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.
"You can let go Hazel. I'm okay", said Kuro.
I let go of him.
"You shouldn't let that scare you away from your abilities. Your sister would want you to become a powerful ninja. She wouldn't want the fear of your abilities to stop from following your dream. My family's ability started a civil war. Even with all the blood shed caused over my family's kekkei genkia I didn't let it scare me away", I said.
"How would you know what she would want?" asked Kuro.
"I don't but-
"Than don't waste your breath trying to put into words the thought of a dead girl", said Kuro.
"I didn't think it was a waste", I said.
"Leave it Hazel. You have no idea what true loss, so don't act like you do", said Kuro before he left.
That hurt I wouldn't deny. I force myself not to cry. I ran home.
Saizo's Perspective
I was still tied the damn tree. My diamond blades finally managed to cut through the wire.
"Why didn't you just cut through the damn tree?" asked Sterling.
My eye twitched. I can't kill him. He got up. I couldn't help staring at the scars on his back. Dad told me mom used to have scars just like that.
"Take a picture it will last longer", growled Sterling.
He has talent I will admit that. Mom said to use him to advantage. For me to do that I need to gain the bastard's trust. I took off my hoodie and threw it at him. He put it on.
"Thanks", he said.
I started walking home.
"Come on jackass dinner should be ready by now", I said.
He just stared at me.
"Don't me repeat myself", I said.
He came running after me. I opened the front door to my house. The smell of grilled fish and vegetables hit my nose.
"Dinner almost ready you two", said Mom.
Sterling didn't seem to know what to do. He just stared.
Snow's Perspective
I waited for my children to come home. Hazel was the first to arrive. She rushed through the front door. I heard her door slam. I went to her room. I could hear her crying from inside.
"What happened Hazel?" I asked.
"Go away mom. I don't want to talk about", said Hazel.
I gave her the space she needed. She would let me in, when she was ready. The front door opened. Saizo and Sterling came in.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes you two", I said.
I resisted the urge to smile, when I saw Sterling and Saizo talking. They actually seemed to be getting along. Dinner went by quickly. Sterling left and Saizo went this room. Rose and Kotaro were already asleep. I went to Hazel's room and gently knocked on the door. There was no answer.
"Hazel can I come in?" I asked.
I heard movement from within. She opened the door. Her eyes were puffy from crying.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Why do boy have to be so stupid?" she asked.
"All boys are stupid until they reach a certain age. Even then they can be compete idiots at times", I said.
"Even dad?" she asked.
"Yes even your father in his extremely old age can be a compete idiot. Now tell me what this foolish boy did", I said.
She told me exactly what happened between her and Kuro.
"Now my teammate hates me", she said
"He's angry with you yes not because he hates you. He's frustrated that's all. Kuro isn't used to someone being so honest with him. It will take awhile be it will make your friendship stronger", I said.
"Thanks mom I feel a bit better now", said Hazel.
I left her room and went to my own. I smiled when I heard the shower. Kakuzu walked into our bedroom. He walked into the bedroom. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Snow",
"You shouldn't call me that", I said.
"You can never stop me from calling you that", said Kakuzu.
He kissed me.
"Why are you home so early?" I asked.
"Your sister being a pain in my ass", said Kakuzu.
"She has a habit of doing that", I said.
"Can we not talk about her? I want to enjoy my time with you. Your ex husband will give me hell tomorrow", said Kakuzu.
"You're right let's forget about them and enjoy this time", I said.
I cuddled closely to him. What will tomorrow hold?