On the deck of the Monday Typhoon, Retsu and Mangetsu were busy counting the fish they caught in their latest competition.
"2,054." Retsu tossed the last fish into a barrel.
"1,251." Mangetsu grumbled.
Looking out the corner of his eye, Retsu saw that the barrels to his left were significantly less full then his.
"So, that makes it 24-29 then? Careful Mangetsu, I'm catching up." Retsu wagged his finger.
"Don't you mean 24-31? I distinctly recall it was your loss the last two times we sparred in kenjutsu." Mangetsu met Retsu's side eyed glance with a smirk.
"Alright guys, enough with the bs, listen up." Ao gathered their attention.
"Soft water."
"Bone head."
"Mhm." Ao coughed.
"Captain and Mei have already gone ahead to take care of some business. We're to sail up the Primal River, and enter Six Rivers City, the capitol of River Country. Take off your headbands. It bears repeating, our shinobi are not popular in any country that connects to the sea. Especially so with the shinobi of the Hidden River Village. They might've discovered that we just murdered a squad of theirs, and a jonin. So don't be causing any trouble." Ao addressed the crew.
"Oi, does that mean we have to bust out the oars, since we're going covert?" Kajika picked some wax out of his ear while he questioned Ao.
"There's no hiding our level of chakra from sensors, so we'll be posing as guards. But better that we don't showcase our mastery of water ninjutsu in this situation. Good call Kajika, we'll be using the oars." Praise was in Ao's voice as he nodded at Kajika in acknowledgement.
Kajika nodded in turn, doing his best to maintain a look of serious dedication.
"Did Mei and Captain go ahead because they have bounties on their heads, and you don't?" Retsu spoke up from the back of the crowd.
"Kuh." Ao gripped his heart like he had suffered a critical blow.
"No, they have something important to attend to, and we couldn't leave you monkey's in charge of the ship! We'll be staying in Six Rivers City for two days. Stay out of trouble, because Tanigakure is right below the capitol. No more questions!" Ao's face turned tomato red in anger. At the end of his tirade, he stormed away into his quarters.
"Smooth." Mangetsu rolled his eyes. However, his smile told a different story.
"Ah shut it, you know he has an ego, what with his "god like" sensory ability. He needed to have a dose of humility. Besides, he's always so serious."
"I wonder if next time we could make him turn purple?" Mangetsu whispered conspiratorially.
"Alright, you heard the second in command. Get to rowing!" Kajika showed all teeth, and grinned in excitement as he unsealed a scroll full of oars.
The wooden instruments clattered noisily onto the deck, breaking everyone out of their conversations.
"Ah what, just push us up stream." "Yeah, c'mon Kajika, do we really have to use the oars?" The 'demon' brothers heckled Kajika to change his mind.
"Sorry fellas, my hands are tied." Kajika held his arms up in a 'what can you do?' posture.
"They will fill in for me." Gengo pointed at four peasants he had captured from the cotton candy village.
"Yes, let us aid Lord Gengo!" A deeply tanned, weather worn middle aged man spoke for the group.
Retsu shrugged his shoulders. Rowing a boat was a pain in the ass, but the exercise would be good for him.
After slotting the oars in, Retsu grabbed ahold, and was about to start rowing, when he noticed an absence.
"Yo, Kajika, Mangetsu, what gives?" Retsu turned back, and looked at the duo.
"Someone has to steer the ship." Mangetsu winked.
"I guess that is true…" Retsu begrudgingly agreed.
He then directed his glare at Kajika.
"What, me?" Kajika exaggeratedly pointed his index finger at himself, and widened his vibrant green eyes.
"If there's an emergency, I need to be ready to speed us up and out of danger. Pfft, pa, coupehehf." Kajika seriously intoned. However, he couldn't keep his composure, and began to hold his sides in laughter.
'Alright smart ass, I'll remember this.' Retsu stared at the delinquent duo a moment longer, before turning back to his task at hand.
Taking a deep breath, Retsu gripped the handles of the oar for the left of the boat, and the handle of an oar to the right. He then visualized his chakra network, and opened up the First Gate, the Gate of Opening. Instantly, 5% more of his chakra became available to him.
Staring dead ahead, Retsu channeled his inner gym rat, and began to exert his muscles.
Inhale, pull up. Exhale, push down. Inhale, pull up. Exhale, push down. Inhale, pull up. Exhale, push down.
Retsu turned himself into a machine. His only focus was on his breathing, and to continue pumping his arms in broad, powerful strokes. He only knew to move forward.
After some time had passed, Retsu's breathing had become loud enough to be heard down one deck. His action of continuous labor propelled the ship forward at remarkable speeds. The Monday Typhoon wasn't moving fast like a speedboat, but the current pace of the ship could match that of a galloping horse!
This entire time Retsu was working, he was deeply and internally keeping track of his chakra network. He felt like all it would take is one more little push, and he could unlock something great.
To strengthen his mental state, Retsu chanted a mantra from a McDonalds billboard ad he had seen years ago to focus his energy.
"Juicy. Tender. Delicious. Juicy! Tender! Delicious! JUICY! TENDER! DELICIOUS!" Each iteration of the phrase was followed up by stronger, and more ferocious pulls on the oar.
The wooden poll began to creak and crack under Retsu's might.
'Come on.'
A wood splinter broke the left oar.
'COME ON!'
The right oar creaked under the strain.
"The Second Gate: The Gate of Healing!" Retsu shouted in triumph.
Like lightning running through his system, Retsu unlocked a further 10% of his chakra.
A cool, refreshing sensation passed throughout his body. The oar finally snapped, but Retsu didn't care. Discarding the wooden debris, Retsu stood up from his seat, and shook his fists at the heavens in victory.
"What a drama queen" Kajika rolled his eyes. "Oi Rets-" Kajika got out ,before he felt the cold steel of a blade tickling his neck.
"I get it." Kajika whispered.
Mangetsu smirked, then created a water clone. The clone required no hand signs to make, and jumped out of Mangetsu's body. It then held a sword at Gengo's neck as well.
Quirking an eyebrow, Gengo had a short stare down with Mangetsu. His hands were in a pose, ready to unleash a jutsu. A tense moment later, he nodded his head, and placed his hands to the side.
After holding the Rocky pose for a good minute, Retsu slumped back into his chair. He'd finally fucking done it! Admittedly, it only took him a week…BUT, the point was, the fear of brain explosions had been gnawing at his heart whenever he thought about unlocking the second gate.
Relief filled Retsu to the bone, as he slumped in his seat. He sat down cross legged, and began to get a grasp of this sensation, so that he could unlock the gate at will.
Gozu and Meizu had bandages wrapped around their hands, and were flopped down on top of the deck in recovery.
Zabuza was a sweaty mess. His arm muscles were ragged, and he savored every breath he could. Zabuza noticed the interactions between Mangetsu, and his other seniors. Like so many times in the past, he maintained his silence. The scene before him was a reconfirmation to never let your guard down. Especially those who you were closest to.
Inside his quarters, Ao observed the entirety of the events taking place due to his phenomenal sensory ability.
"What an interesting crew." Ao mused.
'Their emotions burn like none before. Each one a star in ascent. Difunctional as they were, there was promise in them. Perhaps they would become valuable weapons against Him someday. Unlike the old crew, Iguru chose well this time.'
When Retsu broke out of his training trance, he opened his eyes to a stunning scene. From left to right, the river had widened to an insane degree. The river was so wide, Retsu could barely see land on either horizon.
All around the Monday Typhoon, there were entire fleets of fishing vessels capturing their prey. Merchant ships proudly displayed colorful banners, and flags, showing off their wealth, and prestige.
Dozens of small boats carrying three or four shinobi patrolled these waters. They settled disputes, and questioned incoming vessels.
"Welcome back." Mangetsu handed Retsu a canteen.
Eyeing the container suspiciously, Retsu took the container, and took a sip from it. Widening his eyes at how sweet the beverage was, Retsu took another, longer sip.
"Few people can resist the allure of pineapple juice. Be sure to savor this rare delicacy." Mangetsu proudly spoke of the fruit juice.
Retsu quickly drank everything to the last drop.
"Got anymore?" Retsu held the canteen back to Mangetsu.
Eyebrow twitching, Mangetsu swiped the canteen out of Retsu's hands.
"I said savor it. A jug of pineapple juice costs 50,000 Ryo."
Retsu's eyebrows rose. "That's the cost of a C-rank…just for a jug?"
"That's right. And only one land mass produces them in the entire world." Mangetsu smirked.
"For you see, this is why my family is so-" Mangetsu started, only to halt when Retsu interrupted him.
"Let me guess, this is why your family is so rich." Retsu deadpanned.
"Smartest Kaguya alive everyone." Mangetsu blew a strand of his white hair out of his eyes, and huffed.
"Hey! I represent that!"
"Identify yourself!" A masculine, chakra enhanced voice shouted at the ship.
Three small boats, carrying a total of twelve shinobi circled around the Monday Typhoon. Each wore a Hidden Rain headband, which was a circle, with six intersecting lines. Their "standard" flak jacket was deep ocean blue.
"We are the Tuesday Truffle, a merchant ship based out of the Land of Snow,trading winter coats, and iron ingots." Ao blew out smoke rings from his pipe as he casually answered the shinobi.
"Is that right. Well, this is a mandatory inspection. Let us come aboard, or turn back now." The speaker was a short haired, short legged, and muscular man.
When Retsu took a look at the leader of the River shinobi, he was reminded of many other shorter men who worked out to the extreme, and built tons of muscle.
"Of course, of course, we have nothing to hide from the fine men and woman of Tanigakure." Ao gestured with his chin, granting them access to the ship.
When the muscular man came aboard, his hand twitched. "Slavery is forbidden in the Land of Rivers." His voice was calm, and smooth, but he was ready for a fight.
"Gengo." Ao blew out another smoke ring, calm as can be.
Looking up from a nail file, Gengo paused, and blew on his nails. He then directed his amber eyes at the short man, then glanced at the peasants.
"Tell him." Gengo slowly intoned.
Exhaustion plastered on their faces, the peasants struggled to stand. "We are laborers on this vessel, sir."
"And how do I know they aren't under genjutsu, or threatened to say that? Look at them. You're clearly over working them." The short man gestured his meaty hand at the bedraggled men, and shook his head in disgust.
"Ah Captain, remember what Lord Liyo said, commerce comes first." One of the Tanigakure shinobi spoke up.
The Captain stiffened up, then let out a long breath.
"You'll be selling that iron to us during your stay here in Six Rivers."
"Of course." Ao lowered his head.
"Sir, nothing to report!" A group of shinobi that had been searching the deck came back, and saluted.
"We'll be watching you." The short haired man scowled, then jumped back to his boat.
As soon as the River shinobi disappeared, Ao's calm face broke out into a small smile.
"Release those guys once we've made port, Gengo. You've had your fun. You know the Captain's thoughts on the matter." Ao snuffed out the fire in his pipe, and spoke casually to the finely dressed man.
Gengo inclined his head.
"I'll be taking a nap, I'll come out once we get close."
Retsu heard it, before he saw it. The sound of water crashing down was something he would never forget from his past life. However, any previous experience was nothing compared to now.
Off in the horizon was an absolutely gargantuan waterfall. The size of which made the Niagra Falls seem like a baby in comparison. If the Himalayas were the largest mountain chain on Earth, then this must be the Himalayas of waterfalls.
"Impressive, isn't it? In times of war, River shinobi harness the power of the waterfall, and create a powerful, all consuming dragon." Kajika took in the awe inspiring sight with stars in his eyes.
"As a water specialist, Kajika, I imagine it would be something special to direct a power of that magnitude." Retsu nodded along.
In his mind, something that huge was an ultimate barrier. Even someone like Hashirama would have difficulty going against this river.
"You have no idea man. They call it the Primal River, because it takes in six separate streams all throughout the continent. The life, and death energy permeates this water, and makes it one of the most chakra dense locations known to man. It's a water specialists dream to train here." Kajika's mouth was salivating as he communicated just how special this land was to someone like him.
"It is pretty good." Mangetsu agreed, however, his voice carried a hint of skepticism.
"So, how are we supposed to get into the city anyway? We don't uh, ride up it or something?" Retsu questioned.
"We're not the Uzumaki kid, we don't craft boats that defy space time. Although, there is more to the Monday Typhoon than meets the eye. No, we'll be taking a pulley system." Ao tried to light another pipe of tobacco, only to squint his eyes, as the dampness in the air prevented him from getting a good light.
The Monday Typhoon then entered a que of boats heading up. Facing the waterfall, there was a pulley system to lift ships up. On the far left, was a system in place to lower ships.
Surrounding the que, dozens of Tanigakure shinobi, each in their deep blue flak jackets stood guard.
"There's more around than you can see. River Country is unique from most other nations, in that their Hidden Village is right below the capitol city." Ao scowled during his explanation as he went through a dozen matches in quick succession.
Taking a closer look, Retsu could make out a massive cavern hidden behind the waterfall.
"This should be the real Village Hidden in the Waterfalls." Retsu remarked.
Over the loud roar of the waterfall, and clank clank clank of gears turning as they ascended upwards, Retsu had to shout to be heard.
"Name's already been taken. Aha!" Ao idly commented, before briefly shouting in jubilation at having lit a match.
"And I thought you paid attention in history." Mangetsu taunted.
"Smartest Kaguya alive, and don't you forget it."
"Tch." Ao spit to the side as his match went out.
When they finally made it to the front of the line, they were greeted by a group of bored looking gurads.
"100,000 Ryo." A guard demanded.
Pulling out a stack of bills, Ao tossed the bundle at the guard.
Performing a quick set of handseals, one guard placed his hand over the pile.
"He's good."
"Let them up!" The first guard shouted.
Another man pulled some levers, and the Monday Typhoon began her ascent.
Retsu took in the entire scene, and sighed. Whoever invented the toll was a devious, genius conniving asshole.
"I know that look on your face. They can get away with it because this is the only river system that connects the entirety of the Elemental Continent." Ao explained.
Nodding his head, Retsu maintained his silence. Six Paths City was the first capitol city that he would visit in this lifetime. He was looking forward to any unique foods, or cultural deviations.
AN: That juicy tender delicious thing is real btw. My friend no cap chants that shit when he goes crazy at the gym. He seriously gets a 20% strength boost when he goes berserk, and he's already really strong, so it's nuts.