Okay guys, I know you've got several questions, and maybe a few protests too so what does an author do? Explain herself! So, here it goes:
My favorite character in the Dragonball Franchise has always been Shin. He's a complete underrated character because of the overpowered main actors in the franchise. He's been classified as ill tempered, a worrywart, and well...completely stupid on occasions. However, he's still a higher being...One who didn't get a chance to finish his training...And should still be respected as such. The Kaioshin are NOT supposed to be fighters, so of course he isn't very strong in that aspect...They are TEACHERS (at least that's my interpretation), mentors, etc and also healers. There's a difference between Shin in the manga and the show when it comes towards healing...In the manga, since he didn't finish his training, he is unable to use healing powers...However there have been times in the show in which he is able to do this. Since healing powers will be most valuable for Hikari, I chose the show version of Shin. And as such, of course I would choose a mentor character to help Hikari on her journey. Also, since he is a higher being, one would think he would have the capability to change his form in order to blend in with those around him, a good skill to have while on Hikari's journey.
Don't worry though, I've planned another special guest on this journey (grins). It worked out so well that I thought "I've SO got to do this!".
You're probably also wondering WHEN in the Naruto universe is Hikari? Well, you're about to find out.
Disclaimer: The Kingdom Hearts Franchise, Dragonball and all its incarnations, and the Naruto series, their characters, settings, etc, belong to their respective creators. All original characters, settings, etc., belong to ME!
Chapter 8: Chunin Exams
Shin had been successful in altering their attire to make the three look different than the locals here. They still resembled ninja, however their uniforms were blue instead of green and the symbol on their headbands was in the shape of a heart with a star in the center of it.
"It seemed appropriate…" He had said before they left their accommodations. "It is technically not a lie...You two are from the realm of light while I am from the realm of strength...Having symbols bearing such things would be appropriate."
Hikari didn't push the matter further and she was thankful Max didn't either. They discovered they were in a village called Konoha, or the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Here was fire country, all ruled over by someone called the Hokage. Everything seemed normal enough...People were out and about doing their chores and completing their shopping, with nary a ninja around in sight. It seemed like no one really cared that there were three new ninja in town, or rather no one really noticed.
"Is it just me or is something weird going on here?" Hikari didn't like this one bit. Sure it was nice to not be noticed but this was just plane odd.
"Perhaps everyone is just busy." Shin suggested.
"Max...Didn't you say this was a ninja village?" Hikari asked. "Where are all the ninja?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Max replied. "I saw a few at the gates to the village but other than that...It's like a ghost town here…"
"'Scuse me comin' through!" Came a shout from behind.
A kid came bounding towards them, his feet light and quick. He had on a headband bearing the symbol of Konoha and looked like he was in a hurry. He came to a halt in front of them.
"Hey! Get out of the way I'm late!" He shouted at them then finally noticed their attire. "Oh! You must be here for the exams too! Well come on we'll be late!"
"Huh?" Hikari looked at the kid in confusion. He had to be at least a couple years younger than herself.
"Oh good grief seriously!? The Chunin Exams goofball!" He shook his head. "Whatever, outta the way!" He pushed through them and rushed down the lane.
"Well...I guess we know where everyone is then." Shin stated. Curious, he said, "I wonder what these Chunin Exams entail…"
"It's a lucky break for us." Max deduced. "No will bother us…"
"Don't think so…" Hikari pointed ahead of them. "Look…"
In front of them was a guy with the green fatigue of the village. He had an odd smile about him as he approached them. It was as though there was no emotion hidden within that smile. His skin was pale as the moon, and his black eyes also revealed no emotion to them.
"You should hurry, the Chunin Exams are starting soon." He said. "Every ninja needs to attend."
"Oh...We're not from here…" Max reasoned. "We…"
"We got lost." Hikari added. "Sorry…"
"Konoha IS kind of big these days...I'm going that way anyway...So I'll escort you." He said. "Come on, we should hurry." Then he turned and headed away.
Hikari had a feeling they would NOT get out of this one so easily. Thus she, with Shin and Max in tow, followed the ninja towards a field where several were gathered. Ninja in different fatigues and headbands were talking amongst themselves in the open field, while ninja of Konoha stood waiting.
"If you please...Go to where the candidates are." Their escort stated; Hikari and them had no choice but to comply.
"This sucks." Max muttered but kept his mouth shut otherwise.
"Hello everyone!" The escort finally spoke up. He stood on a platform with another ninja beside him. "I am Sai...And I will be your proctor today!"
Hikari smacked her forehead. Seriously!? How did they get into this mess!?
"You all have come here to participate in the annual Chunin Exams! This year is a bit different than other years. The first test is quite simple." His smile held no emotion as did his words as he spoke. "All you have to do, is to not stain your clothes."
The ground below them suddenly opened, revealing a gigantic pool of black below. Hikari found herself falling down, down closer towards the blackness but before her feet could enter, she was stopped. Looking up she discovered Shin had a grip on her and Max's clothing…
And Shin...was floating in midair.
Hikari was shocked as Shin floated up to the top, gently setting Max and Hikari on their feet. His own feet touched down seconds later.
"That...Whoa...That was cool!" A lone ninja came forward, this one with large blue eyes and blonde hair. "You...You can fly!?"
"Boruto...You know very well flight is not something that can be done." A grown ninja came forward. He looked at Shin, smiled. "You have quite the chakra control…" He frowned at Shin's forehead. "I've...never seen a village symbol like that before...Are you and your companions new?"
"Uh...Yes." Shin nodded quickly. "This is...Our first time here."
"Well...Welcome to Konoha!" The man held out a hand. "I'm Konohamaru."
Shin had no idea how to respond. He had never been in a situation where someone offered their hand to him. Hikari vouched for him.
"Um...Sorry...Our friend's been living under a rock most of his life." She told Konohamaru. "He doesn't know what a handshake is."
"Oh! Well that's fine." Konohamaru took the explanation in stride. "Your team most certainly passed. Honestly I'm anxious to see what you and your other friend can do…Good luck!" He walked away with the blonde haired kid.
With the two gone, Hikari turned to Shin.
"When were you going to mention that you can FLY!?" She hissed at him, shocked by this turn of events.
Shin's eyes stared quizzically at her. "I thought you would know about flying...Goku and Vegeta do it all the time…All of their children can do such…Didn't you live with Bulma?"
"Well...Yeah but…" Hikari sighed. "I...Guess she didn't want me to know…"
"All the same, at least you aren't useless…" Max muttered and Hikari smacked him in the back. "Ouch!"
"Enough will you!?" She huffed at him. "Honestly, what's wrong with you?" Why does Max not like Shin? It wasn't like any of this was his fault anyway...Besides, he DID just save them!
"Sorry…" Max huffed. "I'm just on the edge right now." He looked at Shin. "Thanks...For saving us."
"You're welcome." Shin nodded. "Though...I do believe we have roused suspicion." Nodding over, he gave a glance at the whispering crowd nearby.
"Let them believe what they want." Max said. "So long as we get out of here."
"Congratulations! You three passed with flying colors!" Sai approached them. "Most impressive. Surely you three will be the talk of the town."
"Great…" Max rolled his eyes.
"The next exam is a field test of sorts." Sai told them. "Many years ago it would have been a month from now, but these days go by much quicker thanks to quicker transportation...You'll have a week to get your team ready…"
"Field test?" Hikari didn't like the sound of that.
"Oh yes...The second stage is always a one on one match of sorts. Tournament style. It's been like that for generations." Sai explained. "Many will be coming to watch, best to train up for the big moment."
Hikari let out a great breath...She had a feeling there would be no getting out of this…
What a summer vacation THIS was turning out to be...
Next Time: Training