Chapter 4: Trio
Name: Takamiya Ken
Age: 7
Status: Bored
Day: Tuesday... Or is it Wednesday? Monday? No wait, it's Monday
Weather: Clear
Perfect day for the outdoor class. What's more, it's the outdoor class with the Shinobi Division students, Naruko couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to spend an entire half day with me in the Academy. She was more invested in playing with me than the class itself, which actually makes me worry about her grades. Similar to her canon counterpart, she's at rock bottom right now.
Despite her parents' best efforts in tutoring her, Naruko still has the attention span of a sparrow, only practical exercises that involves moving the body could get her to focus for more than two minutes. Other than that, I've been hearing rumors about the Uchiha Clan, and they aren't good. There hasn't been anything bad such as an order to relocate or to keep them under surveillance, so what gives?
I think there's some stuff that involves dad but I can't confirm anything and mom isn't exactly the best person to ask either. Ever since dad died, she's had a grudge for everything shinobi related. She tries to hide it for my sake, though it wasn't something a guy who was mentally over 30 couldn't see through. Asking for details isn't the most delicate choice for the moment.
On the bright side, the Kumo incident never took place and Neji's dad is still alive. The Raikage knows about the Yellow Flash so I guess they didn't risk anything stupid, which is actually extremely lucky for me now that I don't have to do something about it. That, and I was three years old at that time, back when I was still learning kanji... Yeah, I was useless and couldn't change anything as a toddler no matter how I think about it.
Speaking of the Hyuga genius, he still hates the main clan for the cursed seal, albeit less than in canon... I think. I've seen him and his future teammates a few times, never started a conversation with any of them since I'm in the Generals Division, there's no real reason. As for Naruko's classmates, I've talked to them a couple times.
Shinkamaru and Choji are nice, they mostly just sit and watch clouds/munching on snacks. I had to pay attention to find Shino, that guy's stealth skills are pretty good. On the other hand, Kiba doesn't think much of me because I'm a civilian, though he only harmlessly taunts me which I ignore which in turn somehow taunts him. I got on his good side later once I made Akamaru melt into my signature head pats and chin scratches.
Ino and Sakura are actually friendly with me, mostly because they're fans of my mom's clothes store and they just keep talking about fashion and appearance. Sometimes they ask for my opinion and were happy about it since I've picked up a bit from helping out mom part time. Wish they could give me a break once in a while. As if mom going on and on about clothes wasn't a headache enough.
However, what really made me nervous was Hinata staring at me. Whenever I meet her gaze, she would panic and look away. Could she have seen me when I helped her out back then? Hyuga's do have good eyes after all. Don't get me wrong, Hinata's my first anime girl crush from way back but right now this could be considered pedophilia and I don't want her dad to Juken my balls. Besides, I still have to deal with Naruko's high friendliness level with me.
As for Satsuki... Honestly, it's better than I initially anticipated. Maybe it's because I'm just too used to seeing Sasuke being an avenger though seven-year-old Satsuki is much more chill. Most of the time she's still silent and only grunts or 'hm's if that is a real thing, but otherwise she's a normal girl who's at the top of her class. If I'm lucky, I get to see her smile which made her look really pretty. Funny enough, she prefers me over Naruko because I'm not loud and always yelling about becoming Hokage one day.
*RING*
The bell rang, signifying the end of class. I closed my textbook and headed to the back of the Academy where Naruko and the others are also going. Our outdoor class will be about appreciating Konoha and arts. The outside breeze fluttered my hair, the fresh air rejuvenated my lungs as the warm rays of light bathed us warmly.
"Ken-kun! Over here dattebayo!"
Santa and a few of my other civilian classmates nudged my side with shit eating grins, "Don't keep your girlfriend waiting."
"Whatever, see you later guys." I joined up with the ever beaming blonde and co, "Yo."
"You made it, this is gonna be great. I heard that the forests here have pretty flowers and lots of space to run around so we can play."
"Quiet down Naruko, some of us are trying to take it easy." Shikamaru yawned, lazily scratching the back of his head, "What a drag. You have too much energy."
"And you have too little energy, you need to move around more."
"I'll pass." The Nara denied instantly as he saw the response coming from a mile away, "How do you deal with her all the time Ken? Don't you ever get tired or annoyed?"
My thoughts drifted back to the two little nieces back in my past life, "Guess she just grew on me."
"See, I'm awesome and likeable dattebayo."
"How troublesome."
"You think everything is troublesome Shikamaru." Ino sassed, "We're training to become shinobi someday, you need to shape up one of these days. Right, Satsuki-chan?"
The Uchiha didn't so much as spare a glance.
Unimpressed, Kiba huffed in disbelief with his white puppy on top of his head, "You still trying to get the Ice Queen to open up."
"One of these days I'll succeed, I have to know her diet to stay so slim and fit at the same time. Not to mention that silky smooth hair."
"It's quite ironic that you're calling her Ice Queen considering that Uchihas are renowned for their katon affinity."
"You are more knowledgeable than normal citizens regarding shinobi Ken-san. Why? It's because you know much about our clans and specialities."
"Both of my parents were shinobis though kaa-chan retired a few years later to pursuit a different goal. I got curious and sometimes look through their notes and scrolls."
"Really?" Choji secretly opened up a bag of chips away from the teachers' line of sight, "You should transfer to our class, I think you would make a good shinobi."
"That's a great idea. I came here to learn how to unlock my chakra even though I'm not aiming to become a shinobi because Ino-chan recommended. Even non-shinobi jobs can be much easier if you know how to use chakra."
"Even Sakura-chan thinks so too. It'll be pretty hard but you can do cool stuff once you get chatora-
"It's chakra you dope."
"Shut up teme! Come on Ken-kun, please change your mind and transfer here dattebayo."
"... Wait, how difficult is it to unlock your chakra?"
"A couple months of practice. Quite a drag actually, I haven't gotten mine to work properly half of the time yet."
"Mine came easier since kaa-chan said Uzumaki's have a lot of it."
"I'm... still learning. I never had any early training since I'm from a non-shinobi family. Generally, it takes even longer for us civilians to build up our physical and spiritual energies, meld them together and pull it out-"
While Sakura was explaining on about the theory, I was internally confused and slightly worried. It only took me a few hours after reviewing the wiki from my old world by memory and experimenting to get my chakra out. I can already do push ups and sit ups while doing the water walking exercise for crying out loud. Explaining to mom as to why I always take such long baths was pretty complicated.
This better not be another cliché reincarnated-into-another-world-with-OP-powers-and-get-instant-harem troupe, I'm perfectly fine with just living a normal boring routine with nothing threatening my life, get a normal boring job with an adequate amount of salary, and marry a normal woman and live with my normal family.
As soon as I thought normal, a certain Hyuga was seen at the corner of my eye staring at me. She blushed and turned away when we made eye contact.
'... Goodbye normalcy, it was nice knowing you.'
"Ken-san, are you unwell? Why? Because you appear tired all of a sudden."
"It's fine, I just probably didn't get enough sleep last night."
"Alright everyone, please form into lines of six." A specific teacher with a scar on the bridge of his nose stood in front of other teachers. He twitched when none of the students heard him, he spoke louder, "Students, please pay attention."
Again, no results. A vein throbbed on his forehead, "Everyone!"
He finally had it and unleashed a genjutsu that somehow amplified his shout and the size of his head or as I call it, the 'Big Head Jutsu', "Shut your traps and get in line!"
Now that got the job done, both shinobi and civilian students alike listened as they're told. The sensei coughed into his hand, returning back to his calm persona, "Good morning everyone, some of you already know me but as for the students from the Generals Division, allow me to introduce myself. I am Iruka Umino, a Chunin who teaches as a regular here at the Academy."
"Today you will venture around the forest and draw a picture before returning here, the motive is about nature. You have two hours, be sure to not wander beyond the surrounding fence and you can use any colors you wish to draw. And also be sure to give an oral report on what and why you chose to draw. You may go ahead and start."
Naruko pulled my arm in excitement, "Let's go Ken-kun."
"Alright alright, the forest isn't going anywhere."
We grabbed our sketchbooks and strolled. However, before we could make it to the foliage, I spotted a certain lone ravenette glancing us with an emotion I couldn't decipher. Almost everyone else were already in groups. Images of the avenger flashed into my mind as as uneasy feeling welled up, maybe I can at least try to ask, "Hey Satsuki, you wanna come along with us?"
"What? Why do you want the emo to come dattebayo?"
"Like I want to be stuck with you dope."
"She's being mean again, we don't need her."
The blonde gave me a cute pout. I sweatdropped, grinning wryly before turning back to the Uchiha, "I just thought it would be nice to hang out together. Besides, I'm not hearing a 'no', so..."
"..."
Satsuki was silent, stoic in an adorable way for a seven-year-old little girl. I was about to give up-
"I suppose I can accompany so you wouldn't suffer alone from Naruko's rambling."
"I don't ramble dattebayo!"
Now that caught me by surprise, I didn't think she would actually agree and for a second there, I caught her gleaming in happiness. Smiling cheerily, "Yosh, come on."
Naruko was practically appalled, despairing that our playtime is ruined by the Uchiha, I'll probably need to make up to her with one or two bowls of ramen. As for Satsuki, she simply strolled without minding about the blonde making angry faces.
Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, I marveled once again at Konoha's nature. Thick healthy trees evenly spaced as branches extended, leaves filtering sunlight to make it warm enough to take a nap or having fun. Lush grass more or less evenly trimmed, squirrels and other critters scuttering here and there around the roots. And top it all off with an abundant of flowers and other colorful plants growing in harmony. You can definitely appreciate why this place is called the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
"So, do you two have anything you wanna draw?"
"Something orange."
"That apple tree would do."
"Why that? It's just a tree dattebayo."
"Hm."
The blonde pouted angrily, "You're doing that again!"
"What?"
"That! That 'hm' thing! You always say a few words and never tell what you're really thinking dattebayo!"
"Hm."
"Ken-kun! She's doing it again!"
"Judging by her annoyed tone, I think Satsuki meant that you're annoying."
"Oh, so that's what she's saying- Hey! I'm not annoying!"
"Hm."
"Sounds a bit more smug this time, she's looking down on you and saying 'yes, you are.'"
"Grrrr!"
Naruko was now in her temper tantrum, her pigtails somehow pointing upwards in rage as she yells. Huh, is that done with chakra? As that happened, Satsuki stared at me in suspicion. I asked awkwardly, "Um, what's wrong?"
"Hm."
"After talking to you for a while, I would've figured out your patterns sooner or later. Wait a second, you hm'd on purpose to test me this time."
"Hm."
"A tone lasting longer than usual, can't say I'm certain about this one. Are you miffed because I'm reading you like a book?"
"Hm."
"Guess I'm just good at picking up stuff, and no I'm not an Uchiha. There are lots of other people who have black hair and eyes besides your clansmen."
"Hm."
"Uh... Yeah, I don't know this one."
"Hm."
"Yeah yeah, have your victory while it lasts. I'll figure out what that means sooner or later and wipe that smirk off your face."
As I surveyed what to draw, Naruko and Satsuki continued bickering. Well, more like Naruko screaming at Satsuki as the latter coolly ignored her. Some of the other students were either goofing off or working on the assignment, somewhat used to the blonde trying and failing to one up the number one student in the class. Speaking of which, the hotheaded Namikaze then proudly declared that she'll draw better that the Uchiha and frantically searched for a beautiful scene.
"Hm."
"I'm sure even Naruko can't get into trouble when we're here. This place is totally secure."
"Hm."
"No worries, I'm here to watch over her. And I might as well get started with my assignment."
Sitting down on a rock, I surveyed once more. Arts isn't exactly my strong suit so I'm having a hard time to choose, maybe I should've asked Satsuki for some advice? Too late for that, she's already gotten started on that apple tree and I don't want to interrupt her. Naruko chose the bright sky apparently. So much for being a group, those two are entirely far apart from one another.
Hang on, now I know what I want to draw. Taking a few steps back for a better angle, I captured the image of the meadow and forest, though the real highlights were Naruko and Satsuki in the picture. Instead of arguing with each other, I altered a bit to make them look like they're get along. They might not like it, but I hoped that maybe this will bring them a little closer. A symbolism of friendship together in Konoha, nothing like the hatred between Indra and Ashura shit.
Wait a second, does this mean that those two got a sex change and became girls...? I don't remember the wiki ever stating anything specifically about the reincarnates needing to be males. Meh, let's not think about it too much.
While I was lost in drawing, time passed and those two walked over to me. Confident, Naruko had a cheeky grin as she held her sketchbook, "Ken-kun, look at what I drew, it's definitely better than Satsuki's."
As she proudly presented, I tried to maintain my smile. The trees were a bit squiggly and grass could be mistaken for insects, and the sky had the most significant change, "Why did you put orange?"
"Because orange is great and sunsets are way prettier than the afternoon sky. What do you think dattebayo?"
"... You really put a lot of effort in it, that's for sure."
"See, aren't I awesome!"
Satsuki gave me a deadpan and I returned with a shrug of my shoulders. Rolling her eyes, the ravenette showed us her work and... Wow, she can get rich by auctioning that drawing. Multiple shades and colors to emphasize the main apple tree by making a background of other smaller looking trees. Sunlight raying down so you can clearly tell the shape of the leaves. And not to mention the blue and black birds tranquilly standing on the branches. You can absolutely see the 2.5D from this.
Naruko was now less confident, "It-it's not a big deal. Anyone can draw that, right Ken-kun?"
Both were watching me for my reply. My anime-senses kicked in, which means that no matter what answer I give, it would only lead to a bad ending. In the end, I simply ignored the question and presented, "Ta-da."
For once, I was glad that the blond has a short attention span, "Is that us being friends?"
"Are you serious? Why would you assume that?"
"You know what they say, the closer friends are, the more they argue with each other."
"Just because our parents know each other, that doesn't make us friends."
"I wouldn't want to be friends with the teme either dattebayo."
"Well I had fun with the three of us together, it could work. Maybe we can do this again sometime?"
""No.""
"Whelp, so much for that." I sighed from their stuborness, "Time's almost up, we should get back."
The Uchiha walked in front of us as Naruko was at my right. The latter didn't seem very happy with the outdoor class ending. I whispered, "Do the senseis still give you that look? Iruka-sensei seems nice."
"Iruka-sensei... is okay I guess. But he still does it sometimes. Why do the adults always look at me like I'm some kind of thing?"
"Not all adults, your parents are always nice to you right. How about we go get Ichiraku after school?"
"Really?" She was back to her bright self, "Yay, your kaa-chan's been letting you hang out with me more often."
"Yeah, she's starting to mellow out... I think?"
"Alright! Tou-chan is out of the village today for work so it's been a little quiet, kaa-chan will be happy too dattebayo."
Satsuki overheard us. I extended the invitation, "Do you wanna join-"
"No."
"Guess it's just us then."
Naruko blew a raspberry at the Uchiha, smiling happily that we can hang out more. We reached back where we were supposed to gather, almost everyone else was here too-
*Rumble*
"Huh." I looked around, could've sworn I sensed something.
"Ken-kun, you okay dattebayo?"
"Yeah, my mind must be playing tricks on me."
*Rumble**Rumble*
"Or not." Now I was frantic, it felt like vibrations and something I've never sensed before. I quickly raised my hand, "Iruka-sensei, do you feel anything strange around us?"
"Strange?" He gave me a puzzled visage, "No, there is nothing."
*Rumble**Rumble**Rumble*
"Are you sure? There's something definitely here!"
"Check it out, civilian kid thinks he's under attack."
"Haha, what's next? Is he gonna do a special jutsu?"
"Please be assured Ken-kun. As senseis here, our job is to keep you all safe and sound. There is nothing to worry about-"
*Rumble**Rumble**Rumble**Rumble*
"It's coming!" I entered whatever crude battle stance I've learned from my previous life. It's sloppy compared to shinobi standard taijutsu though it's better than nothing. Straining my senses, I finally got the location down to-
*GROWL*
The Akimichi rubbed his belly, "Hmmm, I'm still hungry."
... Choji's stomach?
"What a show off!"
"Oooo, look at me! I'm scared of a stomach growling!"
"Such a loser, he shouldn't have pretended to be a shinobi in the first place."
"Hey! Knock it off! Everyone makes mistakes!" Naruko tried to stop them with no avail, concerned about me, "Ken-kun, don't mind them. I think you're really cool dattebayo."
All the kids laughed and pointed fingers at me for overreacting while I was still in my battle stance, except now I'm entirely incredulous. Was it... was it really just Choji's stomach growling?
"Now now everyone, settle down." Iruka calmed the students, shinobi and civilian alike, before facing me, "You see Ken-kun, there was nothing to be afraid off. However, you did display talent as a sensor. With some practice-"
*KA-BOOM*
The ground behind Choji and other kids exploded, throwing up pebbles everywhere. I was blasted away along with everyone else. They screamed in panic as a dust cloud kicked up. Coughing, I got a good look and couldn't believe what I saw.
Shinobi, four of them here and probably more underground. All wearing red outfits under brown flak jackets and one side doesn't have a sleeve. Regardless, the most distinguishable features were the stone symbol on their forehead protectors, 'Iwa shinobi!? What the fuck are they doing here!? Wait, a better question would be how did they get past Konoha's security!?'
"Looks like we got the right place." A bulky Iwa nin with no hair commented before scanning the area, and the way he smirked when he found his target sent shivers down my spine, "Well well well whiskers, you got some of the Yellow Flash's features. You're coming with us."
"No- NO!"
"Naruko!" I was about to get up.
"Doton: Tsuchi Nami no Jutsu (Earth Release: Earth Wave Technique)"
"Doton: Tobi Tsubute (Earth Release: Flying Thrown Stones)"
Huge waves from the earth threw off our balance and piercing rocks were heading for the teachers. Clicking my tongue, I focused chakra to stick my hands and feet to the ground to make sure I wasn't sent flying again. The teachers were able to fend off somewhat without fatal injuries but judging the size and magnitude of those jutsus, combined with the fact that these guys could slip in here undetected, these guys have got to be jounin level!
"You have got to be shitting me, we only have chunins here."
"Iyaahh!"
"Release us!"
"Leave us alone!"
Not good. Satsuki, Shikamaru, and the other clan heirs are getting captured. Sakura tried to hold on to Ino while crying until she was backhanded right in the face.
"Sakura! You jerks!" Ino bit onto the hand gripping her, only to have zero effect.
"That's the last one, let's go!"
"I don't think so!" Sending a burst of chakra to the soles of my feet, I rocketed forward to the first Iwa nin in my sight. He was surprised by my speed at first until he reacted, sending a solid punch to me. Right at the last moment, I grabbed his wrist and swung myself over him, ignoring the guy and speeding right to where Naruko and others are, "Naruko, hang on-"
My ankle was caught by the guy I tried to avoid, he almost slammed my back to the cold hard ground until my hands stopped the impact, fingers digging and cracking into the ground. That one moment of surprise on him was enough for me to use my entire body to reverse our roles. While he was still clutching my ankle, I inhaled as much oxygen as I can before lifting his entire body with my foot and threw him away.
Grabbing a few pebbles, I threw them as distraction before circling around the other intruders. If I can just buy enough time for reinforcements to arrive-
The first guy who was blown away came back right in my face, seizing my neck before slamming me into the ground before I could react. The shock traveled to my brain as I nearly blacked out.
"Ken!" I could barely make out Naruko and others calling out.
"Not bad for a brat. He's not one of our targets, what should we do with him?"
"Take him with us, one more won't make a difference."
"You should've been smart and stayed quiet, playing hero in the shinobi world would only get you regrets brat."
A foreign sensation began entering me, making me slip into unconsciousness, 'Shit! Genjutsu! Got to... stay... a..."
As I was succumbing, my mind flashed to my old family, as well as to my new mom crying for me.
AN: Dun-dun-dun! Something big just happened to our main character. It's a drastic change that I've been wanting to try since I thought it would make sense, more explanations will come in later chapters. Hope you all like it.
Ja Ne.
