[Kushimaru Kuriarare]
The last thing Kushimaru expected to find whilst helping Ito on her little hunt was a Chinoike. It was a surprise, but a very welcome one. It made the trip worth it indeed. Although he had to help nurse a few of the brats back to health whilst Ito watched over a small child along with the only other Non-injured brat.
At least they were alive though! Kushimaru didn't really know what to think of the brats. The injured ones were still delirious due to blood loss and broken bones. And the supposed ring leader of the gaggle of idiots was still passed out due to blood loss. 'Still impressed by the brutality of that kill though.' Kirigakure shinobi were known for their brutality. Kushimaru knew that well. He literally skewered people to death all the time. But smashing their head in with a rock as they were defenseless was a new level of brutality.
That was impressive for a brat. Even though taking the Chuunin down was a team effort. 'A Hozuki is always dangerous though...' Chuunin or not, You do not fuck with a Hozuki unless you had a surefire way of putting one down. So either lightning, Ice, Wind, or a way to paralyze them. And those were all pretty rare unless you were in Kumo because lightning release is common there. More common than Fire is in the Land of Fire. But in Kirigakure? Like twenty at most had it and most were in Kirigakure itself. Not in the rebellion.
So another lightning user was always going to be really nice for them. Even a relatively weak one like the ring leader. 'A wind, A lightning, and two waters... weird indeed.' Kushimaru had a little chat with the silver haired boy. He learned a lot. Not to mention Ito kept asking... The look on the boy's face was priceless once he realized they weren't an enemy. it was like Zabuza's face when the swordsman minus Ameyuri took Zabuza to go see boobs for the first time... No prostitutes died this time though. The brat's jaw was on the floor and he was excited.
Of course he tried to kill them after the brat passed out. It was an admirable attempt to protect his comrades and the child. But Ito simply wrapped him in a wire. Then they talked. Kushimaru wanted to talk to the rest of the brats once they were able to talk. One had a concussion, the other's ribs were broken and they also had a concussion, and then one had a hole in their arm, some broken ribs, a slashed forehead, and a punctured stomach that he sewn together... Nubari had its medical uses. It was why it was the second strongest sword.
Kushimaru then heard rustling to the side of him. He was the only one awake so it couldn't be the brats... He then looked to see the ringleader, Kukui Tanku standing there. He looked surprised, Terrified, and curious all at once. Kushimaru supposed it made sense. He likely heard of him before, "What the fuck?"
Kushimaru chuckled, "You look like shit, brat," He really did. There was dried up blood on him still and he was bandaged up, "Your welcome by the way," The boy looked down and saw his stomach was stitched up, "Couldn't bandage it since you kept moving around too much after I stitched you up,"
Kukui laughed, "Sounds like something I'd do. Thanks by the way, death isn't on my bucket list until I kill a very specific someone," Cryptic. But Kushimaru supposed it was Yagura. Who the hell else would it be? "So why the hell are you here and are you here to kill us," He seemed to place his hands closer to his swords at that.
'Smart brat but I'd kill him in an instant if I wanted too.' Kushimaru shrugged, "Ito decided to come kidnap you and your gaggle of idiots after news of your little exploit reached us and I went along to make sure she wasn't killed. How'd you do that by the way?" He had heard about the boy being stupid enough to break into the academy not once. Not twice. But three fucking times. Not even Kushimaru would risk something like that. Way too risky.
It was why it was almost nobody in history has done it in war with the only person being Jiraya of the Sannin. How did everyone know? Well He waltzed out of the village after and met up with his team. Then they got the hell out of there. Iwa was trying to get pity from Kiri and Kumo by telling that tale but it only made people to mention Jiraya did it in broad daylight... The third shinobi war wasn't a good one for Iwa
Kukui hummed, "Well there was literally no security. The war has been spreading Kiri thin and Yagura is an idiot. So I managed to break in with ease. I had a change in plans a few times so I had to continue to break in... Again, Yagura is an idiot for not having people. Even just one person guard the literal only place of education of shinobi Kirigakure had,"
Kushimaru nodded in acknowledgment, "Yagura used to be smarter but it seems he's been getting desperate and hasty with where he placed his shinobi." Kushimaru then sighed, "So do you plan on staying up a bit longer or not? I'd recommend on getting some sleep because tomorrow you're going to be doing a lot of walking," Kushimaru fully intended on taking them back to the rebellion as soon as possible. They could finish healing on the way back. A Chinoike was worth gold now.
The boy shook his head, "Yeah. I likely can't sleep. So... do you plan on taking us with you?"
Kushimaru nodded, "Ito would kill me if I didn't,"
"Whipped." Was the response that came directly after.
"Fuck you." Kushimaru threw a rock at Kukui lightly to which the boy dodged, "You'll know how I feel if you have kids one day," Kushimaru realized what he said as Kukui started chuckling, "They're just about as demanding as Ito,"
Kukui shrugged somberly, "If is the key word here. And real smooth dude. Real smooth," The air held a darker tone to what it once did. Kushimaru then realized something. The boy didn't think he'd live long.
Shinobi didn't tend to live long. Most died around 25 these days and anything beyond 30 was considered old in the shinobi world. But still it was better to not think about it than to mope about it. Kushimaru couldn't help but feel a bit of pity for the boy. He remembered when he first realized he was going to die "early" one day. It was not pleasant times, "You think your gonna die before you do all the life stuff huh?"
Kukui nodded, "Yeah... " He looked up, "I've almost died multiple times now. I'm barely even a genin that defected and I've gotten into more life and death encounters than I should have already. It will happen again. That I know, but when? It could be anywhere from next Tuesday to 20 years from now if I"m lucky. Knowing my luck," He chuckled to himself, "I give it maybe two years before I kick the bucket. I don't want to die but it'll happen. I want to have a wife I can love with all my heart and some kids I can tell shitty dad jokes too. But Shinobi die young. Especially here in this hell hole. It'll never happen and only now I realize that."
Kushimaru clapped slowly, "Wow. Thats pessimistic for a kid who's probably barely even eleven," Also mature. Although people mature faster in an active civil war Kushimaru supposed, "I can't really say anything ressuring. I can offer you a beer though. Getting drun helps me forget my problems," Kushimaru grabbed a sealing scroll he kept for special emergencies. Sake wasn't good so he had some good stuff here that actually didn't taste like shit.
Kukui raised an eyebrow, "I'm eleven... Isn't this not legal?"
Kushimaru laughed heartily, "Legal? Don't make me laugh brat. We're murderers for hire as a job. What screams legal about us?" He then unsealed a bottle, "Want some or not?"
Kukui shrugged, "I'll take one," Kushimaru threw him the bottle which the boy caught.
Kushimaru then unsealed another bottle, "Have fun with that brat, since thats probably the last you'll have for awhile and trust me, the fear of death only gets worse,"
The brat nodded and took the cap off of his bottle, "To midlife crisis's at the age of ten!" He took a heavy swig.
Kushimaru chuckled, "Thats the spirit,"
[Choujuro]
This journey had been the best choice of Choujuro's life. He and his friends did it! They were joining the Kirigakure rebellion! He almost couldn't believe it. As it turns out, Kukui knew someone from there. He didn't tell them but Choujuro understood. Even if he was a bit annoyed. They could have coordinated a bigger attack on Kirigakure. But Ito couldn't be contacted by that point so it was fine.
At least Ito was really nice though! She was the one who gave Kukui the lightning clone jutsu and she wanted them to join and go on missions with her! So they'd be doing something soon too. They likely had to prove their loyalty first but it'd be worth it! Choujuro was prepared to do anything to ensure he could join.
So far though, it looked like they'd be able to get in fairly easily with one of the swordsman of the mist vouching for them and Ito vouching for them. Plus with the knowledge they were the ones who blew up the Kirigakure academy(which, as Choujuro learned, was a huge thing to the rebellion) they'd hopefully be accepted soon enough.
Then they could all work on killing Yagura and restoring Kirigakure to its former glory!
"Your really patriotic aren't you?" Choujuro jumped as he turned and saw Ito staring at him, "Yes that was all said aloud. Thank you by the way!" Choujuro blushed and looked away. He really said it aloud huh? That was embarrassing, "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll all be fine though. Mei-Sama is really accepting of new members and welcomes them. And since you guys are practically heroes to most in the rebellion you should be allowed in without much fuss,"
That was nice to hear, Choujuro supposed, "Thats good. I wouldn't want anyone to hate us or not want us to join," That was another worry in his mind. They were mere children to most. Which sucked a bit but it was fine since they were children.
Ito shrugged, "Eh the rebellion takes anyone it can get. Even children although most of the time the children just train. People might hate you for being weak but those are only the jerks who are actually weak themselves. Plus they'll be jealous that your one of the four who blew up the Kiri academy," Ito grinned, "Now come on, we're almost there! Lets speed up!" Ito's voice gained an extra tone of cheeriness which was nice. It was a nice change from the constant dread in their lives before. With her and Himiko around, things were never dull. Two weeks had flown by already.
He, Himiko, and Kukui weren't fully recovered yet but that was fine! They could all still go beyond their limits and get there shortly! It was his ribs that still hurt, not his legs after all! Although Kukui might have a bit of a problem walking. He was still out of it a bit... 'I should go ask him whats wrong.'
Choujuro quickly stepped over to his first friend who looked to be deep in thought, "Hey, Kukui. Whats up?" Kukui was startled and he looked over at Choujuro before relaxing, "Did I scare you?" Distressing his friend who probably wasn't doing to fine mentally wasn't a good idea.
Kukui smiled before rubbing the back of his head, "I guess I'm just nervous. And a bit scared. Not because of you but because of other reasons. Things are finally looking up for us you know? But with our luck somethings gonna happen that takes it all away,"
Choujuro pat his friend on the back comfortingly, "I"m sure things will be different this time, Kukui! We're going to be in a place where we can thrive without looking behind us in fear someone's going to kill us. We're basically free for now!"
Kukui chuckled, "When did you get so optimistic?" Kukui looked ahead, "Its not a bad thing but still... I thought you'd still be looking around, waiting for something to happen like I am."
Choujuro shrugged before scratching his arm, "I guess I'm just happy. I"ve always wanted to join the Kirigakure rebellion and now we're finally doing it. All of us. None of us died or were crippled. We're making it whilst fairly okay too. I just think things will be better for us now that we're joining them,"
Kukui looked down and then at Choujuro again, "Your probably not wrong. But still. I can't help it... We've been hunted by that man for a while and now that he's dead... for real this time... it just feels like someone else is going to hunt us down. It isn't a pretty thing to think about I know but its better than other things I could think about," Kukui looked up at the sky then, " I think I feel a bit better though, getting that off of my chest,"
Choujuro smiled. At least Kukui felt slightly better! Progress was progress, "Good to hear. If you feel like you need to talk to someone, I"ll be here man. "
Kukui grinned, "Thanks, Choujuro,"
"No problem," Choujuro then looked forward at Ito who was animatedly talking with Himiko and Tayuya.
Ito and Kushimaru then stopped, "We're here! We're here!" Ito announced and Choujuro's smile seemingly stretched a mile wide. It felt that way at least. They were finally there!
[Kukui Tanku]
Life had a way of fucking with people. I am pretty sure I know that well enough... Mine loved fucking with me like it was some sick game. But it is what it is. You got to take the good with the bad. Luckily for me today, I was taking the good more than the bad.
After the murder of Kokushibo Hozuki, Ito along with Kushimaru came along and pretty much kidnapped us. That was a huge surprise but a welcome one. Especially since my negligence nearly got me killed. It would have too if I wasn't stitched up by Kushimaru. I was still recovering both mentally and physically from the last month or so but it was getting better. Especially since we were about to join the rebellion.
Turns out, Ito decided to come find us for two reasons. 1) To get us to join the rebellion 2) Because she wanted to go on missions again and having people around her age to form a squad with to even do more menial tasks was better than nothing. So they found us eventually after two weeks or so of searching.
After that was two weeks or so of travel with Choujuro, Himiko, and Me recovering from the damage inflicted upon us by Kokushibo. With Ito and Kushimaru leading the way. We also sparred with Ito once... We only landed one hit on her and that was because I spammed lightning clones. After that we eventually we made it to the rebellion and Ito went and basically shouted who we were and what we did... Turns out blowing up the academy was a bigger deal than I realized. This is what leads me to my current predicament.
"LET US WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS WITH OPEN ARMS!" A man with firey red hair shouted as he held Kukui into the air. He just grabbed him and raised him up like he was a trophy.
"YEAH!" Spirits were at an all time high once it was known that a bunch of kids got one over on Yagura. Kids who were ten. That was just hilarious. Especially since it involved them killing seasoned Chuunin. All of which were the only teachers Kirigakure had at the time too.
'I don't like this... Why am I the only one in this situation?' Oh yeah. Ito wanted to torture him. She outed him as the one who planned the whole thing. 'It wasn't even that good of a plan damnit.' He literally just snuck into a defenseless building.
"THEY HAVE DONE OUR CAUSE A GREAT SERVICE. THEY DESTROYED YAGURA'S ACADEMY AND BECAUSE OF THAT, YAGURA CAN NO LONGER PRODUCE ANY MORE SOLDIERS WITH EASE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER THREE YEARS!" I honestly expected less but oh well... That was damn good news.
"YEAH!" The screams were near deafening which was saying a lot. Sanemi snored a lot in his sleep. Loudly.
"Shinji why are you holding a child?" Everyone looked to our left and we all saw an Auburn-haired woman. I recognized her right away as Mei Terumi... The Fifth Mizukage. Or the future Fifth Mizukage, "Also why the hell are you screaming so damn loud?" I heard a facepalm from the crowd.
"Someone forgot to tell her," I heard Kushimaru mutter before he stuck Nubari into the roof and hung from its wire like a fucked up Spider-Man, "These brats are the reason why I've been gone the last month," Real smooth wording dude.
Mei sighed, "Kushimaru I know you have a penchant for adopting children but why is all of my forces cheering for them?" I chuckled at that. Fortunately the man hadn't adopted us. Merely kidnapped us.
Kushimaru slapped his mask, "I do not have a penchant for adopting brats. These brats are the brats that blew up the damn academy. Ito wanted me to find the ring leader so she could force them to go on missions with her,"
The rebellions leader laughed, "I thought you weren't the type to make jokes, Kushimaru. Now tell me the real reason please," I didn't blame her. Anyone who wasn't drunk or didn't have Kushimaru's word and had common sense wouldn't believe it. Its hard to believe Yagura wouldn't defend his own academy.
"Its true though Mei-Sama!" Ito piped up from the crowd, "They did it."
Mei looked toward Ito, "How do you know its true? They could be just some random kids who took credit for it and got lucky,"
Kushimaru hummed and I felt myself being dragged toward him because of Nubari's wire, "Because these brats actually have some level of damn skill. They're not good by any means. No. But I can tell you that they're not idiots, nor are they incapable of doing it. Hell I've even talked to the brats and they are all crappy liars. So they didn't lie," I never thought in my life that I'd have Kushimaru fucking Kuriarare vouch for me but here I am.
Mei sighed, "Alright I'll believe you..." Mei looked around and seemed to spot all of us, "Could you introduce yourselves please? I'm sure you have already but I'd like to know who the new blood is,"
'I'd love it if someone could get me down from here...' I was hanging from the leg now and it wasn't pleasant, "I'm Kukui Tanku," I then looked to Kushimaru, "Sorry if this is rude but it seems like for the past 30 minutes I've been off the ground so can you please put me down now?"
Kushimaru chuckled, " Sure brat," I was dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes, "Your welcome," Prick. I dusted myself off and weakly glared at Kushimaru who simply laughed at my expense
Choujuro stepped forward next and all that liquid confidence I saw him have earlier dissolved, "I'm Choujuro, Ma'am,"
Himiko grinned as she hopped onto a wall, "I'm Himiko Chinoike! A pleasure to meet you!" That raised some eyebrows and got a few whispers going.
"A Chinoike..." Before Mei could continue with what she was about to say Sanemi grinned and plunged a sword of his into the wall and stood atop it.
"And I'm Sanemi!" The silver haired boy announced which put some life back into the room.
Kushimaru deadpanned and looked at the boy, "Really brat. That was lame," That got a chuckle out of me.
"And I"m Tayuya!: Tayuya announced from beside Ito.
Mei coughed and all eyes turned to her again, "Well then, You five are welcomed here... May I ask you to come with me? I want to confirm that you are really a Chinoike," She looked at Himiko... She then paused, "Actually do you have your Ketseryugan unlocked yet? If so could you activate it?
Himiko saluted, "Okay boss lady!" Her typical eyes were replaced with those of the Ketseryugan, "See? 100% Legit!"
Mei chuckled, "Okay then. Good," She turned to Kushimaru who straightened up completely at the woman's gaze, "Please see to it that you don't dissapear for a month again to find some children. I am letting you off the hook because one is a Chinoike. Am I clear?"
"Yes Ma'am," Was the response that came after.
Mei nodded, "Good. Now I need you, Urahara, Yami, Shinji, Ameyuri, and Mangetsu to meet me in my office soon," Mei then turned around and looked at me and the people behind us, "When you get settled in I will have you four get a mission to prove your loyalty to our cause. Although I doubt its needed but its just formality. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future," With that the rebellions leader left and Kushimaru relaxed.
"Whipped!" Ito called out right after and I couldn't help but agree.
Kushimaru sighed and turned around, "I'm not whipped brat!"
'Sure you aren't.' I thought whilst internally laughing. I then looked around and realized the crowd from earlier had dispersed. 'Thank god...'
Ito turned around, ignoring Kushimaru and smiled, "Alright you five come with me! We're going to have a sleepover!" Why do I suddenly feel fear grip my heart?
Oh well it shouldn't be too bad.
[Chapter end]
Alrighty! Thats arc two completed. Honestly my favorite chapter of the fic so far to be honest with you all. Even though it took multiple days to write. Although thats just me getting lazy. Anyways a lot of stuff has happened since last chapter. Mainly I'm now writing this fic from a cheap chromebook. So yeah that sucks. Anyways, we'll be seeing next arc shortly. We'll also be seeing Kukui's first "Official mission" What will it be? Well... Probably a cluster fuck.
I haven't planned it out fully yet but I do know it should be like the last two arcs. Ten chapters long. I do have one moment in the arc planned that I'm really looking forward too and it will be a hype one... At least for me. For canon probably not.
Honestly this was a cool arc for this fic to have. I think it sets up some of the main characters really well and it sorta shows some world building in the fic which I admit I could have expanded on a bit more. I enjoyed writing Kokushibo as he felt Human to me. He was also beatable for this stage in the game which was nice. All in All I'd give this a solid eight out of ten imo. Although the last two chapters are my favorite.
So yeah we're done with Arc two already. Honestly... this arc made me realize how long this fic might be. We had the academy arc and this arc we then have next arc which should also be ten chapters, an arc after that which should be a training arc which might take 5 chapters then another arc after that which would probably be 15, an arc after that which is 10 chapters, and then a small arc after that'd be the end of the kiri civil war. Thats... 60 chapters and I'm lowballing it for sure.
Then we'd have how ever many more chapters it'd take after this to complete the Naruto plot. I admit, I'll probably screw canon a lot in the next 40 or so chapters but stil... This fic is probably going to be at least 100 chapters.
I'm okay with that though because It means I can make a version of the Naruto world that focuses on some place other than Konoha. It won't be perfect. It won't be nearly as good as what we got in canon for sure. But I'll do my damn best to make this a good read!
Sorry for the long AN... I just felt like blabbing a bit.
Tobi out!
