Ben-10: The One True Monster

A/N: Thanks for the reviews and the question. The answer is, yes, he has all of his alien forms up until Omniverse. I actually want to prioritize the thought to utilize all of those aliens, before considering to introduce ultimates or other power-ups, except one power-up will be an exception to make Ben a proper Alien Shinobi.

To not be confused with Benzaiten (Benten), a Japanese goddess, Ben-Ten in Benji's codename will be spelled in katakana.


Chapter 2: Ben-Ten of the Omnitrix

(オムニトリックスの ベンテン)

"Subject BX1227, originally called Ben—"

I hadn't heard a human voice in ages. My eyes and ears were still hidden from the world, blocking off any connection to the outside. The experiments and prodding continued, the scientists moving like shadows around me. Secrets, I guessed, were their currency.

"You don't need to repeat that." Two men conversed, their words accompanied by the distinct click of metal. "It's a test subject."

I only cooperated with the government's decision to conduct experiments on me because they promised they would leave me alone. But they sure were arrogant.

"Sir, please don't smoke in—"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, sir," the scientist amended, wary of displeasing his superior.

"BX1227 is beyond humanity now. It's a creature."

Naturally, human experimentation was outlawed. But the government seemed to find a way around the rules, twisting them to their advantage.

"... we have to ensure BX1227 is contained for the safety of America, and the world at large. Do you comprehend?"

"Bu, sir…"

The air felt heavy with suppressed tension as the voices continued their hushed exchange, each word slipping through the crevices of my isolation.

"… I don't think he would harm the world. Subject BX1227 used to be a hero, you know. Before the government decided…"

The project director's scoff cut through the confined space. "Heroes, monsters—what's the difference? In the end, they're all just tools for those in power."

His words lingered in my mind. The government had taken my past and twisted it into a distorted narrative, fuel for their own agenda.

"… remember. The government is backing us. We're on the right path. We need to keep the subject from getting in the wrong hand."

"But–"

"You've got mouths to feed at home, don't you?"

The scientist fell silent.

"… then no need for gripes," the director's voice receded as he walked away. "Besides, BX1227 doesn't have a family to voice any complaints. The public's already moving on–"

My teeth gnashed against the metal restraint in my mouth, destroying it into smithereens. It was almost like I suddenly gained invincible teeth. When I came back to my senses, the restraint yielded, shattered, and fell out my mouth.

"Hmm?"

I spat out the twisted remains of the restraint, the metal shards clattering against the ground.

"… what did you do to them?" I questioned, almost as calm as the wind before a storm.

"You bit through metal with your teeth?" His voice, a venomous whisper, slithered into my consciousness. "Your family? Oh, they're gone. Vanished, just like that. We have already captured you. No need to hold them captive anymore, right?"

The words were a gut punch, like a raw nerve struck with cruel precision.

"… you lowly piece of shit."

He chuckled darkly. "What can you do? Restrained and powerless without your Omnitrix."

"Sir, please don't–"

"Shut it," the director instantly muted his subordinate. "Call security."

My thoughts spiraled, anger igniting like wildfire within me. No, more like a blazing star. The device on my head quickly fell off, allowing me to see the outside.

"How is it possible…" the director gasped, seeing the metal restraints on my body melt scarily quick and drop to the floor like nothing. "Is that a pyronite?" (Pyronite = Heatblast's species)

"No, I have never seen this one before," the scientist said in panic. "H-he transformed w-without touching!"

The Omnitrix has long become part of my body, you morons!

"Prypiatosian-B," I murmured, looking down at my hands which were already turned into semi-trasparent appendages almost purely made of energy. Just standing close to me would probably melt living things in a brief time. (Prypiatosian-B = NRG's species)

I quickly formed a ball of flames in my hand, making it as dense as it could be, and threw it at the wall, melting away everything in its path. The director and the scientists looked at the debris and melted concrete— what most part of the facility had become.

He stood before me, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and realization. "You're really a monster."

"I have to commend your courage," I retorted. "I would've melted you away if I were a little more insane. But now, tell me who did it."

I tore a hole through the ceilings and flew through the roof, in order to find the one…

I don't care if I have to become a monster.

- (Transition) -

"Kakashi-sensei."

Slight, indistinct vibrations in the water awakened the white angler-fish-like creature that had been taking a nap on the riverbed.

"Hmm?" Kakashi's gaze shifted to Sakura's questioning expression.

Kakashi and his team took a small boat to reach the Land of Waves from the Land of Fire, across a vast river. The surface of the water was all covered in thick mist, but beside them loomed an incomplete bridge.

"You said you didn't catch those Hidden Mist shinobi, right? Then who did?"

"No idea," the teacher made a dumbfounded expression and gazed into the river. "But don't worry."

The creature underwater watched the boat slowly row over himself. The owner appeared to have rowed his boat instead of using the engine in order to reduce the noise.

No problem so far. The creature was none other than Benji, having transformed into Ripjaws. He'd swam ahead of Naruto's team and took a rest beneath the surface, awaiting their arrival.

His transformation, Ripjaws, resembled a human-fish hybrid designed for underwater life. This strange shape allowed him to swim rapidly and effortlessly gnaw through metals. And because of all the mist above the surface, he would see barely anything so it was better to watch over the boat from the bottom of the river.

After a while, the boat finally stopped at a marina, letting the team and Tazuna-san to get off.

"This is as far as I can go," the boat owner said goodbye to the team. "Be careful."

So this is the Land of Waves. Silently, Benji climbed the bank, his form morphing back into human. The team remained oblivious as he stealthily ventured ahead, scouting the unknown terrain alone. Kakashi yet again was the one who caught a glimpse, but he didn't seem to care enough.

The Tenzaki kid had decided Kakashi was level-headed enough to protect Naruto and his teammates. He believed he didn't need to interfere more than necessary. After all, he was just there for a vacation.

Seeing the scenery of the riverside, he let out a yawn and sat down to lean against a tree, feeling the moist air tackling him. This was the first time for him to go outside the village, too, therefore he made a mental note to go on trips every now and then. There was a whole world for him to discover.

Benji's past life was fabricated with misfortunes, awful experiences and ungrateful treatments from egotistical people he had once saved. That's why he decided he wouldn't show the true identity of himself and the Omnitrix to the world— a mistake he didn't want to make twice.

"... Now I kinda miss Grandpa Max and Gwen," he whispered to himself.

Doesn't Masato-nii resemble Grandpa Max in some way? They are really similar, aren't they? It's so lonely without Gwen around, too…

For a person who had lost everything, Benji took it well when he regained his memories. The past is the past… it seems he wasn't the one to weep tears at the face of defeat.

He pretended as if he didn't stumble…

"Alright, enough rest," he muttered to himself, standing up and gazing at the waves in the water. "Should I check out the towns around here?"

Benji tapped the Omnitrix, summoning the holographic circular display that listed the symbols of the aliens.

"Big Chill," he grinned and transformed himself into the chosen alien. A necrofriggian.

At first glance, he looked like a witch, with a dark blue and black coloration and a hooded robe like attire, which turned out to be his four wings when he unfolded them. He had an eerie, moth/ phantom-like appearance, especially because of his always-open mouth that showed his creepy smiles accompanied by clean, white teeth. He bore the Omnitrix badge on his chest.

Soon after transformation, he entered an invisible state and ascended high into the air for a better view.

"There it is!" Naruto cried out as he threw a kunai into a bush, in a cool style, but leaving the rest of his team shocked. Naruto is just Naruto, huh…

He then flew over Team Kakashi and headed toward the town filled with old buildings, beyond the forest.

"Quit trying to show off!" Sakura tried to scold the blond kid. "There was nothing there in the first place."

Big Chill decided to scout around the town, but soon enough, hovering above the town, Big Chill quickly noticed the stark reality before he even descended. The buildings in the center of the town were old, rundown, and heavily unmaintained. With the exception of a handful of apparent travelers, the locals were draped in tattered, dirty clothes that were almost rag-like.

His excitement diminished slowly as he witnessed more of the town. He thus decided to land in an alley and reverted to his human form, to interact with people for more information.

I need to find out what is going on.

Benji dusted off his jacket and took a walk along the streets of the district. The shops displayed meager offerings. Beggars dotted the streets, children hunched in hunger. A few resorted to theft out of desperation for sustenance. Some people would do anything for a little money. The entire town seems to be living on the extreme ends of poverty.

Damn… that was all he could say.

He wasn't surprised or shocked. He was really sad that this world also had something like this— suffering of people.

Benji walked into an apparent hat shop where a few shabby hats were displayed.

"How much for this, Oji-san?" (Oji/ Ji = uncle)

He purchased a straw hat at the shop. It was a little ripped at one side, but still usable. But it was the minimum requirement to infiltrate the town, or he thought so.

"Uncle, did anything happen here?" He asked with a low voice. "Or… has it always been like this?"

Benji glanced at a man chasing after a child, shouting at the top of his lungs. "Stop! You brat!"

The shop owner sighed. "Something did happen. But I don't think we have a choice."

"Tell me about it," the boy pulled out his pouch. "I will pay for information."

Meanwhile in the forest,

Team Kakashi were faced by a tall, muscular man with a big, long sword— his skin color being unhealthily light grayish. He had spiky black hair, and wore a mask made out of bandages that covered the bottom half of his face, and a forehead protector sideways on his head.

The swordsman jumped onto the surface of the river, performing a technique to disappear in the mist.

"Sensei…"

With three ninja kids behind in a "Manji" formation to protect the old man, Kakashi had to step forward to face the swordsman who came to kill Tazuna.

"It seems our invisible helper isn't around," Kakashi, now with his "Sharingan" eye revealed, said to the clueless kids. "He will probably come to erase me first."

"What is he?" Sakura asked.

"Zabuza Momochi," answered Kakashi. "He's an Anbu Black Ops member of the Hidden Mist and is as the "silent killing" technique expert. It's a killing skill that's implemented in an instant in silence. I've not totally mastered my Sharingan. So you guys too don't lower your guard."

The mist around them thickened until the kids could hardly see Kakashi. With a burst of Chakra, Kakashi dispersed the mist, reassuring his team that he would protect his comrades.

Abruptly, Zabuza lunged swiftly behind the kids, just before the old man, ready to slash them. Yet, Kakashi was not lagging behind. He appeared almost as if he had teleported, halting the swordsman and driving a kunai into his belly. However, the swordsman transformed into water and slithered to the ground.

"Sensei, behind you!" Naruto alerted.

Suddenly, a second Zabuza leaped towards Kakashi from behind, slashing his sword through the air. But just as the blade made contact, the masterful ninja transformed into water, mirroring Zabuza's technique.

Zabuza's mind raced, realizing that his Water Clone Technique had been copied by Kakashi. Swift as a shadow, the latter emerged behind the former, a kunai poised at his throat.

"Don't move," Kakashi said. "It's over."

"You don't get it," Zabuza then disappeared again and reappeared behind Kakashi with a kunai pointed at the latter's neck. "I'm also not that easy."

With a swift spin, Kakashi slashed Zabuza, which again turned out to be a clone and disappeared. In a split second, yet another Zabuza wrestled with Kakashi, executing a forceful kick that sent the copy ninja hurtling into the nearby river.

In the town.

Benji paid compensation to a shop owner on behalf of a thief who stole stuff from the shop.

"Thank you, young man," the shop owner expressed his gratitude.

Benji had a bad feeling for some reason.

"No need," he said to the shop owner. "I think I should check on them."

He ran into an alley and took the form of Big Chill again, vanishing from sight as he soared back to where Naruto and team were.

Oh, apparently various things happened while I was away.

When Big Chill arrived at the scene, he was met with a chaotic scene: the kids were scattered on the ground and their teacher was trapped within a massive sphere of water through a Water Prison jutsu. He immediately recognized Zabuza was an enemy and mentally made a plan to make a superhero entrance and help the team.

"First, I will finish off these kids," Zabuza claimed.

Standing on the river surface as he confined Kakashi in his Water Prison, he did a single-hand seal and cast a water technique.

"Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!" (水分身の術)

Water Clone Technique.

Hmm… another clone technique huh…

A humanoid form slowly formed from the water and finally took the shape of Zabuza, climbing onto the bank. Naruto couldn't help feeling helpless, seeing their reliable teacher already in this stage.

"You're acting big, wearing a headband like a Ninja," Zabuza said. "But a real ninja is one who has hovered between life and death numerous times. In other words, only those who are worth being listed in my Bingo book deserve to be called Ninja."

Bingo book? Whatever, this sounds like gatekeeping, right?

"... Kids like you can't be called real ninja," the swordsman channeled his chakra, thickening the fog and mist, disappearing into it.

This is bad. I can't see them… oh, well, it works in my favor.

Benji descended to the ground where he thought Naruto might be and slapped the Omnitrix, transforming into another alien.

"What!?"

The clone Zabuza who was trying to land a kick on Naruto was shocked to see bright green light amidst the mist and his leg hit hard on something, making a quiet thud. The clone jumped back, not being able to properly perceive what he just hit.

The transformed Benji didn't even flinch from place. He then hovered in the air and turned his limbs into flipper-like blades that spun at a high speed, creating powerful winds that blew away the mist in the area, thus revealing himself and the Zabuzas. Both the team and the swordsman were surprised to see the creature.

It was a majestic humanoid creature standing at 9 feet, resembling a turtle with a green hourglass-like symbol stuck on its torso surrounded by eight holes in its shell. This creature is named Terraspin by Ben.

Naruto crawled on his back, away from the turtle who just intercepted a kick that was meant for him.

"Oi, Sakura-chan," he softly asked in fear. "What's with that turtle?"

Sakura couldn't answer for a moment. "I-I don't know. M-maybe Kakashi-sensei summoned him."

Sasuke tightly held the handle of his kunai, unable to avert his eyes. "Summoning jutsu? But how?"

Yes, Kakashi was in the Water Prison of Zabuza so it was unlikely.

"Anyway, he might be on our side," the blond boy said optimistically. "He cleared the mist for us."

"We can't trust him just yet," Sasuke reminded him.

You are really a handful, Sasuke. Benji mentally chuckled.

"Don't worry, you can trust me," Terraspin assured, reverting its limbs to their normal form. "Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura…"

Having their names called by a strange turtle out of nowhere, the three kids were quite surprised, undoubtedly.

"... Protect the old man. I will bring back your teacher."

The three exchanged eye contact and jumped back into formation again, to protect the old man. They weren't certain if the turtle was on their side, but then this was the best option they could choose.

"That's settled," Zabuza declared, his clone tightening his grip on his weapon. "I don't know what you are, but will be eliminated. For getting in my way."

I guess I can't just fight him in this form. He is too fast, as ninjas are, and his specially is water. I am not sure if I can make winds strong enough to repel it all. So…

"Try me." Chuckling with confidence, Terraspin pressed the Omnitrix on his chest.

"This is…" Naruto thought he experienced this before but he couldn't remember it well.

It was a bright green light that covered the turtle's body, replacing him with a brunet in a black jacket who covered his face with a straw hat. From that angle, Benji was sure the kids wouldn't recognize him at all. He then introduced himself under an alia.

"I am…

Ben-Ten of the Omnitrix

(Omunitorikkusu no Ben-Ten)

…I'd rather you don't remember me."

"Another kid?" Zabuza said. "How is one more kid going to make a difference?"

Team Kakashi and Tazuna were astonished to see a kid, but they thought the kid must have used a transformation jutsu. That was what Benji wanted them to think, too.

"I'm not just a kid," he slid down the hat to look at the swordsman. "I am also a Monster. Don't underestimate a shinobi just because they are a child."

He placed his right hand on the Omnitrix, while his left hand held the straw hat. Kakashi and Zabuza observed as Benji mimicked a hand-seal. The copy ninja knew right away that there was something wrong with it, but…

"Henge no Jutsu: Mizu no Mahoutsukai!"

Transformation Technique - The Mage of Water.

As Benji chanted it, he became engulfed in the flash of green light like always, for a split second forcing those around to cover the eyes. Then they discovered the boy had been transformed into another form again.

"What's with this…" Naruto muttered in astonishment.

"To fight water with water," said Benji calmly, his voice now sounding different after transformation. "This is going to be interesting."

Both experienced shinobi were also clueless about what Water Hazard could do. Well, that works in Benji's favor.

Water Hazard, as known as Mizu no Mahoutsukai, was a humanoid mollusk-like creature with four green slitted eyes, a tough, mostly red-skinned body with barnacle-like portholes, and a hood over his head, overall making him look like a dangerous wizard. But he still wore the Omnitrix symbol on the chest.

Clone Zabuza inspected Benji's transformation for a moment before he started charging at him.

He's fast. Benji had little to no way to keep up with actual ninja speed.

But… He extended his hands forward at Clone Zabuza and waved them, somehow putting a stop to his movement just before reaching him, surprising everyone else.

Hydrokinesis. The ability to bend water to one's will. Water Hazard doesn't have a strong hydrokinesis but it was plenty enough to face a clone made out of water.

"You are just unlucky," he clenched his fists, turning the clone back into a ball of water.

Zabuza Momochi cautiously drew his large sword and readied it to counter any attack his enemy would make.

Water Hazard opened his palms, revealing a porthole in each, that released high-pressured streams of water into the ball, gradually enlarging it. Simultaneously, he absorbed moisture from the air to compensate for the water he was producing. This place just works in his favor.

"Amazing…" was all Naruto could say.

"Secret Move: A Hundred Hydro Fists."

Water Hazard chanted again as if he cast a jutsu, transforming the sphere of water into a large number of high-pressured streams that would shoot toward Zabuza, attacking him from every direction.

The swordsman skillfully used his large sword to single-handedly defend himself from the fists of water but they were too much for him to keep up with. Everytime he blocked the water fists from a side, the fists would chaotically strike him from every other direction.

Though, they barely did distinct damage to their target. They were merely an annoyance.

"So weak!" Zabuza remarked, but he couldn't stop deflecting the fists as they were getting stronger and stronger every time he deflected.

This is putting a toll on my body. Benji was using almost full power of his Hydrokinesis to manipulate each of the hundred separate streams of water. It was exhausting both physically and mentally but…

Alright, he's getting busy. Benji prepared for the next move to finish it fast before the secret behind his flashy moves was exposed.

Occupied by the water fists attacking him, Zabuza saw the creature flying toward him, seemingly attempting to crash him with the head. No longer blocking the fists, the swordsman readied his sword to slice the creature, but suddenly tentacles made of water wrapped around the weapon and pulled it out of the way.

"Wha—?!"

Zabuza couldn't dodge Water Hazard because he had to channel chakra to keep Kakashi in the Water Prison. Propelled by highly pressurized streams from his soles, Water Hazard headbutted Zabuza, sending him out of place.

"That hurts…"

Well, Water Hazard has a tough hood. Now that he had closed the distance between him and Zabuza…

"Secret Move: Water Bind."

Water Hazard summoned large bodies of water and binded Zabuza in place, forcing him to undo his chakra and release Kakashi.

"Job done," said Benji, looking at Kakashi who just recovered his composure.

"I don't know who you are, but Arigatou," the copy ninja said.

"I believe I introduced myself," the boy reminded him, reaching out to Zabuza to keep him under control.

"Grr! You freak!" Zabuza struggled in the water controlled by Benji. "Release me!"

This guy is strong. Benji mentally remarked. I don't know how long I can hold him. I can just go for the kill easily, but…

"Oh, Ben-Ten of the Omnitrix," Kakashi murmured.

Water Hazard gave him a nod and jumped away before Zabuza broke free of his water bind.

This is bad. I used too much strength in hydrokinesis…

"I am leaving this to ya, professional," he said and retreated from the battlefield.

"Okay, I guess," Kakashi replied with his usual bored expression.

He had questions for Ben-Ten, but for now, he had a face-off with Zabuza.

"You are amazing!" Naruto praised when Water Hazard landed near him.

"Is that so…" if he weren't Water Hazard, he would be panting heavily there.

Benji was already regretting that he used a flashy move like "A hundred hydro fists." It wasn't even that efficient but for sure ate away most of his energy. He had to be constantly absorbing moisture from the air to compensate for the energy drained.

Sasuke and Sakura were now more interested in how their teacher would fight Zabuza. Water Hazard sat next to the old man, who cringed away because of how scary the creature looked. Naruto, however, was ready to ask Benji tons of questions.

"I see, your kids are strong," remarked Zabuza, taking a glance at Water Hazard.

"He's not my teammate," replied Kakashi. "And your opponent is me."

He knew Zabuza was already exhausted thanks to the Mage of Water, but he couldn't let his guard down. The two jumped away from each other and started casting a jutsu. Benji sat in front of the kids in order to protect them and the old man just in case.

"Naruto, Sasuke, check if there is anyone around here," he said. "Sakura, stick with the old man."

The three didn't know if they had to listen to Benji's commands, but this was the least they could do in this situation. They carried out their duties with an "Understood" in unison.

Can never be more careful. Benji thought.

Zabuza and Kakashi started doing a series of quick hand-seals, chanting almost in unison.

"Ushi, saru, u. Ne, inoshishi…"

Wait, what is going on? Water Hazard slid down a visor from beneath his hood, covering his face. This is… They are performing the same jutsu!

And then two bulges of water rose simultaneously between them, each turning into the shape of a dragon.

They cast the jutsu at the same time! Benji was fascinated. Oh no!

Along with the dragons, the water around them rose like a tsunami. Benji extended his hands forward, creating a thin barrier made out of water to fend the water out, as it overflowed toward him.

"Stay behind me!" He yelled at the people behind him.

"Kakashi-sensei is awesome," Naruto remarked, witnessing the two dragons bite at each other as the two shinobi clashed with each other, where they were almost equally matched. But Zabuza was close to running out of breath. The two jumped back, making a distance between them. Then they proceeded to do another jutsu simultaneously.

"The same identical movement!" Said Tazuna-san in awe. "Furthermore, at exactly the same time!"

"What's going on, Sasuke?!" Sakura asked the black-haired kid who was just next to me, attentively watching Kakashi.

"Sharingan, huh," Benji muttered, wondering if it could copy his alien abilities, too. No way it's possible, right?

"Giving me that barren, evil eye… right?" Kakashi said, weaving the exact same hand sign that Zabuza was doing.

"Hah! You're just copying…" Zabuza barked back. "You're a pale imitation."

"You won't be able to beat me!" The two said in a perfect unison. "You!"

"I'll shut that copycat monkey mouth permanently!" Declared Zabuza as he rapidly weaved the hand-seals, which the copy ninja perfectly copied without a raise of the brows. Kakashi beat Zabuza to it.

"Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu." (水遁・大瀑布の術 )

Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique.

With this, Kakashi unleashed a large vortex of water, resembling a waterfall, at Zabuza, who for some reason couldn't keep up with the pace. The latter got blown away in the devastating waves of water, slamming with a tree like a piece of rag.

Water Hazard strengthened his barrier and covered the kids and the old man as the river overflowed yet again.

Dang this is so powerful. He mentally noted, seeing the jutsu hollowing out the ground and washing away everything in the area. I wonder if Water Hazard could counter such a crazy technique.

Kakashi pinned his enemy on the tree with the kunai before gracefully landing on a branch above.

"It's over."

All the water slowly retreated back into the river.

"Why…?" The swordsman questioned. "Are you able to see into the future…?"

"Yeah…" Kakashi took out a kunai. "You are going to die!"

Water Hazard, on the other hand, helped the water return to where they belonged. What a dangerous battle.

At that movement, two mere long needles flew from nowhere and stabbed the already defeated Zabuza in the neck, instantly killing him.

"You're right. He's dead."

Team Kakashi and Tazuna-san turned their gazes to the one who just took Zabuza's life.

The individual in question, standing on a branch of a tree some meters away, looked no older than a teen. Covering their face with a white mask with thin, curved eyeholes, a red wavy design and the kirigakure symbol on the forehead, they wore a brown outfit with a green haori over it.

They stared at Water Hazard as the latter just returned from the river and flinched seeing Zabuza dead.

"Thank you very much," the masked shinobi said, bowing their head. "I have been searching for the opportunity to kill Zabuza for a long time."

Kakashi double-checked if Zabuza Momochi was indeed dead.

Water Hazard lifted up his visor and shifted his gaze at the masked person.

"That mask…" Kakashi seemed to have recognized it. "You're a Hidden Mist Hunter-nin."

"Impressive, you are correct."

"Hunter-nin?" Naruto asked the question Benji wanted to ask.

"Yes, my mission is to hunt down the missing ninjas," the masked shinobi answered. "I am a member of the Hidden Mist's Hunter-nin Team."

I see. There are organizations like that.

"What the hell!?" Naruto yelled at the individual. "Who are you!?"

That even surprised the kids and Tazuna.

"Naruto, calm down," Water Hazard said, though his words were in vain.

"He's not an enemy," said Kakashi. "Don't worry."

"It's not that," the blond kid wasn't calming down. "That Zabuza, someone that strong, was killed by a kid. By a kid—"

"Kids or not," Water Hazard interrupted him, staring at the masked individual. "You must not underestimate someone."

"But, but how can I understand that—"

"Something as small as a spider can kill us," continued Water Hazard. "If their venom is strong enough."

Still in confusion, Naruto fell silent.

"He's right, Naruto," Kakashi agreed. "In this world, there exist kids younger than you, yet stronger than me."

Benji internally sighed. It seemed he calmed down. I am not ready for another quarrel.

The masked person jumped down the tree and landed next to the lifeless body.

"Your battle is now over," he said, lifting up the body. "And now I must dispose of this body since it seems to be one with many secrets. Farewell."

And then he disappeared in a vortex of gust.

"What was all of this for!" Naruto said out of frustration.

"Haaa," Kakashi finally relaxed and pulled down his headband to cover his left eye that had the Sharingan. "Now we have to get Tazuna-san back to his home."

Well, I have nothing to do with their mission. Benji thought.

"Then I guess I will leave—"

But Tazuna grabbed his shoulder armor. "Don't you want to come with us and have dinner? You helped us a lot."

He is not afraid of me anymore. Benji would have sweated if he could.

Kakashi looked at his friendly neighborhood creature with his usual bored face. He indeed had questions for this whatever creature, so Tazuna's invitation was a perfect opportunity. But…

"Ah, no, thanks—" (Benji/ Water Hazard speaking)

Abruptly, Kakashi collapsed face-first onto the ground, losing consciousness.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

What good timing. Benji would have rolled his eyes if he could.

"He's unconscious," Sakura said, panicking.

During the chaos, Benji transformed into Big Chill and turned invisible to slip away from the battlefield.

It was Sasuke who was the only person to witness it.

- (Transition) -

"… Being a hero is its own reward."

"Hmm, wha?"

My attention shifted to Azmuth, who had just uttered an uncharacteristic phrase.

He is the original creator of the Omnitrix, alongside his assistant, Albedo. They both are Galvans, a species of small gray-skinned humanoid frog-like aliens that possess the highest intelligence in the universe.

"That phrase was once spoken to me by Magister Max Tennyson."

Azmuth, aged and slightly hunched, bore long beard-like tentacles on his face. Yet, this individual held the distinction of being the First Thinker of Galvan, renowned as the most intelligent being across at least five galaxies within my past life's universe.

"... so I reckon it's about time I changed my ways of doing things, too," he calmly said. "I must commend your approach – direct and beneficial. But I do think you still doubt yourself when it comes to setting priorities."

We both looked at what was before us.

"Remember, you did great. You saved my planet, your planet, the Solar System, and the Universe, from Dagon."

Before the two of us stood two gravestones, in the center of the graveyard we were in.

"... sorry for your loss," Azmuth added.

I smiled, staring at the markers. "Sometimes, I envy them. They are resting in peace…"

"If the dead could envy the living," Azmuth said. "They would envy you. You can protect what they can't anymore."

I knew Azmuth wasn't a smooth talker but my heart was in no condition to bark back.

"Although I couldn't protect them?" I questioned.

"The answer might be in yourself, Tennyson," Azmuth suggested, springing onto my hand and clambering up to my shoulder."Ha, ask yourself. You are the very thing they tried to protect at the cost of their own life."

The flowers by the markers retained their fresh, vibrant hues. A gentle breeze carried their fragrance up to us.

"Very well, I'm off," Azmuth declared, enveloped by a radiant circle of white light. "Make sure you talk to the US president."

"Sure," I replied. "Also, thanks for—"

Just like that, Azmuth vanished, teleported out before I could finish my thanks.

"... Thanks for accompanying me."

I let out a sigh and walked away from the graves.

The grave markers bore the names "Gwendolyn Catherine Tennyson" and "Kevin Ethan Levin."

"I don't know why Azmuth thinks a graveyard is a good place for a talk," remarked Grandpa Max, sliding open the door to his new Rust Bucket. "Step inside. We've got to get going."

"Right…"

Family. Its meaning is still the same no matter where you are.

"Knock, knock…"

A series of knocks on my door was the first thing to hear in the morning.

"Benji! Get up already! I've made a special breakfast!"

It was Masato-nii waking me up in the morning. He doesn't do it usually because I always get out of bed early. But…

"Agh, sorry, I'm awake."

I replied, though I wasn't feeling great. I'd say it's a miracle that everywhere in my body isn't aching, after using all my strength in waterbending. But I still don't feel energized. But even so, I don't feel fully recharged. I'm aware I could boost myself with the Omnitrix, but that brings some drawbacks. I figured I'd recover my strength the natural way.

"Ohayo gozaimasu," I said to Masato-nii, opening the door. He was wearing a white apron over his ninja uniform minus the red shirt he usually wears.

"You going out today, too?"

"Yeah, sorry," I replied, followed by a yawn. "You weren't home yesterday so I left a letter."

"That's no problem," he said, walking away.

"I was actually thinking I would eat out today for breakfast…"

"Huh?"

"... But since you've made a special breakfast, I guess that will do."

Masato chuckled. "Good choice."

When I arrived in the dining room, I found out Masato-nii went a little adventurous with it…

"Fried rice with vegetables… plus fried chicken."

It was certainly a special meal, since fried rice with vegetables didn't come by that often. But it wasn't really a Japanese meal.

"For a change," he said.

"Mm-hm. Itadakimasu," this is delicious.

I wonder if women like a man who is a good cook. But, hmm, Grandpa Max was indeed popular with women when he was much younger. But his cooking wasn't that good. No, I mean, it was memorable, of course. Hard to forget it when he boiled those worm-like creatures in a large pot.

"May I ask where you went yesterday?" It seemed Masato-nii was being too careful with his questions.

Almost like I was in a rebellious phase, lol.

"Just outside the village," I lied to avoid making him worried.

He silently nodded in response. "As long as you're fine. Be careful, though. You can't tell—"

"Can't tell when the danger will come?" It is something Masato-nii usually says.

"Yeah."

"Gochisousama."

"Oh, okay…" he brought the plates to the sink.

"By the way, Masato-nii, do you think…"

"Um, what?"

"Should I wear a mask?"

He looked back at me and then broke into giggles. "Why?"

"I just think it's cool to cover my face."

I remember some of my former classmates had really cool fashion and masks.

"I mean, you're good-looking, though."

"So is Kakashi-... san?"

Masato-nii put the plates back on the shelves.

"How do you know him?"

"I just… three of my classmates are in the same team with him, so."

"Oh, I see," he scratched the back of his head. "Though, I have never seen his face without the mask on. He's cool."

- (Transition) -

In the mesosphere, a red manta ray-like creature with golden horns glided at hypersonic speeds, over the clouds about 60 kilometers above the forests of the Land of Fire. This creature, codenamed Jetray, was again one of Benji's transformations.

Even Masato-nii hasn't seen his face, huh… Curiosity has struck Benji's heart. Should I sneak a peek somehow, hmm…

Soon enough, the unfinished bridge came into sight.

Jetray made a serious expression as he glided down back into the troposphere. He remembered the information he got back in the town.

Old man Tazuna is actually a great person… He thought. This bridge is the hope for this nation. I guess I will protect them and see this through.

He pressed the Omnitrix symbol, transforming into Big Chill again, immediately turning invisible, in order to look for Tazuna's house where Team Kakashi should be. Apparently, the construction had been halted at the time around, because of those people. So to help Tazuna proceed with his work, Benji and Team Kakashi would probably need to go face-to-face against them.

Gato. An evil businessman who had been scheming to get the Land of Waves under his hand. As a poor nation as it was, the people of this Land couldn't fight back his shady business schemes, thus soon their shipping business was also monopolized by Gato. As a consequence, the Land of Waves had become an impoverished, hunger-stricken country.

Benji felt angry and disgusted just thinking about him. But he shouldn't be so rash. He must find a way to do both: protect the people of this land and fight off Gato. That said, Gato had been sucking off of several other lands too. Hence, in this case, fighting off wouldn't be enough. Gato must be crushed.

Meanwhile at the Tazuna's by the seaside.

Kakashi just woke up from his night-long slumber. Apparently, he fainted after overuse of his Sharingan. Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter, approached to check up on him.

"Are you feeling well, Sensei?"

"Not really," answered the teacher. "It will be hard to just to move for about a week."

He tried to get up from lying but it seemed he didn't really have energy anymore.

"It would be better if you didn't move for a while," Tsunami suggested.

"O-okay," he replied.

"Oh, sensei is awake."

The three ninja kids and Tazuna walked into the room.

"Come on," Sakura complained. "Your Sharingan is fantastic, but it puts that much of a strain on your body, it may not be worth it!"

"S-sorry," Kakashi could only say that. "Speaking of which, what about–"

"Oh, that Mizu no Mahoutsukai or something guy?" Naruto said. "I have no idea where he went. But he is awesome, right?"

"He transformed into another form and disappeared," Sasuke answered.

"Disappeared, huh," Kakashi closed his eyes. "Then he must be the one who helped us catch those two Chunin, too."

"He really should have stayed for dinner," Tazuna said.

"I thought so, too," the copy ninja blinked. "I have questions for him. He used Wind-style and Water-style techniques. His wind-style was powerful enough to clear all the mist. And his water-style was unique and creative, while not as powerful as the great waterfall technique. I was able to defeat Zabuza much easier because of him."

"Also, that masked kid, too," said Sakura.

"Ah, there are all kinds of terrifying kids out there," Kakashi replied. "Don't fall behind, you guys. You don't need to be frustrated, especially…" he gazed at the blond kid. "You, Naruto."

AND THUS the second chapter CONCLUDES peacefully here.

And then, I've got some trivial info for nerds.

1. When I titled Benji— "Ben-Ten of the Omnitrix," I was actually imitating the titles like "Kakashi of the Sharingan," "Gaara of the Desert," etc. In fact, his title would mean, Ben-Ten the wielder of the Omnitrix.

2. Benji's straw hat is a reference to Luffy D. Monkey from One Piece.

3. I might get some criticisms for Ben's backstory. Actually, I would want some for real, since it's a little bit political and partially inspired by Red Son Superman. But I don't really want to write another edgy Ben. I tried Bad Ben but couldn't continue it as you have seen. I don't dislike edgy characters, I just don't have the ability to write one.

4. In the flashback, Ben bit through the metal restraint and destroyed it, which was kind of an asspull move from me. BUT it wasn't completely random. I just made something of a foreshadowing for future reference.

And hold it! I have a question. I wrote this in bold to capture your attention, lol.

The question is WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PARTIAL TRANSFORMATIONS?

I will consider the changes on the plan based on the survey results so you can comment your opinions on them until I officially introduce partial transformations.

(What is a partial transformation? - it is basically transforming part of one's body instead of transforming the whole body. So in Ben's case, for example: Ben's arms being transformed into Diamondhead arms to utilize crystalokinesis or into Waterhazard arms to apply hydrokinesis.)}]

I have some plans for romantic routes but they are not going to be realized any time soon.

If you have any questions, feel free to write a review or send a PM. Thank you all for reading!

Also, the cover art won't happen any time soon ')

Chris Chronos.