Naruto: Tornado of Souls
Enter Blake
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
For those of you concerned, the early chapters are based on the original, handwritten notes for the story. The main plot will essentially remain the same in the early chapters. There was nothing wrong with the original plot itself early on, so I see no reason to change it radically. There are differences here and there (grammar, spelling, metric, additional content, etc.) Once the chapter 6 starts things will gradually start to diverge more. Here is chapter 3. Enjoy!
Last time:
The Forest of Death
A coffin with the kanji for 'First' burst to the surface of the forest floor; spilling blood and earth all over in the most unnatural of ways. A beautiful girl with cat ears exploded out of the coffin. Tsuchi Kin/Blake Belladonna looked around with wide, panicky amber eyes. She let out a feral sound as her hyperventilation slowed down. "DAMN YOU OROCHIMARU!" she roared.
Jumping up into the forest canopy she noticed her shredded Oto kunoichi uniform. "This is way too small in the chest and too big around the waist." she hissed. "That Kin girl had no curves at all." She gingerly touched the top of her head and found her sensitive cat ears were there rotating to pick up all the sounds in the forest. "Looks like I'm a faunus like Blake was…"
Soon finding a pool to see her reflection in, the cat eared girl washed the blood and mud off her body. 'However, I formed inside that damned coffin was so violent that I'm covered in blood. The wounds are healed but it looks like I was flogged from the stains on my clothes. Kin and Blake tried to destroy each other's existence. Neither would let the other live…I guess I'm the result. I…I need to calm down. Kin went insane from sensory deprivation…how long was I down there in the darkness?'
After washing herself and her ripped up clothing thoroughly, she inspected her weapons. "Senbon…that's all Kin used. I need a kusarigama or at least a katana to defend myself. My body and appearance seem to take after Blake Belladonna. I'm so full of rage…Orochimaru must pay for this. But how? That snake monster wouldn't even know who I am…I don't either actually. What should I do?" The new faunus girl thought to herself, 'Maybe the Hokage could give me amnesty in exchange for information on the Sand/Sound Alliance. I have to get into Konoha Village and out of this Forest. What should I call myself?'
"I guess I'll stick with Blake Belladonna …it's not very original but it fits better than anything else." The newBlake started down the path back to Konoha with thoughts of vengeance in her mind…
…
Chapter 3
Fire Country, Konoha, the Yamanaka Home
Pyrrha woke at the crack of dawn to start her morning workout and Inoichi was the only one up in the household. He was nursing his second cup of coffee. "Good morning Inoichi-san." said Pyrrha brightly. "Are you the only one awake sir? I'm surprised Ino-san isn't up. The dawn hours are the best time for a workout."
Inoichi chuckled. "Pyrrha-chan, you don't have to be so formal. And just for your information; Ino-chan won't be up for hours. Even then she probably won't be too eager for a workout. She's gotten a bit lazy since she's no longer in the Chunin Exams." The look of horror on Pyrrha's face made Inoichi laugh. "I'll spar with you Pyrrha-chan. Let me finish my coffee here. Then we can spar out back behind the greenhouse…"
…
Ino woke up to the noise of someone carrying on in the backyard and the blonde girl was not happy. "What the hell…? Who is making all that noise when I need my beauty sleep?" Blinking her blue eyes Ino peered out the window and saw her Father and Pyrrha going hard at it. Ino's eyes widened as Pyrrha launched a truly brutal taijutsu assault against Inoichi. Inoichi caught Pyrrha's foot and sent the girl spinning but she flipped back to her feet and renewed her attack.
Inoichi held up his hand for Pyrrha to stop and Ino watched as he showed Pyrrha how to adjust her kicks for more impact. Ino was straining to hear what her Father was saying but he was talking in low tones. Inoichi pointed Pyrrha towards a training post which she promptly kicked hard enough for the wood to make a straining noise. After a few more kicks under Inoichi's instruction Pyrrha incorporated a spinning move into the kick that made a clap like thunder. Ino's eyes bugged out and her thoughts were interrupted by Inoichi sending her a telepathic message. 'Get dressed and come down Princess. If you're awake enough to eavesdrop then you're awake enough to practice.'
Hearing his tone was an order the blonde genin kunoichi lowered her head and waved back in affirmation. "I hope I live through this." said Ino to herself warily…
…
Training Ground 44
Early in the morning, a certain cat eared kunoichi escaped the confines of the Forest of Death by jumping the fence only to run headlong into the presence of a very irritable Mitarashi Anko. Anko was still angry about losing so badly to Orochimaru. "Halt!" said the Snake mistress. Seeing the Oto headband on the girl Anko wasn't about to let this one go. The faunus girl had other ideas and took off like a bat out of hell. "Come back here you brat!" hollered Anko.
'I've got to see the Hokage!' thought Blake as she hit the ground running. With the knowledge of her two sets of memories Blake kept making minor genjutsus and clones that she seamlessly body switched with. It would have worked against most people, but Anko was tracking the cat girl by her scent and was unshakeable. Nevertheless, Anko was impressed that this genin(?) was still loose after a twenty-minute chase.
Anko trip tackled the younger woman and to two tumbled end over end. Anko was about to knock Blake out with a neck chop when the amber eyed girl bit her and retaliated by using senbon needles like claws. "You're not getting me woman! I have to see the Hokage!" snarled Blake as she shoved Anko off of her with her foot.
"I'll bet you do…" growled Anko as she summoned a thirty-foot-long snake to capture Blake.
"Arrrgh! I HATE snakes!" yelled Blake all out of sorts. "Fine! If you serve Orochimaru I'll kill you too!"
Blake's declaration took Anko off guard as she pinned the cat eared girl. Anko soon had Blake tied up though she'd been bitten and scratched several times in the process. "What do you mean I serve Orochimaru? I'm a loyal Leaf kunoichi!" said Anko angrily.
"Yeah, Yakushi Kabuto would say the same thing and he's an Oto spy for the snake." hissed Blake.
Anko's eyes widened. She whispered, "If you're telling the truth then I need get you good and hidden!" They vanished in a body flicker…
…
Hyūga Compound
Hinata woke up early, did her morning rituals and put on her traditional Hyūga sparring uniform. 'I suspect Father will find out about my new clothing today as well as the fact I stayed out late watching Naruto-kun train. No doubt he'll decide to impose his will on me. Too bad I have no intention of acquiescing to his wishes.'
She walked into the Main Branch Sparring Dojo and was met with complete silence. Her Father was there training Hanabi, and he turned to Hinata. "Where have you been daughter? You did not attend any of the meals with your sister and I yesterday."
Elder Hiraku was the chief instructor of the dojo. He said coldly, "Hiashi-sama gave up on your training Hinata. On top of that you were crushed disgracefully by Neji of the branch house. You do not belong here."
Hinata quietly walked up to Elder Hiraku and slammed him in the chest with a Flame Juken strike right in his chakra core below his solar plexus. The Elder flew meters into the wall behind him before he slid down the wall with a smoking handprint on his chest. Everyone in the room stared in shock at Hinata. "Hmmm, perhaps you should make me leave Elder." said Hinata coldly. Hiraku was in a world of pain when Hinata blurred in front of the old man and wrenched him up to her burning eye level. "On your feet or on your knees Hiraku!" Hiraku was too out of it to retaliate when Hinata dropped him to the floor lifelessly. "Pathetic old fossil…" she growled.
"How dare you!" screeched Hiraku's grandson Hiroki. He opened up with an eight trigrams: sixteen palms strike that Hinata effortlessly deflected with her flame chakra covered hands. Hiroki sprang back from the searing heat and said, "What are you-"
"Eight trigrams: Thirty-two flame palms!" roared Hinata as she leveled Hiroki with a ruthless efficiency that no one imagined Hinata could possibly possess.
"Nee-chan..." whispered Hanabi in awe of her sister. Hiroki was lying there unconscious and smoking.
Hinata sighed in disappointment. "Perhaps my new Flame Juken is too much for the clan to handle. I will go train elsewhere…alone."
…
The Yamanaka Home
"Wow Ino; you should eat more. Your Mom's cooking is great!" said Pyrrha as she went for a third helping of breakfast. "It's good to eat after a heavy workout."
Ino was staring at the food with her mouth watering. "…Can't…eat…must…diet…" muttered the blonde incoherently.
Her Mother Yamanaka Ayano said, "Ino-chan; if you don't eat, you're going to die. You and Pyrrha-chan are growing girls plus you are kunoichi. Now eat!"
After shoveling in all she could hold, Ino secretly admitted to herself that she needed it. "I'll just have to eat lighter the rest of the week." the blonde thought aloud. After showering off and reading a fashion magazine for a while Ino was a bit bored and decided to check on Pyrrha. 'Maybe I can introduce her to Forehead or something. Since it's not my shift to work at the Flower Shop maybe we can talk about Sasuke-kun or go shopping.'
Coming down to the Flower shop she saw Pyrrha zipping about moving flowerpots for Ayano. The Yamanaka Matriarch looked a bit baffled. "Ummm…What's going on Mom?" asked Ino as she watched Pyrrha speed along.
Ayano said in a detached tone, "Pyrrha-chan insisted on helping out because she's staying with us and…Well, I told her she didn't have to, but we needed to move the new flowers over to the opposite side as the week progressed…Pyrrha just took off running and hasn't stopped since. Take her somewhere to relax Ino-chan. I've heard of having a work ethic, but this is ridiculous!"
Ino finally caught Pyrrha on the third time racing by. "Pyrrha, we've got all week to do those! Let's go do something!"
Pyrrha looked thoughtful and said, "Well, I guess I could work on my kunai throwing. It's not at the level I'd like."
Ino looked at her Mother for help and Ayano said, "Pyrrha-chan, go with Ino-chan and have some fun! You are a teenage girl after all. Ino-chan excels at goofing off…Oops! That came out wrong. Anyway, the two of you should go out and socialize a bit."
Ino sat there staring at her Mother in disbelief and Pyrrha somehow managed to keep a straight face. "I'll go wash up a bit to go out." said Pyrrha as she excused herself…
…
ANBU Headquarters
Blake was in an interrogation chamber strapped tightly to a chair. She was willingly answering the questions of a very puzzled Morino Ibiki. 'Is this girl crazy or is she telling the truth?' thought the chief interrogator. 'This information could be vital, but she may be nuts…' He said to Blake, "Alright girl. You claim there is a joint Suna/Oto invasion coming when the Chunin Exam Finals occur. You've already told us about some crazy jutsu that can revive the dead called the Edo Tensei that requires a human sacrifice…but you topped it all by saying you were two people before this…metamorphosis or whatever. Why should I believe you? What you're telling me sounds positively insane."
The Cat eared girl had calmed down by this point. "Capture Yakushi Kabuto and question him. He's Orochimaru's right hand man. I already explained you can find the remains of that coffin in the Forest. I don't know anything about the Edo Tensei other than what Orochimaru told Kin."
An ANBU opened the door to the chamber and Anko walked in along with the Third Hokage. "The Edo Tensei was a kinjutsu created by my sensei Senju Tobirama; otherwise known as the Second Hokage. I've been listening and this young lady's description of the jutsu is essentially correct. Put out a capture order for genin Yakushi Kabuto. His actions at the Chunin Exam Preliminaries were puzzling to say the least."
"What shall we do with the prisoner then Hokage-sama?" asked Ibiki.
Hiruzen came up and stared deeply into Blake's amber eyes. He said, "I want you to tell me the absolute truth child." Blake nodded fearfully at the powerful old man in front of her. "You said you had memories of two people according to my reports. What were their names?"
"They were Blake Belladonna and Tsuchi Kin sir." said the black-haired girl.
Hiruzen pondered for a moment and said, "Tsuchi Kin was in the Chunin Exam Preliminaries and then vanished. Where did Blake Belladonna come from?"
Blake said quietly, " Blake Belladonna died in a place called Remnant."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Do you know a young lady named Pyrrha Nikos?"
The faunus girl's eyes got huge. "How do you know about Pyrrha?! She died in battle! I-"
"Can you describe Pyrrha to me?" asked Hiruzen cutting her off.
Blake nodded. "Pyrrha is my friend. She's very honorable. Pyrrha's a tall redhead that has green eyes. She has power over magnetism."
Hiruzen took a step back. "Untie her Ibiki. Blake-san is telling the truth. As hard as it may be to believe this young lady is quite sane." Blake released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. The elderly Hokage asked, "Do you physically resemble Tsuchi Kin in any way child?"
"Ummm….no sir; not really. I mainly look like Blake Belladonna." said the cat eared girl.
"Then forget about Tsuchi Kin." said Hiruzen. "Any connection with the late Oto kunoichi could put you in danger with Orochimaru. It's best to play it safe." He turned to Anko. "Anko, if you don't mind get this young lady cleaned up and in some non-Oto kunoichi gear and weaponry to defend herself. Consider her a probationary genin kunoichi. After that get her something to eat and bring her to the Hokage Tower to see me in three hours." Anko nodded and bowed. The Hokage turned back to Blake. "Just for your information Special Jonin Mitarashi Anko is a loyal Konoha kunoichi that hates Orochimaru more than anyone. We'll discuss things in a more relaxed atmosphere after while in my office."
"Yes sir; thank you Hokage-sama." said Blake.
Hiruzen nodded and said kindly, "Believe it or not this will all work out child…"
…
Hyūga Compound, Hiashi's Office
Hinata was sitting there in front of her Father not looking perturbed in the least. Hiashi was beside himself. "When did you create this Flame Juken Hinata? You've developed an entirely new form without even telling me? Why did you hide this from me? Why?"
The Heiress said coldly, "I'm tired of being used as a doormat. You and this clan have refused to acknowledge me and cast me aside. This business with Neji was the final straw. Anyone who crosses me will burn. The Elders will feel my wrath. I have had it. Every bit of disrespect towards me will be repaid in full."
Hiashi's byakugan eyes widened in shock. "Hinata, I-"
Hinata's eyes ignited. "You never even came to see me while I was in a coma Hiashi-sama. Do not think for an instant that I won't hold that against you." Her voice was as cold as death. The Heiress stood up. "I am going to go outside the Compound where I actually have friends and comrades who care about me and practice my Flame Juken with them."
"Now Hinata-" started Hiashi.
Hinata retorted, "I will be back later. The clan better give me wide berth, or they'll learn the same lesson that Hiroki did." As Hinata swept out Hiashi was left with the taste of bitterness in his mouth.
"What have I done…?" whispered Hiashi in a distraught tone.
Within the hour Hinata left the compound with her new battle dress on and didn't look back…
…
Konoha Residential District
Ino led Pyrrha along and said "Haruno Sakura has been my friend going way back. She's a genin kunoichi too. If she's home maybe the three of us can hang out." Knocking on the Haruno home's front door; Ino and Pyrrha waited expectantly until Haruno Mebuki opened the door. "Hi Haruno-san; is Sakura-chan home?"
Mebuki nodded. "She is Ino-chan. Who is your friend?"
Ino answered, "Haruno Mebuki, this is my new friend Pyrrha Nikos. She's new to Konoha and is staying with us at my house." Turning to the redhead, Ino said, "Pyrrha-chan, this is Haruno Mebuki. She's Sakura's Mom and she used to watch me sometimes when I was little."
Pyrrha bowed respectfully and said formally, "It is a pleasure to meet your Haruno-san. I hope we can get along."
Mebuki smiled. 'Such good manners.' "Why don't you two ladies step inside? I'll fetch Sakura."
Soon Sakura came down and she was also introduced to Pyrrha. "So, you are a new genin transferring here to Konoha. Well, if you need any help feel free to ask Pyrrha." said Sakura. "What do you two want to do this afternoon? I finished my chores around the house so I'm free…"
…
Konoha Shopping District
"So those ears are real." said Anko. "Interesting. Having omni directional hearing could give you a huge advantage. I guess the bow in your hair is a good way to maintain a low profile though." 'I wonder what other cat like abilities she has…She went bonkers at that seafood place; I guess she has a thing for fish.'
Blake found that the Snake Mistress Mitarashi Anko was kind of fun to be around once they established that they both hated Orochimaru with a passion. "Hmmm…I'm surprised the kind of clothes I like are here." she said as she looked over black and white clothing. "They even have my colors. Everything in Oto is gray or snake patterned."
"Well, you're lucky we had a kusarigama down in the armory. The katana was easy, but chain sickles aren't that common." said Anko. "The Hokage is really making an exception getting you all this equipment."
The faunus girl nodded. "I have to make sure his faith in me is justified. With all the discrimination and hatred, I've dealt with in my life this is very surprising to me."
Anko nodded, "I understand. I've been hated by association because of Orochimaru. He was my sensei before he betrayed Konoha and branded me with a curse mark."
"Can you control it?" asked Blake. "The Uchiha went crazy with it in the Forest with Kin's Team." Seeing Anko's blank expression Blake said, "I apologize; that was too personal a question."
The snake mistress shrugged. "It's alright. To tell the truth I've never activated it. Unlike the Uchiha I have the willpower to resist its vile taint. I'd do almost anything to get rid of it. The Uchiha though…I can tell he craves that power. I don't trust him."
"From my experience that's wise." said Blake. "The only reason he stopped was that pink haired fan girl of his." she said derisively. 'I guess I shouldn't be so harsh, Kin hated fan girls. I shouldn't be so prejudiced.' "Well anyway; kunoichi should take their jobs seriously."
…
The two kunoichi didn't realize that the Third Hokage was observing them by using the Telescoping jutsu through his crystal ball. Hiruzen smiled softly. "It seems that my hunch on this girl was correct…I think you may do better than you think Blake Belladonna."
…
Training Ground 53
As Hinata went out to Training Ground 53 she was pondering things to herself. 'Well, I've succeeded in setting a precedent with the clan so that goal is accomplished. Hiashi-sama is also off balance. However, I inadvertently frightened Hanabi-chan. I need to make that up to her quickly. Perhaps tomorrow I can take her out for ice cream or something. I don't want her to be afraid of me for any reason.' Her spirits were soon lifted when she found Naruto training hard with Jiraiya.
To be precise she saw Naruto skip like a stone across the ground before he skidded to a halt in front of her rolled over on his back. He gave her a toothy smile. "Hi Hinata-chan! I'm glad you could make it!"
Hinata giggled at his ridiculous pose. "Are you alright Naruto-kun?"
Naruto kipped upwards onto his feet. "Never better Hinata-chan! Come on over. Ero-sennin thought you should have some say on how we trained together. I think he's got some good ideas, but you know juken forwards and backwards so I'm sure you'll have some input." He grabbed Hinata's hand, and she was blushing slightly as he led her over to Jiraiya.
Hinata noticed that two dozen clones were still working on the leaf cutting exercise and another group was working with…water balloons? The last group was water walking. 'I'm surrounded by Naruto-kuns!' she thought with a full-blown blush.
…
"We'll start off with no chakra in my juken strikes and you'll get used to the speed involved." said Hinata. "I know Neji is faster than I am. I'm not sure but I believe he can use the sixty-four palms."
Initially Naruto was dazzled at the speed of the seemingly harmless taps that Hinata was hitting him with. Once she closed a chakra point Naruto got very serious about avoiding those 'harmless taps' that Hinata was capable of…
…
Konoha Hot Springs District
After much debate between Ino and Sakura they went to the sweets shop in the Hot Springs District. Pyrrha was having ice cream as she listened to the blonde and the rosette argue about 'Sasuke-kun' and who he likes best. "He's a prodigy and was always the best at everything!" gushed Ino.
"Sasuke-kun is being specially trained by Kakashi-sensei for the Chunin exams." said Sakura. "He's sure to win."
"You mean you have two teammates in the Chunin Exams and your sensei is only training one of them?" asked Pyrrha. "That doesn't seem very fair to me."
"I'm sure Kakashi-sensei knows a lost cause when he sees one." said Ino. "Naruto is facing Hyūga Neji. Neji is probably the only one that could pose a threat to Sasuke-kun."
Sakura nodded "Sasuke-kun will take him out without breaking a sweat."
Pyrrha said, "So basically you two have completely dismissed the possibility that this Naruto could win?"
Ino shook her head. "Naruto is the dead last. He doesn't stand a chance in hell. It was a fluke he made it this far. I figure Kiba was having an off day to have lost like he did."
"Well, I'll give Naruto credit for trying but even if by some miracle he beat Neji then he'd still lose to Sasuke-kun. That's a given." said Sakura with a little bit of sympathy in her voice.
'Maybe I'll keep an eye out for this Naruto.' thought Pyrrha. 'He sounds a lot like Jaune did…'
…
Hokage Tower
Blake was fully outfitted in her new gear*① when she and Anko arrived at the Hokage Tower. 'This outfit is close to what the original Blake Belladonna wore in Remnant…It's all so confusing figuring out who I am. When Kin and Blake merged Blake's personality prevailed, but I have biases and hatred inherited from Kin…Not to mention her temper. I want to get things in order, but I don't know where to start…' "I need to thank Hokage-sama for helping me so much…" Blake said absentmindedly.
"Hokage-sama is a good judge of character Blake." said Anko. "He gave me a chance when no one else would. I owe him a lot."
Coming up to the Hokage's secretary Anko said, "Jonin Mitarashi Anko and Blake Belladonna reporting to Hokage-sama as ordered."
Maki buzzed the Hokage and he soon bade the two women to enter his office. "Good afternoon, ladies." said Hiruzen. "I trust there was no trouble between you two?"
Blake bowed, "Anko and I get along just fine Hokage-sama; thank you for asking."
"Things went well Hokage-sama." said Anko in a pleased tone.
"Good, good." said Hiruzen. "Please be seated. We have much to discuss about Oto."
…
Training Ground 53
Naruto was working on a way to 'shield' his body with his chakra to keep his tenketsu points from being (painfully) closed. He found that he could coat specific parts of his body, but he had to really focus on it and the chakra dispersed after a single juken strike. He and Hinata stopped and sat down for an early dinner. "You're doing very well Naruto-kun. Even deflecting one juken strike is an accomplishment." said Hinata.
Jiraiya patted his apprentice's shoulder and said, "One of our goals is to have you doing that instinctively by the end of the month. After we eat, we're going to call it a day." He raised his hand to forestall any arguments. "Hinata, these exercises benefit you too because they will build up your speed, stamina and chakra reserves but let's face it; you are tired. As for you Naruto, you're starting to get fatigued mentally and need to sleep. I know you can keep going but your body needs to rest…"
…
Hyūga Compound
The gate guards were shocked to see Jiraiya of the Sannin dropping of their heiress. "Get a good breakfast and spend the morning warming up. Around 9 AM we'll start again. You are doing very well Hinata. Get a good night's sleep."
Hinata bowed. "Yes Jiraiya-sama, I'll see you at 9 AM tomorrow." She yawned tiredly and said, "Goodnight Jiraiya-sama." Jiraiya wished her a good night and vanished in a body flicker.
Entering the compound Hinata looked about and found that business was as usual with the Branch Family, but the Main House was in an uproar due to her actions this morning. The heiress walked into the main house and slipped off her combat sandals. Her mind was going through possible scenarios that could occur, but everyone seemed to be on their best behavior. 'It was sloppy of me to wear myself out training but Naruto-kun needs my help; not to mention I really do need to train. I had no idea what amazing stamina Naruto-kun has.' She blushed and stifled a giggle. 'I can only imagine what that stamina will translate into in bed.'
Hinata took a long soak in the bath and started using her new shampoo to make her hair grow quickly. After thoroughly cleaning up she went to bed early and soon was dreaming about her Naruto-kun…
…
Yamanaka Residence
Pyrrha was honestly a bit miffed at Ino and Sakura for talking so badly about their teammate/classmate Naruto. The redhead didn't want to make waves though, so she kept her opinions to herself. 'I don't know anything about this Uzumaki Naruto, but it sounds like he works really hard, and they give him no credit at all. I didn't say anything, but he made it further in the Exams than Ino or Sakura did, so they have no right to judge him. They seem to hold this Uchiha Sasuke on a pedestal. I guess he's the village prince or something.'
"A ryo for your thoughts Pyrrha-chan?" asked Inoichi. "You seem to be doing some pretty deep thinking there."
The redhead blinked. "I'm sorry Inoichi-san; I was just wondering about the Chunin Exams and who might win. Sakura told me that Uchiha Sasuke would win hands down and that her other teammate Uzumaki Naruto didn't stand a chance. It seems kind of unfair to me. I don't know either one of them so I'm in no position to judge but still…"
Inoichi smiled. "The Uchiha has always been pampered and treated like royalty. Uzumaki Naruto is unfairly the village pariah. Naruto is the underdog here and I hope he succeeds. The young man deserves a break."
Pyrrha smiled softly and nodded. "I'll have to meet Uzumaki-san then."
"I'm sure he'd appreciate having another friend Pyrrha-chan." said Inoichi in approval. "Sounds like dinner is ready. Let's head down..."
…
The Hokage's Office
"When the ANBU confronted Yakushi Kabuto he escaped them showing at least a jonin's level of skill. We're searching for his teammates but unsurprisingly they seem to have vanished." said the Third Hokage. "In spite of the fact they seem to have escaped our grasp we've nullified their spying activities. Orochimaru's plans might have a hiccup or two now that we have some idea of his plans."
Blake nodded. "I hope that Orochimaru is killed in this action. He is a vile monster."
Hiruzen smiled and lit up his pipe. "Let's discuss your living arrangements Blake. As you are a probationary genin you'll need to be under supervision of a ninja or ninja clan. Your friend Pyrrha is residing with the Yamanaka Clan. Anko, what would you think of being roommates with young Blake here? The two of you seem to make a good team."
"I…I hadn't ever thought of such a thing Hokage-sama." confessed Anko. "No one ever wanted to live with me."
"You both have similar backgrounds I believe." said Sarutobi congenially. "Both of you are familiar with the pain of prejudice and being judged for what you are instead of who you are."
Blake smiled softly. "I'm willing to try it if Anko-san is. We seem to get along well."
Hiruzen looked at Anko who said, "Alright; I'm game. We'll have to clean the place up though."
"I'll set up a stipend temporarily for Blake to cover her expenses." said the elderly Hokage. "Once you are involved in missions, you'll be earning your pay, Blake. Anko, make sure you help Blake with her training. This conflict with Oto will be on us before we know it..."
…
Hyuga Compound
Hinata awoke late that evening to the sound of quiet knocking on her door. Activating her byakugan tiredly Hinata saw it was her little sister Hanabi. Hinata got up and answered the door. "Are you okay nee-chan?" asked Hanabi in a worried tone. "I couldn't sleep. I've been worried about you."
Hinata smiled and hugged Hanabi warmly. "I'm fine Hanabi-chan. Would you like to sleep with your nee-chan tonight?"
Hanabi smiled and hugged Hinata. "Let me get my panda Genma." Soon the younger sister was snuggled up between her stuffed panda and Hinata. They talked quietly for a little while before Hanabi silently went to sleep.
'I'm glad Hanabi-chan is okay.' thought Hinata. 'I was worried the Elders might try to get her to avoid me but that doesn't seem to be the case. Still, I'll be watching them carefully.'
…
In the Hyūga Council Chambers a tense meeting was going on about their heiress. Elder Hiraku was less than happy about the hand shaped burn on his chest that was causing him pain and even more unhappy about his grandson Hiroki being laid up in the hospital. What was even more shocking was Elder Majo seemed to be supporting Hinata's actions. Majo said, "Obviously our Heiress has been holding back out of kindness and finally the dam broke. There is little doubt in my mind she could have trounced Neji in the Chunin Exams had she not held back. She took you out in one hit Hiraku. I'd wager she could have killed you with that strike if she used that fire chakra to its full extent. She was just making an example of you and your grandson. I had no idea she had such potential."
"You of all people to support Hinata-sama; Elder Majo. I find this hard to believe." said Elder Minako. "You've always been one of her primary detractors."
"I'm forced to agree." said Hiashi. "Why the change of heart Elder Majo?" 'Assuming you actually have a heart.'
"It occurred to me that our Heiress is finally showing the strength we wanted to see from her all along." said Elder Majo 'That and she will murder my family before my eyes and leave me blind if I don't obey. I won't dare to cross her.' "Besides Hiraku; you and your Grandson went out of your way to belittle her in spars for years before she was excluded from the Main House Dojo."
Elder Minako said, "We must make amends with our Heiress. The Main Family ostracized her for years and she developed an entirely new and lethal form of juken without any of us being the wiser. She is every inch the prodigy one would expect of her bloodline."
Hiashi's Father said, "It shames me to know we treated her so badly. We have to make it up to my granddaughter."
"It won't be so easy." said Hiashi. "Hinata indicated that she had a number of grievances that she intended to pay the Elder Council back for. Do not think that a few honey laced words are going to calm her anger. She is out for blood."
"What of this training with Jiraiya-sama?" asked Elder Minako. "This was unknown to any of us."
"No doubt it has been going on since Jiraiya-sama returned a couple of weeks ago." said Elder Majo. "We should encourage this. If we try to curb her training, she will only grow more hostile towards us."
"It seems we've made a real mess of things." said Hinata's Grandfather. "Her control over fire is nothing less than phenomenal."
The Council would talk long into the night about making reparations with Hinata…
…
Anko's apartment
"Well, I guess this is a welcome home, Blake." said Anko as she opened the door to her apartment. "Remind me to get you a key of your own tomorrow."
Blake peered in and saw that Anko's apartment was neat and clean, but the walls were decorated with every kind of weapon known to man. "You sure have a lot of weapons gathered here." said the cat eared girl.
"Well, you never know when you'll have to kill someone." replied Anko with an evil smile. "Your room is going to need to be emptied out since I use it for storage. If you don't mind, we'll start in the morning on that. Just use the couch tonight."
Blake's eyes zoomed in on a small shelf of books. "Oh, is this your library Anko?"
Anko nodded. "Pretty much. You like reading Blake?"
"It's sort of my hobby." admitted the faunus girl.
"Well feel free to read; maybe we can hit the bookstore tomorrow." said Anko as she headed towards the kitchen.
That was when Blake's amber eyes focused on a couple of books with orange covers. "Icha-Icha Paradise…what's this?"
Oh dear…It seems Jiraiya just got a new fan…
…
OMAKE:
Konoha Shopping District
Anko and Blake were at Suzuka's Seafood Haven for lunch looking at the menu. The feline faunus was salivating heavily as she gawked at the pictures with wide eyes. The Special Jonin found herself amused and her vision drifted over to the 'daily specials' written on a chalkboard behind the register. Her eyes widened when she saw the cost of bluefin tuna at 200 ryos per kilogram.
Then Anko said, "Gee Blake, it says on the wall that if you can put away the 10 kg Monster Bluefin Tuna Tataki in less than an hour, it's free. Otherwise, it's 2,000 ryos. Body expansion jutsus aren't allowed though. Too bad, that's some challenge."
Blake's stomach let out a roar like a hungry lioness and the air in the room suddenly got heavy….
"CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!" roared Blake as she slammed her fists on the table. "GIMME TUNA!"
Anko blanched at the cost. "Ummm, I don't think it's realistic to-"-
"GIVE...ME...TUNA!" growled the faunus with a deranged look in her amber eyes…
...
37 minutes later…
Blake let out a polite burp after completely inhaling 10 kilograms of Monster Bluefin Tuna Tataki.
Anko was wide eyed and thought 'Did the girl even breathe?! She just DESTROYED all kinds of eating records when she demolished that bluefin tuna tataki.' "Ummm…was that good Blake?"
Blake exhaled with a smile of bliss on her face. "It was orgasmic…"
Needless to say, the two kunoichi were kicked out of Suzuka's by the angry staff whose paychecks had just been consumed by a ravenous cat monster…
…
OMAKE END…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Blake's RWBY uniform looks more like a kunoichi's than any of the others so just imagine it with twin senbon needle pouches strapped on her thighs.
See you next time. Blue out. 11/4/23