"Back foul beast BACK!!!!" Kuin yelled while pointing a picked up chair at midnight. Midnight, as expected, kept teasing Kuin by getting closer then backing off immediately, snickering every time he startled the boy.
This has been going on for almost an hour now….
Sighing, Midori finished his cracker and grabbed midnight by the scruff of his neck.
"You had enough fun already. Kneel." Midnight whined, but one strict glare from Midori silenced any protests. Midori then turned to Kuin.
"So how was your training today?" Midori asked. "TRAINING!?!?! That bastard wasn't training me; he was terrifying me!!" At this, Midori sighed, rubbing his forehead. "While Midnight is a little extreme at times, he never disobeys a direct order. Tell me what happened."
Flashback:
As soon as Midori found Kuin, he brought him back to explain the situation.
"So you want to leave midnight as my protector? But isn't he your partner?" Kuin asked, concerned.
"While a hit to my overall combat capabilities, I can still fight pretty well on my own besides." Midori patted Kuin on his head. "I'd rather you be a little safer out here, even if it cost me a hit to my overall capabilities."
Touched by the sentiment, Kuin pushed his hand away in an attempt to look unbothered. It failed spectacularly.
"W-while I appreciate the sentiment. I don't know how to fight with him at all."
"Don't worry, between missions, I'll be able to get you up to snuff."
"Thank you, Midori. Where is he anyway?" Kuin looked around before spotting the same mass of darkness quickly leave the door frame it was hiding in just as he was spotted. Making loud crackling noises as it went.
"Nope!!" Kuin disappeared again.
"Goddammit again!! It wasn't funny the first time and it's still isn't funny now midnight." The dog clearly thought otherwise, laughing merrily.
Shaking his head, Midori got up to find Kuin again before seeing a Shinobi running towards him at high speeds.
"Seems like another assignment. Midnight, look after Kuin when I'm gone. Prepare him for the training."
Flashback end
-and after that, he just started to randomly attack me outta nowhere. From behind a curtain from the ceiling, hell even in the bathroom, that demon's been relentless ever since you left." Kuin said.
Nodding, Midori gave midnight a treat. "Good job, boy."
"What the hell, man!! Why are you rewarding him for that!?" Midori made his way to a table and sat down. "Kuin, we are on a battlefield. You've been lucky so far, but eventually, your luck's gonna run out. That's where situational awareness comes in."
"Midnight, by constantly scaring or biting/scratching you outta nowhere, is what he did to try to make your awareness rise." After finishing his sentence, Midori quickly threw a kunai at Kuin, who swiftly dodged it. "So far, it looks like it's working."
"Don't worry now that I'm here, we can do it in the more traditional way." Midori stood up. "Since you're gonna be using my partner for the foreseeable future, I think it's time to teach you combination techniques."
"More clan techniques? Shouldn't I be learning this with my actual partner?" Kuin asked excited but a little hesitant to start without Calico.
"It'll mean you'll have more experience in the techniques so you can teach your partner better. Now follow me. We don't know when we will be deployed again, so let's make haste while we still can."
Underground training facility:
"The first one I'll show you is one of my favorites." Midori turned towards midnight. "Ready boy?!" Midnight responded with a loud bark before leaning to the side and pissing a little.
"...is this part of the technique?"
"I'll explain later. Now, midnight, let's do this!" Midori got settled into the four-legged technique with midnight transforming and copying his movements.
"First, your partner will have to use the transformation technique to copy your appearance. Then you both will have to enter the four-legged technique." Midori's eyes started to become more animalistic with his fingernails growing a couple of inches.
With a more noticeably deeper voice, Midori continued his explanation. "Then once you and your partner know what you're targeting, spin with all your might towards it." Midori then demonstrated this by performing the Fang Over Fang technique with midnight, shredding through the boulder that midnight pissed on earlier.
"Holy cow!!"
"I know, right! Now to answer your earlier question. Since your partner and you aren't able to see very well considering that you two are spinning at such a high speed, you need a way to find your target; that's when your enhanced senses come in handy."
Midori signaled for midnight to dispel his henge and put dirt over his mark. "To utilize your enhanced senses, channel chakra into the area you want to enhance. For today, focus on channeling chakra into your nose." Midori guided Kuin through the process, enhancing his sense of smell.
Following his instructions, Kuin focused chakra into his nose. Greatly enhancing his sense of smell, Kuin grew a little disoriented. Swaying a little, Kuin was caught by Midori before he could fall.
"It's overwhelming at first. Use it more frequently to get used to it," Midori advised, helping Kuin stand. "Now, what do you smell?"
"Dirt, lots of dirt and… is that popcorn?" Midori looked a little surprised. "Huh, you can still smell the mark, huh? Good job! Most first-timers get overwhelmed by the different scents in the air that they couldn't distinguish between them."
Midori nodded. "Well, this speeds up our timetables. Now, midnight." He started to address his canine partner. "Transform into Kuin."
Midnight nodded then disappeared into a puff of smoke. Out of the smoke emerged an exact copy of Kuin. "Good now get into position; this technique usually doesn't require you to be in a specific position or even close to each other, but it's easier to learn off a starting point."
"Now follow my hand signs." Midori made a series of hand signs. "Inuzuka style Fang Over Fang!"
"Now you try it. Don't worry if you don't get it on the first try." Kuin nodded then repeated the hand signs shown to him. Midnight watched intently, waiting to initiate the jutsu. After Kuin finished the hand signs, midnight activated his half of the jutsu.
"Fang Over Fang!!!" Kuin yelled out. Midori watched as Kuin and midnight transformed into a whirlwind of claws. The pair reached halfway towards the smell of popcorn before Kuin stopped halfway and tumbled onto the ground. Midnight finished the rest of the journey.
"Ugh, my head."
Midori ran up to Kuin and helped him onto his feet. "Hey, are you okay there, kiddo?"
Kuin nodded. "I think. It's just so overwhelming. The extra sharp senses paired with the-ugh, oh god, spinning and ugh-"
Kuin started to throw up all over the training grounds. Midori shook his head and started to take Kuin back to his quarters. "Yeah, that first hit of vertigo sucks. But you're gonna have to get used to it, Kuin." He deposited Kuin onto his bed with his back towards the wall just in case he had to throw up again.
"Especially now, especially now..."
2 months later:
"Fang Over Fang!!" Kuin could be seen practicing the Inuzuka clan jutsu with midnight. After drilling through a boulder, then two, they settled down to take a rest.
"Whew, let's take a breather for a few minutes, alright, midnight."
The black wolf-like dog nodded then sat down beside Kuin. Absently, Kuin started to pet the dog. "You know, when you're not constantly trying to scare the crap outta me, you're actually pretty nice." He then proceeded to hug the dog. "And your fur coat is so beautiful and soft. Can't wait for Calico to get your size. The snuggles are gonna be amazing!"
After a few minutes, he felt a tap on his head. "Huh, you're ready to start again, midnight?" When he looked at midnight, what greeted him was a horribly disfigured black bear with worms crawling out of where his eyes used to be.
"Kai!!" Kuin dispelled the genjutsu and stared smugly at midnight. "Ha, I'm used to your tricks now, you mutt. You won't catch me lacking anytime soon." He turned his nose up into the air. "Guess they were right; you can't teach an old dog new tricks." This made midnight gain a tick mark. Right before the pair could continue bickering, they were interrupted by a loud explosion from above.
BOOOOM
The shockwave caused some of the underground training center to collapse. Sensing that it was only a matter of time before the whole place collapsed, midnight grabbed Kuin and threw him onto his back and started to run upstairs.
What greeted them above was pure pandemonium. Countless Shinobi, friend and foe, lay dead as their respective allies still clashed, ignoring their fallen comrades.
Getting off of midnight, Kuin inspected one of the fallen enemies. "Fucking Iwa nin. Let's help out, midnight!! Let's make sure to stand clear of any Chunin or above-level chakra signatures. You may be able to take 'em, but not so much I."
The chaos intensified as Kuin and Midnight joined the fray. Explosions echoed through the battlefield, casting shadows that danced among the fallen. Amidst the havoc, they moved as a synchronized duo, blending Midnight's predatory agility with Kuin's newfound combat finesse.
As they darted between the tumultuous clashes, Midnight unleashed a barrage of calculated claw strikes, and Kuin complemented the assault with precise jabs and kicks. The adversaries, caught off guard by this unexpected alliance, struggled to counter the duo's relentless onslaught.
A particularly skilled enemy, sporting the Vest of a high-ranking Iwa ninja, emerged from the chaos. Kuin gestured to Midnight for backup, "aw shoot, you might need to do double time here for me, midnight."
As they darted between the tumultuous clashes, Midnight unleashed a barrage of calculated claw strikes, and Kuin complemented the assault with precise jabs and kicks. The adversaries, caught off guard by this unexpected alliance, struggled to counter the duo's relentless onslaught.
A particularly skilled enemy, sporting the Vest of a high-ranking Iwa ninja, emerged from the chaos. Kuin gestured to Midnight for backup, "aw shoot, you might need to do double time here for me, midnight."
With a nod, Midnight growled at the Chunin.
Kuin stood his ground and watched in awe as Midnight charged towards the ninja, the sheer force of his impact knocking him off his feet. Without missing a beat, Midnight unleashed a barrage of claws, tearing through the ninja's vest like tissue paper and slashing at his exposed chest.
Only for rock to explode from it instead of blood.
The iwa ninja used a exploding rock clone.
Midnight yelped in pain and tumbled away from the attack, shaking his bleeding paw.
Kuin gasped, "Midnight! Are you okay?"
The wolfdog nodded, standing back up on his feet.
"Looks like we've got some sharp-minded opponents this time around," Kuin muttered, clenching his fists. "Ready to push forward?"
Midnight crouched down, baring his teeth, as if to say, "I'm ready to go all-out."
The duo sprinted towards the Chunin with inhuman speed. As they approached, Kuin unleashed a torrent of devastating blows, his chakra-charged strikes echoing throughout the battlefield. Midnight mirrored his aggression, snapping and snarling, lunging at the Chunin's calves and preventing him from making any significant attacks of his own.
In one swift motion, Kuin spun on his heels and connected with a chakra-infused kick, sending the Chunin flying back into his comrades. Midnight leaped up and aim'd a bite at the Chunins throat. But was pushed back with a quick kick from the ninja.
As he was knocked back, the Chunin cried out, "Get a hold of these two, quickly!"
Immediately, a squad of 5 ninja surrounded Kuin and Midnight.
"Ah shit, We may have bit off more than we can chew..." Kuin growled. "Midnight, I think I might have to rely on those little chakra pills we stocked up."
He didn't have enough energy to handle five ninja's. Even if Midnight was a powerful ally, they might still have been overwhelmed.
But they got a chance if they can use "That"Technique...
Midnight nodded and ran towards one of the Ninja, grazing its leg with his teeth and circling around. He was going to keep the Ninjas distracted as Kuin got the pills out.
"Let's hope it's enough to take these guys down."
Kuin whipped out the bottle and tossed two pills into his mouth. Immediately, he felt a rush of energy flow through his body.
"Alright, let's do this!"
Kuin and Midnight sprang into action.
The Chunin charged at Kuin and attempted a full-body tackle, but Kuin swiftly sidestepped and redirected his momentum, sending him flying. He then hurled two shuriken towards another opponent, nailing him in the chest.
"Midnight! Now!"
Kuin grabbed Midnight by the scruff of his neck and catapulted him towards the enemy ninja. The wolfdog sailed through the air, his eyes glowing with determination, and landed on top of a surprised Chunin.
Baring his teeth, he lunged towards his opponent's throat and gave a vicious bite, rendering him dead.
"Awww yeeaaaaahhhh! That's how it's done!" Kuin hollered, pumping his fist in the air.
Midnight dashed back to Kuin's side, and the two stood back to back, ready for whatever might come next.
The rest of the 4 Shinobi began their assault. And 2 of them got a direct hit on both Kuin and Midnight. Sending them flying.
However, Midnight was quick to recover and immediately launched a counterattack, slamming one opponent to the ground and delivering a series of powerful bites to the other.
Kuin wasted no time as well and summoned a wave of chakra to his fist, delivering a fierce uppercut to his opponent.
"I got more where that came from!"
Suddenly, a gust of wind from afar blew through the area. The remaining two shinobi turned towards the incoming gale, ready to shield themselves.
But to their surprise,they along with their comrades was carried away by the wind and slammed into a nearby wall.
Soon the wind carried the rest of the Iwa ninjas on the field towards the same wall. Once they were deposited there a group of konoha Shinobi created a large earth wall surrounding the army.
Landing beside Kuin was the outpost commander holding a hand sign.
"I CANT KEEP THIS UP MUCH LONGER MEN!!! THROW EVERYTHING YOU GOT AT THE ENEMY!!!"
Kuin looked towards the commander. "You Did this?"
The Shinobi nodded his expression strained. "Less talking more killing young one!"
Midnight roared in agreement and launched himself at Kuin.
Understanding what Midnight wanted to do Kuin started do hand signs while synchronizing his chakra with Midnights.
"Inuzuka Style: Man Beast Transformation Combo: Two-Headed Wolf!!!"
Soon a shadow engulfed Kuin and Midnight as they merged into a giant wolf with yellow eyes and pitch Black fur.
"GRRROOOOOARRR!!!!"
The now merged beast started howling towards the sky while charging Justus simultaneously. One head charging a Fire justu the other charging a wind one.
As one, the two heads launched their attack at the cornered iwa ninjas who desperately did Justus of their own to counter the large beast.
Huge blast of rocks and water intercepted the beasts justu barley holding it back. The enemy sighed in relief before realizing.
"He isn't the only one..."
The konoha ninjas finished charging their own Justus and launched it towards the enemy.
"Fire style: Fire ball justu!"
"Lightning style: stream burst!"
"Earth style: cataclysm canon!!"
Hundreds of voices ranged out sending out their strongest techniques towards the enemies. The stalemate from earlier barely last before the combined might of konohas army.
The only thing the Chunin commander could say before he was obliterated along with his comrades was.
"IM SORRY FATHER!!!!!!"
A resounding boom echoed. And the enemies army was no more.
Two days later .
"Oh my god Midnight I can't believe we actually survived that." Kuin said ruffling the fur on Midnight's head or trying. That combination justu took everything out of him. Chakra exhaustion is a cruel mistress.
The wolfdog woofed happily as he stretched out his long limbs in the warm sunlight from the window.
The duo was moved to another out post closer to konoha. Seeing as he was still injured he was left behind while the force he came with returned towards head quarters to further reinforce it.
"I wonder if anything happened while we were gone." Kuin thought out loud as he nibbled on a daifuku his nurse gave him.
Midnight seemed to tilt his head and let out a whine as The door to his room opened and out walked his nurses. Sensing another boring check up session the dog ran out the door.
"Great another check up." Kuin sighed. "Let's get this over with." After an hour the medical ninjas were finishing their final inspection.
"Well, it seems like you're good to go, Kuin." The nurse Kuin called medi 1 said.
"I still think we should keep him a little longer." Medi 2 said
"He's fine. Besides, we are already spread thin. Any extra bed space is needed." Medi 1 replied
Sighing, the first medical ninja turned back to Kuin. "Well, it looks like you're a free man, kid."
"Finally! I thought I would be stuck in here forever." Kuin said jumping out of his bed. Or tryied His legs still felt like jelly.
"Just a reminder. Take it easy and don't try anything crazy."
Kuin nodded. "Got it. See ya later, guys!"
After the medical ninjas left the room, Kuin immediately collapsed on the floor. "Goddamn, that's exhausting." Laying there, he decided to reflect on the last few days.
He sat there for a moment before getting back up. "Well, it doesn't matter now. All I gotta do is-"
"KUIN!!!"
Kuin heard his name being called before his door was slammed open.
"Midori?"
Midori walked up to him and gave him a hug. "Thank kami you're okay."
"Uh, what's up?" Kuin asked a little confused.
"What's up? What's up!? Did you not know that the village was attacked?"
"What the hell. Are you serious?" Kuin said in shock.
Apparently, Suna snuck past Konoha's borders while they were fighting Iwa and Kumo.
"They probably planned on killing everyone while our numbers were down."
"Did they succeed?"
"Nope. Most of the higher-ranking ninja were gone due to the situation at our borders, but Lord Orochimaru and Lord Jiraiya were able to drive them out along with some Anbu agents."
Midori gained a thoughtful pose. "The village wanted to celebrate the brave defenders but no one knew who the Anbu were."
"Huh," Kuin thought. "Guess they wouldn't be special ops if everyone knew who they were."
"Now enough about that." Midori stood up. "Let's get you out of here and back home."
Midori started to drag him out. "Uh, Midori, shouldn't we ask the commander or something?"
"He's not here right now, and I'm technically not supposed to know where he is."
"Ok. What about the medic nins?"
"They're busy taking care of the rest of the injured, and I already filled out the papers and all that, so it should be good."
"Well if you're sure."
"Of course, I'm sure."
"Oh, I forgot. Where's midnight?" Kuin asked while looking around.
"Don't worry, The mutt is fine."
"Hey, that mutt is your partner show some respect."
Midori turned towards Kuin with an amused expression. "Ho? What do we have here? Last time I was with you, you were terrified of him."
"I still am. But at least I'm not as terrified of him."
Midori just shook his head in amusement. "So what's the deal with you two now?"
"Well, after the battle, the medical ninja wanted to use him to help carry the injured."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, turns out Midnight wasn't having any of that and bit the hand of the first medical ninja that tried. After that, they let him stay and guard me."
"Good boy."
"Don't encourage that behavior! I was fine! He could've helped with extraction." Kuin then muttered something that Midori could barely pick up. "Though I did appreciate the show of support….."
Midori shook his head. "Did you forget already, Kuin? I read your medical file. You were suffering from extreme chakra exhaustion. You could barely move when the medical ninja came and got you."
Midori then hugged Kuin. "Plus, they didn't know whether more Iwa ninja would attack. Modern protocol when that happens is to drop all injured and escape."
"Worse case scenario they would've sent a second wave to clean up what was left, and the ninja there would've abandoned you to your fate." What fate that was could be left for interpretation.
"Midnight's actions were a precaution just in case things didn't work out. He could escape with you on his back."
"Wow, I never really thought about it like that." Kuin muttered growing a whole new appreciation of the dog.
"Well, It's best that it didn't happen. Now let's get going."
Kuin nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, let's go home."
Back to the village.
"I wonder what Sasuke and Hinata are doing."
And that's a wrap!! Sorry this chapter took forever to come out. I wanted to make this scene special and kept rewriting it over and over again until I said screw it this is good enough. Random question, would you guys mind if I linked my Ko-fi page? While I'm not doing this to get paid a little tip from time to time would be appreciated. But it's honestly up to you guys if I post it here or not. Anyway thanks for reading!!