The chakra pathway system. This is the term used to describe the point within the body that channels chakra through it. In simple terms they serve the same function for chakra as blood vessels do for blood. This also means they are vital as blood vessels as well. One can think of the chakra pathway system as multiple thin wires intertwined within every unit of the body.
This system is involved in creating the fundamental source of life itself, chakra. Every cell and every protein in the body are connected to this pathway system by a capillary which draws out the cell's physical energy and is refined into chakra by several organs most notably the heart. Meaning no living creature on this earth can be considered alive without it.
So then that means it's true huh, everything has chakra, human's animals, insects, plants as well. If it's considered alive then, that means it has chakra, perfect.
Considering the chakra pathway system is delicate, there have been countermeasures created in order to either temporarily shut off, or permanently destroy the pathway system. A common example would be one of Konoha's prestigious clans, the Hyūga. Thanks to their dojutsu they are able to quite literally see the chakra pathway system enabling them to strike effectively against the 361 tenketsu located along the pathway. These tenketsu are vital for releasing chakra and the hyuga eject their own chakra from their palms into these delicate spots effectively stopping the person from releasing chakra from the point that's been blocked, and blocking the majority of these points typically equate to death. Counter measures for dealing with this typically includ- umph.
Interrupted from my reading, my vision is blocked by a strong quadrupedal body covered in brown and white fur. Groaning to myself I couldn't yelp but laugh.
"Haimaru, how many times do I have to say this I'm reading, go out with your brothers." the older canine just whined and turned his body around.
"Hey, hold on now. Hey, Hey, hey, stop. Haimaru, I'm not kidding! Omph!" Ignoring my protest, Haimaru rolled his big fluffy body on my small 5 year old body, covering me from the neck down. At least he's mindful enough not to cover my face.
"Ok, Ok you win I'll stop, geez, but you owe me." Immediately the dog rolled off of me and walked in the direction of our front door. Played by a dog, oh how I've fallen.
Rolling up out of my sprawled position I looked at the book longingly, before setting it down, there's no point. He'll just try to rip it out of my hands, and I'll be left, without a book permanently. I can't believe Hana left him here, why would she do this to me.
"WOOF!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming you big baby." Walking in the direction of our front door I put on my sandals, before opening the door before immediately squinting from the harsh…. Moonlight? Wait, it's night time! What did I do today? Hold on, umm let see I woke up trained, practiced my chakra control, taijutsu training with Haimaru, endurance and speed training, Haimaru and I took a break as we rested and ate, only to continue training, and then I was reading. It should only be 12! Oh, crap did I really let the day get away from me again, but I was having so much fun.
Looking at Haimaru, he gave me a flat stare, as if he could read my thoughts. I gave him a smile in return. " I regret nothing." And walked out of the house with my hand behind my head. I didn't see it, but more like I felt the fact that Haimaru shook his head before following suit.
He really is big, even though I small, it still doesn't change the fact that he huge, perhaps the size of a Great Dane, maybe bigger, but that doesn't change the fact that I have a glorified babysitter, who keeps treating me like a I'll jump off a cliff if unsupervised.
Sigh to myself, it's just something I'm going to have to deal with, what did Hana actually tell him after all. He won't disclose anything other than the fact that he was told to watch over me. Maybe I should-
"Grrrr!"
"Haimaru was that, oh, oh wait that was me wasn't it."
"Woof!"
"Yeah, yeah, but what should we eat? I don't really have anything I like in particular."
"Woof!"
"What do you mean you already ate? Aren't you the older one here, shouldn't you be taking care of me."
"Woof!"
"For real, huh maybe I did space out today, but you know my enrollment in the academy will start pretty soon, I'm going to have to get as strong as possible in order to assert dominance against all my classmates, I have no doubt they'll all be far too weak for my liking." I said in irritation.
Exiting the Inuzuka compound, I looked up to the sky noticing that it was a full moon tonight, hmm boring. If i'm being honest i still want to catch up on my knowledge with chakra theory, but someone won't leave me alone. Sighing to myself I pondered as I continued walking.
Kiba Inuzuka. That is my name, I still find it unbelievable sometimes. To be reborn as a side character with screen time that could honestly rival TenTen, in other words not much. As unfortunate as it is to say, Kiba as well as the rest of the Konoha 12, were painfully disappointing, it honestly hurt. Don't get me wrong I'm sure they were stronger than the average shinobi, but that was it.
That's not good enough. Truthfukly, I don't know how they were able to go up against top threats like the akatsuki and live, and if I'm being honest even though I live here I don't really care for them. Not in an edgy way, but more on the fact that I have much more important shit to do, like train.
I don't understand it, how the hell was Kiba so weak, the amount of resources he has at his disposal as a clan head is quite frightening, and yes I am here to confirm it. Kiba Inuzuka is a clan head.
I have an older sister, but for some reason she is not the clan head. When I asked her she was strangely quiet about it, even my mother changed topics quickly. Seems there is some drama there, as for my father, apparently he died, or at least I think he did, another topic my family decided to avoid. Am I mad or annoyed that they're keeping secrets, honestly I don't really care.
If they want to hold it to themselves that's their right, I have no interest in such topics, and the fact that I'm a clan head means I get special training from the elders that I devour greedily. However, there is only so much they can teach me as I do not have my own ninja hound yet. But I substitute that with chakra control as well as even more taijutsu training.
I like the idea of being a physical fighter. The fact that I can get in close with my enemies' and beat them into submission sounds really appealing, and more in tune with my way of thinking. Fighting the kids in my clan is fun, winning is fun, being strong is fun, learning how to get stronger is fun. However, becoming a shinobi shouldn't be fun, learning how to kill, that shouldn't be fun, so why is it that I couldn't help but grin at the topic.
Am I angry for being subjected to such a fate, not really. Am I angry that I'm going to have to fight for my survival, not really as well. I'm not a child despite my appearance. I'm not going to wail at how unfair it is, I'm not going to cry, and scream, I'm not going to just be stupid. I was given a hand, a fairly good one might I add and I'm gonna use it. I was born in a shinobi family as the next leader, I am given ample opportunity and resources to grow stronger, I was born in one of the five great village's. My leader is benevolent and isn't unfair nor a dictator. Not to mention I won the genetic lottery as my chakra coils are far more developed than most people my age, due to selective breeding. As far as I'm concerned I'm winning.
And I'm gonna keep on winning.
I'm gonna be really honest. I don't really care about this village, however, I also don't hate it. I suppose you can say I haven't learned to love it like others do, but I can see why they do. Konoha, despite being a militaristic village that houses dangerous shinobi, is by far the best when compared to the other four.
Think about what we know. The hidden Sand, well they live in a freaking desert. Their village is a poverty-stricken hovel, and they have a murderous psychopath roaming the streets. The hidden Mist, pfft, don't even get me started. The hidden cloud, one could say the economical and military sound. However one can't forget they love stealing bloodlines for themselves in order to strengthen the village. Please think about that statement, how does one steal a bloodline? Not every bloodline lies in the eyes where you could simply snatch them out of the socket. It lies in the blood, the gene pool more like it, a mutation of chakra that formed around a person's birth.
If they can't snatch the bloodline then they'll just snatch the person, but why would that person willingly join them. They don't need that person to join them, just their DNA. If you're a man they'll take your sperm and then kill you, and if you're a woman, well you can figure that out. The child will be raised as a hidden cloud shinobi completely ignorant to the means of their birth, and even if they find out, so what. The hidden cloud is all they've ever known, and as far as I'm concerned they don't mistreat their people. Would you leave the comfort and safety of your own home, over some stranger, I know I wouldn't.
Finally there's the hidden stone. Honestly I don't know much about that place, nobody does, it was never really explored. But I would take the hidden leaf over some unknown area anyway. Besides, I prefer Hiruzen over Onoki. Perhaps that's childhood worship, but I don't really care.
Konoha is the smartest option, because they don't foolishly pursue war unlike the other village's, and it is because of that that many shinobi wanted to protect it in order for its people to have some peace of mind, that was their reason to become strong from what I can infer. However, peace has made this place weak.
You're telling me out of all the thousands of ninja in this place, the only notable ones can be counted on one hand, two if you wanna stretch it with clan leaders.
All the good ones have already died, defected, have too many responsibilities in the village, or are just old. The only ones that are notable at the moment that aren't bound to the village are Asuma, Gai, and Kakashi.
I'm aware Itachi, and Shisui are alive right now, but I'm four. What can I do to stop that shit-storm, not to mention while I dont really fear Danzo, it's best to stay out of his way. At least until I'm stronger.
However, there's the sasuke problem, that dude is more trouble than it's worth, and for months I've been wondering if I should just kill him? Surprised! I don't understand why a person would be. I've been reborn into the shinobi world, while I'm not a dick, I think logically where it counts.
I'm not going to agonize over bathing my hands in blood. I'm not going to hesitate either, that'll just get me killed. I have to project confidence and unwavering resolution in order to succeed in my goal.
To live a fulfilling life.
World peace. I have no intention of chasing after such a ridiculous goal, humans are born of having contrasting opinions. It's what makes us unique, and in order to affirm our self-proclaimed right ideas, we were given the power to fight. Death is natural, because a difference in thought is natural. That's all there is to it.
It's why I've chosen to protect Konoha. This place is the most sane out of all the other villages, so naturally I've taken a liken to it. But I simply can't believe that the other village's can simply be talked to in order to quench their hatred that's bubbled for decades, that was simply plot at work, this is real life now. Naruto's ability to win fights he had no business to win, plot. Sakura's ability to stay alive long enough to become useful, plot. All of these so-called shinobi should have died before they even hit their second arc with the way they were acting, so I've decided to be nice and help them out, especially Naruto. That Rasengan shit isn't going to slide if I have anything to say about it.
Ino, Shikamaru, Choji. So much potential squandered
Hinata, Shino, my so-called future teammates, I'll beat them in line.
I need strong dependable comrades if I'm going to be able to stay alive. And the people I saw in the anime are not people I want having my back, I'll die to freaking kunai if that's the case.
My mind has been running with all manner of possibilities of how to make them better, especially Naruto.
If he wants to be hokage so bad I'll show him how it's done, and the akatsuki won't be a match, Pain, Obito, or Madara won't be a match. No damn Otsutsuki with their damn Kama will be a match. Everyone wikk fucking serve a purpos if I have anything to say about it.
It's why I can't hesitate, I need to lead by example. I'll kill without hesitation, because I need to. I'll steal without hesitation, because I need to, and I'll use every dirty trick in the book if I have to, because while I don't care for this village, and I think the konoha 12 are idiots, I'm sure they have their uses if given ample opportunity.
"Woof."
Interrupted from my thoughts I looked up to see, oh the animal hospital run by the Inuzuka clan, oh snap I must have been real out of it. My feet must have just taken me here by default considering I was just wandering. Eh might as well check up on my big sister.
"Let's go check up on our sister Haimaru, hopefully she isn't too busy."
"Woof."
Entering the building I look up to see the receptionists. And huh..
"Hana?"
The bored little girl mirrored my shock for a completely different reason. For me I'm shocked that she's just a receptionist, for her she's shocked probably because I left the compound.
"Kiba, Haimaru, what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing big sister, what's someone like you doing here just manning the front, shouldn't you be in the back where all the action is."
At my words she grimaced. "I'm, I'm not yet suited to handle the animals." She said with reluctance.
"I've never said anything about handling the animals, I said why aren't you in the back, obviously it's still too soon to handle the dirty work, but you should at least be able to observe what is happening in order for you to learn."
"Right! That's what I'm saying, but apparently that's not how it works! I'm supposed to first learn how to handle the front before I can handle what's in the back, get to know the customers, there interest there likes, allow them to build their trust in me, so they know that there pets are in good hands, only then am I allowed to learn about handling and treating the animals, so until then, baby steps." She said as she twirled her finger,
"Hmm I mean I get it, but is that seriously necessary? As far as I'm concerned, the Inuzuka clan runs every single hospital pertaining to the treatment of animals. The people don't really have a choice in the matter when it comes to the treatment of their pets, and the clan does good work as well, which is why we get so much business. I'd understand the logic if you're just a regular civilian, but the mere fact that you're an Inuzuka should quell the customers' hearts. You don't need to be here at the reception desk, but back there learning the clan trade you know. Does mom know about this?"
Nodding her head, Hana answered my question.
Strange?
Looking to her side I see the other two Haimaru brothers sleeping peacefully. There's something fishy going on here, but for the life of me I can't figure it out, there's too many blanks.
"Hana I won't tell you what to do, but are you okay with this?"
It took her a minute, but she finally nodded.
"Then I'll respect your choice. Moving on, I came by here on instinct, because Haimaru wouldn't leave me alone. Also I'm hungry and was wondering what we should get to eat."
"Hmm well my shift is practically done, I can't stay up late as I still have the academy in the morning. Why don't we get something to eat, then go home? Just let me tell my boss i'm leaving and then we can leave"
"Got it."
With that she grabbed her bag before going to the back leaving me with the Haimaru triplets.
Strange, very strange. She might not be a clan head, but she is still the child of one. If mom knows about them maybe this is that "tough love" type of treatment, that status doesn't matter and everybody starts off at the bottom.
I really hope so, if not, then someone's gonna pay. This is the first time I actually visited this place, but to think she's only a receptionist, when she's capable of much more is just a waste.
"Ok, I'm back."
Looking to my left Hana is back. With a slight frown marring her face.
"Are you ok?" I asked with worry in my tone.
"I'm fine, just saw something a bit queasy."
I couldn't help but laugh. "You didn't see any animal guts did you?"
"No nothing like that." quickly changing topics she clapped her hands. The two sleeping brothers awoke immediately and stood in attention.
"Come on guy's let's get going. Kiba, have anywhere you wanna go."
"Not really I was hoping you'd have a place in mind."
"Well there was this place, my friend was talking about, we should go there." She said excitedly.
"Well lead the way?"
With a skip in her step she walked out of the building as I followed. I really hope everything is ok. I don't want to have to do anything drastic.
(-)
Oh snap, I totally forgot about this.
Ichiraku Ramen, the place where Naruto frequented the most. The place who's ramen was so visually appealing it made viewers mouthwater.
It wasn't the location Hana intended to go to, but we were passing by, and I immediately said I wanted to try going there. Hana was a bit skeptical
"Are you sure, it's just I kind of have been hearing bad rumors about this place."
"What kind of rumors?"
"Stuff like only demons eat there, or how their food is only worth serving to pigs."
Hmm, village propaganda at work.
"I'm not really the type to listen to strangers, I believe we should try it out ourselves you know."
"Well if you say so." she said nervously.
Grabbing her hand I lead her to the entrance covered by cloths
It really was small, only having about 8 stools atop a table with the kitchen in full view. Hmm, it seems Naruto isn't here at the moment, well it's not like he'll be here 24/7.
Looking up I see a little girl, probably the same age as my sister wiping down the counter.
"Oh customer's! Dad, we've got a customer's." She said in excitement.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen may I take your orders"
"Um hello I'm Hana and this is my little brother Kiba, this is our first time, so we'll take two small bowls of whatever is popular."
"On it." She said with determination she ran to the back
"She's full of enthusiasm." I couldn't help but utter.
"Yeah, it seems she takes her job very seriously." Was it me or was there a hint of sadness in her tone.
Climbing up on the stool, looks so embarrassing but I stomached my shame as I went up with a straight face. Hana let out a chuckle at my struggle.
As she took a seat beside me. The Haimaru triplets rested on the floor.
looking forward, a man came with the little girl in tow.
"Good evening customers, I'm Teuchi, the owner of this shop. My daughter Ayame told me you want our most popular dish. It'll take 20 minutes so please make yourself comfortable and it'll be out shortly."
"Thank you Mr, Teuchi." my sister said with a bow, that I merely mimicked. Bowing to people is so tiring.
The man smiled. "Ayame let's get going, we have hungry customers waiting, start kneading the dough.
"On it dad!"
Looking to my left I see my sister smiling at me, I raise my eyebrow.
"Yes?"
"Oh nothing, just wondering why you chose this place."
"No reason in particular, just curious about this place, it's usually the small places that have the best food from what I hear. They put more effort into their food, compared to the large food chains."
"Oh, then let's hope you're right, but moving on how are you?"
Confused by her question I looked up at her only to see concern in her eyes.
"Umm, I'm fine, honestly, umm why do you ask?"
Shifting in her seat she looked as if she was choosing her work carefully.
"It's just um well I have this classmate, well "had" is more like it. He's a clan head like you. His name is Itachi Uchiha, and he's well in simple terms he's a genius."
"Oh?" I couldn't help but let my curiosity show. What's she getting at?
"I've barely talked to the guy, but what I could glean from him is that he's exceptional. Any knowledge he was given he soaked it up. Any task he was asked to do he performed flawlessly, there were no faults with him, I was honestly a bit jealous actually, but then one day I got a good look at him, he seemed so… tired seems like the right word.
"I learned from then on that it must be exhausting to be so perfect, and it must be even more tiring to keep it up due to all the expectations on your shoulders. He graduated around 2 years ago in spring, and I hear now that he's already a chunin. I haven't seen him in years, but I could imagine all that stress has only magnified."
I only blinked at her; she was not done yet.
"Let me ask you something, how's your training going?"
Hmm, rubbing my nose I couldn't help but let a grin form. "I finally got down the tree walking exercise and the four-legged technique that enhances my strength, speed, durability, as well as all five senses. Soon I'll be able to learn the tunneling fang, and when I get a partner, I'll be able to learn the man beast transformation technique as well as the fang over fang technique. Right now, I'm polishing my taijutsu, as well as increasing my speed and stamina. Just because I can perform the four-legged technique doesn't mean I can maintain it for long, I need to work on that." I said proudly. And why shouldn't I be? My growth rate is astonishing. I'm learning techniques left and right and getting stronger every day. Madara, you're about to get your ass kicked by an Inuzuka.
My goal is to be able to at least be able to hang with average level Jonins, by the time I reach my double digits. I know it's possible. Itachi was able to do it. The key is to not be stronger than them, but to be able to outmaneuver them in both planning and ingenuity. You're able to do this by being faster than your opponent, if your speed is superior then you have plenty of time to analyze and come up with a strategy to stop them, I just have to- owww, ow oww!
Looking down, I see my sister grabbing my hand. The hand that's covered in bandages.
"Hey! Be gentle, that really hurts you know."
She looked at me with her eyebrows furrowed.
"I am being gentle." She said sternly. Sure doesn't feel like it.
"Look at you Kiba, practically half of your body is covered in bandages. Are you sure you're not overdoing it? Maybe you should take a break, or just slow down, you know. It's great that you're taking your training seriously, and I have no doubt you'll be a great clan head, but everything has to be done in moderation, too much of anything is never good for you." Her eyes seemingly pleaded. She's basically saying I'm like Itachi huh. Pulling my hand away from here I look Hana in the eye.
"Hey big sister, I have two things I want to say to you. First of all, while I'm flattered I would appreciate you never comparing me to Itachi Uchiha ever again. That guy.-" That guy is a monster. A freaking Demon, What would take me days to even begin to grasp a concept he'll master in a matter of minutes. I can't compete with that on my own, which is why I need my partner ASAP not to mention I wouldn't kill you guys over a damn village- "That guy and I are more different than you might think. Two, I get it, but it's not like I'm being forced to train, I actually enjoy it, and welcome the challenge, besides don't you want to have the honor of being directly related to an S-Rank ninja. The things you could get away with, the favors you could ask, it'll all be worth it big sister." I added, with a teasing note.
Thankfully my comment caused her to smile.
I'm glad she's worried for me, but I can't stop training, only an idiot would do something like that with the knowledge I hold. But my plans for the moment involve building upon the base of the Inuzuka style taijutsu and ninjutsu. I've already thought of dozens of techniques that can be applied. It couldn't be helped, I've been aware since I was a baby.
"Oh, by the way, isn't mom coming back soon from her mission? She's been gone for weeks."
Hana shook her head at my question. " I honestly don't know, I haven't gotten any word about it, but that's nothing new really, she'll be back eventually, but "eventually" could be tomorrow or next month truthfully."
And isn't that the kicker, it's not that I'm worried for her safety, trust me when I say that Tsume Inuzuka is strong, but There's so many unpredictable outcomes on the battlefield it's not even funny. Still, i hope she comes home sooner rather than later. I need a God sparring partner, the other children in the clan are barely cutting it anymore.
"Order up!"
Snapping from my thoughts I look to see a steaming bowl of ramen placed in front of me. I couldn't help, but gulp. This is… very visually appealing.
"Two bowls of Miso Pork Ramen, we hope you two enjoy it." The friendly old man said with a smile.
Grabbing a pair of chopsticks, I looked to my left to see Tsume also in a daze before she grabbed a pair of chopsticks as well.
"Thank you for the food!" we said in unison.
As I started to eat, I only had one thing running through my mind.
Naruto has good taste.
(-)
"Ahhhh!" The boy screamed as he fell on his back. That's the fifth one. He was even weaker than the other four.
"I'm ready for the next round, sensei." I spoke calmly as I stayed in position on all fours.
It's been a couple of weeks since my chat with Hana. Apparently, she is still worried about me pushing myself too hard, but she's learning to cope with it. Me pushing myself to my limit is just a part of who I am at this point. If I'm going to be a leader of a clan, I have to be the strongest in both mind and body, hopefully I'm setting a good example. I didn't want to appear as one of those stuck-up leaders that thinks he's better than everyone which is why I train out in the open for all to see me, to show my dedication to the entire village, to show them that this isn't talent that's making me so strong, but hard work. Hopefully they can see that. Currently in the Inuzuka clan Dojo, a place where we all Inuzuka can publicly train amongst their peers guided by a senior member of the clan every day. While I'm not entirely sure how it works, apparently there's a chart with their names written, sectioning them off on who teaches on what day.
Today it's a woman, and she's having us fight what she likes to call stamina matches. It's really simple, and all we have to do is fight 1v1 matches. If you win, you fight the next person, and the next. As long as you keep winning, you keep fighting more opponents. I've currently just defeated five opponents. My sixth should be coming shortly, and if I'm being honest, I'm not even winded.
The age group is quite a mixed bag, as considering this is a public class, the clan members are children ranging from me being the youngest who is 5, to the oldest boy who looks to be around 11 or 12. Possibly being in his final year in the academy.
There are about 40 of us today, so there's plenty of us to go around. I try to come to these classes as often as possible. My bandages around my body feel a bit tight, and my wounds ache a little from training but other than that I'm great.
"All right, Miyurara, please come forth." sensei spoke calmly as my next opponent came up.
A girl possibly around 10, seems sensei thinks the older opponents are more on my level.
Her ninja dog partner layed on the sidelines as she came up to me. Her hair was medium brown, and cut short, and she had a determined look in her eye as she got on her knees and put her hand in the rat sign.
So, she's planning to use beast mimicry from the start. The basis of all our techniques. While I am on all fours, I still haven't used the technique against any of my opponents yet. Why? You'll see.
"Alright, if you're both ready, then…. Begin!" sensei said, and my opponent's chakra started to rise.
"Ninja Art: Beast Mimicry." She whispered lowly, as she got on all fours.
The transformation is subtle, but noticeable, her hair standing on end, her nails growing longer, her teeth sharpening, and a feral look of a wild animal in her eyes. My clan's ninjutsu is awesome.
Quickly she charged at me, ready to swipe at me with fingernails that are honestly no different than knives, only for me to meet her head on. Fortifying my fist with chakra, I deliver a strike directly to her stomach sending her falling back to her starting position.
Unlike ninja beast mimicry which physically transforms your body to be similar to that of a feral animal, complete with buffs, like increase of speed, strength, stamina, and defense. What I'm using is chakra amplification, which is a basic concept that every shinobi is aware of that practically does the same thing as beast mimicry, what's the difference?
Well think of the beast mimicry as a semi transformation, it's not amplification itself but a separate transformation. One that brings out the user's physical attributes, since it's a separate transformation, it actually puts you above the average ninja in speed and strength, but that average ninja will try to to use their own amplification to try and match those buffs.
Hmph, that's why the Inuzuka have the edge, since it's a physical transformation they aren't using amplification, at least not at first, once their enemy uses their own amplification, that's when they'll add amplification on top of there transformation soundly staying in the lead.
It's their two buffs vs the enemies one. Theoretically they should always be physically superior, theoretically. However, these two techniques only act as a multiplier, which means their base stats have to be high enough in order to maintain that lead, multiplying the girls 1x2 vs my own 5x1 and the outcome is simple.
The girl clutched her stomach, in pain as she tried to get up, but I wasn't going to give her the option as I ran on all fours and immediately socked her in the face sending her flying to the wall as her jutsu came undone, and she laid there unconscious. She couldn't even scream.
Two hits, that's it!
This is what I'm fucking talking about. Weak, weak, so fucking weak! My brows furrowed as my teeth grind in frustration. We may be a ninja clan that has tons of resources at our disposal for training, but that means jack shit if you don't fucking use it. This girl is a fucking joke, she's skinny, her dexterity is shit, and her pain tolerance is pitiful. This is what peace does, it makes us weak!
All of these children with their disinterested eyes and laid-back positions are the results of peace. They all lack it, lack what drove the people during war times to become so powerful.
They all lack that hunger to become great and are simply going along with the motions of becoming ninja.
It's not that I'm strong. I know I'm not, believe me. Put me in front of a real ninja and I'll fold like a napkin at a 5-star restaurant. It's that everyone in my generation believes that these peaceful days will last forever. They are ignorant to the monsters of this world, and that these walls will protect them forever.
They have no excuse. The things I hear from the children who want to become ninjas are disgusting.
"It's so cool!"
"I want to breathe fire!"
"Let's play ninja!"
This isn't a game! It's not like we live among world peace. The third war was concluded barely over a decade ago, and yet this is the result. The whole reason the war stopped was because of an armistice agreement between the leaf and the stone. Bitch! What about the other villages! Just because Iwa signed an agreement to stop doesn't mean the rest have to abide. They only chose to stop because of their own reasons, as far as I'm concerned, those bastards are plotting, and besides, do you really think a piece of paper is going to stop Particle style.
Because Konoha is so laid back, they allow their children to act just like that, children". And that's totally fine, believe me I get it, but that should only apply for those who have no interest in being shinobi, for those that want to become shinobi, they need to crack the whip. Teach them from young that being a shinobi is not a game, and that it's wrought with pain and suffering, that in order to avoid such tragedies they need to become strong shinobi in order to maintain the fragile thread we call peace. I can bet my bottom dollar the children from other villages are going through grueling training, because they mean business. If you want to become a ninja then fucking work for it.
It's why the rookie 9 were trash, they all lacked that desire to become strong. Shikamaru literally stated he wanted to become average, the hell! The reason the show focused on Naruto and Sasuke so much was because they both had that desire to be great, it might have been for the wrong reasons, but the desire remained the same. Hokage and Revenge.
"Ahem, the winner is Kiba Inuzuka. Kiba, while I appreciate the initiative, please remember that this is a spar, and try to hold back on your opponent."
Hold back she says, holding back is only detrimental to their growth, holding back won't ensure a happy future for any of us.
"Of course sensei, I'll keep that in mind." Nodding to herself she made a shadow clone, and picked the girl up before disappearing walking out along with the girl's ninja dogs presumably to take them home, an injury like that isn't needed for the hospital.
"Now then it's time for the next match." The children around me shuffled nervously, no doubt silently scared at the notion of fighting me. If I'm to protect the village from the shit it'll go through in the future, then I'm going to need comrades. Comrades who don't think of this as a game, comrades who understand the dangers of the outside world, comrades who can understand! Comrades… comrades who are as hungry as me.
"Yayoi you're up next."
(-)
40 opponents, all beaten. 40 opponents not worth a damn. Even the shinobi who was in his final year in the academy, wasn't even the strongest person I faced, none of them forced me to use my beast mimicry technique. Not. A. Single. One.
It's not like I was unfriendly either, because after the sparring was completed I offered them advice, and asked them if they want to train together since we're all trying to be ninja, they all just brushed me off.
I'll be going to the academy next year. Their beginning ages are 6. I already know not to get my hopes up. If the children from a clan are this pitiful, then I could only imagine children from a civilian background, never trained a day in their life, and will be coming to class with their two hands swinging.
Kicking a pebble, my hands were in my pockets. Those children probably didn't even choose to be there, their parents probably forced them to go in order to sharpen their skills. It was shown in their body language. It was shown in their eyes. They didn't care. They didn't care that they got their ass handed to them, they just made excuses and went on about their day. Just like the original Kiba Did when he lost to Naruto, content to have average growth.
Hana is at the academy right now anyway so I don't have anyone to really talk to about my frustrations, then again, why should I bother, because while I love my sister, she's also the same as everyone else.
I realized that it really is pointless to force a horse to then how could I ever make them stronger? I'm starting to feel like a teacher with a dispassionate class.
The sun is setting and I'm feeling particularly frustrated at the moment. So I'm going to beat on that wooden beast until this frustration that I have has calmed down.
Just calm down.
Just calm down.
Just calm down.
JUST CALM DOWN!
Focusing my chakra to my feet I kicked a nearby tree as hard as I could.
"CRCHH!" was the sound it made as my foot kicked and destroyed a major chunk of the tree. It started to tilt, and tilt, and til, before completely falling backward, unable to support itself any longer.
"CRASH!" The tree finally ingenuity falling
Breathing heavily I couldn't help but grind my teeth. I'm five years old. Five years old and I can topple a tree, but people twice my age dont even know about the fucking tree walking excercise. I'm trying to be calm about my situation, but this isn't a story. I can't trust that everything will be settled eventually. Besides, even if it does, that is just the matter of shippuden, you still have literal aliens running around trying to destroy the planet as well as ten tail clones gaining intelligence. The weakest of them kicked both Naruto, and Sasuke's ass.
How can I compare?
Falling on my rear, I rested my back against the tree stump, as I brought my knees to my chest. I can't hesitate. I can't falter in my decisions.
I'm not doubting my stance, but everyone around me is so frustrating it's not even funny.
I know they are all capable of becoming strong shinobi, that if they put in even a modicum of effort they will be amazing.
But as the days pass it seem like i'll have to depend on myself more and more. How unfortunate.
"Wow, you're making a real interesting face there Kid." That Voice!
Looking up from my position I see one of the people I least expected to respect the most.
"Mom!"
"Hey there kid, nice destruction you've got going on here."
Destruction, what does she mean? All I did was tear down a single… oh…ohhhh..oh that's kind of bad isn't it.
Looking around I see multiple trees toppled over, uprooted, or simply destroyed. I thought I just destroyed one, the hell. I couldn't have been that angry that blanked out could I!.
Shaking my head I looked down. How embarrassing, to let my anger take over like that.
"Hey Mom, welcome back." I uttered lowly. Looking at Tsume closely I noticed two glaring flaws. Tsume's entire figure is littered with bandages, in a seemingly random section of her body, she seems to be favoring her right side more and it seems Kuromaru is missing. However, I wouldn't dare comment on her injuries, and I can infer Kuromaru is missing because he's probably injured as well. Haha if that's the case then I know just the thing to say.
Sporting the grin I looked her in the eye. "So, how does the other guy look?" that caused her to let out a barking laugh.
"Haha, yup he's dead of course, the bastard was a real tough one so me and Kuromaru had to stick it to him good. Of course that's all it can tell ya, mission confidentiality and all that jazz." My mother waved off as if killing a man in cold blood isn't that big of a deal.
"So kid what's got you so down in the dumps right now."
"I'm not down in the dumps."
"Then how do you explain all this?" She said as she motioned her arm around the surrounding destroyed trees.
"Training, umm, maybe a little bit of venting." I said embarrassedly. To think I'm caught in the act by my own mother, how sad. Shaking my head I continued.
"It's just, I'm surrounded by idiots."
"Hah! That's a first, imagine a 5 year old saying such a thing. Let me guess you finally noticed the difference between you and everybody else."
"No I…. Actually, yes. Yes I did, how did you know that?" I looked at her in surprise.
"Call it a mother's intuition." she said as she rested herself on her own stump. Tilting her head she let out a feral grin.
"So anyway, let me guess, you noticed the lack of motivation that your peers have when it comes to being a shinobi right, so you thought you could motivate them, or even push them to be better, to give them that drive to be Great, am I right?"
What. The. Hell! How does she know that? I never told anybody this, but she read me like a book. Mother intuition my ass, this. This is something else entirely.
"Haha, you should look at your face kid, but anyway judging by your reaction I'm guessing I'm right, we'll as your awesome mother, allow me to give you one piece of advice, stop it." She said all forms of morth completely left her face.
What? My face mimicked confusion.
"You heard me, stop it! Stop the meticulous planning, stop the bright hopes of the future. Stop the pointless frustration of things not going the way you planned, and stop thinking your can force these people to be better. Just. Stop. All. Of. It."
Before I could protest she held out her hand.
"I can already see the retorts. "But mom am I supposed to just sit here and do nothing, but mom I have to do this, but mom if I do nothing they'll be left to stew in their weakness" I can see it all kiddo, and you're not wrong, even among Konoha. This generation is quite possibly the worst group of ninjas yet. They Are weak, have no drive to do better, are completely ignorant to the outside threats, and are more concerned with their outfits and crushes, then their aim to obtain a headband."She said with a sigh as she scratched her head.
So she knew. She knew this already, and yet-
"If you know this then why aren't you concerned in the slightest, I know you don't believe this "peace" will last forever. If we have such weak ninja to protect this village then why aren't you afraid?" I questioned.
"Look around you kid, this village is bustling with life, with happiness, with prosperity, with freedom of choice. This is what it was built upon and hopefully it is what it will stay as. I'll admit that when it comes to overall strength the other villages have us beat but we have something that they don't."
"Which is?"
"The will of fire."
"Bullshit."
"Bullshit."
Both my mother and I said at the same time.
"Haha, that was exactly my reaction when I first heard it. You can fancy it up all you want, but the will of fire is nothing more than an ideology that stems from ancient times….…. But you see there's a reason why such an ideology was able to prosper for so long, without being recorded on any stone or paper. You see the world is a cruel, cruel place, and while people fight in order to defend themselves, it's meaningless to initiate fights without having a cause, something to believe in."
I just stared, where is she going with this.
"You see the will of fire states that the entire village is like a large family unit and every Konoha shinobi with the Will of Fire loves, believes, cherishes, and fights to protect the village, as previous generations had done before them. Now then this just seems like useless symbolism, something the village uses to justify their acts and to brainwash children to fight for the village, but trust me you're not the only one that isn't buying that shit. However, you should know what they don't tell you is that the will of fire is only part of an equation that equals prosperity for an individual. In short the will of fire basically means to protect. If I were to give it to you in simple terms I would put it as
Protect + X= happiness.
You see it's not the village that they are talking about that most people end up assuming, but something inside the village, whether that is family, a particular good restaurant, a personal friend, shit it could even be your favorite lay." She uttered shamelessly, my cheek went red in embarrassment.
"Tell me Kiba what's your X in this equation."
"Freedom." I answered immediately. "I. I don't know if I could say I love this village, but I can say I love how free it feels. Despite being a ninja village everything feels so safe. This place has a vibrant rule of law tradition, robust freedom of expression and beliefs, ninjas don't terrorize the people, and despite knowing that there's so many people that can kill me with their fingers residing in this village I…well I don't trust them, but I trust that they wouldn't even consider such a thing. Not to mention that they don't hog their jutsus and powers and everything is publicly disclosed in the village library for others to learn freely, with the exception of clan jutsu, for God sakes there are so many people running around using forbidden jutsu like shadow clones, eight gates and cursed techniques, and yet there not punished or killed, or even surveillanced. Just lightly advised on when and when not to use them. I have no doubt that if I were to live in another village, that I probably wouldn't even be able to breathe properly without having a kunai on my neck, for doing just one of these things."
And it's true Konoha is quite literally both the safest village to reside in compared to any other village In this world whether big or small.
Mother just stared at me with a knowing smile.
"That's why I really want to protect this village, because I know how much of a gem it is and don't want it to be lost. Because I like living here, and am certain this place can give me a fulfilling life. A happy life."
"And that's the secret right there, you found your X and now you have your happiness. You've calmed down considerably. But as much as you don't believe me there's a world of difference in strength between people have discovered there X-"
"And people who don't." I finished for her, holy shit she might be onto something.
"Exactly, because when you know you want something, you'll do anything to obtain/preserve it."
Hold on wait a minute think about this Kiba, think.
Obito
Protect + Project Tsukuyomi=happiness
Kisame
Protect + world without lies=happiness
Itachi
Protect + image of the Uchiha/sasuke= happiness
Kakuzu
Protect + Money= happiness
Hidan
Protect + Jashin= happiness
Sasori
Protect + Art = happiness
Deidara
Protect + also art = happiness
All these people, these monster knew what they wanted, no matter how simple or foolish it may seem to outsiders, but if that's the case-
"Then I was right! I knew it, Mom. I knew that they all lacked that hunger. The hunger to be great, I already knew, but knowing "why" doesn't help my problem. So what if I know what motivates me to be strong? The question is how does that promote the growth of this village. How do I help others achieve the strength that I know there capable of?"
" Ahh but that's the kicker right there kid, didn't I tell you to stop with all this thought about other's X. I told you the secret to why Konoha is strong, despite being so weak. You see that it's the people that find that X that have the potential to be strong, but the kicker is how you pursue it. What you need to do is not worry about others, not worry about their X's and just pursue your own. So you find your X, but that's merely the start, now you'll have to battle with others who found there own X, and only those who can transcend the concept of being merely strong are those that have an extraordinary sense of self, and an immediate priority to secure their own X rather than others."
"I… I don't understand."
'Then let me say it like this. The strong attract the strong, only to make them stronger. You see when a person is solely focused on a goal, there is something to be admired about that. People will start to wonder what is so special about your goal compared to their own, they'll all wonder why your so strong compared to them, and then that's the kicker, they'll start to challenge you only to get blown away by your superior strength." Mother formed a crooked smile
"It's a disease! A contagious disease of power that spreads among the masses. Well I guess the normal folk would just call it inspiration. Can you believe it, it's so simple. All you have to do is be yourself, pursue your own goals selfishly, and disregard anything else, and the masses around you rise to power and flock to you like sheep. They come seeking to be acknowledged only to be swatted to the side by your own ambition, and desperate to not be proven wrong, they'll seek greater strength and seek you out once more, only for the same thing to happen again, and again, and again, until you have dozens, or even hundreds of S-rank shinobi amassed in one individual place with one common goal and common enemies. And one shining, blonde, girly man that's an untouchable god. That is konoha."
I….I don't think she realized what she just said.
Looking up at the sky, she continued. " But I know what you're thinking, what happened to all these shinobi, they're dead obviously, but how? Fear, plain and simple, the villages feared these shinobi so much that they used any, and I mean any means in order to get rid of them permanently, which in turn diminished their own strength. You might think they're strong, but I guarantee they're weaker than even us at the moment. Why do you think nothing happened even though we were just attacked by the ninetails? However, while they train their shinobi like mindless sheep without personality, our individuality gives us strength which in turn promotes growth among the masses. Of course many never get up from having their ideals crushed, and a lot of strong shinobi defect to the village to pursue their own greed, but hey you can't make a steak buffet without slaughtering a few hundred cattle, hahaha! That why out of all 5 villages Konoha is listed with the most shinobi to defect."
Is… is it really that simple. All I have to do; all I have to do is… just be myself. Just do what I want, and others will follow. What I want. Is power! So much strength that I'll be strong enough to suppress anything, so much strength that I can ensure my own happiness, and that I won't have to live in fear of anything. That's all I want to focus on, that's all it'll take to make me content. So, I should stop worrying about things outside of my hands. Moms right, dividing my attention in order to strengthen others while noble will only weaken myself, and slow me down, whether they become strong or stay average forever doesn't concern me any longer. Why? Because no matter what, I will become the strongest in order to protect this village by myself, it's up to them if they can keep up.
"Hmm there you go kid, that's what I'm talking about."
"Arrrrrrrr!"
What's that? It sounded like a low whine.
Looking to my left I see Fur? No, a mound of black and silver fur with legs, is that a puppy? Extending my hand, I went to pick him up, and as my hand made contact with him, the fur extended and sharpened immediately the stabbing my extended hand causing blood to leak, but pain is nothing new to me and I waited, and waited until they felt at peace, and soon their fur softened once more, and I gently went to pick them up. They're so poofy and big! I can barely make out the outline of their body, not to mention having so much fur and living in the fire country must be a nightmare, and yet it doesn't feel hot, actually they feel cool to the touch like the cold surface of a pillow. How are they…. Ow.
Looking to my right, oh I can actually see this one. Unlike the big guy in my hand this one is a short-coated dog. Its coat is primarily white with black slender spots covering its entirety. Its ears are floppy, and its eyes are squinted so close to being closed that I can't see them, while its body is sleek and slender.
It bit hard enough to draw blood, but this pup was much smaller than the big guy I have in my hand. Gently I tried to pick the little guy up, but he dodged my hand, before immediately biting my other leg. 'Fast!' Was my only thought.
However, I didn't flinch and when he tried to bite my right leg once more, I scooped him up quickly because while he was fast that meant nothing to my speed. I made sure not to jostle the other guy. The spotted dog immediately went to bite my arm, but seeing he wasn't getting a reaction, he slowly let go, before he started to lick the wound.
These guys are adorable!
"Haha, they're great right! It seems I made the right choice giving them to you, not an ounce in hesitation in how you handled them! Haha." Mom left as if she was watching a particular funny case. But that's not what's on my mind at the moment.
"What's their name?"
"That big mound of fur is named Aki, while that small energetic one is named Amaya. Their talents will serve you well, and your talents will serve to protect them in turn. I'm sure you don't have to be told this, but they're both rather difficult. Immediately upon sighting you they attacked you. Right now they've calmed down due to your assuredness, but as they grow stronger, they'll continue to challenge your authority and judgment until they fully accept you, make sure you don't let them down." she said sternly.
"But, why two? I would understand if they were siblings, but these are two separate breeds entirely. Not to mention one of them even has a chakra mutation. The same as Kuromaru. Why do this for me?"
Standing up from her position she put a hand on her shoulder, while giving me a serious stare. "Because I'm the clan head of the Inuzuka Clan, and I believed you couldn't be contained with the conventional norm. However, don't let this get to your head. As it stands those two are weaker than you, as their owner it's your job to protect them from any and all threats, guide them to maturity, and develop their strengths to their maximum potential. I see how hard you work, and the determination you show, so obviously I had to give you a challenge. Think you can handle it." She said cockily as she pointed in my direction.
A small smile came to my face.
"Of course! All three of us will become the strongest!"
And I truly meant that from my soul. I'll lead by example and show everybody true unwavering strength in order to live a good life, what does that mean? It means I'll live a life without regrets. One I could be proud of.
That is a promise, coming from Kiba Inuzuka!
"..."
They both just peed on me.
(-)
And scene, bet you've never seen this before A Kiba Si, how rare. Let's see where this takes us.
So, I'm going to be real, while I love Naruto (the person and the show). I thought all of them lacked a lot both in power and in ambition. However, I'm kind of sick of SI Fics that always help the MC in their childhood and become friends, helping them grow in strength. Not saying there's anything wrong with it, just that I'm tired of it. "My friend gives me strength" is bullshit and dead here. My goal is to make a MC that's Selfish when it comes to their goals and pursuit to power. The power of friendship doesn't exist among their thoughts, and the only thing that concerns them is devouring everything the world throws at them.
However, it's possible to be selfish and not edgy at the same time. The MC will laugh, smile, throw jokes, get mad, hopefully find love etc. But, they know what they want and won't step aside from others' way of thinking.
My goal was to establish this chapter, and I think I did a pretty good job, because let's face it, if any of us were to be reborn in the Naruto world our first thoughts would be learning chakra and helping Naruto, I nipped that in the bud in the form of Tsume, because in my mind she's a selfish woman that acts on her own without hearing the thoughts of others while still being friendly and lovable.
Our MC just learned that in order to gain true strength, their priorities must come first and foremost, everything else will always be second. Kiba felt like he had some kind of responsibility towards the main cast, that he needs to make them better in order to protect his home, but that's wrong. Like the saying goes, "if you want something done right you have to do it yourself," and he learned that at the end of the chapter.
Don't take this as if I'm going to focus all on Kiba though, yes, he'll grow to be strong and unique, but I also want to focus on the rest of the cast. Like Tsume said, it's selfishness that attracts attention, and promotes strength. Kiba's actions in just being himself and pursuing his goals will have a ripple effect among the cast.
They start off in character but as they learn what type of person Kiba is, and how their goals and strength get brushed off by him and that he doesn't really think much of them, they'll steadily grow out of character, and that's when canon diverges into a unique story hopefully. Kids no matter how smart are very impressionable after all and always seek attention from those they deem interesting.
As for why I chose Kiba. I've never really read a fiction that was centered on him, whether it was a SI or even just a friend of the MC, even in fanfiction he's forgettable, while I've seen Team Gai, and the rest of the rookie 9 at least get some form of love, yes even TenTen. Plus, I thought the Inuzuka Clan was really cool.
I've already planned a route for this fic, and I know how I'm going to develop a lot of characters beyond their canon origin, it'll be exciting.
Also, if you're wondering why I didn't give him Akamaru as a partner, well it didn't make sense to me considering I believe they would give them dogs that they are compatible with, based on personality and drive. This is an entirely different person with an entirely different mindset and goal so of course Akamaru wouldn't be suitable for him. He also got two due to his extreme work ethic and determination, the clan acknowledged that and are only matching it, nothing more.
But that's it. Thanks for reading and see you next time!