Grit 2.6
[Hidden-Leaf Outpost #66, Fire-Grass Border]
[June 10, 2bNb]
Following the end of the battle, the bright orange sky caused by the sunset faded in favor of a black sky, dotted with gleaming white stars. The wall was already repaired, and the wounded had already begun treatment.
It was now two days following the attack. Team 96 was due to leave the base on June 9th but had to stay due to their unconscious teammate. Fugaku elected to postpone their conversation until such a time when Ichiro Shishigami woke up.
That time was now.
[Ichiro Shishigami]
The smell of chemicals assaults my nostrils as I jolt awake, panting. I thought I died earlier, I could feel his fist enter my chest, tearing through bone and flesh right before I lost consciousness. Luckily, it seems as though my enemy missed my heart completely.
I spy numerous bandages covering my chest area as I raise my hand to itch at another bandage going around the crown of my head. I can bet that I look like an injured patient from a cartoon right now.
The bandages didn't stop there as my entire right arm was bandaged up as well. Honestly, for a fight against a Jonin, it's a miracle that I'm even here right now. A Genin defeating a Jonin in single combat was almost unheard of, and I am sure to get some recognition for that at least.
Granted, it wasn't a fair fight. He was toying with me from the beginning, and I had to sacrifice an arm and eventually, my life to land two decisive blows. Now that I look at it, those were the only times I even hit the man.
I had gotten beaten up for a solid few minutes before deciding to try lightning enhancement on my actual flesh. It was stupid, sure, but I'd rather lose an arm than die, even though I put my life on the line to kill him.
From the group of at least 200 enemy shinobi that I sensed in the camp, only around 6 were Jonin level. The rest was made up of mostly Genin and a few Chunin as well from what I could tell. So, by taking out a single Jonin, I had dealt a massive blow to their fighting strength.
Conversely, our side only had 4 Jonin, 12 Chunin, and 48 Genin, plus my team. It was a miracle that I was feeling so many active and friendly chakra signatures on base.
"Ah, Genin Shishigami, you're awake, I must alert Commander Fugaku and the rest of your team, they wish to speak with you," says a young medic.
I stop him just before he can walk out, "Wait! Can you tell me what happened after I…"
"Well, I was the first to come to your aid. When I got there you were a mess, your sensei was by your side screaming for help. Your arm was suffering from burns and twitching from nerve damage, you were bleeding from open wounds on your head, and finally, you had a collapsed lung alongside multiple broken ribs and bruised organs."
I look somberly at the medic before expressing my gratitude and allowing him to leave. They did an amazing job fixing me up, but I know I will probably have scars along my arm and chest when I fully heal and get these bandages removed.
A few minutes later, my team and Commander Fugaku entered the tent they had me stationed in. All three of my teammates rush to hug me as I smile to greet them.
Sensei, who saw me in the worst state was first to begin, "Ichiro, I'm so happy to see that you're making a full recovery."
His face then took on a serious look before he calmly said, "Now, my student. Of all the enemies on the battlefield, can you please tell me why you decided to fight a Jonin in one-on-one combat?"
It's my time to reply as I explain, "Sensei, I was fighting two Genin when the Jonin joined them in the fight. Everyone else was caught up in their fights and I had no way to escape. I almost died but I pulled through, he did not."
"That's understandable but the next time that happens, escape by any means necessary. DO NOT ENGAGE! That goes for all of you."
"Yes, Sensei," we utter in response.
"Very well, I'm proud of you for taking out a shinobi of such caliber. Injured or not, it's still an incredible feat."
Fugaku was next to chime in as he said, "Team 96 sure is special. Kohinata has access to a single Byakugan, Shishigami has access to a jutsu created by the yellow flash, Shisui can use the Body-Flicker in combat and even Akane was able to put up a fight against more experienced Genin than himself."
He looks to Mukai-Sensei specifically, before saying, "Surely I'll need an explanation for this phenomenon, don't you think?"
Mukai is the first to begin, "My father's grandfather was a shinobi of the Hyuga clan before they joined Konoha. He wanted his children to live in peace and deserted the clan. The Byakugan remained dormant in our bloodline until I was able to awaken it in a single eye. I have kept my Byakugan secret ever since out of fear of the Hyuga's practices."
The commander replies, "That is understandable, but as your superior officer you understand that I must include this within my reports."
"Yes, Commander Fugaku."
The Uchiha then looks at me as if beckoning me to explain. I proceeded to do just that, explaining how I managed to recreate the Rasengan while leaving out the specifics. It wouldn't do good to give away such a jutsu.
"That is incredible, to possess such wit at your age. I commend you, Shishigami. What about your arm? I was told you suffered burns, is that a side effect of the Jutsu?"
I look to sensei who gives me a nod before I begin speaking, "Over the past few months, I have had ideas about creating some form of Lightning-Style: Chakra Armor. It would allow me to increase my speed, durability, and attack potential. I took inspiration from the stories I've heard about the Raikages."
"Surely you jest, boy. Do you think yourself capable of recreating a technique so secretive that only the Cloud Village's Kage knows about it? That Jutsu requires a level of lightning chakra control that most can't hope to accomplish alongside great reserves of chakra and a superb understanding of one's own body," the Uchiha replies.
"Well, sir, I have been working tirelessly on my chakra control and lightning manipulation. So far, I haven't been able to empower more than a single hand before failing. However, during the fight I pushed past that limit and got to my bicep, earning these burns as a result."
"That's impressive nevertheless, and Shisui?"
"Lord Fugaku, I always knew my speed was my strongest asset and with my Sharingan, my body could never be as fast as my eyes. I found that the Body-Flicker momentarily bridged that gap and after more than a year of training, I was able to master the jutsu to the point where I could use it without seals. My Sharingan eliminates the tunnel-vision drawback of the technique, giving my body the speed to keep up with my eyes' perception."
Fugaku looks at Shisui, stunned, "Incredible, the amount of training required to master that technique to such a level is one only a shinobi as dedicated as you could accomplish Shisui. Your team is a testament to the results of hard work. Stand proud, Team 96, you are strong."
Kenji, despite not having been praised by Fugaku replies, "Thank you, Commander."
"You as well, Akane. Your taijutsu is a strong asset and I have no doubt you will be great in the future. That is why I wanted to talk to this team, I want Team 96 to join Outpost #66 at the front," said the commander.
Mukai-Sensei looks to the other Jonin before saying, "Thank you for the offer, Commander Fugaku, but this is something we have to think about when we get back to Konoha. The front is a dangerous place, as evidenced by what happened two days ago."
"Understandable, after delivering my newest report to the Hidden Leaf, you can decide at the Mission Assignment Station. I'll make sure to include a recommendation for each of you in my report," says Fugaku, before leaving the room.
I look at my Shisui before saying, "This is exactly what we discussed before graduation. We can make a real difference here."
For my next statement, I eye both Kenji and Sensei, "Team 96 never backs down from a challenge."
They each give me a smile and a nod in response, not uttering a single word. We stayed at the camp to get freshened up and fed before the four of us set off for Konoha that very evening.
[Konohagakure, Land of Fire]
[June 12, 2 bNb]
After 46 hours of travel, we arrived at the beautiful and welcoming gates of the Hidden Leaf Village. Despite only being gone for 6 days, I had missed my home, especially after what happened during those 6 days.
Our team has already agreed to join Outpost #66 at the battlefront, but Fugaku wouldn't be notified of our decision until this mission's end. The illusion of contemplation had to be given, as a shinobi couldn't seem too eager in certain situations.
Mukai-Sensei intended to use the opportunity to make a name for himself while Shisui and I wished to use this experience to sharpen our skills. Motivated by the idea of helping his family, Kenji also agreed, as missions undertaken while on wartime deployment paid an additional ten percent.
My only worry is that we might not be strong enough for the frontlines. My fight against a Jonin and my near-death experience both served as wake-up calls.
I know I'm not yet close to the level of a Jonin, or even an experienced Chunin, but my rapid growth had lulled me into a false sense of security. I was ahead of many Genin who were twice my age, but that meant nothing in front of the demons of this world.
I need to get stronger, and I have already set the path. Now, I only needed time to make it happen. Due to our back-to-back approach to courier missions, I hadn't grown as much in the past three months. However, with a stable deployment, there will be time to train at the outpost as well as a wealth of shinobi to spar with.
I can't help but smile as I look toward the great stone faces of our three great Hokages. These men earned their strength and fame through battle, and now I would do the same. I'm now one step closer to becoming the God of Shinobi.
[Mission Assignment Station, Konohagakure]
[June 12, 2bNb]
Our team strolls up to the Chunin manning the desk, "Team 96 reporting a successful mission. Here's Commander Fugaku's report, and here's ours," Sensei says while handing over two scrolls to the lady at the desk.
Fugaku's report is given a red stamp, signifying that it needs to go to the Hokage's office, while the Chunin reads ours. Her face shows no change in emotion, but I can see the minute changes of expression in her eyes as she goes along.
After reading it though she begins to speak, "Very well, Team 96. Your mission is to be upgraded to an A-Rank and your payslips will reflect as such. Per the Konoha bylaws, you are hereby granted a month of downtime effective immediately, after which you are required to begin your year-long deployment at Outpost #66. Congratulations on your victories and may the great fire continue to light your paths."
With the mention of A-Rank pay, I can almost feel Kenji's excitement from here. That's almost as much as we've made in three months with 12 C-Ranks. Not to mention, I get an extra month to train before I have to join the war, it couldn't get any better than this.
After collecting our pay, we met up outside.
"I can't believe we now have an A-Rank on our records, not to mention the money," Kenji says with a smile.
Mukai-Sensei immediately cut into the excitement, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, team, we have to be war-ready within a month. I will begin your training tomorrow morning at 7, meet me at the third training ground."
"Yes, Sensei," we all reply, pondering on just what our training will entail.
"Additionally, I want you each to find a single new thing to improve your abilities and let me know by the morning. Finally, I am proud of the way you three handled yourselves out there. If we keep this up, we might just be the best team our great village has to offer, I'll see you tomorrow."
The man just disappears after saying that. He's such a confusing sensei. I turn to my teammates who look similarly confused, "Got any ideas," I ask.
Shisui responds first, "I'm sure I can find something in my grandfather's old things. I'll check when I go home."
Kenji's face becomes sad before saying, "I wish I had that kind of access. I've been thinking of using gauntlets to improve my taijutsu for a while, but they're way too expensive. Maybe now with this A-Rank pay, I can afford some although I intended to give my mother most of it."
I looked to Shisui who looked back at me with a nod. Shisui was a clan member and the son of a Jonin, so he didn't exactly need the money. While I'm not that well off, my father's income as Chunin still puts us within the middle class.
"I'll tell you what, Kenji, let's share our ideas with Sensei tomorrow and see what he thinks. If he agrees then Shisui and I wouldn't mind helping you to acquire equipment."
At my statement, Kenji lights up like a happy puppy, "You guys would do that for me? Thank you so much."
"Of course, Kenji, we're teammates. Ichiro and I would be happy to assist you," Shisui replies.
Kenji just smiles before saying, "So, Ichiro, what do you plan on picking up? I know you already have your plate full with all you're trying to do. Completing the Rasengan, Lightning-Style: Chakra Armor and developing that undetectable technique is already a lot."
"Hmm, I'm not sure yet but I'll figure out something. Knowing Sensei this could also be a test of some kind. I guess we'll find out tomorrow. For now, I'm starving so let's go have some dango."
[Hiruzen Sarutobi]
[Hokage Tower, Konohagakure]
[3 hours later]
The current 'God of Shinobi' sat in his office, reviewing piles upon piles of paperwork. The war had not been kind to him, and the headaches were getting worse by the day. Taking a long draw from his pipe, the Hokage couldn't help but release a deep sigh.
He looked at a portrait on the wall of his office before saying, "Sensei, sometimes I wish you were here to lead us. I might have to step down at the end of this one. After leading us through this many wars, I think my retirement is long overdue."
The man continued to sort through paperwork before a particular scroll entered his grasp. It was from Outpost #66.
"Let's see what Fugaku and company are up to," the man said to no one in particular.
However, before he could get into the report, the door to his office swung open.
"Lord Third, you summoned me," asked the newcomer.
"Rise, young Minato, you may have a seat."
"Thank you, sir. May I ask what the purpose of my visit here is" replied the Yellow Flash.
"So mannerly, unlike my insolent student who taught you. How goes your training of the Hatake boy, I've heard good things about him and am thinking about granting him the Jonin Rank."
Minato seemed to stop to think for a moment. On one hand, his student was incredibly skilled, for an 11-year-old, but he refused to fully integrate with his teammates. However, the Yellow Flash could tell that his student would come around with time and thus gave his response.
"Lord Hokage, while Kakashi's skill as a Jonin cannot be doubted, I do not believe he is ready for the rank as of now. I think that in a year's time, his temperament might change. Then I can wholeheartedly recommend him."
The Hokage, who continued reading the report while Minato spoke, remained silent. Minato waited a minute before interrupting the Hokage.
"Lord Third, with all due respect, did you hear.."
"Such a good thing you're here right now, let's shelve the Hatake conversation for the time being. Take a look at that report and tell me what stands out to you."
The blonde Jonin proceeded to take the scroll from his superior before delving into it's contents, expressing his thoughts along the way.
"Hm, it seems Iwa is getting more aggressive," he said, only having read a small section.
"Keep reading," the Hokage ordered.
"WAIT…"
In his last stand against the Iwagakure Jonin, Genin Shishigami left himself open to attack and proceeded to conjure up a bright blue ball of-
"I'm sorry for my outburst, let me read that again, Lord Third I must be mistaken. No, I wasn't mistaken, a Genin did WHAT?!"