Editor's Note: This is a reimagining of Born From Fire. My plan for this is to rework characters, concepts, and the overall story into something a bit better.
Konoha:
Maruku yawned tiredly as his alarm clock went off. He silenced it with quickness as he kept out of bed. He had made sure to be up extra early today because today was the day of his final exam. If he passed, he would officially be a ninja.
He began his morning routine with stretching, pushups, crunches and squats. It was important to stay limber lest he freeze up during an important moment. Finishing his routine and subsequent shower, Maruku grabbed a cereal bar, ate the thing whole, and dashed out the door.
"I'll be back!" He called out. There was no response as usual. He was the only one living in the dinghy little apartment but it felt rude to say nothing at all.
He made his way through the winding backroads of the village, slowing every now and then to greet the various beggars and ruffians who had helped raise him.
This part of the village had been hit hard in the wake of the Nine-Tails attack and had received little funding for reconstruction.
With the village in such a polarizing state, many of the clans had taken the opportunity that the tragedy presented. Donating and supplying different areas and vendors with the goal of increasing their own income. Most of the money went towards the village downtown area while places like Flower's Landing suffered.
The Hokage obviously tried supporting Flower's Landing and other places under similar circumstances. However, between the recent Third Great War and the Nine-Tails attack, helping non-clan affiliated citizens wasn't top priority when clans generally produced stronger and more ninjas than random citizens.
"Stop right there, shitty brat!" A rough voice called out. Maruku rolled his eyes as he recognized it.
"What do you want Tensei? I'm in a hurry!" Maruku shouted, jogging in place.
"Huh?! Is that any way to talk to your elders, you shitty brat? Come see me after you graduate, I have something to give you." Tensei grumbled, tossing a wrapped package at the boy.
Maruku grabbed it out of the air. It was onigiri. "Thank you!" Maruku said gratefully. He ran off again, not wanting to be late.
"You better graduate and make us proud you shitty brat!" Tensei called after him, waving. Maruku waved back as he sped off, stuffing his face.
Finally touching down at the academy, he made his way to the Advanced Placement Class. There was hardly anything advanced about it. The curriculum was the exact same; it just allowed for earlier graduation upwards of six months. It was more of a clan kid status symbol than anything else.
However every so often the Advanced Class would have real talent hiding within, separate from all the clan kids and kids of ninja. Such as his friend Ichijin.
Ichijin was tall for a thirteen year old, with tan skin, long dark hair, and deep green eyes, Maruku was often overlooked when next to his friend. Ichijin was from Petalsburg, another part of the village that was underfunded and somewhat seedy, specializing in nightlife and adult entertainment. The tall boy had made it to the Advanced Class off of his superb chakra control which he utilized to learn basic genjutsu not taught in the curriculum.
Maruku dapped his friend up as they made their way inside. He handed over his last onigiri while graciously accepting the half sandwich Ichijin had offered.
"Are you nervous? Todays a big day." Ichijin commented. Maruku shook his head as he polished off the rest of his sandwich.
"Nah. I've been practicing my shurikenjutsu so I'm all set. What about you?"
Ichijin gave him a thumbs up and a sly smile. "I hope we end up on the same team. I'd go crazy if I graduated and had to spend all my time surrounded by spoiled kids."
"They're not all bad." Maruku tried defending his attention elsewhere. Ichijin poked him in the ribs as he rolled his eyes.
"You're just saying that because you have a thing for that Hyuuga girl. I keep telling you to give it up dude. It's never going to happen, the two of you are from completely different worlds. Besides, the Hyuuga hate you." Ichijin repeated tiredly, clearly having this exact conversation many times.
"They don't hate me. They just don't like me." Maruku brushed off. His brown skin wasn't exactly common within the Land of Fire or in general for that matter. It was much more common within the Land of Lightning and Land of Wind as well as some islands within the Land of Water. Considering the Hidden Cloud, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Mist had all been the Leaf Village's enemy during the Third Great War, many veteran ninja tended to watch Maruku with more suspicion than warranted.
The pair continued to chat as students filed into the room and took their assigned seating.
"Alright that's enough. As you are all aware, today is the day of your final examination. When I call your name, please make your way outside to the training area." Their instructor, Iruka, said loudly over the chatter of students.
Maruku more or less zoned out after that only listening for his name and wishing Ichijin good luck. Finally his name was called. He made his way outside as instructed and repressed a sigh as he saw who was waiting for him.
It was their occasional taijutsu trainer Mizuki. Outside of showing blatant favoritism towards children from clans, the man was an asshole and hit way too hard for students who were still learning the basics of hand to hand.
"This will be a test of endurance. Your goal is to stay within the ring for thirty seconds and to take as few direct hits as possible." The man said disinterestedly.
Maruku nodded and got into a fighting position. Leaf Karate was all about floaty movement and landing devastating critical hits in order to end a fight as soon as possible while taking as little damage as possible.
"Begin!"
Mizuki made the first move as expected, launching a punch that would bloody the boy's nose. Maruku stepped inside the other man's range and using chakra enhancement, stomped on his toes while throwing his own punch to the body.
His blow was blocked, and Mizuki grabbed him by the collar and tried throwing him out the ring. Maruku wrapped his legs around the offending arms and poked Mizuki in the eyes causing him to loosen his hold. With a final kick Maruku launched Mizuki out of the ring.
"You pass." The instructor grumbled, dusting himself off. Maruku nodded and made his way inside. Another instructor was waiting for and guided him to an empty classroom.
"This is your genjutsu practical. You'll be graded on how well you can detect genjutsu and how well you can cast it. You may begin." The instructor then faded from view.
Gathering up his chakra he formed a hand sign and released it in one big burst. It dispelled the illusion, and the instructor became visible again appearing to his left.
"A little slow, I'll have to take marks off for that but otherwise well done."
Maruku frowned at the loss of points but didn't say anything.
"Now then, I want you to cast one of the three basic genjutsu on me that you've learned." The boy nodded and began making hand signs.
He cast a basic calming auditory illusion that was supposed to be reminiscent of ambient forest noise. His instructor gave him a pleased smile as he dispersed the sound.
"Well done indeed. You've passed your practical with flying colors. Please make your way next door for the final part of your examination."
He nodded and left the room. Opening classroom next door he found his final instructor waiting for him with an array of official headbands.
"Welcome to your ninjutsu practical. You'll need to be able to perform the transformation, substitution, and clone Justus for full marks. Please begin.
Maruku breezed through this portion of the test as ninjutsu was currently his best subject.
"Congratulations. You've passed all of your examinations. You are now an official ninja of the Leaf Village. Wear our symbol with pride."
Maruku took the black durag and tied it down on his head, displaying the shiny metal plating for all to see. Once he had left the room and he was all alone he let out a loud whoop as he celebrated his success. He made his way to home room where Ichijin was waiting for him with his own headband.
"That's what the fuck I'm talking about!" He greeted excitedly.
They ignored the judgmental staring they gathered from Ichijin's outburst as they retook their seats.
"How'd you do? Did the genjutsu part trip you up?" Ichijin inquired. Maruku frowned as he answered. "They took points off because apparently, I was too slow on my dispelling. Seems like a load of crap to me but whatever."
The two continued to chat all the way up until Iruka started listing off teams.
"Team 8 will consist of Ichijin, Maruku, and Hinata Hyuuga."
Maruku elbowed his friend in excitement. "We're on the same team!" He whispered.
"Are you excited because of us or your little girlfriend?" Ichijin teased. Maruku waved him off as he slowly made his way over to the girl. Ichijin grabbed his arm and pulled him back to his seat.
"Not here in front of other people you idiot. At least wait until after we've met our sensei."
Slowly more jonin came and went, taking their assigned teams until it was finally their turn.
"Team 8? Please come with me." A mysterious woman said.
"Dude, holy shit." Ichijin muttered. Maruku nodded his agreement. Their sensei was fine as hell.
The three of them followed her to an empty training ground at a brisk pace. "Why don't we introduce ourselves. My name is Kurenai and I will be your squad leader. You there, say hello to your squad mates.
Ichijin straightened up as he turned to face Maruku and Hinata. "My name is Ichijin, my favorite food is sandwiches." He said simply.
"Why did you become ninja, Ichijin?" Kurenai asked, looking at him and Maruku curiously.
"Only way to make decent money around these parts." Ichijin said with a shrug. Their sensei frowned just a bit but otherwise didn't say anything. Maruku knew Ichijin's reasoning wasn't so simple but it wasn't his place to say anything so he remained silent.
"What about you?" Kurenai asked, turning to Maruku. The boy shrugged, not having much to say.
"I'm Maruku. I'll eat pretty much anything and like Ichijin said this is the only way to make decent pay."
"You're good at sealing jutsu aren't you? You scored highest in the class when we were learning to make storage scrolls." Hinata practically whispered, more interested in looking at the ground than anyone else. The other members of the team looked at the girl with surprise. Kurenai looked at Maruku with a calculating look before moving on.
"Your turn." She said to Hinata, the smallest of smiles on her face.
"Oh, um, my name is Hinata Hyuuga, I like sweets, and I became a ninja to someday change my clan." The shy girl introduced herself, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
"Now that we're all acquainted we can begin properly. The three of you have one last secret test you must pass in order to truly be ninja. Meet me back here early tomorrow morning. Until then, you're dismissed."
Kurenai vanished in a burst of speed leaving the three students alone.
"We should celebrate! I know a nice tea place around here." Maruku suggested somewhat excitedly.
"I can't. I must return home after my business. I'm sorry." Hinata apologized.
"Don't be sorry. We'll try again next time. And I have to cancel also. Old lady Masuri wanted to see me after school." Ichijin added, turning and walking away. Maruku sighed as his plans were foiled.
Making his way back home, he remembered he had to see Tensei. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop and ignoring some of the wary looks of veteran ninja, he crossed through downtown. It was a shortcut to get to Flower's Landing.
Taking care to make sure he wasn't seen, Maruku made his way to a dirty speakeasy. Tensei ran the place and the substances he sold were of a dubious nature. Nothing was illegal, the hokage wouldn't let that happen, but there were definitely drugs that would get you a questionable look.
"Is that the damn brat? Well, tell me some good news." Tensei greeted, polishing a perpetually dirty shot glass. Maruku took his durag off and presented the metal plating with pride. Tensei wore a crooked smile as he ruffled the boy's messy hair with pride.
"That's what the fuck I'm talking about! Here, first round is on me!" The older man poured the boy a shot.
"I'm not old enough to drink." He reminded, taking the glass anyway. Tensei raised an eyebrow as he shook Maruku's ninja durag.
"You know what they say, old enough to kill, old enough for a drink or two. Now shut up and toast me."
The boy rolled his eyes with a small smile but raised his glass anyway. "Cheers!" He tossed back the shot, ignoring the awful taste or the slight burning as it went down his throat.
"Good lad. Now that that's over with, I have something for you." Tensei reached under the counter and presented a small wrapped package.
Maruku took it with thanks and gently unwrapped it. It was a book. Specifically, a book on sealing techniques. "Where did you get this?" He asked, looking at Tensei sharply, stowing the book away out of sight. Sealing techniques were preciously guarded and were almost always passed down from master to student making it extremely difficult for someone without connections to learn the art.
"Some of my boys from the outside got a hold of a few things." Was all Tensei said, recognizing Maruku's wariness. Maruku pursed his lips as he remained silent. He wasn't fully aware of the extent of Tensei's illegal activities m but for him to get such a timely ninja gift was highly irregular.
"Be careful, Tensei. If you're stealing from ninja, they'll kill you." He said quietly, his leg starting to bounce with worry. Tensei gave his usual crooked smile as he reassured the young ninja. "I'll be ok. You focus on your career and staying alive. Maybe then you'll be the one buying me shots sometime. Now get out of here, I'm sure you've got things to be doing, you damn brat."
Maruku nodded and left. Making his way back home, he closed the blinds on all his windows before taking out his new sealing book. The techniques were complicated and most of them were beyond his current skill level but there were a few that he could sort of understand.
He decided to work on a particular barrier jutsu as it seemed overall useful. He would ace whatever Kurenai's test was tomorrow. Hopefully after that he could finally be able to pay back Tensei for everything.
The Next Day:
Maruku dashed out the house still gargling mouthwash. He had stayed up too late practicing his new barrier jutsu and had overslept. He garnered strangle looks as he moved with haste.
Arriving at the training field he was disappointed to find he was the last one there. Even Ichijin, a notorious late sleeper, had beaten him.
"I could have sworn I said meet me here early." Kurenai reprimanded with a raised eyebrow.
"Maybe next time you should specify a time." He grumbled. There was a sudden chill that ran down his spine and Maruku wisely shut up.
"Like I said yesterday, you all have one more test you need to pass. All you need to do is to find a way to land a single strike and you pass. You may begin at any time." Kurenai explained.
Ichijin and Maruku immediately exploded into action. Ichijin wove hand signs for a genjutsu while Maruku rushed their sensei, weaving his own hand signs.
"Drunken Paradise!" Ichijin's genjutsu was a success as Kurenai swayed and stumbled like a drunk. "Hollow Barrier." Maruku slammed his hands on the ground as a small greenish orb surrounded their teacher.
"It's over you're trapped." Just as he finished speaking he felt a woozy sensation and found himself trapped within his own Hollow Barrier. Ichijin was staring off into space, unable to focus, while Hinata engaged their teacher in taijutsu. It was a pitiful thing to witness as the grown ninja used various grabs and locks to fold the poor girl into a pretzel and ultimately submission.
"I must say, I'm rather surprised. I didn't expect Ichijin to know such genjutsu or you to know an advanced barrier jutsu." The look Kurenai gave Maruku was cold and calculating. He felt like he was being assessed and it made him rightfully uneasy.
"Clearly the three of you need time to coordinate a plan of attack. You have five minutes. If you can't come up with a plan and hit me within five minutes then you can forget about being ninja for good." She said stoically.
Hinata's bottom lip quivered but there wasn't a hint of empathy within Kurenai's eyes. The woman was being deadly serious. Taking the initiative, Maruku grabbed Ichijin and Hinata into a group huddle.
"Here's the plan. Ichijin, Hinata, spam from long range. Use any shuriken or genjutsu you have and I'll engage in taijutsu. Hinata, when you get the opportunity try to get in close and back me up. We move now!" The three immediately split apart, Ichijin weaving signs and Hinata accurately throwing shuriken.
While his teammates provided long range support, Maruku used his own Hollow Barrier jutsu. He used it to cover himself with a thin layer of protective armor. It was by no means a perfect defense as it could be overwhelmed by enough physical force and constantly pulled from his chakra reserves. Between his barrier and chakra augmentation he would run out of energy before the time limit was up.
Their strategy was clearly working as Kurenai's attention was split three different ways. Trying to engage in taijutsu while constantly defending from genjutsu and sharp pointy things was enough to stress out anybody. Maruku wasn't really trying to hit Kurenai but to be in her face as a distraction. He simply didn't have the skill needed to hit a jonin regardless of advantage.
Thankfully he wasn't fighting alone and in a dash of speed, Hinata was right there with him attacking in unison. He fell back, performed his Hollow Barrier again, trapping all three of them inside and limiting their movements.
Kurenai, who had just managed to fight off Ichijin's latest genjutsu tried dodging Hinata's strike but found her mobility limited by the barrier. She tried to raise her guard but it was too late as she was caught mid-dodge. Hinata landed the decisive blow and jumped back in surprise, shocked that she had been the one to do so.
"Congratulations. Now then, drop the barrier so that—." Kurenai was cut off as both the barrier and her student collapsed. Maruku was in the ground, covered in sweat and breathing heavily but smiling nonetheless. Ichijin was in a similar state, out of chakra from spamming jutsu in such a short amount of time.
"Are you ok?" Hinata asked demurely. Maruku gave her a shaky thumbs up as he continued to lay on the soft grass. "I knew you could do it. Well done." He complimented. Hinata turned cherry red and ran off.
Kurenai let of the tiniest of giggles as she hoisted her remaining students over her shoulders. "It seems I'll have my work cut out for me. You two did well also so don't sell yourselves short. I know a place that has good stamina recovering food. Hinata will meet us there and we'll make Team 8 official."