(Chapter 10: Well that just happened)
The month of October continued unabated for the most part in the aftermath of Naruto's birthday and the unlocking of his newest transformation that he called HardLight, seeing as how between his time at the academy, training with Sasuke and Ami as ROOT operatives, and making sure that the factories were up and operational. Since the Ultimatrix wielder was for the most part feeling rather good with the progress he was making with his aliens so far in the months he's had since finding the device in question…and yet he couldn't help but feel that their was more beyond the surface of what he was able to do with them.
(October 18th 996 S.E, ROOT HQ, 5:09 Pm)
It was a bit past 5 in the evening as Naruto who was transformed into HardLight was making use in seeing what said transformation could do in a heated sparring match against Sasuke and Ami.
"Good news is that we've found another powerhouse alien for Naruto to use. Especially, with the absurd amount of power it wields." Sasuke said as they looked up at the ram-horned energy being that was Naruto
"Bad news, is that it is incredibly strong…." Sasuke added as HardLight didn't even look winded
"Come on guys, is this everything you got? I'm just getting started." HardLight said energy crackling around the Anodite who wore a menacing grin on his face
"Any idea on how we land something to make him stay down?" Ami asked
"I don't know, but we have to try something. I do not want to hear Naruto brag that he got one over on us…He'll be insufferable for the next week." Sasuke answered back as he rushed after Naruto with his sabre in hand
'Honestly, I can't really argue with that.' Ami said to herself as she rushed forward with her ninjato
HardLight had decided that instead of waiting for them to come instead went on the offensive and used his energy powers to create a ballista made of deep rose pink energy that he aimed at his friends and fired like a madman, causing bolts to fly faster than Tsunade losing money at a casino. Leaving the duo of Sasuke and Ami to quickly take evasive action left they get skewered by the meter-long projectiles, so had it not been for Sasuke's Sharingan and Ami's training they would've been impaled within the first minute.
Yet the Ultimatrix wielder taking a large deal of fun in seeing his friends scramble to get out of the way, or at least until Sasuke managed to use a substitution jutsu to switch with one of the nearby bushes and dashed with all of the speed he could to attack Naruto; whilst Ami was able to blast away some of the bolts with a Wind Release: Vacuum Wave. All the while Sasuke was leaping forward with his sabre to try and impale HardLight through the neck, only for him to quickly leap forth and fly into the air; where with a snap of his fingers his ballista had disassembled and almost liquefied to wrap around and encase Sasuke in an energy bubble.
Said energy bubble was then lifted up by HardLight and kicked like a soccer ball towards Ami who had to use a Wind Release: Great Breakthroguh to send it flying up and away from her, as the Ultimatrix wielder leaped after her with a 2-handed warhammer made of energy and engaged with her melee…Meanwhile, Sasuke who had to channel a considerable chunk of chakra into his sabre managed to escape his still-bouncing prison before it made contact with one of the stone walls of the training ground.
All the while Sasuke was attempting to run to assist Ami while HardLight was swinging his warhammer around like he was trying to whack-a-mole and crush her body into a pulp, as Ami was using her speed and technique she could to deftly avoid getting pummeled into the ground. This was all on top of trying to prevent herself from getting skewered by the barbed energy spikes that would erupt from the ground at a moment's notice, which prevented her from bringing her full attention and might to bare against the transformed Anodite.
Yet the moment Sasuke was able to come through and slash HardLight across the back, the Ultimatrix wielder retaliated by turning his hair into a fist and using it to slug Sasuke in the face; who was quick enough to parry the attack and begin engaging the energized fist that soon split into two arms began to duke it out against him. Meanwhile, the Ultimatrix wielder despite the constructs and his abilities wasn't coming out of the melee unscathed considering that both his opponents skill with a blade was more than enough to mitigate his constructs, and land more than their fair share of attacks against him.
The granddaughter of the warhawk being able to bypass Naruto's offense by using deft acrobatics and rapid-fire flurries to slip past his more powerful albeit clunkily executed swings, all the while Sasuke was able to use his Sharingan to quickly parry and deflect the blows that came towards him; albeit with the rare few catching him in the gut. So with HardLight who felt the cuts and slashes begin to accumulate at a rapid rate due to his inexperience against weapon wielders, and as such did the only thing he could as he knew he was starting to lose ground…which was collapse his warhammer into an energy sphere and slam it into the ground to create a concussive shockwave of power.
While it did send the two careening 40 feet away from him, both Sasuke and Ami were quick to regroup and land on their feet, meanwhile, HardLight was doing the only thing he knew what to do to mend his injuries and tried to draw power from any and everything around him. With it being to the surprise of Ami and Sasuke when they saw fuschia colored tendrils of energy leap forth from every done, bush and patch of grass towards HardLight, and within the span of seconds HardLight was eventually healed of his injuries.
"Did you know he could do that?" Ami asked the Uchiha
"Considering he gained this transformation only a week prior, no. However, I suggest we do something quickly about it." Sasuke answered back as they saw HardLight gathering up more and more power
"I can't agree with you more." Ami said as the two went through hand-signs
Ami then fired off a Vacuum Sphere Jutsu and Sasuke unleashed a Fire Release: Fierce Dragon Flame Jutsu; the two combined to cause the dragon's head to double and nearly triple in size as it headed towards HardLight with nothing but lethal intentions. So in response to this the Ultimatrix Wielder conjured a wide barrier that the fiery construct soon crash against, and once it did; HardLight quickly wrapped more and more energy barriers around it and began to compress and form more and more barriers around it as he did so.
All until he managed to halve the combination jutsu down to nearly half it's size, and smirked as he shifted the contained jutsu into a funnel shape, and opened up a hole within it where the compressed flames were forcefully expelled from; like a high-powered flamethrower, forcing both Ami and Sasuke to quickly take evasive action. Ami was quick to go through hand-signs and unleashed a Water Release: Explosive Water Shockwave; causing a mass torrent of raging water to gush forth and not only did the modest-sized tsunami wash over and extinguish the incendiary attack that was used against them, but cover the area in calf deep water.
Yet HardLight was quick to create a barrier in order to prevent himself from being bombarded by the concussive force behind the jutsu, and yet the moment he dissipated it did he have to reform it into a heater-shield in order to block against Sasuke coming at him with great speeds and him retaliating by using his free-hand to form a cestus around it and strike out at Sasuke. The Uchiha question was able to quickly parry and counter with a lunge to the Ultimatrix wielder's left side that had been blocked by the transformed Anodite, however this was a feint as he then angled the blade of his sabre upwards and slashed HardLight across the chest.
All the while Sasuke was engaging in a heated duel against HardLight who was either crashing into him with his shield or launching bone-crunching hooks and uppercuts to the body; that were met with sharp thrusts and slashes to HardLight's stomach that punctuated the air with bursts of flame…Ami was going through hand-signs for a jutsu. With her waiting for the opportune moment to do so amidst the intense melee as Sasuke was able to make sure that he could contend through the use of his greater speed, albeit the fact that HardLight's enhanced strength made him very wary of getting caught by an attack that could heavily dent his armor.
Even still Sasuke was ready for it all as he dodged another hook to the jaw and deflected a shield smashing into his face, before returning fire with a lancing stab to HardLight's cheek that was met in retaliation with the cestus plowing into Sasuke's liver and knocking him back a dozen feet. Yet it was once this happened did Ami unleash a Wind Release: Pressure Damage with as much power as possible, causing it to absorb the water around it into a powerful typhoon that was headed right towards HardLight.
"Well shit, this might be a problem." Were HardLight's words as he looked up at the mass of pressurized wind and water that dwarfed him
"Lightning Release: Thunderbolt!" Sasuke called out shooting out a blast of lightning that joined with the mass of water and wind
'...Correction, this is a problem.' Hardlight said to himself
So in seeing the oncoming mass barreling towards him and growing larger by the minute, HardLight did the only thing that could come to mind to counter this…by not only splitting his hair into a quartet of large rhino-sized hands, but also summoning 6 more hands of similar size made of energy to grab onto and try to crush the spiraling mass of electrified wind and water. With all 10 hands of power colliding with and gripping onto it like he wanted to choke the hell out of Naoya and Hayase, while the ground began to rumble and shake from the clash between the two powers trying to overwhelm the other.
For what felt like almost a solid hour of trying to crush the attack before him as lightning, high-speed winds, and pressurized water battered against him; before with a mighty groan of effort had all of the hands attempting to crush it; blast it with shockwaves of rose-pink power. The result being a geyser of vibrant fuschia light, lightning, water and high-intensity winds that he managed to send upwards to avoid electrocuting his comrades that sent them sprawling back some 80 feet away; luckily they were able to use their swords to root themselves into ground and be sent flying into a wall.
Even still and seizing the disoriented state of his allies, HardLight conjured forth a swarm of fuschia colored chains to wrap around their legs, torsos, and arms, while an immediate flourish a small legion of spears appeared and covered at their necks and the backs of their skulls ready to impale them at a moments' notice. With HardLight flying towards them with a semi-battered but still self-assured look on his face at the fact that with a snap of his fingers; he could have them dead to rights in a heartbeat, which is why the duo in sensing this dropped their weapons in knowing when they were beaten.
"Well, I'm not gonna lie, you two really had me going there a couple times when we were going at with your guys's weapons. But then again, the moment I had y'all at range, I just about obliterated you guys at every turn!" HardLight said with a broad grin
"It wasn't that hard to exploit your weakness against weapon wielders…Which by the way, we should really work on." Sasuke replied as HardLight nodded in agreement
"You aren't wrong, considering that Hayase really likes that odachi of hers…But then again, with you guys to cover me, I'm pretty sure I won't have to worry about her or Naoya." HardLight spoke as he summoned for his own power to heal both himself and his compatriots
"I honestly can't tell you how much I want to put them in their place, Naruto. Nothing would give me greater satisfaction than that." Sasuke said back as he felt his bruises begin to fade away
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves you two. Remember, we may be strong. However, those two have not only been trained by Lord 4th, Lady Kushina and Lord Jiraiya, but also wield the power of the strongest tailed beast in existence…So we must at all times remain vigilant of what they can do." Ami reminded the two of the twins's capabilities
"Relax, we've got everything under control. Besides, with my aliens and whatever new equipment we can pump out in the factories. We've got all the edge we'll need against them." HardLight replied before slamming the Ultimatrix on his shoulder plate to transform back to normal
"I suppose you are right. Still, I do not want to take any chances against them. It is like you say, Naruto. We cannot afford to be caught lacking." Ami said back to the blonde
"Fair point…Anyways, super intense training session done and over with. How about we go to Ichiraku's and get some ramen? My treat." Naruto asked his compatriots
"That sounds like a fine idea to me. What about you, Ami?" Sasuke answered back while looking towards the warhawks' granddaughter
"I don't see why not, let's get moving." Ami replied
"To Ichiraku's…AWAY!" Naruto bellowed as the trio headed off and away
(The next day, October 19th, 996 S.E, Konoha, 2:10 Pm)
It was the next day later as Dan was out and about with Tsunade in figuring that it would be nice to have a day out on the town with his wife, while Masako was doing a bar crawl with Juri and Anko, and Kenichi was catching up with Naruto
"You know, Tsunade. I honestly can't remember the last time we went out for a walk around the village." Dan said looking over to his wife of over 20 years
"Feels pretty nice, that I still get to walk around with this wonderful lady next to me…Man, am I just crushing it at life right now, ya know!" Dan added with a grin that made the blonde beside him snicker
"I swear I don't know how I wound up married to you, of all people." Tsunade spoke as she couldn't help but laugh at the goofy grin on her husbands' face
"Probably because I'm just so charmingly lovable?" Dan asked
"Don't push it, Dan." Tsunade said with a humorous chuckle
"Oh come on, you know you love me!" Dan said his grin never wavering for a single minute
"Your lucky I do, otherwise I don't know what I'd do with you." Tsunade replied
"Well, would you rather be stuck with Jiraiya, then little old me?" Dan coyly asked
"I would rather have to chug a liter full of arsenic than ever date that idiot." Was Tsunade's flat yet scornful reply
"What it is that drives that man to keep going after you, I will never know?...Didn't he get the hint that we've been married for over 20 years now?! I figured that at some point he would've gotten the message." Dan said in exasperation of not knowing why it was that Jiraiya continued to pursue after his wife of nearly 3 decades
"Probably because I'm the one that he could never win over…We were teammates, served together in a war, and worked together as 2 of the 3 Sannin that are still loyal to the village. So with all of that, the perverted idiot thinks that he's owed to a relationship with me, after what we went through." Tsunade replied
"Did you ever try and give him a chance?" Dan asked
"There was one time I tried to give him one after we made Chunin, but before we started going out together…Even when I gave him that one chance, he let little Jiriaya fumble the bag as Masako would put it." Tsunade replied although the dour tone didn't give any indicators of it being positive
"Was it really that bad?" Dan questioned further
"I'll make this as short as I can since I don't feel like explaining the whole thing. He basically used a shadow clone to take me out on a date, while he was out and about doing research with a brothel owner." Tsunade sourly answered back
"While I can get the whole shadow clone business. How did you find out about him doing his research?" Dan asked curious as to how his wife had found out
"I had one my summons help me track him down, and found him railing them and one of their mistresses from behind…Then had the nerve to act like he was sorry for getting caught, before I put his stupid head through a wall for what he did. The icing on top of the shit-cake was that he used all of what had happened for his books." Tsunade told her husband
"He did what?!" Dan said in disgusted surprise
"Did you ever wonder why it was that I got the nickname of the Legendary Sucker?" Tsunade asked back
"I thought that was because of…you know…your sucking at gambling." Dan answered back in the nicest way he could put in terms of his wifes' luck at casinos'
"I wish. But instead, it was all because of some trilogy series of his, that was supposedly based on 'true events' and made me look like a 2nd rate slut from Tanzaku Town…If it wasn't for Orochimaru of all people, I definitely would've put him in a wheelchair." Tsunade replied still furious to this day over the damage that those books did to her name
"Wait a minute, Orochimaru stopped you from caving his face in? The same guy who gave almost everybody in the village heeby-jeebies, Orochimaru?" Dan questioned in surprise to hear Orochimaru of all people doing something like that
"Trust me, it was a shock to me too when he was the one to calm me down. But oddly enough, he managed to get me to calm down, take a deep breath and not kill Jiraiya for basically making me sound like the worlds' biggest slut…Don't get me wrong I still broke his jaw for it, but it wasn't as bad as what I wanted to do." Tsunade answered back
"To be honest, he wasn't all that bad of a guy back then. Before the war, he was actually a rather nice guy." Tsunade said in fond memory of whom Orochimaru used to be before the 2nd Shinobi World War
Tsunade knew for a fact that had the events of said war not taken such a heavy and exhaustive toll on the serpent Sannin's mental and psychological state, that to her; he would've not only given Minato a run for his money as Hokage but also would've been a far more exceptional godparent than Jiraiya had been as of late.
"To be honest, I can't say I blame Orochimaru for being so messed up in the head after the war. I mean both of you lost Nawaki when that trap went off…worst thing when its your own student that you find blown to bits." Dan noted on a more dour note of when Orochimaru had to find his student in Nawaki in such a horrid state
"If that didn't help set him off, I don't what could have him go off the deep end." Dan remarked
"Trust me, it wasn't any better for me when I had to see him either…I think that moment was the one where we both agreed that the war had messed us both up." Tsunade replied
"Well, at least he's looking down on the both us with a smile on his face…In fact, I'm pretty sure he would be proud to see the wonderful woman you turned out to be." Dan said causing a smile to once again spread across Tsunade's face
"I hope so." Was the Slug Sannin's half-solemn reply at the memory of her younger brother
"I know so, Tsunade. I don't doubt that for anything in the world. After all, you're a stellar woman, a fantastic mother, and one of the greatest medics in the world…That's all just small stuff to what a great wife and friend you've been to me; all these years." Dan replied with a grin of such infectious cheerfulness that Tsunade couldn't help but let her smile widen at those words
"You always know just what to say, to make me smile." Tsunade said back
"Don't I know it. Now come on, why don't we get some drinks, and ice cream. I mean I have to do something for my favorite Slug Queen." Dan offered to his wife
"Since your offering I don't think I could say no." Tsunade said as the two headed off to grab some liquor and ice cream
(2 days later, October 21st, 996 S.E, Konoha, Yamanaka Flower Shop ,6:19 Pm)
It was the following Friday evening as Naruto had just finished helping Ino out at her family's flower shop; which was something that the Ultimatrix wielder was more than fine with doing, since he both liked Ino and actually found the place to be a rather chill place to stay at for a spell.
"Thanks for helping out, here. It really makes everything go a lot faster." Ino said to her fellow blonde
"Hey, its no problem. Your dad is pretty cool, I like all the really pretty flowers you guys got going on here, and I get to be with your beautiful face." Naruto off-handedly replied getting Ino's attention
"What was that about my face?" Ino asked with a coy smile
"Nothing…Nothing at all." Was the Ultimatrix wielder's quick response
"Ok then, whatever you say, Naruto." Ino said back; her smile never waivering
"Anyways, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?" Ino asked
"Nothing much really, after this, I planned on heading home, having some dinner and just going to bed." Naruto answered back as he wheeled away a cart full of flower pots away into the storage room
'I mean I am gonna try and build laser cannons with Tech-Goblin, and put 'em up at home for some extra defense. However, I can't really tell her that without getting a what the heck look from her.' Naruto said to himself
"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? My aunt is making curry for dinner, and there's always a seat at the table for you." Ino offered
"You sure about that?! I mean I don't want to be a jerk and just barge in." Naruto asked from within the storage room
"Trust me Naruto, it won't be a problem at all. My dad and everyone like you already, so you have nothing to worry about." Ino told him as she finished locking up the register
"If you say so, I just hope I don't make things awkward while I'm there." Naruto said
"Besides, my dad thinks your a great guy too. So I'm pretty sure he isn't gonna be mad if you come over." Ino told him as she had the keys to the flower shop in hand
"Alright. Just let me do a last-minute check to make sure everything's put up is safe." Naruto said as he went around to give the store another look-around
Once Naruto had done his check-over of the flower shop, he and Ino then left the inside of the shop, locked it up and then headed over to the latter of the two blondes' house for dinner. The trip towards the Yamanaka household being a relatively short one, given that Inoichi never liked to make long trips to either the T&I department or his family flower shop, hence why he had his house made relatively close to either one.
From there Naruto was given a rather warm welcome by Ino's father who rather liked having him around, finding him to be someone he actually trusted to be around his daughter unlike with Naoya who rubbed him the wrong way personality-wise. Nevertheless, Naruto joined Ino and her father for dinner; whilst her aunt had to go work the night shift at the hospital…work as a nurse was never easy in a village full of shinobi.
"Thanks again for letting me come over, Mr. Yamanaka." Naruto thanked the elder Yamanaka as he was on his 3rd plate of curry
"Not a problem at all, you are always welcome in my home, Naruto." Inoichi told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Then I guess with the Uchihas, Granny and Grandpa's, that I can add your place to the list." Naruto replied
"While, I'm glad you like our home so much. I do have to ask what do you plan to do after you graduate from the academy?" Inoichi questioned
"After I graduate, I plan on having a party to celebrate. Then after that, I'm just hoping and praying that I don't get stuck on a team with Naoya and Hayase." Naruto answered back
"You really don't think that Lord 4th would stick you with them? Those two are assholes." Ino chimed in knowing that Naruto's younger siblings were the complete worst
"Since this is them we're talking about, and the fact that they could get the Uzumaki dream team out of this…I'm pretty sure they aren't gonna miss out on a chance to stick me with those two idiots." Naruto replied knowing full well of his parent's intentions
'I just hope Lord Danzo and Uncle Obito can say something on my behalf to get me out of this…Otherwise, it'll be a long…long ass year with those two.' Naruto said to himself in already feeling his skin crawl at the idea of being stuck on a genin squad with his siblings
"While I would love to come to their defense, and say that they wouldn't…Naruto is right about that, which I agree with you is a horrible idea…Given my clans' occupation in studying mental and emotional health. Putting all 3 of you onto a team, would spell nothing but complete and total toxicity and dysfunctionality for whatever would pass for a squad." Inoichi replied in only being able to imagine what sort of horrorshow that would be
"Then there has to be something you can do to stop that from happening? Naruto shouldn't have to be stuck on a team with them, just because his parents want to play happy family with his ninja career." Ino asked from her father
"I will see what I can do about this. Hopefully, I and some of the other jonin can make sure that this will not go through." Inoichi said as he turned more of his attention towards Naruto
"You have my word that I will do as much as possible to make that happen. You're a good young man, Naruto, and as a future comrade and someone who has done rather well by my daughter, that it would be as my daughter would say; a dick move if I stood by and did nothing." Inoichi told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Thank you. It really does mean a lot, hopefully, you can pull through on my part." Naruto replied
"Not a problem at all…In the meantime why don't we continue enjoying dinner. I feel as though the very last thing anyone wants to here about are family matters at the table." Inoichi spoke
"Sounds fine by me, Mr. Yamanaka" Naruto said back as he returned to eating his food
From there the trio of blondes eventually finished eating and Naruto having stayed behind to help Ino clean up and do dishes, the Ultimatrix wielder eventually departed from the household after giving his goodbyes to both Yamanaka's and heading home…However, before Ino would turn in for the night, she went over to her father who was in his study going over paperwork for the department he headed over.
"Is there something that you wanted to ask me, sweetheart? Inoichi asked
"Yeah…Why do I have to be stuck with Shikamaru when I get my headband?" Ino asked
"Ino…The Ino-Shika-Cho formation has been a long-honored tradition since the founding of the Hidden Leaf…Honestly, I did not think you had much of a problem with Shikamaru." Inoichi spoke
"Look, I would be fine with just Choji. He's a really nice guy, and really strong too. But Shikamaru on the otherhand…the guy is a lazy bum! I don't want to be stuck on a team with him!" Was Ino's immediate response
"I know that Shikamaru can be lazy, but he is a smart kid just like his father. I'm just sure if you give it time, that you will see he isn't all that bad." Inoichi said in an attempt to dissuade his daughter's opinon
"Dad, I've seen snails' who have more get up and go than him. The man is sloth incarnate, dad. The last thing I need is someone whose only redeeming qualities are that he's smart and good at Shogi." Ino hotly retorted
"If anything, I'm pretty sure that while Choji and I are out there pulling our weight. All he's gonna be doing is taking a nap under some tree, or going on about how everythings' fucking troublesome! So sorry, if I don't want be stuck with someone whose a shadow controlling hobo." Ino added in critical dislike of the Nara in question
"Ino that's enough, your being too harsh on him. Just give him a chance and I'm sure you'll see he isn't as bad as you think." Inoichi said more sternly while her eyes began to glow a fiery bright pink
"Oh, I'm being harsh…If anything, I'm being way too nice! The only thing he's going to do is be in his own words' troublesome' and a better word would be dead-weight! So give me one good reason why I should want to be on a team with someone whose too lazy, to do anything but play Shogi all damn day, and do fuck all on a mission!" Ino sharply responded as her eyes glowed brighter
"Ino, this is a well-done tradition, and if you give it time then I'm sure you'll see that not only is the Ino-Shika-Cho more than reliable. That also, Shikamaru is…" Inoichi said or tried to finish saying before magenta flames began to radiate off of Ino
"I don't care about Shikamaru's lazy ass being anything but on a team with me! The only thing I know is that, his being a lazy-ass fuck, is going to get me and Choji fucked up on a mission, and I'm not about to have it on my watch!" Ino ranted as the flames began to glow brighter
"Ino calm down, it is not that serious." Inoichi replied
"Not that serious…Not that serious, are you KIDDING ME, of course its that's serious!" Ino shouted as the flames intensified and began to grow to the point that the edges of her hair began to turn into brilliant magenta flame
"Ino!" Inoichi shouted
"WHAT!" Ino roared before looking at herself
Ino soon looked down at herself to see that her arms, shoulders, chest and lower legs as well as parts of her hair were alight with ethereal magenta and neon pink flame, her eyes under her bout of growing anger turned a dark yet ever-burning rose pink...So after a few moments passing before Ino took a few calming breaths to reign back in the anger that had bubbled forth, and eventually the ethereal flames soon began to dissipate and flicker out of existence.
"...They're getting stronger aren't they?" Inoichi said after a few tense moments
"Yeah…its part of the reason why I'm not excited to be on a team with Shikamaru. The last thing I need is to be on a team with him, and not only do I get stuck with the laziest person in the class. I also get someone who looks at me as the world's most troublesome powder keg…That is one thing I do not need to be stuck with until the Chunin Exams comes around." Ino replied dourly although their were still bits of anger present in her voice
"If it is this serious, Ino. Then how about we do this." Inoichi said
"If after your first serious mission as a team, you still feel the same way. Then I will pull whatever strings I can, and have someone do a solo mentorship with you…How does that sound?" Inoichi asked his daughter
"That…That sounds ok, but I'm sensing a but coming along." Ino noted
"...But, you do have to at least try to work together as a team, before that happens. I won't make that happen until I know that you are working with all of them, and making the attempt to do so." Inoichi told his daughter
"...Fiinne. I'll work with them, but at anytime I see him being a bum. I'm kicking his butt." Ino told her father in indignant defiance
"Just as long as you are making the effort, then I don't care what you do…If anything, a few good kicks in the rear will probably do Shikaku's boy some good." Inoichi remarked in knowing that his daughter would do well in booting out the Nara laziness
"...In the meantime however, how about you go to bed. Its getting late after all." Inoichi added
"Alright, fine. Love you dad." Ino said to her father
"Love you too, sweetheart. Now get some rest already." Inoichi told his daughter who nodded and eventually went to turn in for the night
'...Just my luck that of all the things to happen. I have to raise a teenage half-whatever her mother was…As Shikaku would normally say…what a drag.' Inoichi said with a long sigh as he looked at the scorch marks left by his daughter
(4 days later, October 22nd, 996 S.E, Uchiha Compound, 4:28 Pm)
It was the following Tuesday afternoon as Sasuke had after classes were over; he went over with Shisui to spend time with Izumi who wasn't the most mobile due to her state of being.
"Are you sure you're going to be ok, Izumi?" Sasuke asked
"I will be much better once our son is born…I swear, I'm never doing this again." Izumi answered back with a worn-out groan
"Has it really been that bad?" Sasuke questioned
"Let's see, walking around has been rather difficult due to how swollen my ankles have been, with Mamoru so close to is due date he keeps kicking me at all hours of the night…Don't even get me started on the morning sickness, although Fugaku has been really helpful making food to settle my stomach. Then there's the fact that thanks to Itachi still not having changed his work hours to help out, I'm stuck at our home by myself a majority of the time." Izumi answered back
"Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that Itachi still hasn't changed things around?" Shisui questioned
"No. He has still stuck to working overnight hours and going on missions as per usual." Izumi told the older of the male Uchiha's
"Damn it, I thought that I would've gotten it through his head that shit needed to change…Apparently, it didn't stick." Shisui said in having thought that his talks with Itachi would've gotten him to change things
"This is Itachi we're talking about, Shisui. Telling my brother to take time away from village-related matters, would be like telling Lord Jiraiya not to do his 'research' for his books." Was Sasuke's scathingly derisive response knowing full well of Itachi's almost fanatical devotion towards Konoha
"...You know, I really want to argue that he isn't up the village's ass….But at this point, Sasuke's right. I don't know what it is, but this is getting out of hand. I mean, Izumi when is the last time you two did anything together since you got pregnant?" Shisui questioned
"Do you want me to be honest, or do you want the sugarcoated version?" Izumi asked back
"I would rather you be honest. Although I doubt its going to be better than the sugarcoated version." Shisui told her
"Ok…The amount of times we've done anything, or better yet the times that Itachi has been with me, and it hasn't been a shadow clone, is 13 in total." Izumi responded
"13? Are you sure?" Shisui said in disbelief
"Believe me…I've kept track." Izumi groaned as her abdomen felt like a stress ball
"Before you say anything, did you really expect anything else from Itachi?" Sasuke asked Shisui
"Yeah, I actually did. I thought that if we gave it awhile, that he'd start putting his priorities where they really mattered…But as it stands, I was dead wrong." Shisui replied with an irritated sigh
"Just what is your brothers' deal, Sasuke? Better yet, I'm surprised you aren't angry about this." Shisui added over Sasuke's rather calm demeanor
"Itachi has been doing this stuff to me, my parents, and the clan for how long? If anything I can't remember the last time I've seen him at one of my birthdays. So to be blunt, I am not angry or even disappointed…This is just a fact of life, that Itachi would rather choose the village and being a shinobi over his family…Something that my nephew is going to have to get used to unfortunately." Sasuke replied with an irritated sigh
With the youngest of the Uchiha while angry that yet again Itachi was absent, and missed out on so much time with his now pregnant wife; he also knew that this was just something that was a fact of life within the Uchiha clan. Something that as much as he despised it, that this was something that Sasuke came to expect from his brother and knew for a fact that his nephew would have to get used to having an absentee father that cared more for the village than his clan.
"Don't get me wrong you guys, I still love Itachi. He's still the love of my life, and there isn't anyone in the village I would trade him for…The only thing I want is that he would just be around more." Izumi said as another groan escaped her
"Are you ok, Izumi? You don't look to hot." Shisui asked as Izumi was rather pale-faced
"I'm fine, its just that with these contractions getting closer and closer together. I haven't been feeling the best." Izumi told him as another pained groan escaped her
"Oh God, that one really hurt…Here I thought having a hangover after drinking with Masako and Anko was worse." Izumi said
"If you're in such poor condition, then I think we should take you to the hospital soon." Sasuke replied
"Sasuke, I'm fine. Its just contractions is all." Izumi said back in assurance
"That puddle on the floor says otherwise." Sasuke told her as he gestured to the growing wet spot on the ground
"What puddle?" Izumi asked
"The puddle from you having probably urinated on the floor…or whatever that is." Sasuke remarked at the growing puddle of clear liquid
"Sasuke, that isn't urine…I..I think my water just broke." Izumi said as she felt another contraction hit like a pimp slap from Might Guy
"I'll get Mom and Obito over here now." Sasuke spoke before rushing out to get said Uchiha
"Look at it this way, at least you won't have to deal with all that pregnancy stuff right?" Shisui said as another loud almost bellow like groan escaped Izumi
"Yeah…Yeah…that's great….I just…oh piss out my ass this hurts!" Izumi yelled out as she felt another contraction that made her feel like she got donkey-kicked by Might Guy
"Alright come on, let's get you up." Shisui said as the next set of contractions nearly brought Izumi to her knees
"O-Ok." Izumi groaned as she headed outside
"Hey, we came as soon as we heard." Obito spoke up
"T-Thanks. Can we get to hospital right now…because Mamoru wants to come and now!" Izumi told them in feeling that their was precious little time that she could hold this off
"Alright, Obito use your Kamui to get us their yesterday, Sasuke get to the house and grab what we talked about, Shisui get Fugaku and tell him its time!" Mikoto ordered to all Uchiha
"On it, Auntie…Hang on, this is gonna be a trip." Obito said as he quickly used Kamui to teleport them post-haste
"Look at it this way, your nephew's finally gonna be here." Shisui said as the two began to run off
"Yeah, but for now let's get this done. We've got only who knows how much time before she starts going into labor, and I am not going to mess this up." Sasuke replied as the two nodded to each other before splitting off
'...The one time you have to be dealing with crap from work, and its when Izumi's giving birth…You better hope that you can make it in time, or that's your ass, Itachi.' Shisui said to himself as he sped off towards Fugaku's location
So with the eventful week coming to an end with the impending birth of a new Uchiha into the world, things are now yet again taking an interesting turn…With the real question remaining in how Sasuke's nephew will further change things within the Uchiha clan as a whole? Find out in the new chapters of, The Alien Soldier!
Well, that takes care of that as I hoped you guys have enjoyed all of the differing events that went on in this chapter, especially with the fun little cliffhanger I gave you guys with the Uchiha clan as we get the New Year started...ain't I a stinker ;)
Anyways, with all that said and done, I hope you guys will continue to enjoy this story for better or for worse, as any favorites, follows, reviews or suggestions are welcome. Yet as per usual flames are ignored since if ya don't like then go on and read/support someone else's story that's more your speed.
Furthermore, and without further adieu, this is Nomadic Chaos using the power of said chaos to give you guys dope stuff to read. With the next chapter having the aftermath of Izumi giving birth to a new Uchiha, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff.
Prelude Theme Song: Regulate by Warren G and Nate Dogg
Random End Song: O.P.P by Naughty by Nature
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
God of Wind 200: You would think that, but then again some things aren't that easy for others to see. But as for those two aliens I'm saving them for later on; given that those are some powerhouse aliens and such! However, trust me when I say that the Toads are gonna get there's later on in the story.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Yeah, its a major thing that Jiraiya or anyone didn't really think about, since Naruto's eventual shift towards making soldiers and such towards what would be Konoha's Industrial Age with what he's got cooking up. Then it would do wonders for what he has planned, and help things go in a stronger direction that would give Konoha the best short and long-term gains than the peace that Jiraiya and the Toads want. Because at the end of the day the peace that they want is gonna result in a sort of Mad Max apocalpsye setting at the end of things, given that when you have peace in an economy that's based around murder, asssassination, kidnapping and etc its gonna cause a lot of widespread panic and the birth of multiple factions as you've brought up...so unless the Toads are genius's on economy and such then it ain't gonna end well.
Volcasarion: Yeah, I'll have something for Kurenai pretty soon given that when you think about it, its honestly a wonder as to how she made jonin given that her only redeeming feature is her supposed 'mastery' of genjutsu. Especially since we have nothing else but Yakumo and the Uchiha's to compare it to, and both outclass her by a wide margin. Which makes me feel like Anko now that you mention it should've been made a jonin sensei instead of Kurenai given that she has a more complete skill set than her, and that she's honestly more beloved by the fanbase than Kurenai when you think about it. Not to mention that Kurenai's actions with Yakumo are gonna come back around in a much more bleak outset for Yakumo, as it ain't gonna be pretty as a forewarning. And yeah, I'm gonna probably revisit more of Kurenai shooting off her mouth about Obito and Juri of whom I'm glad you liked as the pairing for Obito, as she's one of my favorites in Street Fighter as well, next to Cammy. Because Kurenai is definitely one of those people who don't know when to shut their mouth especially since with her being a drunk and her pride its a combination that will get her ass handed to her a lot of the time by Juri and even Obito. Also yeah, the Toads are that level of hypocritical given that their the type that only sees their way of peace as the right path, and what Naruto's even if its the more viable one as the one that's incorrect and will ruin it all for what they've forseen
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Oh trust me, Jiraiya's meddling is gonna start soon, because the man if it means getting his way about the prophecy is gonna try brown-nosing when and wherever he can, and I'll say it right now...Naruto ain't gonna have it. Since with all the changes that Naruto's made to the prophecy; Jiraiya's gonna have to realize pretty hard that there's not much he can really do to stop Naruto from accomplishing and stomping over the peace the prophecy originally foretold, since Naruto doesn't care about that stuff whatsoever.