I do not own these series, nor do I make any money off of this.
"talking"
'thinking'
Chapter 71: Side Effects
Naruto and Sasuke grabbed their things as they saw the red gem turn green. Like the first time, the sensation of traveling to another world was like being on a boat during a storm. Naruto nearly threw up and Sasuke was a bit dizzy. This time, both of them landed on their butts. Naruto instantly moved a hand to his mouth while Sasuke moved one to his head. Once the green light was gone, they noticed someone standing a few feet in front of them. "Rice cracker?" The older man asked, holding a box of rice crackers out in front of him. Naruto and Sasuke blinked before they looked at each other in confusion. They could tell that this person was not surprised to see them.
"My name is Yuichi Jin," the man said. "I saw you coming."
"Then you know Yuko or Watanuki?" Naruto asked.
Jin tilted his head to the side. "I'm afraid I don't. "My Side Effect allows me to see the future. That is, a little bit of the future of the people I have before me."
"Then how did you know we were coming?" Naruto asked. "We've never met!"
"No, we haven't," Jin agreed. "But I saw myself meeting you here.
"And you decided that it was safe to meet us," Sasuke concluded.
"Indeed," Jin said. "I know that neither of you mean any harm. You are simply here for a few days before you move on to another world."
"So you've even seen that," Sasuke said.
Jin nodded. "I've seen each possible path you two could take while being here and I selected one that would be best for all of us. Now, I think we should move. Your grand entrance has surely attracted the attention of Border. I'd prefer not having to spend the rest of the night explaining things to them. And I'm sure you don't want to get into a pointless fight, one you'd easily win." He began to walk away, knowing that Naruto and Sasuke would follow him. He led them to a river where what looked to be an abandoned building stood. "This is the base of the Tamakoma Branch." He knocked on the door.
"Welcome back Jin," a girl with glasses said. "These two must be the ones you told us about. Come in." She stepped to the side, holding the door open to allow the three men inside. Jin offered her a cracker, but she declined. "Dinner is ready. The others have been waiting."
She locked the door behind her, following Naruto, Sasuke, and Jin into a dining room. Nine people sat at the table, including two girls and seven boys. The oldest in the room welcomed them, introducing everyone already seated. Shiori introduced herself. Yotaro was about to talk about his pet Raijinmaru, when Takumi spoke up. "From what Jin told us, you'll be here for only a few days before moving on to another world. He didn't go into any details about how you got here and how you are going to leave though."
Naruto held up his arm. "This device allows us to travel to different worlds." He glanced at Sasuke before returning his gaze to Takumi. "I'm not sure what Jin-san told you but we promise to stay out of your way."
"So you won't interfere in this world," Takumi said. "I see…" He looked at Yuma.
"He's telling the truth," Yuma stated. "Well, mostly. From what I can guess, they will only interfere if their lives or morals are at stake." Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Jin told you about his side effect?" Naruto and Sasuke nodded. "Mine is the ability to see through lies."
"Not all of us have side effects," Osamu explained. "Only those with really high trion levels have side effects. They usually take on forms as enhanced physical abilities or extrasensory abilities."
"Your abilities may be classified as side effects here," Jin said, answering Naruto and Sasuke's unspoken question. He pointed to his eyes. "Your ninja skills or jutsus as you call them could count as triggers. Your chakra is like our trion." The members of the Tamakoma Branch looked confused, but Naruto and Sasuke seemed to understand. Their chakra had been compared to a number of different things like Spiritual Power or Mana. It was something they were used to. "If I had to rank your trion levels from what I saw in the different futures, I'd give you an S-Rank."
Takumi dropped his fork. "Are you saying that their trion levels may be on par with Yuma's or even yours?"
Jin shook his head. "No. I'm sure if we were to measure their trion levels they'd have more than Chika-chan." Several pairs of eyes widened.
"Doesn't that mean the main branch can sense them?" Osamu asked.
"Probably," Jin said. "But since they are now inside here, they may just think that Chika and Kuga-kun-chan were with me. There is a future in which they send some teams here, but that was only in the futures where Naruto and Sasuke defeated some A-Rank Teams." Ignoring the shocked expressions, Jin continued. "But I'll check the future later. I'm hungry and I'm sure everyone else is." At that, Naruto's stomach rumbled. He blushed before taking an empty seat next to Jin. Sasuke sat down on Naruto's left.
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Hours later found Sasuke and Yuma on the roof. "Couldn't sleep?" Yuma asked. Sasuke nodded. "I don't need to sleep." He held up his hand where a black and white ring sat on his index finger. "It's a Black Trigger. My real body is inside."
"You're dying," Sasuke blurted out.
"Yeah," Yuma admitted. "Please don't tell the others. Only Jin knows. Well, Osamu may know too. He is our leader after all." Sasuke looked surprised at that. Yuma grinned. "A lot of people question that. He may not have a lot of trion, but he is smart. Chika and I agreed that he should be ouf leader. Hyuse joined us only recently. He only passed the exam yesterday."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted.
"Sorry I've been so talkative," Yuma said. "I guess I'm a bit bored." He looked back out over the city, not saying another word. The two sat in silence, enjoying it.
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Naruto finished listening to Yotaro finish talking about Raijinmaru. The boy had finally fallen asleep. He glanced at Hyuse who had remained silent almost the entire time, only speaking when Yotaro motioned for him too. Naruto knew the man wasn't a talker, but the man kept staring at Naruto. Finally, Naruto had enough. "What?"
"That device," Hyuse said, pointing to Naruto's bracelet. "You said it lets you move to different worlds. Can it send me back to Aftokrator?"
"I don't think so," Naruto answered. "But maybe Watanuki can help you." He tapped the mirror on his bracelet. A few seconds later, Watanuki appeared.
"Naruto, is everything alright?" Watanuki asked.
"Yeah, everything is fine," Naruto said. "I actually called you to ask if you could help someone." Hyuse moved closer to Naruto and looked at Watanuki. "He wants to know if you can send him back to Aftok.. Afko… his home."
"I'm afraid I can't," Watanuki mumbled.
Hyuse grabbed Naruto's arm and tugged it closer to himself. "If you can send them to different worlds, then how come you can't send me to Aftokrator?"
"They came to the shop and made a wish," Watanuki said. "They agree to the payment…"
"What do you want?" Hyuse nearly yelleed. "I can give you anything."
"It doesn't matter what you have to offer me," Watanuki said. "I can't send you to Aftokrator."
"Why not?" Hyuse asked, his voice rising in desperation.
"I have my reasons," Watanuki declared. "Naruto, if that is all, I must be going." He vanished.
"Hey! Wait!" Hyuse tapped the mirror, but stopped when Jin grabbed his arm.
"That isn't the way to go about it," Jin said. Hyuse stood and quickly left the room. "Sorry about that. He's usually more calm."
"I understand his desire to go home," Naruto sighed. He rubbed at his wrist. "I hope his wish comes true."
"I'm sure it will," Jin said. "Yours too."
"Thanks," Naruto smiled. "Now I think I should get some sleep." He stood up.
"Right." Jin led Naruto into the room he'd be staying in for the next few days. He didn't say another word before leaving Naruto to his own devices. Naruto quickly changed into his night clothes before climbing into bed.
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Sasuke left Yuma on the roof and made his way to the room he'd been given. It was across from the room Naruto was staying in. He quickly stripped down to his boxers. Glancing at the bed, he shrugged. He got into the bed, not bothering to put more clothes on. For nearly a half hour, he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. He sighed as he sat up. He ran a hand through his hair. 'Why can't I sleep?' He raised his arm and stared at himself in the mirror. He debated calling Watanuki and asking for some sleeping pills. Not wanting to pay the price for that, Sasuke got up and put on some clothes. He snuck out of the building and headed into town, hiding his presence as much as he could. He made his way quickly to what looked to be a pharmacy. Luckily, it was open. He walked into the place, nodding to the woman behind the counter. She stared at him, a blush coloring her face. Sasuke rolled his eyes before he went looking for what he wanted. He grabbed the bottle and headed for the counter.
The woman scanned the bottle. "Having sleeping problems?"
"Hn," Sasuke grunted.
"You know, there are better ways to fall asleep than taking a pill," the woman said, batting her eyes.
"I don't think he's your type," a voice said. Sasuke looked over his shoulder at Jin. "You shouldn't have left like that." Sasuke ignored him and took out some money. He glared at the woman, causing her to flinch. Jin sighed. "I think he needs change." The woman gasped and grabbed the money. She handed Sasuke the change, uttering a barely audible apology. Sasuke walked past Jin and headed back to the Tamakoma Branch hideout. Jin followed Sasuke at a safe distance. He took out a bag of crackers and began to eat some. He suddenly stopped as a vision came to his mind. Jin sighed. Border had found out about Sasuke. Jin quickened his pace, trying to see if there was a path they could take to avoid running into any agents. He finished going through about a dozen paths when he suddenly walked right into Sasuke. He hadn't seen the man stop. Jin was about to ask Sasuke what was wrong when a trion bullet went flying past them.
"Another Neighbor Jin?" a boy with black hair asked.
"Miwa," Jin said. "Fancy seeing you out so late.
"Don't change the subject Jin," Miwa said. "Two Neighbors weren't enough so now you're harboring three?"
Jin sighed. "It isn't what you think. Sasuke here is only staying a few days. He'll leave without harming anyone."
"Haven't you learned anything?" Miwa asked. "How many people have to die before you realize that Neighbors are bad?"
"Sasuke isn't a Neighbor," Jin said.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Miwa yelled. "Of course he is. Border has no record of him."
"They wouldn't," Jin said. "Sasuke isn't from around here. But he isn't a Neighbor." He paused. "Look, just tell the higher ups that I'll explain in the morning. It wouldn't be a good idea to get in a fight here." He motioned to the people and buildings around them.
Miwa scowled. "Fine." He lowered his gun. "Just be ready for the consequences." He turned on his heel before leaping onto a nearby roof and disappearing into the darkness.
"Well, let's go back," Jin said. He began walking down the street. Sasuke followed after him. "By the way, thanks for not doing anything back there. You had the right to since he did attack first." Sasuke just stared at him. "Right. Why don't we just get some sleep. We'll have a lot to do in the morning." Jin held the door of the hideout open. Sasuke walked inside then headed for his room. Jin just shook his head. Sasuke stripped back down to his boxers and got into bed. He took some sleeping pills dry. He laid down and closed his eyes for the night.
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"Sasuke," Naruto called. "Sasuke." He shook the raven awake. "Jin said we should eat before going to Border."
"Hn," Sasuke grumbled. Naruto walked over to Sasuke's bag and pulled out some clothes. It was a good thing they bought some new clothes since Sasuke was still stuck in his twenty-seven-year-old body while Naruto was stuck in his seven-year-old body. Naruto briefly wondered if Jin knew their true ages. "What are you doing, Dobe?"
"Nothing," Naruto tossed the clothes at Sasuke. "Just get ready." He left the room. Sasuke groaned as he got dressed. In the dining room, he found Naruto and Jin already seated. Shiori brought out some food before taking a seat. Sasuke sat down without a word.
Once breakfast was done, Jin, Naruto, and Sasuke headed for Border. Jin brought them into the office. Just like the last time, Kido and the others were waiting for them. Kido narrowed his eyes at Jin, Naruto, and Sasuke. "I got a report about the dark-haired man, but I haven't heard anything about a blond child."
"I already told Miwa this, but Sasuke isn't a Neighbor," Jin said. "And neither is Naruto."
"I never expected you to lie to us," Kido said.
"He's not lying," Yuma said. He walked into the room with a brown-haired boy named Kikuchihara.
"There wasn't a change in his heart rate," Kikuchihara agreed.
"So if they aren't Neighbors, then what are they?" Kido asked.
"Humans from another world," Jin answered nonchalantly. "To answer your other questions: no, they aren't working with Neighbors, they aren't here to cause harm, and yes they will be leaving in a few days."
"You say they mean no harm," Shinoda ventured. "Then what are they here for?"
"We are just here as a pitstop on the way home," Naruto responded. "Also, can you please tell the two outside to stop pacing. I'm sure you're annoyed too." He looked at Kikuchihara.
Kikuchihara's eyes widened. "You can hear them?" Naruto nodded. "I see. We have the same Side Effect."
"I wouldn't really call it a Side Effect," Naruto said. "In your terms, I suppose you'd call it a Side Effect, but for me, it is normal. I also have really good eyesight sometimes, though Sasuke's is better than mine. In our world, Shinobi are more enhanced than others."
"Shinobi?" the door slammed open to reveal a boy wearing headphones and Miwa. "You're a ninja?"
"Ah, yes?" Naruto said.
"Cool!" the boy exclaimed.
"Can't you be a bit quieter, Yoneya?" Kikuchihara asked.
"Right," Yoneya said. "Sorry."
"We are getting off topic," Kido said. "Even if they aren't Neighbors, how can we guarantee that they aren't enemies?"
"That's not possible," Jin said. "Through all of the futures, neither of them becomes an enemy. Well, except two." Jin held up to fingers before putting one down. "If you hurt Sasuke in anyway, Naruto won't hesitate to join him in beating anyone who means them harm." He put down the second finger. "If you choose to hurt Naruto instead," Jin glanced over at Sasuke. "Let's just say you'd be unlucky to make it out alive." He looked back at Kido. "Leave them alone and nothing will change." All of the Border members were surprised that Jin could say something like that so calmly.
"And if we sent Amo?" Kido asked. Jin simply smiled. "I see. Then we'll leave them alone. But from now on you have to tell us these things." Jin nodded.
"Well," Takumi said. "I believe that's that. Why don't you guys go back to the hideout. I'm sure Shiori is waiting for you." Jin led Naruto and Sasuke out of the office. Yuma followed after them. Yuma and Jin began to discuss the upcoming fights while Naruto and Sasuke stayed silent. Shiori welcomed them back. Yuma went off with Osamu, Chika, and Hyuse who gave Naruto a strange look. Sasuke waited to be lectured for putting himself and the others in danger, but it never came.
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Sasuke noticed right away that Naruto was ignoring him. Sure, he still talked to Sasuke, but he hadn't instigated any conversation. Sasuke usually enjoyed the silence, but it was starting to get to him. He hated when Naruto was quiet.
"Hey Dobe," Sasuke called. Naruto stopped talking to Konami and turned towards him. Sasuke noticed the others and closed his mouth. "Nevermind."
"Ok," Naruto said. He turned back to Konami and resumed the conversation. Sasuke stared at them, growing angry. Not really knowing where the anger was coming from, Sasuke didn't know how to respond to it. He continued to watch as Naruto laughed. Finally having enough, Sasuke grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled him out of his chair. "Hey!" Naruto yelled. Sasuke ignored the blonde's complaints as he drugged him into his room. "What are you…?" Sasuke pushed Naruto away from the door and locked it. "What is going on? Why…?"
"Aren't you going to say anything?" Sasuke asked. "Why haven't you asked me about what happened last night?"
"I already know," Naruto said. "You went out to get sleeping pills."
"I put us in danger," Sasuke mumbled. "I left this place even after the warning Jin gave us."
"You had a good reason," Naruto reassured.
"Still," Sasuke clenched his fists."
Naruto sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "What do you want me to say? Do you want me to yell at you? Tell you how stupid it was to leave? How you could have just asked Shiori or Jin for some sleeping pills? What should I say to make you feel better?" Naruto shook his head. "Why do I have to say anything?" Sasuke opened and closed his mouth. "Look, you already know that there are consequences for your actions. We just have to deal with them." Sasuke didn't like this Naruto. He wasn't acting like he usually did. Sasuke didn't know what to say, what to do to turn Naruto back to normal. He clenched his fists and turned away. He knew he was running away again, but he had to do it to protect himself. Sasuke left the room. Naruto sighed. "He'll never understand."
Sasuke saw Jin standing outside Naruto's room. "It didn't go as planned, did it?" Sasuke ignored him, teleporting to the roof. Jin stayed still, waiting. Naruto walked out of Sasuke's room a few seconds later.
"Did you hear us?" Naruto asked. Jin shook his head, smiling. "You saw it." Jin nodded. "Tell me, can you show me what you've seen?"
"My Side Effect doesn't work that way," Jin said. "Besides, knowing the future isn't really a good thing."
"Then can you tell me," Naruto begged. "Will we ever get back home?"
"I'm not able to see it," Jin admitted. "But that doesn't mean it isn't possible. I can only see so far."
"I see," Naruto looked down. He then smiled. "Guess the journey continues then." He walked back into the dining room.
Jin stared after Naruto. 'You're a liar Yuichi Jin, a terrible liar.'
I was originally going to name this chapter consequences, but I decided to use the title Side Effects instead. It is a play on words as they mean similar things.