《Naruto Another》


 1 - Prologue Arc: Mikan I

    An unparalleled journey back to Amegakure in the middle of a civil war spanning the country, Inuzuka beasts lurking in the woods, refugees clamoring at the city''s walls, and they decide to return now of all times? There were over a thousand ways this could go wrong, but Mikan had no choice but to heed the call.


    ¡°Well, well well, what do we have here? I didn¡¯t know the Kosutta princess was back in Ame.¡±


    Mikan stopped in her tracks, the young Jonin pulled her little brother in closely so he was hugging her side; he was warm despite the blistering cold, and vast amounts of rain pelting them from every direction.


    They were in the open too, a mere block away from Kusakyu territory, and three blocks away from their destination.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this Shusei,¡± Mikan said. She had little patience for games, and even less for those of the Kusakyu variety.


    ¡°Oh, but aren¡¯t you a wee bit curious as to how I found you? Surely you don¡¯t think this meeting is a mere coincidence?¡±


    ¡°The Lead Jonin is already aware of your apt for sensory ninjutsu. There are numerous plates in the district, that when stepped on alert you to the user''s chakra signature. I must have stepped on one by accident.¡±


    Mikan was well aware of the Kusakyu effort to expand their reconnaissance efforts over the last year. This method was particularly nasty, but not entirely effective. Mikan had been able to piece together bits of how the technique worked over the last month or so.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°So, you knew about my clay, and yet you risked waltzing through this part of Ame? Do you have a death wish?¡± Shusei laughed, and spun around excitedly, before stopping and pointing a finger at Mikan.


    Numerous civilians passed the two by, most of them in a hurry but many stopped to gander at the two ¨C especially at Mikan. It wasn¡¯t every day that you saw two shinobi out in the open, let alone a Kosutta and Kusakyu together, and even less likely than that was the appearance of the Kosutta princess herself.


    ¡°And you brought Sejin¡¯s heir along with you as well? I overestimated your intelligence, and Kuda was telling us all about how great you are ¨C how disappointing.¡±


    ¡°He has nothing to do with this.¡±


    Shusei smiled manically, ¡°That is for Kuda to decide.¡± The man frowned after saying that and seemed torn on what to do next.


    Mikan rolled her eyes, clearly disappointed. ¡°Let me guess, after detecting my signature you rushed here without letting anyone know, and now you have two choices Shusei. Either one, you can risk following me so you can gather intel ¨C a feat we both know you will not be able to do, or you can risk losing me as you go report my appearance to Kuda.¡±


    ¡°Tch, damn you!¡± Shusei said taking a step back. ¡°Just because you¡¯re here now doesn¡¯t change anything. The Kusakyu have big plans, and you are just another bug we need to crush before achieving them.¡±


    ¡°Hurry along now Shusei, it¡¯s not good to keep Kuda waiting.¡±


    After a brief pause, Shusei scurried away in the direction of Kusakyu Castle. The man wasn¡¯t particularly fast, so Mikan knew the two had at least 20 minutes to reach their destination.


    Almost forgetting he was there Mikan turned to her little brother and knelt on one knee to meet him, the water from the rain continued to soak them from head to toe as she did.


    ¡°Are you alright Noboru?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± That was all he said.


    He was quiet, and obedient, which were good ¨C and necessary traits for him to have living under the same roof as Sejin. For the last 13 years, he¡¯d been a mere pawn to their father, and Mikan did not plan on treating him any differently, with only kindness being the exception.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s keep moving then.¡±

 2 - Prologue Arc: Mikan II

    Mikan pulled her little brother in close, the two making their way through Ame Plaza, Noboru¡¯s wrist twisting uncomfortably in her hand.


    The rain poured down on them finding its way through Mikan''s long jet-black hair, to her neck, and down her back. The smell of fresh rain filled her nostrils, and its drops painted a glossy reflection on her black boots. She briefly looked back at Noboru and saw him soaked head to toe, but he didn''t seem to mind all that much, he was too busy hypnotized by everything around him, including the rain, and how the water glossed over Ame''s towering metallic buildings.


    Despite the rain, Ame¡¯s citizens went about their day clad in raincoats, and enormous umbrellas with the Rain villages sigil etched into its fabric. Many recognized Mikan, and Noboru, and would have gladly offered up their umbrellas if Mikan had paid them any mind, but instead, the two blazed past them leaving them with nothing but a courteous smile.


    Mikan led Noboru past an old toy shop, and into the towering marketplace known as the Kage Gullet. It was a large multi-story stone building where hundreds of merchants from all over the Land of Water sold their goods, and where the rarity of the items sold determined which floor a merchant sold on. Sejin had taken Mikan through the Gullet several times as a child to teach her how to haggle, though this was Noboru''s first time seeing this part of the village.


    For a moment Mikan thought of slowing down to show her younger brother around the marketplace. She could show him how to haggle properly, what kind of fruits were ripe, and which would soon rot. Maybe she''d let him wander around for a bit to explore keeping an eye on him from a distance.


    She would like to buy him sweets like chocolate, and other candies, but Mikan figured he¡¯d probably forgotten how they tasted by now, the mere possibility of that soured Mikan¡¯s smile, and she refocused on the task at hand.


    The crowd was large for a Monday, Mikan thought it was probably due to the upcoming Mock Exams; a competition held in the Land of Water once a year to groom the nation''s next genin. Although she was unsure whether Noboru would part in the competition Mikan could not help but wonder how well he would do.


    The two darted into a small shop full of various clothes and commodities. Mikan figured anyone following them would not have been able to keep up with them through the crowds. Mikan crouched behind a small curtain of clothing and reeled her brother in. He had an innocent, but curious look on his face. Mikan almost considered explaining everything to him right then, and there, but doing so would be an insult to Noboru''s intelligence. So instead, she grinned before bringing both hands to her chest and forming three hand signs.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there."Wind Style: Air Current Dance," she whispered, and just like that they both disappeared.


    Emerging undetected, the two made their way through the stormy city. They traveled up, and down the dark, dirty alleys until they reached a metal wall situated deep in the heart of Ame. There was no one around, and Mikan was sure they were not followed. Mikan''s grip on Noboru lightened a bit as they approached the wall.


    "Minori," Mikan called out.


    The wall seemed to ripple in front of Mikan''s eyes before fading out of existence. Behind it was another wall, this time with a door, and beside it was a boy a year younger than Mikan. It was Minori, a Kosutta chunin clothed in a thick black vest. The boy had dark hair that draped down to the back of his neck just below the shoulders. He wore a thinly veiled dark green scarf, with a Hidden Rain headband etched into its fabric, and situated in his right hand was an umbrella.


    Mikan was quite fond of Minori. He was one of the only members of the Kosutta clan who despised Sejin and was secretly loyal to Mikan. He would die for her, and Mikan both respected and feared that conviction. He was someone she had grown irregularly close to over the last few years. Mikan undid the invisibility jutsu.


    "Took your time huh?" He asked with a smile. The boy walked toward the pair and raised the umbrella over their heads, motioning them closer to the door.


    "No," Mikan replied quickly. Under normal circumstances, she might have commended his service, but today was exceptionally chaotic.


    "Well, they''re inside," they spoke briskly as rain pelted the ground behind them.


    "What did you tell Sejin?"


    "He didn''t ask."


    "That''s not good," Mikan said with an exasperated sigh. She pulled Noboru toward the door and then added, ¡°Knock twice if anything happens."


    "Yes ma''am," Minori replied as Mikan, and Noboru made their way through the door.


    Mikan caught a glimpse of Minori resetting the substitution jutsu as she closed the door behind her. Quickly eying the room Mikan took in the humidity, a stark contrast to the wet cold of the outside. The clothing stuck to her skin became more apparent to her.


    The room they were in was void of furniture except for a few pillows on the ground for seating. Despite that, it looked well-dusted and was brought to life by several candles burning on the floor.


    Appearing from a room in the back was an older man whom Mikan had not seen for some time. He wore an old robe-clad in purple and gold. His hair was bleach white, and he kept his hands tucked within his sleeves. Before Mikan could speak the man began to tremble nervously.


    "I am deeply sorry for arriving on such an incredibly short notice. It must''ve been exceedingly difficult for you to arrange this meeting."


    "It was," Mikan said calmly. There was a pause, and Mikan looked around, "where''s-¡±


    "Ah, yes," The man said, raising a finger. He stole a glance at Noboru before calling, "Chocho!" He yelled.


    Mikan instinctively tightened her grip on Noboru''s hand again.


    ¡®I should have told him sooner.¡¯ She thought.


    Mikan cleared her head for the second time and focused on the task at hand.


    A girl Noboru''s age dressed in a white, and gold kimono with beautiful golden earrings fashioned in the shape of raindrops stepped into the room. Her eyes were clear gold, and her hair a deep violet. She approached Mikan, and Noboru, and bowed before them.


    "Noboru," the man said, addressing him for the first time. "Allow me to introduce you to your bride, Chocho Kusakyu."

 3 - Prologue Arc: Noboru I

    A great whirlwind of emotions hit Noboru like a ball to the back of the head. He was still taking in the musty smell of wood, and rain when the words wife and marriage tore through him. He took a short moment to consider the situation; looking up at Mikan to gauge a reaction, but all he saw was an impartial expression.


    "I never got around to telling you." She said, her words stinging with indifference.


    Noboru stayed silent mulling over those same words he heard often. Mikan had always done her best to watch over him and keep him safe from Sejin, the head of the Kosutta clan, and their father. Mikan was an incredibly successful Jonin who had awakened her doujutsu a few years younger than expected. She soared through the ranks and became a Jonin before she was 17. Compared to her, Noboru thought he was a disgraceful disappointment.


    Noboru instinctively looked back at the girl in front of him.


    ¡®Purple hair, and golden eyes, So, they''re Kusakyu.¡¯ Noboru thought.


    Unsure of how to properly react he bowed to the girl hoping he was not offending her in some way. When he looked up at her she seemed to be smiling at him; her golden eyes peering into his soul.


    Noboru had still been working things out in his head when Mikan and Kurime left, headed toward the back room leaving him alone with Chocho. It was then while staring at the girl that he remembered how wet he was from being hurried across Ame without an umbrella.


    He wondered whether the girl staring back at him thought any less of him for it. It was only when the muffled sounds of chairs being pulled out from the other room did Noboru realize it had been a full minute, and neither he nor Chocho had said anything.


    Noboru figured this was important to Mikan, so no matter what he had better leave a good first impression. He tried to say something, but she spoke first.


    "I made you something," she said, starting to walk toward Noboru.


    Her voice was lighter than air, so light it almost hurt Noboru''s ears. But there was a tinge of nervousness in it that made him feel more comfortable somehow.


    ¡®That''s right... this is new for her too.¡¯


    They were face to face now. He did not know why he looked away from her, or why he felt a tingling sensation in his stomach. Distracted, Noboru did not see her reach into her kimono, and he didn''t see the arms that wrapped around his neck.


    At first, he winced painfully, but he ignored that. Then he felt the cold chain on his skin, then something dangling just below his collar bone lightly touching his chest. Then he finally felt her soft fingers tighten, and then let go ¨C she was still in front of him.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "A necklace," He said finally looking back at her; her golden eyes were beaming at him.


    She giggled softly, "Aren''t you going to look at it?"


    "Oh, yeah," Noboru said, smiling stupidly.


    He looked down at the pendant and saw a silvery crescent moon with the tips drenched in a deep red. Perched inside was a small bird with its head staring up at Noboru.


    Noboru didn''t know what to say. It was the first time he''d ever received a present from anyone.


    It wasn''t the Kosutta way to celebrate birthdays until they unlocked their doujutsu; but even then, most Kosutta chose to ignore it. Mikan never celebrated her birthday so why should he celebrate his? Though when he was younger, he did envy some of the other kids. The lead Jonin would throw extravagant parties for his son, and the Inuzuka heir had lavish parties as well; he couldn''t help but be jealous of them.


    But Noboru was older now, and he worried about other things. ¡®


    "What is this for exactly?" Noboru said shakily. He hesitated then continued, ¡°Sorry, I''ve just never gotten anything like this."


    "It''s okay. You don''t have to be modest.¡±


    "No... really," Noboru implored, "we don''t do presents; everything we''re given is out of necessity."


    "Necessity." She repeated as if she didn''t quite understand. "B-Bu That''s terrible! Then how do you do birthday parties?" She asked.


    Noboru shook his head, "we don''t."


    Noboru noticed a frown appear across her face. Moments later the girl carefully explained the importance of birthday parties, and how they''re meant to celebrate life''s greatest gift, life itself ¨C Noboru thought this was stupid. She explained that it was a good way to get all your friends together in one place ¨C which Noboru thought was dangerous. Then she told him about presents, which up until now Noboru thought was a waste of time.


    "I''m throwing you a party," she said definitively.


    "Well right now I''m just thankful to have this," Noboru replied, holding the necklace up again.


    Chocho smiled up at him. Noboru could feel himself drowning in her golden yellow eyes. As he fumbled with the pendant something hit him like a sack of bricks. Chocho had made something for him, but what did he have for her?


    "I have nothing to give you."


    "That''s okay. The fact that you''re you is good enough for me. I-I was so worried about what kind of person you''d be ¨C more than anything I''d hoped you were kind." she said flustered.


    ¡®You still don¡¯t know me.¡¯


    "You looked so silly when you bowed earlier, water went everywhere."


    Without thinking, Chocho raised her kimono and began to dry Noboru''s hair.


    ''She''ll get wet too.'' And ''I''ll be going back out there anyway.'' Were both thoughts that occurred to him.


    It may have been the warmth of her kimono, or the generous act itself; either way, he did not object. As she finished, the door to the back room opened, and Mikan and Kurime both made their exit. Without looking at Noboru she called for Minori.


    The Kosutta youth opened the door and stepped inside. Noboru had always been fond of Minori, he didn''t have to worry about Sejin nearly as much as he did, and he was free to explore Ame as he pleased.


    "Take him back to Sejin, I''ll catch you up later," She said.


    "Wait," Noboru heard himself say. "The marriage."


    Chocho looked at him.


    "And tell him what''s going on."


    This slightly quelled Noboru''s thirst for knowledge, but he would''ve preferred to hear the explanation from his sister. Noboru looked back at Chocho.


    "Bye," He said with an awkward wave. He wasn''t sure how to act with his sister watching; he didn''t know what was appropriate.


    "Bye." She said, waving back. As Minori, and Noboru approached the door leading outside, the chunin looked at him.

 4 - Prologue Arc: Noboru II

    "Go on, show me your ¡®Air Current Dance¡¯," He said.


    Noboru nodded. In one hand he held the silvery pendant Chocho had given him, while in the other he cast the jutsu. Four hand signs later Noboru had disappeared, but unlike with Mikan, his sound hadn''t been muted.


    ¡®Wind Style, Air Current Dance.¡¯ Minori said.


    The boy felt a hand on his shoulder, and it was then Noboru knew that Minori was also invisible; he''d cast the jutsu using only four signs, though he used both hands. The two left the building into the cold icy rain. Luckily Minori carried an umbrella with him, unlike his older sister.


    The two remained close as they trotted out of the alley toward the part of the village that was built for the Kosutta clan. As they walked onto the street Noboru wondered whether or not anyone could see the droplets of rain hitting the invisible umbrella. He thought the sight of it would look quite strange to most people.


    "I suppose I should just get straight to it," Minori said.


    Noboru could barely hear him in the rain, but he listened intently regardless.


    "Tensions between the Kusakyu, and the Kosutta have been pretty bad the last few years, so your sister decided a marriage would solve the problem. She got the Mizukage''s approval, and everything."


    "I thought marriages between shinobi clans were taboo."


    Noboru thought back to what Sejin told him about marriages between clans with kekegenkai. He¡¯d explained that when members of different clans merged it would also result in the combination of multiple kekegenkai. This was supposedly considered a superpower, and so after some time the practice stopped among all the great nations; though Sejin never explained how or why that happened.


    "It is taboo... But there are exceptions."


    The two cut through the Kage Gullet just as Noboru and Mikan did earlier, "take our clan for example." Minori said thoughtfully, "It¡¯s never been known for its size."


    Noboru knew about that as well. For as long as anyone could remember the Kosutta clan had problems with reproduction. He''d always wondered about it, but he wouldn''t dare ask his parents for more information; even Minori, and Mikan wouldn''t go into detail. It was another one of those taboos the clan never talked about.


    "The late Mizukage had a list of potential clans all lined up for Sejin, but he denied all of them," Minori said, "I don''t know what he told him, but personally I think he''s more concerned with the clan''s image than he is with its preservation." He looked at Noboru and smiled gently, ¡°what do you think?¡± He asked.


    "W-What do I think?" Noboru repeated.


    He had rarely been asked for his opinion on anything, so this took him by surprise.


    "Uh, well I''m not sure," He sounded deflated. "Honestly, I''ve just been going through the motions... Doing whatever''s asked of me, it''s been that way for so long I''ve stopped trying to process it all. Uh, so I guess I don''t really know."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Just hang in there a little longer, Noboru," Minori said, his smile disappearing, ¡°once the exam starts, you''ll have more agency. You''re his heir; he can''t keep you inside forever."


    ''Yes, he can.'' Noboru thought. But what he said was:


    "You''re right."


    Once they were a block away from Kosutta territory Noboru undid the jutsu, and the two became visible. When the gates came into view Noboru saw Matumute Ito, and Matamata Ito both standing outside clad in armor with spears in their hands.


    Noboru knew them both to be brothers, and part of the Ito family. The Ito family was loyal to Amegakure, but even more loyal to the Kosutta clan. The clan only had five loyal families which was miniscule compared to the Inuzuka''s ten, and the Kusakyu''s twelve. Even the Akinoyo clan supposedly had more families.


    Nonetheless Noboru liked the brothers most of the time, and that was because they spoke to him; told him stories about the outside world, and most other guards wouldn''t even spare him a glance. As Noboru, and Minori passed under the gate the two guards bowed their heads and smiled.


    "Welcome home young master," they said with a bow, ¡°and you as well Minori," they bowed again.


    It was custom to address the heir before addressing Kosutta shinobi. Noboru smiled at them as they entered the neighborhood.


    Within the Kosutta walls were a small number of buildings home to the various families that were loyal to the Kosutta clan. Because they were so few in number Kosutta territory consisted of very few businesses. There was a single main street that led from the main entrance to the Kosutta complex, and smaller branching streets to the left, and right which led to family houses and businesses. Every building had three large steel raindrops placed on the outside walls representing the village. Elsewhere on each building were smaller painted depictions of the Kiidogan eye; one of the many symbols of the Kosutta clan. Then lastly depending on which family owned the residence; an even smaller family symbol was represented like the steel spears of the Ito family. The pair soon found themselves outside the largest building in the territory.


    The Kosutta complex was three stories tall: and the length of several large fields. Its design was simple, and square with a large courtyard in its center. It was mostly empty since the clan only had 20 members, and of the 20 only four wielded the Kiidogan.


    Before they went inside Noboru made it a point to hide the necklace under his shirt.


    A number of guards were outside the complex as usual. The pair stepped inside, Minori ringing his umbrella, sitting it on a designated rack that featured a dozen more.


    ''Not so pointless after all.'' Noboru thought running a hand through his hair.


    Afterward the two removed their shoes and made their way through the main entrance.


    Straight ahead a dozen or so yards away was the office where Sejin kept himself busy. Noboru''s heart began to beat faster, and faster as they approached the door that led inside.


    Noboru felt as though his heart was about to burst out of his chest. The sound of rain dispersing against the oriental wood outside didn¡¯t ease his anxiety. The door leading inside of Sejin¡¯s office opened, and a man walked out.


    "Welcome home, young master," he said with a bow.


    ¡°Hello, Natsuki senpai.¡± Minori said to the man bowing curtly.


    ''Why does he have to be here?'' Noboru thought.


    Natsuki was in his early twenties and a jonin, unlike Minori. When Noboru ran away from home several years ago it was Natsuki who caught him, since then Sejin has taken a liking to him. He was clad in iron armor and had blood-red tattoos around his eyes.


    "Young master," he said, eying Noboru curiously. "If I''m not mistaken it was Mikan that escorted you outside of the territory. Or am I wrong?"


    "You would be right," Minori said with a friendly smile, "unfortunately, Mikan had some business to take care of, and I happened to be in the area."


    "Oh, I see. It''s a good thing you were there, we wouldn''t want our young master to get lost again, now, would we?"


    "Of course, not Natsuki-senpai... Now if you''ll excuse us."


    The pair hurried past the jonin, and into the old, dilapidated office. Dozens of old books lined shelves, and a door off to the right led into the courtyard. Sejin was standing there with the door open watching the rain pelt the old grass with a book in his hand.

 5 - Prologue Arc: Noboru III

    "Sejin-sama." Minori said with a bow.


    "Oto-san,¡± Noboru said bowing as well.


    Sejin said nothing. Instead, he turned a page in his book and continued to read. Both Noboru, and Minori were used to this kind of behavior. Often the head of the Kosutta clan would finish whatever he was doing before addressing his underlings. As Sejin read, Noboru wondered whether or not he''d see Chocho again, and he wondered what exactly Mikan was up to. At least five minutes had passed before Sejin closed his book and tucked it under his shoulder.


    "Where is Mikan?" His voice was deep, and tinted with malice. It always sounded like that even when Sejin was trying to be kind.


    "She said she needed to do something, so she asked me to escort Noboru back here." Minori said.


    "Minori," Sejin began, "I suggest you limit the time you spend outside of the territory. Mikan is capable ¨C you are not."


    "I understand Sejin-sama. I''ll be more careful."


    "Caution is not enough I''m afraid. Mikan is cautious, but as powerful as she is, she is still vulnerable. You only need to look upon her frail face to remember that, if it were up to me, she would not be allowed to leave the territory, but I suppose working for the Mizukage has its benefits."


    "That''s- "Minori''s voice escaped him.


    "In the future you''ll ask me directly if you can leave the territory. You''re too valuable to be allowed free reign."


    ''Him, or his Kiidogan'' Noboru thought.


    Minori was Mikan''s go to for insight regarding Sejin, and other smaller affairs. If he''s not allowed to leave the territory that might cause some problems for his older sister, Noboru realized.


    "Then you may leave us Minori. Thank you for escorting my son back to me unharmed."


    "Of course." He said with a bow. Then he left the room leaving Noboru alone with his father.


    "Are you ready for tomorrow?"


    ''No.'' He thought.


    "Yes." He said.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Good. Once you awaken your Kiidogan you''ll be allowed entry to the Mock Exams. It''s there you''ll show the nation what the Kosutta are capable of."


    ¡®So that''s it... If I don''t awaken my doujutsu I won''t be able to participate."


    A grim smile appeared on Sejin''s lips.


    "Your air current dance," He said, "Let''s see if we can bring it down a sign." He stepped into the rain, but none of it seemed to hit him.


    Noboru took a deep breath and followed his father out into the rain. He was tired, and hungry, and this session would likely last several hours.


    ''Maybe he won''t be as tough on me today.'' Noboru thought.


    Considering tomorrow''s events his father would want him in peak condition. If he were injured, then the awakening would have to be postponed and considering the date of the exam that was unlikely. Noboru stepped into the courtyard, the rain soaking him yet again.


    His father stood a few feet away from him using wind style ninjutsu to keep himself dry.


    "Remember the words." Sejin said. "You only have seven left."


    Noboru raised both hands. Although Minaka taught him how to sign with one hand he knew that if he tried using one a jutsu he was yet to master his father would feel slighted. Noboru cleared his head and began.


    With the first sign he thought of the most ancient, and most revered Kosutta principles. ''Resolve.'' He said making the sign. Then came ''Silence¡¯. Next came ''Intent'' then ''Sound'' and then ''Illusion.'' The last sign Noboru made represented ''Focus.'' Noboru felt a brief cold air enshroud his body, but a moment later it was gone.


    The ¡®Air Current Dance¡¯ was a hidden jutsu known only to the Kosutta clan. The principles, and signs were drilled into every clan member from birth; even those who weren¡¯t shinobi could at least make the proper hand signs, and evoke the words, and principles. There are 20 different words that make up the jutsu, and in order to fully master it a Kosutta shinobi would need to start from 20 and work their way down to one.


    Noboru could cast the jutsu in four signs with one hand thanks to Minaka, but since his father took over his training, he hadn''t been able to lower that amount. Noboru felt a sharp twisting pain in his back as a rush of wind sliced at his skin. The cut was paper thin, and stretched from his neck down to his waist.


    The thinner the cut the worse it felt. No blood could rush to the wound, and dry it so the feeling of musty air, and whatever else would constantly irritate it. It was worse today due to the constant flow of rain.


    "Again!" Sejin said.


    And again, Noboru said the words, and cast the hand signs, but upon the sixth word, and the sixth sign he was unable to fully cast the jutsu. This time his father used the wind to slice at the nape of his ankles causing him to fall to his knees. Despite the nature of Noboru''s punishments, he was the Kosutta heir, and needed to be presentable; that''s why Sejin was careful in his abuse.


    Noboru never felt a blow to his face or his arms because if others saw them, it could be perceived as weakness; at least that''s what Sejin had thought. As the training continued Sejin decided to be more lenient with each failure.


    Instead of cuts full of wind he simply used his ninjutsu to send Noboru into the muddy water. When it was finally over Sejin simply walked inside the complex muttering something under his breath while Noboru remained on his knees, and in the rain.


    ''The Mock Exams.'' He thought. ''If I don''t do well tomorrow... I''ll be stuck here.''

 6 - Prologue Arc: Sora I

    Little Sora eagerly tugged on his mothers skirt as she peeled potatoes over the wood counter. She paid him no mind, but offered a gentle smile, and some garlic so he could help with dinner as he always did.


    ¡°Ok¨¡san, will Ken be here today? I haven¡¯t seen onii-san in forever.¡±


    Sora drooped his head, and started to peel the garlic with his fingers. It had been a year since his older brother left for Kusakyu castle, and he hadn¡¯t seen him in all that time. He promised Sora that he¡¯d train him on how to fight with a sword, and military stuff too.


    His mother placed a gentle hand on his head, and lightly played with his hair. ¡°The plan hasn¡¯t changed Sora, he should be here for dinner, don¡¯t worry so much.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not worried, I¡¯m mad.¡± He said puffing his cheeks.


    ¡°Oh, are you now?¡± His mom said chuckling to herself.


    ¡°He said he¡¯d visit often and show me everything he knows! If I¡¯m going to be just like him when I grow up then he needs to hurry up and train me before it¡¯s too late!¡±


    ¡°Too late for what Sora?¡± His mother asked, obviously holding back laughter.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t build my bones now I¡¯ll be fat like ot¨­san.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a rude thing to say. You know it¡¯s never too late to get strong Sora, you shouldn¡¯t be in such a rush.¡±


    ¡°Yeah but- ¡°


    ¡°No buts, do you remember who else ot¨­san is having over for dinner today?¡±


    Sora sat the poorly peeled garlic down on the counter, his hands barely reaching the top ¨C then he crossed his arms. ¡°No.¡± He said. ¡°How should I know? He¡¯s always having someone over, why can¡¯t it just be family tonight?¡±


    ¡°Because your papa is the head of the family, Sora ¨C he has an image to maintain, would you rather us be working in the mines?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Even at that age Sora knew just how scary the mines were. From his bedroom window he¡¯d often see workers clamoring in and out of the cave at all hours of the day, and sometimes even the night ¨C he¡¯d spend his whole life without seeing the inside, at least that was his plan.


    About an hour later the chabudai had been set. It was a rather large table the top of which sat low to the ground. Its size was apt for Norigami status, and sitting cross legged on the tatami mat at one end of the table was the head of the family himself Kenji Norigami.


    Sora sat next to his father uncomfortably, his eyes focused on the empty seat across from himself, fixated on the tepid plate that had been carefully set for his older brother. Sora himself grew cold looking at the food, and instinctively brought his arms up to warm his chest as if to shield himself from it some how


    Suddenly, Sora felt a sharp jolt from the back of his head. ¡°Ouch!¡± He said looking around, everyone was looking at him, Kenji had an especially irritated look to him. The man brought his hand back, and caressed it as if preparing for another slap.


    ¡°Sorry oto-san.¡± Sora said hoping to mitigate further punishment.


    ¡°As I was saying Cayan-sama, now that our familial duties have been fulfilled to the Kusakyu, my son here will succeed me one day, and take control of the Norigami family.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Sora said. ¡°I¡¯m not doing that. I¡¯m gonna fight with a sword.¡±


    The man named Cayan, who sat next to the empty seat meant for Sora¡¯s brother found that amusing, his lips forming a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know Kenji-san, it seems your son has different plans.¡± He jested.


    ¡°He will know his place in time. You know how the youth are, always so willing to throw away their lives.¡±


    ¡°The only thing I¡¯m ever gonna throw are kunai! Right at the bad guys heads!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Cayan said with a laugh. ¡°And who are the bad guys little one hmm?¡±


    Sora hadn¡¯t thought of that, he¡¯d hoped the answer would be made clear one day.


    ¡°Hmm, I guess whoever hurts my family. I think I¡¯ll throw kunai at them!¡±


    ¡°Kunai are shinobi weapon son, even if I did allow you to fight you wouldn¡¯t be using tools like that.¡±


    Before Sora could protest further there was a knock at the door. Happily seizing the opportunity, Sora leapt from his seat and ran toward the door, swinging it open with all his might.


    It was a man with purple hair, and in his hands was some kind of brown sack.


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± He said fumbling with the bag, something from the inside came plopping out into the wood floor of the house.


    ¡°Sora! Who is it?¡± His mother called making her way toward the entrance.


    When she caught sight of what had rolled into her house she let out a blood curdling scream. Sora was transfixed by the object, unable to take his eyes away from it. As he approached, its image became clearer, and distinct. It was something that belonged to a person.


    Before he realized what he was doing he had picked it up, and turned it around.


    ¡°Oni-c-chan?¡± Sora said, but the head of his brother did not have any words to offer him

 7 - Prologue Arc: Sora II

    Current Day


    Sora woke up in a cold sweat. He¡¯d fallen asleep knowing he shouldn¡¯t have. After wiping the sweat from his brow he quickly stood up and looked outside his window. Not far along in the distance were the Norigami mines, and high above them were Ame¡¯s walls blocking what Sora believed was probably the moon.


    The boy spent some time in his room dressing himself in lavish Norigami armor that barely fit him. It was laced with white and gold colors embodying the Kusakyu clan, and on the chest plate was the symbol of the Norigami family - a fading cloud of smoke


    He didn¡¯t know for sure what the smoke represented; his father had told him it was the aftermath of a great explosion. At the time that made sense to Sora, after all his family was loyal to the great Kusakyu clan, and the Kusakyu wielded the powerful ''Explosion Release'' kekegenkai. Smoke was the aftermath of any explosion so he accepted that for an answer.


    His sword was just as decorative with the hilt being clad in gold and silver, and a violet streak chiseled into the rings of the blade. Despite its lavishness however Sora was not fond of the blade, and often wondered why it had been so clean. In fact when he was first given the blade he was hoping to see blood, viscera or some indication that it was heavily used, some indication that his brother had died fighting.


    But that was not the case at all, it looked the same as when his brother had left the household all those years ago.


    Sora tried not to get bogged down in his thoughts and quietly slipped out of his room, and through the family home down to the shrine dedicated to his brother in the courtyard.


    The shrine itself was well-kept, and decorated with Ken¡¯s belongings. Sora knelt before it and began to pray, speaking to his brother hoping that he could somehow hear him.


    ¡°A long time ago I swore I¡¯d follow in your footsteps. I hope you can understand why my mind has changed, why I can¡¯t go through with it. I-I¡¯d hate to embarrass you or disgrace oto-san. This will surely be the last time I see you. Goodbye, Ken.¡±


    Sora stood up, and after one final bow to his begotten brother, the boy swiftly made his way out of the house and toward the mines.


    There weren¡¯t many guards out tonight, and even if there were they wouldn¡¯t stop him. After all, he was the heir to the family and had command over the guards just like his father did. However, the Norigami family was not the only family that served the Kusakyu - they were only one of 12 families, and if they caught Sora out and about he¡¯d have a harder time avoiding questions.


    Sora finally arrived at the mine. He grabbed a lantern from its place outside, striking a match to ignite its flame and casting a warm glow along his path ahead. As he made his way through the mine he noticed large X¡¯s on slabs of rock at various points along the way.


    ¡®Looks like I won¡¯t be coming back this way even if I wanted to.¡¯


    After about 10 minutes of walking Sora finally found what he was looking for. It was a lever disguised as a jagged rock, and upon pulling it a passage opened allowing Sora to exit Amegakure all together through a secret passage embedded in Ame¡¯s walls. As soon as Sora found himself outside Ame the passage had closed.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    After getting his bearings he took in his surroundings. Just behind him up above was the enormous wall safeguarding Amegakure. It was 100 feet tall, which was an incredible size; however, the capital of the Land of Water ¡®The Hidden Mist¡¯ was said to be twice as tall comparatively.


    Due to the darkness outside Sora couldn''t admire the sheer size of the wall as much as he normally would. Directly in front of the wall was the Rain Road, a large path that extends from Amegakure in all general directions. If Sora continued his journey north, he''d eventually reach Ryoto.


    The road also circled Amegakure, and Sora planned to follow it to the village''s entrance, a feat that would take him most of the night. Beyond the road were large swamps, and dense forests which were widely considered enemy territory.


    Sora considered putting the lantern away to avoid being seen, but it was pitch black outside. He didn''t consider that when prepping for his escape. He kept the lantern on his person and traveled the Rain Road for several hours hoping to be left alone. As he ventured, he occasionally looked upward at the giant wall; he wondered whether or not the guards could see him. His brother had once told him that Ame¡¯s guards would occasionally piss over the edge since there were only three latrines situated on the wall itself; far too little for how much ground the wall covers.


    ¡®It is the Village Hidden in the Rain after all.¡¯ Is what his brother said.


    Considering this Sora lowered his head, and anxiously adjusted his helmet. Just as the thought finally escaped his mind, he saw something in the distance. From where he stood it appeared as though a wagon had been flipped on its side.


    ''Some kind of accident?'' He wondered.


    Sora drew closer, and as he did a putrid stench filled his nostrils. He put his left arm to his face, and his right arm shivered under the weight of the lantern in his hand. For some reason he couldn''t look away from the wagon; his senses remained fixated on it as he turned to its front.


    In the snow on the other side of the wagon were heaps of red meat, and gnawed bone. Skulls sat on spines, and empty rib cages. The smell was horrendous as the rotting flesh, and piercingly frozen sting of the winter air filled Sora''s nostrils. He collapsed to his knees, and retched vomit all over the ground; the hot fluids from his stomach melting the snow and causing hot smoke to echo into the air.


    ''I want to go home, I want to go home, I want to go home.'' Were the only thoughts plaguing his mind.


    He needed to leave, and he needed to leave now. He tried to push himself up to his knees, but as he looked up three figures stood before him. Sora still felt nauseous, and his head was pounding, and his heart was racing.


    "It looks like we found ourselves a skulking rat!" The older man said. He had a gruff black beard, and wore a thick gray cloak made of wool.


    "Aye Aoi, can I take his boots?!" Another voice said. Behind the man was a boy slightly taller than Sora himself. His face was dirty and rigid, but his features were innocent-looking.


    There was no time to think. Sora forced himself up and drew his steel. He did not feel any stronger with it in his hands. His arms shook, and his voice was caught in his throat. For some reason, his eyes drifted to the red hump of meat on the ground before him.


    "They say it''s best not to draw your steel unless you mean to use it boy," the one called Aoi said.


    A second later the gruff man began to approach Sora, his feet crunching in the snow behind him. Sora was so scared he couldn''t move. He couldn''t speak. He couldn''t do anything at all. All the hours spent training with his dad; is this what it all amounted to? To this moment? It wasn''t until the man sidestepped Sora''s blade and grabbed his sword arm that he realized what was happening. As Sora tried to pull away the man reeled him in, yanking him with what seemed like all his strength.


    "Stop!" A voice yelled. But Sora''s mind was elsewhere. He felt a tingling sensation in his stomach. It tickled. He looked down and saw silver, and red, and the red began to gush like a waterfall. Sora''s vision grew blurry, and he grew tired, and finally, Sora closed his eyes.

 8 - Prologue Arc: Ooyama I

    At the edge of Amegakure stood a small toy shop situated near the Kaguya River.


    Its owner, Endou Takizawa sat near a roaring flame that rested within his fireplace. The night was quiet as the only sound that could be heard was the cries of cicadas and the chatter of the nearby river. "The boy''s been improving." Endou says to himself, staring into fire. "If you were here, you''d like him. His name''s Ooyama, I know it''s kind of weird, but I still think it''s better than what you had in mind for our kid. Well, I know Ooyama''s not our kid, but it''s fun to imagine. It''s been hard, since you left but with the boy around, I feel less lonely. But enough about me, what about you?" He says, staring at the fire.


    Time passes as Endou sits silently at the fire, accompanied by the sound of its crackling. The silence is broken as the front door swung open, causing a bell to be rung. As Endou ran to see who it was, he was greeted by a girl of about 15 or 16 years of age. She had long purple hair like that of Ooyama and an eyepatch that covered her left eye. "I''m sorry," Endou began, "but we closed a few hours ago."


    "This is an emergency sir!" the girl pleaded "My beloved brother''s birthday is coming up and I haven''t gotten him a thing!"


    "I see, give me just a minute." Endou replied, reaching behind his counter and pulling out a small wooden box. "Not sure how your parents would feel about this, but these wood kunai are popular with young boys. They are really dull, so they won''t cut or anything, but they usually find it pretty cool regardless."


    "Oh, thank you!" the girl responded. "Will this be enough for payment?" she said, taking out a yellow envelope and putting it on the counter. Upon opening it, his eyes widened.


    "W-what''s the meaning of this." he asked, dropping the envelope. Pictures of his late wife as well as her family began to spill across the floor.


    "You''re Endou Takizawa, age 51," the girl started "You were one of the top of your squadron while enlisted in the Anbu Black Ops until you received a debilitating hand injury which caused you to retire, your wife was infertile and unable to bare children but that wouldn''t have mattered anyways since she succumbed to a chronic illness three years ago."


    "H-how do you know all of this... what do you want?" Endou asked, reaching for his scroll that sealed his multiple puppets that he kept behind the counter.


    "My name is Kuda Kusakyu, you happen to have my brother, Ooyama. Hand him over."


    "So, you''re his sister." He says pulling out his scroll, summoning one of his puppets, Tengu. The puppet wore clown shoes, had an exceptionally large nose, and had spiky hair.


    "Oh, this''ll be fun." Kuda said observing the puppet that stood before her. "I''ve never killed a puppeteer before."


    Endou''s hands were shaking desperately, in his prime he could control ten puppets with each finger easily, but now he struggled to use two hands to control a single puppet. The two stood in silence, each one waiting for the other to make the first move.


    Endou had no information on Kuda whatsoever while Kuda knows of his entire history on this planet. At the very least, Ooyama was out of the way, he had been asleep upstairs for the past few hours.


    The silence was immediately cut apart as Kuda delivered a powerful kicked that was boosted by an explosion. The kick cut through the counter and went upwards into the puppet''s jaw. The puppet responded quickly by grabbing Kuda''s foot and throwing her off balance. As she scrambled to get up, the puppet was able to land multiple light blows on her. The taijutsu this puppet displayed was impeccable as Kuda struggled to keep up with its quick and floaty movements.


    Kuda attempted to counter using a Siege Shot, a technique where she points both her palms towards her opponent, introducing them to two spontaneous explosions that erupt from her palms. Once the smoke cleared, Kuda saw the puppet as well as Endou unscathed. Tengu''s arms had opened to reveal a large chakra shield. The sound of Kuda''s explosions rattled the old building, waking up Ooyama. As the boy made his way down the stairs with various scrolls in his hands, he slowly peaked out the corner of the stairway to see Endou fighting Kuda. Endou''s eyes shot over towards Ooyama when he saw him out of the corner of his eye.


    "Ooyama! Run!" Endou yelled, letting his guard down. Kuda grabbed Tengu with her bare hands and threw him across the room, using an explosion to propel it further. Endou with his guard down and strings still attached to it also goes flying into a wall.


    "Give it up old man, those hands of yours just can''t keep up," Kuda said confidently walking over to her fallen opponent.


    "Hey Yams, don''t watch this." She yells to Ooyama as she begins to step on Endou''s hands. Unbeknownst to Kuda, Tengu had gotten up despite not being connected to any strings. From behind, Kuda felt an unexpected kick to the back of her head sending her into the ground.


    "Ooyama!" Endou yelled, "get out of here! I''ll be fine!"


    Despite Endou''s warnings, Ooyama couldn''t find it in himself to move his legs. He was frozen with fear for what might happen to Endou and himself.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "That was a cheap shot y''know," Kuda said, getting up wiping her face, "I like that."


    Tengu began to weave hand signs, successfully creating 3 shadow clones, "ohoho... this is interesting," Kuda said, "I don''t see any strings attached, I know they broke off when I threw him, and now there''s a puppet using ninjutsu."


    The three Tengu all rushed Kuda, because of their increased numbers, Kuda had an easier time landing blows.


    "I''ll just have to use my own toys." Kuda said, pulling explosive clay from her pouch and molding it into a sheep and casually tossing it to Endou.


    As it slowly fell towards him, the sheep was quickly intercepted by Ooyama who slapped it out of its intended path. Seeing her brother come so close to the explosive, Kuda delayed its detonation. As the sheep landed on the ground and bounced towards a wall, it let off a large explosion, taking out most of the wall and weakening the building''s structure. The shrapnel from the sheep dispersed across the room, causing enough damage to eliminate Tengu''s shadow clones.


    Tengu and Kuda continued their one-on-one taijutsu bout, with Kuda being able to overpower the puppet. With his back against the wall, Endou decided to charge up Tengu''s signature move, the Lion Turbine, as Tengu''s arms opened to reveal two powerful rotary blades that began to pick up speed.


    Seeing this, Kuda got excited for what she was going to see next as she got into a position to counter the attack with a powerful move of her own. The charging of the blades began to reach their peak speeds, causing the building to shake with tremendous force.


    Ooyama could hear something crack, and splinter above him; he seized up, and remained still as wooden debris fell toward him. Endou immediately withdrew his attack forcing the rotary blades to a slow stop; then he connected chakra strings to the debris immediately tossing them aside. He looked at Ooyama with a twinge of anger, and relief.


    "I told you to ru- "Ooyama heard metal piercing flesh as blood seeped out of Endou''s mouth.


    "Thank you," he heard his sister''s voice as she gently brought Endou''s body to the ground, "for protecting my little brother."


    Ooyama''s eyes widened in shock; he brought his hands to his head and swallowed his regret. He slowly backed up, and heeded Endou''s last words- he ran. Ooyama leapt through the wall caused by Kuda''s explosions earlier, and seemingly disappeared into the night.


    Ooyama didn''t know how long he ran, but images flashed into his mind as he did. How he wandered into Endou''s shop all those years ago; how he was covered in dirt, and his own blood. How Endou gave him his own room. It was weird at first- the compassion of someone else, but it wasn''t long before he grew to accept it. It was weird at first- how Endou would sometimes stay up at night, and talk into the fire, but he grew to accept it. It was weird at first- how Endou reminded him of his mom, but he grew to accept it. But his mom was dead, and now so was Endou.


    There weren''t many lights to guide his path, and he didn''t have a destination in mind. He found a dark corner where he was alone and opened one of the scrolls he carried with him, and placed his hand on it. In a matter of moments, a wooden contraption appeared before him. "Saisei." He muttered as he quietly entered the puppet''s wooden frame.


    Saisei wore a large cloak that disguised its size, and on its head was a garb that covered everything except for slots for the eyes. Saisei had white hair like Ooyamas, and it fluttered in the wind, though it never blocked his view. Ooyama took a moment to look over the other scrolls before putting them away. The young Kusakyu continued to walk across a dimly lit path overlooking the Kaguya river trying to find a suitable place to sleep. He saw lights in various houses off to his left slowly begin to cut out as he wandered on. It began to rain, though it didn''t bother him- he couldn''t feel it, but he decided to find shelter anyway.


    Soon he came across an old lighthouse situated on the Kaguya river; it was old, and dilapidated, but still functional, and likely abandoned. He opened the door, and the moon briefly shined a light inside revealing several things. A fire pit, a luxurious mirror situated on a rotting shelf; various beauty products were sprawled across the floor, and at least a dozen books detailing the history of the nation were as well. Ooyama hesitated to step inside before hearing a familiar voice.


    "Oh, Yams!" It was Kuda.


    "I know you''re probably upset with me, but I brought you a really cool wooden kunai from the toy shop!"


    Ooyama started to panic, and instinctively ran inside the lighthouse, closing the door behind him, shutting out the moonlight. The boy fumbled around in the dark before he found the stairs; he climbed them all the way up to try, and get away; but to his dismay, at the top of the steps was his older sister.


    Ooyama was struck with fear, and sadness as he realized it was over; he was going back to Kusakyu castle. Saisei fell to its knees in despair, while Kuda fell to her knees bursting in laughter. She pointed at her younger brother and laughed harder.


    "What is that thing?!" She yelled over the rain.


    After a minute or so Kuda calmed herself and stood up. She walked over to the step Ooyama was on and sat next to him.


    "It wasn''t hard to find you. It was Miami that did all the work; she''s good at this kind of thing."


    She looked at her younger brother who was staring up at the rain.


    "You''ll never change. Will you Yams?" She asked sadly. "Anyway, I need you to do something for me. If you can do that then I''ll let you leave the clan for good."


    Ooyama finally turned toward his sister. She could not see it, but a slight sliver of hope, and anger coursed through his veins.


    "What d-do you w-w-want?"


    "There''s an event coming up. If you participate it could do a lot of good for our clan."


    "A-alright fine. But I''m not doing it for your sake."


    Kuda reached her arm around Ooyama and pulled him in for a hug. "I know." Kuda said softly.


    The girl stood up and began to leave,"and Ooyama,"Back when he was a lead shinobi... Endou never killed any Kusakyu, but he did arrest them. Those people are in Blood Prison now, and I''ll never see them again."


    She looked at Ooyama with compassion and sighed.


    "Bonds that aren''t formed by blood are weaker than those that are. Remember that Yams, before you learn it the hard way." Kuda reached up, and lightly tugged on her eyepatch.


    "Because that''s how I did." Kuda forced herself to smile and threw the wooden kunai to Ooyama before finally leaving.


    Ooyama stayed inside Saisei and made his way down to the first floor. It was there he could sleep away his problems and welcome them back with a new day. Although no one could see it, Ooyama curled up into a ball inside his puppet and listened to the sound of the rain outside before eventually drifting to sleep.

 9 - Prologue Arc: Ayano I

    Ayano Kaguya sat inside her carriage, shielded from the dreary rain and snow outside. Despite the freezing weather, it was humid and sweaty inside the carriage. Her pearly white hair stuck to her back like jelly. As she wiped her face, she could feel dirt and grime filling her nails.


    "We''ll get you cleaned up before long," a man said.


    Ayano didn''t say anything back; instead, she focused her attention out the window. Ayano carefully peeled the brown curtain back and looked outside. Carrying the carriage were two malnourished horses that hadn''t eaten in quite some time. Ayano could''ve sworn they''d left Marshwood with more but she figured they were likely gutted for their meat.


    Beyond them in front were giant stone walls in the distance. The entrance to Amegakure, Ayano suspected.


    "It''s cold," the man said, "the curtain, close it."


    There was no anger or malice in his voice, but Ayano intrinsically felt compelled to obey him, so she did.


    "Rubin is a better man than I," he spoke. The man had curly black hair, and a beard as thick as the outside brush.


    "Good men don''t own slaves," Ayano said with a hoarse whisper. She hadn''t spoken in so long that she couldn''t properly adjust the noise of her voice.


    "There are no good men. Never have been, and there never will be."


    Ayano met his gaze. "My brother was good."


    "Your brother was a boy. Not a man ¨C not yet."


    "Not ever," Ayano said coldly.


    "And who do you have to thank for that?"


    Ayano relented and brought her knees up to her chest. She didn''t want to think about that right now; instead, she had other things to consider like who this Rubin was, and why he wanted her as his slave.


    Regardless, Ayano had planned to run away as soon as ownership was transferred. She couldn''t stick around and put up with any more abuse. She''d promised Shiki that, and Alu too. It wasn''t too long before the sounds of voices ¨C men''s voices grew nearer, and nearer.


    ''We must be getting close.''


    It was Cayan this time who pulled the curtain back; though he seemed hesitant to do so. Ayano didn''t catch much, but she did see large burly men in leather armor carrying shields, and other forms of weaponry. The sound of steel clanging against steel was potent, and despite being inside a carriage she could practically smell the rust.


    Soon the carriage stopped and lowered. Ayano heard more footsteps; at least a dozen men surrounded her carriage alone, but Cayan didn''t seem too worried about it.


    Suddenly, a man poked his head inside the carriage startling Ayano.


    "Ah, Roji, do you give every carriage heading into Ame this much attention?" Cayan said.


    The man named Roji swung the doors to the carriage open, and it was then Ayano felt the full blast of cold weather. The fact that she was sweaty didn''t help her either. She crossed her arms, and moments later she began to shiver.


    Roji wore a thick fur coat, and his skin was as dark as ash. His hair was nonexistent except for the thick mustache above his lip.


    "I just thought I''d check up on an old friend," his voice was deep, and rugged. If Ayano had to guess she''d say the man was in his forties.


    "Ah, and who''s this beauty keeping you company?" Roji said. Ayano caught his gaze; the man stared at her for a few moments. It made her quite uncomfortable. The man''s teeth were rotted, and splintered, and the wrinkles in his skin were more than apparent.


    "Merchandise."


    Roji didn''t have anything to say to that, but he kept his eyes on Ayano. When he finally turned his head, he seemed to groan.


    "The gates to Ame don''t open until first light; so, you might as well make peace with that, and spare me a few moments of your time," Roji said eagerly.


    A few moments of silence had passed before Cayan looked at Ayano. But just as he was about to open his mouth Roji interrupted him.


    "Oh, for fucks sake Cayan, the Onmyodo don''t care about your slave or your business," he waved his hands, "one of our cooks already has a fire going. She can stay with him."


    ''The Onmyodo? A mercenary band perhaps?'' Ayano thought.


    Ayano, and Cayan both stepped out of the carriage. It wasn''t just Roji''s mercenaries that were out, there were also guards from Amegakure. That seemed to ease Cayan''s worries a bit.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    In the end Cayan left Ayano alone. It made her uncomfortable; why would he do that? What was stopping her from running away? She took in her surroundings.


    Far out in front of her were the large gates leading into Amegakure. Aligned against the gate was a enormous wall that surrounded the village. It was so long she couldn''t see where it curved. She decided she''d look again in the morning. Against the gate were a dozen or so carriages.


    ''Traders, or refugees?''


    She didn''t have a good look at them ¨C it was dark out after all. Various torches were situated on the road, and against the wall. The bright lights flickered aimlessly in the cold snowy night.


    ''So, a whole city is behind those walls.'' Ayano thought. It''d be the first shinobi village Ayano had ever been to.


    ¡®There might be others... like me here.''


    Ayano decided to see the rest of her company; she''d arrived with Cayan after all ¨C her master. From the few years Ayano spent as his slave she''d learned several things about him, and his business model. Around 100 people followed Cayan to Ame on foot, and about half of them were slaves. Those that fought for Cayan were marked with a small bright orange banner, and what weapon they wielded determined what would be engraved into that banner. They were known all throughout the Land of Water as "The Orange Men." Those that weren''t fighters were simply laborers and were marked differently. Ayano placed her hand on the mark she was given. She could feel herself squirm thinking about the day she lost her freedom.


    Feeling her fingers begin to numb, Ayano walked toward the fire Roji had pointed out before he left. She stepped to her right, and off the main road leading to the gate. Behind some brush covered in snow was a makeshift pavilion of sorts. It was tall, and circular, and warm, but most importantly it was sheltered. The ceiling was missing in the center, and that''s where the fire was. It roared up, and into the night sky.


    There were already a handful of orange men, and other slaves situated around the fire. As she went to find a seat a few of them gave her stern looks.


    The cook Roji spoke of was a fat man clothed in brown tunic. He was clean shaven, and surprisingly well mannered. He approached Ayano with a bowl in his hand.


    "You must be hungry m''lady." He said, handing Ayano the bowl.


    The girl looked the man in the eyes intending to show him the mark that was on her face.


    "I''m no lady," she said, taking the bowl.


    "My mistake," the man said exaggeratedly, raising an eyebrow.


    An odd mistake Ayano thought all things considered.


    The smell of warm meat, and salt reached Ayano''s nostrils. The steam from the bowl was quite apparent given the snow pouring down around them. The bowl was hot, and she liked holding it. Without thinking, Ayano brought the bowl to her chest and allowed the hot steam to pour over her face. It was refreshing.


    The man sat next to Ayano and poured a drink of his own out of a hidden pocket in his tunic. Ayano couldn''t tell what it was, but it was in a small flask.


    "You''re a long way from Marshwood," the man said, taking a sip.


    Ayano nodded her head and then tipped the bowl into her mouth. It was a good five seconds or so before Ayano put the bowl down and spoke.


    "Do you know Rubin?"


    "Well..." the man said, "I know of him," he drank, "I usually try to stay away from those types of folks."


    "What do you mean?"


    ''Is it because he owns slaves? Or is it something worse?''


    "It''s because he''s a shinobi. One of the strong ones too. Though I hear Kuda could give him a run for his money, hehe," the man snorted.


    "So, he knows ninjutsu then," Ayano said.


    "Yep, but that''s not all. He''s also the lead Jonin of the village. The only person he hast to answer to is the Mizukage himself."


    "Does Rubin have slaves?"


    "Dunno, but I doubt it. From what I''ve heard he''s the abolitionist type - all good and righteous like."


    That eased Ayano''s fears a bit, but it also made her more skeptical.


    ''Why would someone like Rubin want a slave?'' She wondered.


    "By The way," the man said, "You can call me Big Bowl. The famous cook of the Onmyodo, the men here call me that because I stuff their bowls full of meat, and greens. I make every bowl as fat and full as I can," he laughed heartily.


    "Big Bowl," the girl repeated with a smile, "you can call me Ayano," She said looking up at him, "why are you being so nice to me?"


    "Could be because you remind me of my daughter. Could be you''re just another fella that needs their belly filled. Either way I am what I am."


    That night Ayano slept in a cot not far from the wagon. There were numerous orange men around, but she hadn''t seen Cayan since he left her. She gently ran her fingers down the right side of her face; she felt the single black tattoo that marked her as owned- that marked her as a slave. If tomorrow were to come, and things were to go as Cyan planned, she''d have two marks instead of one.


    The long ride from Marshwood in that dingy carriage had Ayano weary from her travels; it wasn''t long before sleep took her.


    The following morning was met with urgency. Cayan had woken her at first light and had quickly guided her back to the carriage after gathering the Orange Men. Ayano would''ve liked to see Big Bowl again and to see if his breakfast was just as hearty as his dinner, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    Outside the walls of the village were hundreds if not thousands of refugees begging to be let in. Numerous Amegakure guards kept the crowd back so the road would be clear for wagons and other trading carriages, but despite that they were in the carriage for most of the day. It wasn''t until the late evening that they actually started to move.


    Ayano''s carriage situated itself back on the main road toward the gate leading into the village. On its sides walking besides the carriage were at least a dozen orange men whose duty was to protect herself and Cayan. Ayano suspected they wouldn''t let Cayan bring all his men inside. In front and behind her wagon were numerous others.


    Traders from Kirigakure, Shimogakure, and Takigakure, had all arrived, and were likely interested in visiting the Kage Gullet.


    As Ayano''s carriage began to move, she was able to peer outside the small window by pulling the curtain back. She could see the large iron gate that led inside the village begin to slowly open, and as it did the crowd surrounding it began to grow restless. Loud yells began to permeate the area, and before Ayano knew it a glass bottle of some kind smashed against her carriage sending shards onto the ground. One of the Orange men readied his spear, and seemed to thrust it into the crowd, but before Ayano could see anything Cayan and reeled her back in with a hard jerk.


    "If you''re going to throw your life away, do it after the transaction has completed."


    Ayano didn''t hear him. Instead, her ears were attuned to the loud painful moan from just outside the carriage. It seemed the orange man''s spear had made a mark. Ayano didn''t look out the window for the rest of the ride. She could tell when they were entering the village though as the noises grew quieter, and a brief darkness overtook them as the carriage entered under the gate.

 10 - Prologue Arc: Mikan III

    It was late in the evening when Mikan returned home. The rain had died down for the day, and she was feeling exhausted.


    With Kurime, and Chocho safe, and under her protection, all she needed to do was keep them from prying eyes until the next day.


    ''Father is one thing, but if Kuda finds out there will be hell to pay.'' Mikan thought.


    The Kosutta estate was empty as usual with only a small handful of clan members within the territory. That said she was still greeted by the guards outside the clan home, a look of relief washed over all of their faces.


    ''Everyone is happier when I''m home it seems.''


    Mikan quietly removed her black boots and made her way to the other side of the house walking straight past Sejin''s office without regard. She peeked into Noboru''s room and saw that he was fast asleep in his bed.


    She quietly made her way inside the room and sat on the floor next to his bed in silence with her knees tucked up under her arms. She sat for a while listening to the rain outside.


    "For some reason, it''s easier to talk to you when you''re not listening. I won''t be here tomorrow to see you awaken the Kiidogan. The Mizukage is sending me on another mission."


    Why she lied she did not know. The truth of course was that she needed to escort Chocho, and Kurime across the country, and to defend them along the way. Perhaps she didn''t want Noboru to worry about her in case he was awake, or perhaps she was worried Sejin had bugged the room. Either way, to Mikan lying was a part of nature like a spider weaving its web.


    "Good luck tomorrow, and don''t let Sejin get to you ot¨­to sleep well."


    Mikan leaned over, and kissed Noboru on the cheek. Afterwards she left the room, and made her way back to Sejin''s office.


    As soon as she entered the room the Kosutta clan head lowered his book. It seems he''d been eagerly awaiting this conversation.


    "Sejin''," Mikan began.


    "That''s lord father to you, Mikan. You will not disrespect me in my own household. Just because you are the Mizukage''s plaything does not put you above your responsibilities to the Kosutta clan."


    Mikan approached her fathers desk unflinchingly.


    "My name is Mikan Kosutta, a special elite soldier belonging to the Land of Water''s Anbu Black Ops. If you want to waste the Mizukage''s time with pedantry then so be it. Until then I will call you Sejin, and you won''t do a thing about it."


    Sejin''s words were like fleas to Mikan, and so naturally she brushed them off. In reality her relationship to the Mizukage was not that strong. While she did report to him he was never truly in attendance - it was always one of his puppets; though Sejin didn''t know that, and as long as he didn''t she''d have the upper hand.


    After seething in anger for a moment, Sejin stood up, and glared at Mikan.


    ''He wants to hurt me, but because of my stature he can''t. He won''t.''This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Sejin stared at Mikan intently, his face turning pink, and then a dark red. Veins bulging, and hands shaking, but after a few more moments the man sat back down still eying Mikan from his chair.


    "What did I ever do to deserve such treatment from my only daughter?"


    "The same thing you do to Noboru every day."


    "What?" Sejin scoffed, "Make him stronger? You are the pinnacle of the Kosutta clan Mikan. Without your dedication we would not hold any power."


    "What power Sejin? As I''ve told you before - it''s in the Kosutta''s best interest to marry into another clan. If we do that, surely our numbers, our populat-"


    "You want me to dilute Maya''s bloodline with the filth of snakes, and rats?"


    "Don''t talk about the first Mizukage as if you knew her."


    "Your solution is out of the question Mikan. Do not ask again, I forbid it."


    ''He forbids it? He''s still trying to exude power over me. How ridiculous.''


    "And the Kusakyu bitch. When do you plan on dealing with her?" Sejin grumbled.


    "The Kusakyu clan is the only reason Amegakure still exists. The Mizukage tolerates Kuda because she hasn''t done anything too reckless. Kuda is smart enough to tow that line, and as long as she does the Mizukage won''t give me the order."


    Mikan was also unsure if she could beat Kuda as strong as she was now; the last time the two of them fought was a year ago after the Chunin Exam disaster.


    Sejin must''ve sensed some kind of hesitation because a wide smile appeared across his face.


    "Don''t tell me you still miss your best friend," he said.


    "The Kuda that I would''ve called my friend died a long time ago, Sejin."


    ''I need to change the subject.''


    "What are your plans with Noboru?"


    "Oh, you mean my son?" Sejin said, kicking back in his chair, "It''s very simple. He will unlock the doujutsu tomorrow, and then he will participate in the Mock Exams. This way he can show the nation that the Kosutta clan is still alive and well. Afterwards he will return here where he can assume my position in name only while I control everything behind the scenes."


    "So you''ll make him a puppet?"


    "Oh yes absolutely. He does not have the mind of a leader, only that of a follower. He lacks ability."


    "And if he fails to unlock his doujutsu?"


    "Then he won''t participate in the exam, and he won''t assume my position; he''ll just be a waste of 13 years of my life, and a disgrace. It doesn¡¯t matter what happens to him after that, he can die for all I care."


    This reasoning was not surprising. Historically, almost every Kosutta clan member that didn''t unlock the Kiidogan during the ritual never unlocked it at all. This was Noboru''s last chance to unlock the doujutsu.


    "Tch, and you have the audacity to call yourself his father."


    "Haha, I am what I am, my girl. Biology is fact, and family is family no matter how much you may dislike it. My blood courses through your veins, and that boy''s veins as well."


    Mikan turned to leave, making her way toward the door.


    "I have another mission tomorrow. I don''t know when I''ll be back."


    Mikan could hear Sejin growling as she left him at his desk. Mikan could only tolerate so much Sejin at a time, and Noboru had to deal with him every day of the week, and if he doesn''t unlock his doujutsu, who knows how bad that treatment might get.


    Mikan made her way out of the Kosutta clan complex, and back toward the gate. Before she could leave however, a familiar face appeared in front of her in a puff of smoke.


    "Leaving so soon?" Minori asked. He leaned back against the inner wall under a shaded tree.


    "I was beginning to wonder when you''d show up," Mikan looked around, "surprised you''d do it here, Sejin already suspects we''re colluding."


    "No choice I''m afraid. Sejin has forbidden me from leaving the compound. Keep your enemies close, and your enemies eyes closer I suppose,¡± he chuckled.


    "Are you still able to get away if you need to?"


    "I can if that''s what''s necessary."


    Mikan shook her head, "no, for now lay low - at least until I get back. Protect Noboru - that''s your priority. I''ll send word if I need you to do anything different."


    "How long do you expect to be gone?"


    "A month... Maybe two."


    "You plan on recommending me for Jonin after you get back?"


    Mikan laughed, "If you''re still alive after all of this is over I''ll recommend you for Anbu."


    "Well aren''t those suspiciously foreboding words of doom."


    Mikan started to leave, walking through the gate that would take her out of Kosutta territory. She waved back at Minori as she left.


    "If the words are mine you know to take them seriously!" She called back.

 11 - Prologue Arc: Mikan IV

    Mikan made her way through Amegakure with one destination in mind. She had a lot on her plate that she needed to juggle.


    ''One thing at a time Mikan.''


    Everything was precarious; one wrong move and it would all go to hell. Refugees outside, the Kusakyu assassinations, Sejin''s wild antics, The Inuzuka Civil War, and the Orange men outside the city, and that''s all just within Amegakure.


    Working under the Mizukage Mikan had spent a lot of time in the other villages within the Land of Water, and while Amegakure was one of the worst one the other Hidden Villages weren''t doing so well either.


    ''Why couldn''t Maya just keep us on one island in one village like the other great nations?''


    Of course, Mikan knew the answer to that, but she couldn''t help but vent her frustrations.


    As Mikan walked through Ame''s streets she noticed that it had gotten darker. It wouldn''t be long before Ame''s underworld started to creep into the streets.


    As she walked further and further into Ame Mikan began to feel like someone was watching her. After allowing this to take place for a few minutes Mikan found herself in a small park that was almost empty. There were two benches situated on either side of each other back to back. Mikan took a seat at one, and crossed her arms.


    "Give it up Rin, I caught onto you a few minutes ago."


    "Ohhh only a few minutes ago?" A slender brown-haired girl Noboru''s age revealed herself behind a nearby pole.


    She was wearing a black turtleneck with the sleeves rolled up, and black fishnets on her arms. She was also wearing long gray sweatpants, and casual shinobi sandals, an odd choice considering the weather. She took a seat on the bench opposite to Mikan and leaned back looking at the cold rainy sky.


    "Well, now that you''re here - what do you think of my home?" Mikan asked.


    Rin turned and looked at Mikan with a surprised look on her face.


    "Huh? I thought you''d be waaay more mad than that. I disobeyed you after all."


    "That isn''t anything new."


    "Hmm, I suppose so but you could get in big trouble if the big man finds out."


    "Then it''s a good thing he won''t."


    "Ohh big sis you know me so well."


    "Don''t call me that." Mikan retorted.


    "Speaking of siblings, when do I get to meet Miss Mikan''s little brother? Oh, and her dad too, and mom!? You''ve always kept me at arm¡¯s length, is my personality that toxic?"


    "It''s not you that I''m worried about Rin."


    "Yeah, you have told me that before, haven''t you. Hmm, well while I''m here I might sneak a peak or two."


    Rin was Mikan''s student, and apprentice. Everything Mikan knew aside from her doujutsu, and the Kiidogan she''d taught her during her stay in Kirigakure. Despite the Inuzuka Civil War she''d managed to make it all the way to Amegakure unharmed. The roads were dangerous, full of bandits, looters, and rogue shinobi - she took a big risk getting here. Considering all of that Mikan smiled.


    "Rin, when do you plan on heading to Point Break?"


    Rin raised an eyebrow.


    "Hmm, you have a mission for me Miss Mikan?"


    "He''s more important to me than a mission, Rin."


    After their conversation Mikan, and Rin went their separate ways.


    ''That¡¯s one precaution taken care of.''


    At first Mikan wasn''t sure what to make of Rin''s sudden appearance, but she needed to turn it into an opportunity. With that in mind, Mikan made her way to the lead Jonin HQ building within Kage territory.


    ''Hope you''ve been well, Rubin.''


    Four of the five villages in the Land of Water were led by a Lead Jonin, and the lead Jonin then reported to the Mizukage who led the capital village Kirigakure. Mikan had been so busy lately she hadn''t been able to stop by and check on him.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ''And I''ve been thinking I''ve had it rough.''


    Not only did Rubin have to balance all the clans in the village, he also had to maintain its security, report to the Mizukage, and supply troops for the Inuzuka Civil War among other things. To top it all off Rubin was a father.


    The Lead Jonin HQ was a large building centered in the village. It included a barracks, communication lines, and other important infrastructure. The closer one got to HQ the more soldiers there''d be. The soldiers outside recognized Mikan, and let her in. She made her way to the top floor and peaked into the office.


    Inside she saw Rubin at his desk, and on the other side of it was:


    ''Cayan What''s he doing here?''


    And beside him was a young girl with white hair, and heels. She couldn''t have been any older than Noboru or Rin. She wore a dress and had make-up on. But the most remarkable thing was the ugly tattoo on her face. It was at that moment Mikan noticed that the girl was a slave.


    Refusing to stay hidden Mikan opened the door, and let herself in. The three before her seemed shocked, and surprised at her arrival.


    "M-Mikan! You''re back."


    "Rubin, what''s going on?"


    Cayan stood up, and stretched his arms outward.


    "Ah, Mikan Kosutta, am I happy to see you; it''s been such a long time."


    Mikan took another brief look at the girl with white hair before scowling, "You haven''t changed at all, Cayan."


    "I haven''t changed because business hasn''t changed my dear."


    Mikan ignored that.


    "I won''t ask again, Rubin," Mikan added.


    Rubin took a deep breath and looked at the girl in front of him.


    "Your name is Ayano. Is it okay if I call you that?" The girl stared at him without saying anything


    "I''m going to be upfront with you about everything Ayano, and what my plan is. I understand that you have no reason to believe anything that I''m about to say, but I am going to say it regardless."


    "I hardly see why you bother explaining anything to the child. She has no worth as-"


    "I''ll decide who''s worth what Cayan."


    The man shook his head and leaned back.


    "Very well." He said, waving his hand. "You may proceed."


    Rubin looked at Mikan who was leaning against the door with her arms crossed. She was eying him impatiently.


    "Ayano." Rubin began again. "You''ve probably been wondering why I''m buying you. I wish I could say that it¡¯s for some altruistic purpose, but it is not. The truth is your blood is unique - you have what is called a kekegenkai."


    Mikan watched as Rubin explained it all to her - in some ways she could see herself in Ayano''s eyes.


    "Having one makes you special, and gives you the ability to potentially grow stronger than your peers. You may have wondered why Cayan has been giving you special treatment compared to his other slaves - your kekegenkai is the answer to that question. It makes you more valuable than everyone else."


    Mikan caught a twinge of despair in the young girl''s eyes. She clenched her fists as if she was holding back a deep rage.


    "As you know my name is Rubin, Rubin Ikeda. I don''t have a kekegenkai, but despite that I''m one of the strongest shinobi in the Land of Water, and I''m the lead Jonin of Amegakure. Just because someone has a kekegenkai does not necessarily mean that they will always be stronger than those that do not possess one."


    Rubin took a deep breath.


    "As leader of Amegakure, part of my role is to curate shinobi. The more shinobi in the Land of Water the more powerful our nation becomes. And one of the ways we curate shinobi is through the annual Mock Exams. Every village submits a number of applicants to the exam in an attempt to foster the next generation of Genin. And each village has to submit a certain number of applicants-"


    "Why are you telling me all this?" Ayano said in a low but frustrated voice. "At the end of the day you''re going to tell me to do something, and I''m going to do it without giving a second thought. That''s how this relationship works isn''t it Cayan?"


    "Hmph, more or less," Cayan said.


    "If you boil it down to just that then yes - but that is not a path I wish to take."


    "He can''t afford to." Cayan snorted.


    Mikan thought the situation over. It was true, freeing a slave has traditionally been very expensive. In fact many slaves are bound to their masters life force meaning if the master dies so do all their slaves in the same manner. It''s quite the nasty jutsu, and rumor is Cayan has cast this jutsu on each, and every one of his subjects.


    "Ayano, become my slave. Fight in the Mock Exams for me, and with the revenue generated I will free you of your bond."


    Ayano shook her head, and looked around. It was obvious to Mikan that she thought about running away, but then their eyes met, and afterwards Ayano tensed up a bit, perhaps realizing that escape would be futile.


    "Again, it''s not like I have a choice."


    "Two levels down huh?" Cayan chuckled. "That would make her a Forever Slave."


    Ayano looked up at Cayan not quite understanding what he meant.


    "You never explained this to her Cayan?" Mikan asked angrily.


    "If I had done that she would''ve sulked more on the way here than she already did. Why would I want to deal with that?"


    Rubin sighed, and looked Ayano in the eyes. The girl was tired, and alone, and afraid. She wasn''t ready to hear what he was about to say.


    "That''s enough for today Cayan. Please leave us. We will hold the ceremony later tonight."


    "Hmm very well, but the longer you wait the more the price goes up." He said standing up, "come Ayano-"


    "I don''t think so," Mikan said, blocking the door, "you can leave, but she stays with us. Rubin will send for you when he¡¯s ready for the ritual."


    Cayan looked back at Rubin who kept his mouth shut.


    Cayan sighed in disappointment, "ah well what choice do I have? Besides, I''ve been assured that Rubin is a man of his word. It would be a shame if the Orange Men caused any problems outside, and inside the village if you did not hold up your end of the deal."


    "There''s no need for threats Cayan. It''s as Mikan said, "we''ll send for you when we''re ready."


    The man bowed before taking his leave.


    "Ayano, I''m sure you''ve had a long day. I''m going to have my son take you out for a while while Mikan and I go over some things. Please be patient with us."


    ''Hilt huh? Now that''s a boy I haven''t seen in awhile. He''ll be participating in the Mock Exams as well I''m sure. He''s always had a bit of a temper; I can''t help but wonder if he''ll get along with Noboru, and Rin. With Ayano participating that only makes 3 - no 4 potential genin from Ame if we include the Inuzuka clan. Whether the Kusakyu or Akinoyo clan will be participating in the exam is up in the air.¡¯


    ¡®Good luck tomorrow Noboru. I won''t be there to see it, but I know you''ll awaken your doujutsu. I know you have the resolve.¡¯

 12 - Prologue Arc: Sora III

    A numb coldness overtook Sora when he woke up. He slowly opened his eyes to see three figures looking down at him. He raised his hand up, not quite sure what he was reaching for, and then someone grabbed it. The hand was cold, metallic, and weighty, but the fact that it was there provided Sora with some comfort.


    "For a man as big as you are, you''re one hell of a softy Tsubaki."


    The man known as Tsubaki was quite the giant standing at 6ft exactly, and wore tough steel armor coupled with a samurai''s helm. He was covered from head to toe in metal and looked extremely dangerous.


    Sora let go of the man''s hand, and instinctively brought it to his stomach feeling a slick bandage across it - it hurt. As the daze of sleep, and cold went away his memories started to come back. He did not want to follow in his brother''s footsteps, and instead wanted to become his own man and make his own decisions. Sora felt that the best way to do that was to leave Amegakure, but in his escape, he''d come across a disturbing scene. A carriage that had been flipped on its side, and those it was carrying torn apart.


    The images flashed through Sora''s mind forcing him to sit up, turn to his side, and barf onto the cold icy ground - the heat from it radiating up and into the wind.


    A man a bit shorter than Tsubaki, but very hefty snorted with his arms crossed. He was wearing a ragged fur coat that looked to be eons old, and rife with dandruff. Sora looked up at him and remembered something else. He''d been stabbed, and this was the man that did it.


    "Y-You stabbed me," he cried out, his voice hoarse and dry. The cold air hurt his windpipe.


    "Aye he did!" Another voice admitted. Sora turned to see a third man, a much skinner one with his arms crossed.


    "You drew your steel, and that meant you were looking to kill. Don''t you rich folk know bout'' the Rule of Roads?¡±


    Sora looked the man up, and down and noticed that he''d stolen his boots. Sora looked at his own feet, and saw that they''d been wrapped up in old burly leather sacks. They were uncomfortable, cold, and wet.


    "Those are mine! Give them back!" Sora yelled, reaching for the man.


    Before he could get close at all Tsubaki slammed his heavy metal gauntlet across the boy''s face. Sora went spinning onto the ground landing in his own barf coughing up blood, and grime.


    The burly man that had stabbed him from before brought his foot down on Sora''s head, and rubbed him into his own fluids.


    ''It h-hurts.'' The pain, the cold dizzying pain was all he could think about.


    "I don''t think you''re understandin'' your situation boy. So let me explain it to you."


    "See what was gonna happen was you were gonna bleed out nice and slow like right there in the snow. Then we was gonna take ya for everything ya got, organs and all. But see Tsubaki here knows a thing or two bout'' you village folk, and he pointed out that you''re a part of the Norigami family - somethin'' about rocks, and mining I don''t know or care bout the whole story, but the short of it is you''re valuable to the Kusakyu."


    ''How did this happen? How did they know who I was?''


    The large man knelt down, and grabbed Sora by his hair pulling him up just enough to meet his gaze.


    "Next time don''t go wanderin'' around with armor that''s got your family crest on it. Idiot."


    His words hit Sora like a sack of bricks.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ''Why didn''t I think about that? All this planning to escape why didn''t I ever consider how bad things were on the outside? Why am I so stupid?'' Sora clenched his fists in frustration.


    "So here''s what''s gonna happen next."


    Sora didn''t need him to explain it. It''s as he said his family had important connections to the Kusakyu clan. They''d use him as a hostage to extort the Kusakyu out of whatever they could, and once he was returned his family would likely be disgraced and mocked. That''s the exact opposite of what he wanted to happen. He wanted to leave Ame and disappear into the night never to be seen again.


    "I-I just didn''t want to cause anyone trouble," Sora whispered.


    "Aye? You say something?"


    "I- You don''t need to explain anything. I know what happens next."


    "Good, so now we''re all on the same page. You already know Tsubaki over there. He ain''t much for words, but he''s strong as hell. My name is Aoi, and this skinny fuck here is Straw.¡±


    "Hiya!" Straw said.


    After the introductions were over Tsubaki grabbed Sora, and pulled him up. Once he was situated he got another look at his surroundings. They were still on the part of the Rain Road that encircled Amegakure. A few meters in front of the group was the wagon Sora had discovered earlier; the human remains shrouded in mist and darkness.


    "D-Did you three..."


    "Hmm? Oh, that hot mess? What, you think we got the time to tear flesh apart like that?"


    "Y-You did say you''d take out my organs."


    Aoi looked up at the sky in thought.


    "Hmm, yeah guess I did say that, but that''s a little different."


    "Results is all the same though." Straw said. "Still end up a feast for crows."


    "Yeah, well Straw what we do there''s an art to it there''s skill involved, and hell we don''t take everything."


    Aoi looked at the wagon.


    "No, that there - that''s shinobi work. Inuzuka pups if I had to guess with the Civil War and all."


    The Civil War. That was something Sora did know about.


    "B-But father told me the fighting wasn''t this close to the village."


    Straw and Aoi started to laugh, their voices echoing into the night.


    "When''s the last time your daddy stepped outside the village? Huh, kid? How often does anyone between those walls actually step outside em?"


    Sora didn''t think of that. His father had weekly meetings with the other family heads, and monthly meetings with the Kusakyu. A lot of the news and information regarding the state of the village had been passed down through those meetings, and naturally, his dad talked to him and his mom about it usually over dinner. But even then Sora had heard the guards talk about the state of the village''s affairs as well, and they didn''t seem to know any more than he did.


    "S-So that means."


    "Either your daddy lied to you, or someone is lying to your daddy," Aoi snorted again, "Which ain''t all that surprising. If everyone knew how bad things were out here your nice and comfy lives inside would get flipped upside down."


    Before Sora could parse through that thought Tsubaki had spoken up. His voice was deep but eloquent. He was well-spoken for someone who lived outside Amegakure.


    "Let''s get moving."


    Aoi, and Straw started to stretch, and yawn.


    "Yeah, I guess we should. Those corpses are still fresh ain''t they? Saw the smoke comin'' up off em when we got here." Straw said.


    And so the group started to move. Sora felt a little relieved when they did since they were heading toward Ame''s north entrance, the same place he''d planned on going.


    As they walked Sora realized they didn''t have him restrained. There wasn''t anything stopping him from running away or escaping into the darkness. If he ran back the way he came he could sneak back through the hidden entrance, and forget this night ever happened.


    ''I know better than that.''


    The three of them had wasted precious time, and resources keeping him alive. If Sora ran now they''d undoubtedly catch him, and treat him much more harshly - Sora wanted to avoid that. Also, if the three of them were heading toward the front gates then that could mean...


    "Are you three mercenaries?" Sora asked.


    There was no response. His three captors stayed quiet, clearly refusing to answer the question.


    "If so, please don''t take me back to my parents. Let me join-"


    "Stop talking," his tirade was cut short by Tsubaki, the tallest, and strongest of the three.


    "I don''t understand. I want to be free like you three, I want to be able to travel the world, and go on adventures."


    "Will you shut the hell up!?" Straw lashed out, his voice echoing through the night.


    "But I-"


    "You know what?" Straw walked over to Sora, and punched him in the gut. The boy fell to the ground coughing and wheezing again; his head pounding like a drum.


    When Sora looked up, Straw punched him again. The blows were tough, and hard but not as bad as Tsubaki''s gauntlet. Straw proceeded to take off the boy''s leather armor. Underneath it Sora wore knitted thermals to help protect him from the cold. For some reason that made Straw angrier, but despite that he dawned Sora''s armor, and to keep the boy from talking he gagged his mouth shut with a set of thick rope.


    "Now that''ll keep you quiet."

 13 - Prologue Arc: Sora IV

    Sora was unsure of what he''d done wrong, but it was clear he''d made a mistake. Why wouldn''t they tell him anything? The boy mulled it over in his head, but he was unable to come up with a suitable answer.


    The three continued to walk through the thick fog following the Rain Road, and the walls of Ame toward the entrance.


    "So did ya wanna take him to Roji?" Straw asked.


    "What good''ll that do? He''ll just hand her to Kuda along with the booze. Probably prompt it up as a token of good will or something like that. Nah, we''ll stash em'' in the barn until the meet; then we''ll line em'' up with us, deliver the booze with Roji, and then sneak off into the city. Should be easy to set up a meetn'' after that."


    Straw nodded along blindly following Aoi''s suggestions. "Ya think we''ll get enough to live in the city? I''d like to buy a nice cot, and live the rest o'' my life sellin'' clothes hehe." He looked down at his new boots as he spoke.


    Aoi started to chuckle. "Sellin'' clothes? You barely ain''t got any clothes on; and the ones ya do ain''t never belonged to you."


    "That''s why. I''ll never be cold again." Straw laughed.


    "As for me I, well I ain''t really got any skills so maybe I can go to a school or something and learn a trade. Or maybe I keep fighting like I do but as a guard protecting a noble like this runt here. Bet whoever was suppose''d to be protectin'' him ain''t gonna have a job no more."


    "A job? He''ll probably end up losing his head."


    The two started to laugh.


    "Hahaha, hey runt. Maybe your pops''ll hire me to watch over ya. How''d you feel about that huh?" He snorted as he laughed.


    ''What in the world... Have these two never seen the inside of a shinobi village?''


    Sora had seen the inside of the village, and Amegakure was not the safest place to live. In fact of all five shinobi villages it received the least amount of funding from Kirigakure, and on top of that it had the highest crime rate and the worst poverty. There were better places to be - where did these idealized versions of his home come from? He''d love to tell them just how wrong they were, but...


    "What about you Tsubaki hmm? Surely you got enough words to give us an answer."


    Tsubaki looked at the two for a moment before sparing a glance for Sora.


    ''What face was he making under that helmet?''


    "I just want to live peacefully, and free of trouble."


    ''This guy looks like the opposite of peace. How did a person like him end up out here?''


    Now that Sora thought about it, what exactly did Tsubaki say about him? Aoi had said that it was thanks to Tsubaki that he''s still alive. Recognizing family crests isn''t an easy feat so he must have some kind of formal education. Either way, regardless of his intentions he was alive, and that was thanks to Tsubaki - he''d need to thank him later.


    "Hey, wait a second." Straw said, raising a finger as if advising the group to stop.


    "I hear something."


    Sora heard it too. It sounded like something was running in their direction. A person maybe? He leaned forward, and squinted his eyes trying to peer through the bleak unbecoming fog. No, there was panting too, whatever it was, it was running on all fours. It must''ve been an animal.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The next thing Sora heard was the sound of blades being unsheathed. Straw had Sora''s iron sword in both of his hands pointing forward. Aoi, and Tsubaki both had blades of their own as well.


    "Mhhhhmm!" Sora cried out, unable to speak. He fumbled his way behind Tsubaki since he was the tallest, and he felt the safest behind. He wasn''t the only one; the other two formed up next to him as well.


    The three were formed up like a wall with Sora squeezed between them - whatever was coming they''d be covered on all sides. Once again Sora squinted his eyes this time trying to peak between the men''s shoulders. Not only did he hear whatever was in the fog he could also hear his protectors, they were breathing too, and hard. They were nervous, scared, and unsure.


    Sora''s mind flashed back to the carriage, skulls, and spines, and gnawed bone - a heap of red flesh, and gore. That was going to be him - Sora was going to be the next pile of meat on the cold rainy ground.


    "Mphmm!" Sora cried out in anguish. He wanted them to reassure him, to tell him that they''d be okay. He wanted them to tell him not to worry, and that they were used to fighting in battles, and war. He thought maybe he could befriend Aoi, Tsubaki, and Straw and maybe they''d let him stick around and show him the ropes; he wanted to join their group and dream of riches, and money. But that wasn''t going to happen now.


    Sora turned around looking behind him, and just as he was about to run.


    "Don''t even think about it." Were the words that Tsubaki spoke.


    Sora wasn''t sure why, but he stopped, and swallowed and just as he was adjusting to their situation - it began.


    The panting, the running, the panting, the running the creature got closer, and louder, and closer, and even louder until finally it leapt out of the fog revealing itself. It was large, and black, and wolf-like. Aoi slammed his sword down on the beast as it approached, but it lifted its claws which were like blades of their own, and deflected Aoi''s sword sending sparks dancing into the snowy wind.


    Then with its other arm it launched an uppercut toward Straw. The man tried to parry, but his mark was off by an inch, and the creature''s claws went straight up, and through Straw''s chin piercing through his tongue, and mouth, and then through his brain and out his skull.


    Squelccccccchhhhh was the sound the attack made once it hit the target, and a high pitched "G-G-Guahhhh" was what came out of Straw''s mouth when he tried to speak afterwards.


    Straw''s body fell to the ground, blood spurting out of his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Sora could not comprehend what was happening. He stood still unable to move or act, unable to respond to the situation.


    Tsubaki charged the beast, slamming the sword down on top of it. The wolf beast responded not by deflecting the blade, but by swinging its claws to the side slashing through Tsubaki''s metal armor removing both hands causing the blade to fly to the ground.


    Aoi charged the creature before it could deal the finishing blow to Tsubaki, but the wolf used its extended foot to kick Aoi in the chest, sending him flying into a tree, the wood cracking behind him. Aoi did not get back up. The wolf eyed Sora next, but before it made its move a loud crashing noise erupted from Tsubaki''s armor. Sora fell to the ground in surprise as the front chest plate exploded outward impaling the wolf head on. The creature flew back skidding across the Rain Road to a halt.


    The next thing Sora saw was a young woman that looked as old as him step outside of the armor allowing the armor, and the helmet to fall to the ground.


    The wolf meanwhile began to shape and transform taking on a humanoid appearance.


    It was an older boy with dark green hair that was soaked in wet blood. His body was grotesque, and muscular - but his most notable feature was a headband with I I I situated on the front with a / slashed through it. This boy was a rogue shinobi. He tilted his head back, and looked at the girl with amusement.


    "Pink hair, and silver eyes?" He gasped in sarcastic surprise "But no headband. What brings a member of the prestigious Akinoyo clan outside of Ame''s walls hmm? Isn''t it a little early to be heading to Point Break?"


    Sora was so transfixed on what was happening before him he forgot to breathe. Feeling his heart pound, and hurt he gasped for air taking in every breath he could. Tsubaki was a young shinobi. He''d judged that much by the skill in which she evaded that last attack. Tsubaki must''ve sunk into the armor, and then kicked the chest plate out, and into the boy. Looking at the woman she was very small, maybe 4''8 at most, but her body was ripped. She had the frame of a fighter who''d never experienced loss, and the most striking thing about her appearance was that of a watermelon sized pot sticking out the back of her waist, and inside were two large green leaves extending outward wrapping themselves around her body to keep it attached.

 14 - Prologue Arc: Sora V

    "Haruki Okami." She said, "Rogue Shinobi."


    "Ohhhh, my reputation precedes me then?"


    "I''m not participating in the Mock Exams if that''s what you''re asking." Tsubaki replied.


    "That''s a shame - if that''s the case I don''t have any obligation to end your life."


    "Then why did you end his?"


    Tsubaki was referring to the clump of flesh on the ground that used to be Straw.


    "I have orders to kill Mock Exam combatants, and important family members. Soon as I saw that crest on his armor his fate was sealed."


    Tsubaki walked toward Sora, never taking her eyes off Haruki until finally she was in front of him.


    "Well there you have it." Tsubaki said, "he''s dead, and I''m not a Mock Exams participant. So you can leave us alone."


    ''Tsubaki.''


    "Oh no no no let''s not get ahead of ourselves" The boy said, shaking his head.


    "You''re still a member of the Akinoyo clan. If I kill you it''ll hurt a lot of people. Might rile up those on the inside ya know?"


    "I wouldn''t get your hopes up."


    "Oh, and that boy there? We can just consider him collateral damage. When shinobi face off, inhumans tend to get in the way; so don''t hold back for his sake, okay?"


    ¡®Inhumans?¡¯ Sora thought.


    "Mmmph!"


    Tsubaki grabbed Sora with one free hand.


    "Stay out of my way."


    Then with little effort she threw the boy in Aoi''s direction. The force of the throw caused the rope in his mouth to fall out, and stay just under his chin. While in the air Sora could see Haruki start to charge before the girl could turn back around.


    "Tsubaki!!!" Sora cried as he landed with a thud next to the man who stabbed him.


    Haruki was not in wolf form, but his speed was incredible. He closed the distance between himself, and Tsubaki in an instant.


    ''He has me beat in speed, but.'' Tsubaki thought.


    The nails on Haruki''s hands grew black, and red extending to several inches in length.


    ''Partial transformation? Interesting.''


    The boy knelt down guiding a slash toward Tsubaki''s leg, but the shinobi parried it with her left foot angling her shoe, kicking the claws back before they reached a velocity high enough to slice. However, the second claw came up, and toward her chin in an attempt to gut her the same way he gutted Straw just a few minutes ago, but she pulled her head back dodging just in time.


    She brought her hands up trying to wield hand signs, but Haruki would not let her cast jutsu. Every time she tried another claw full of dense, and powerful nails came flying toward her. Opting for another solution she reached into her pocket revealing a paper bomb.


    ''Now!''


    As the next slash came for her head Tsubaki ducked, and placed the bomb on the boys hand, and with a powerful kick she sent the boy back into the mist. A moment later the bomb exploded sending wind, mist, and wood all over the Rain Road. Straw''s body was caught up in the blast causing a torrent of blood, and gore to shroud the arena in a thick coat of red.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    After a few moments the boy emerged from the blast looking even more sick and twisted. Covered in Straw''s blood he licked his lips, and stared hungrily at Tsubaki.


    ''As soon as I attached the paper bomb to his hand he undid the partial transformation making it fall off.''


    The young shinobi took a deep breath, and started to wield hand signs again - this time uninterrupted.


    "Water Style: Water Bullet Whip!" She cried out.


    ''With the weather the way it is now, water style is the way to go. As long as I keep him at a distance I''ll win.''


    The drizzles of rain that were on their way to the ground had stopped in midair, and began to form dangerous sharp needles, and then they flew toward Haruki at breakneck speeds whirling through the air with immense pressure.


    Haruki transformed both his legs, and started to dash around the arena, the bullets devastating everything behind him. Trees were torn apart, brushes annihilated, and fog dispersed. With Haruki''s intensity it was difficult for Tsubaki to keep up, but she knew that as long as she did he would eventually tire and give in.


    Haruki sped toward Sora, and Aoi and once he was in front of them he turned, and bolted straight for Tsubaki. The girl ended the jutsu not wanting to fire bullets into her two companions.


    ''Dammit I should''ve seen this coming.''


    "What did I say about them getting in the way?" Haruki said as he once again transformed his right hand.


    He swung right trying to tear open her rib cage, and although Tsubaki was fast, the young boy was much faster. She veered back trying to dodge, but it was too late - the claws ate at her skin, and flesh drawing blood.


    "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggh!"


    Tsubaki flipped backwards kicking mud, and dirt into Haruki''s face, and as she landed on her feet she cast another jutsu.


    ¡°Akinoyo Secret Technique: Flower Garden¡±


    The pot on her back sprung to life with dozens of vines, and large plants all circling around her body.


    "That jutsu is such an affront to nature. It''s the reason the Inuzuka never get along with the Akinoyo you know." Haruki said.


    "Who the Akinoyo clan get along with is not my concern."


    "Hmm for someone who wants to ''live peacefully, and free of trouble.'' you aren''t coming across as a particularly peaceful person."


    "Tch, so you were listening then. You''ve been stalking us."


    "It gets so boring out here by myself. Please forgive me, okay?"


    Haruki charged Tsubaki for the third time, but now he had fully transformed into the same creature that ended Straw''s life. The creature was faster now running on all fours; it sped straight past the hovering plants. Despite how much faster he was Tsubaki was now able to match his speed dodging every blow that came at her. The two twirled through brush, and dirt dueling on the Rain Road. For every attack Tsubaki dodged she delt back to Haruki twice over.


    ''The Flower Garden... I hate this ability. The plants that erupt from the pot act as extensions of my nervous system. Whatever enters the plant''s radius they adapt the user''s body to handle it, and in this case, it''s speed.¡¯


    "I guess I still can''t keep up with that jutsu." Haruki said. "What''s the point of a purely defensive technique??"


    ''So he¡¯s fought a member of the Akinoyo clan in the past then.''


    "Your entire move set is nothing but a copy of Inuzuka ninjutsu. Shut up."


    "Hmmm, I wonder about that."


    Haruki began to encircle Tsubaki looking for an opening, but no matter how much time he spent he couldn''t find one.


    "Hmm, I hate to do this okay?"


    The wolf boy stared up at the moon, and started to open his jaws.


    ''W-What just like a real wolf'' Sora thought.


    "Tsubaki stop him, he''s calling for backup!"


    "Awo-"


    "Akinoyo Secret Technique: Venus Fly Trap"


    In an instant the various vines, and plants around Tsubaki''s body extended toward Haruki, and they did so far faster than her water bullets from before. The vines immediately wrapped around the boys'' snout, smashing them shut. A pink piece of flesh snapped off coiling and wriggling in the dirt. The wolf yelped in pain as it did.


    "What Haruki? Plant got your tongue?" She asked, cocking her head to the side.


    The rest of her vines wrapped themselves around the boy''s body. He struggled and resisted for as long as he could, but in the end, it was futile. The plants tightened their grip cracking joints, and bone alike before finally dropping the wolf boy to the ground. He writhed in pain and was bleeding profusely, but somehow he scampered away defeated and embarrassed.


    Tsubaki picked up the wolf boy''s tongue and a bit of the rope that was just in Sora''s mouth and made a necklace out of it. After a silent smile, she turned to Sora who was shaking uncomfortably.


    ''T-That''s what shinobi combat looks like.''


    To Sora, Tsubaki looked like a monster. Her purple plants were like aliens that shared a hive mind. Was he going to be next? Was his tongue going to end up on that rope? He instinctively backed up into the tree behind him as Tsubaki closed in on him. By the time she reached him her plants had fully receded into the pot on her waist.

 15 - Prologue Arc: Noboru IV

    Noboru woke up in the dead of night unable to sleep. In just a few hours he''d have to activate his doujutsu. He thought back to when he was younger, and when he watched his sister do the same.


    -------------------------------------------------------


    "Mikan, do not stop now; I will not accept failure!" Sejin yelled.


    Mikan was on her knees struggling to catch her breath. She looked up at Sejin with disdain, and hatred in her eyes. She tried to get up, but she fell again coughing, and wheezing for air. She looked at her little brother Noboru and smiled. He was on the sidelines watching her attempt to awaken the Kiidogan.


    The lead Jonin Rubin was also interested in the Kosutta clan''s visual prowess. As expected of every member of the Kosutta clan Mikan had to endure a grueling sparring match with the head of the clan on her 13th birthday. On the other side of the building watching the bout was Noboru''s sensei Minaka, Minori and Natsuki were present as well. The three of them were Kosutta genin that had already undergone the Mock Exams, and unlocked their Kiidogan.


    Sejin would push her to the breaking point physically, and mentally, at which point her body will have one of two options. Either it will awaken the Kiidogan as a last resort... or it won''t.


    Noboru, and Mikan being the heirs in the clan, desperately needed to awaken the doujutsu. Noboru watched his sister Mikan with content as she stood back up. She looked back at Sejin before charging at him as fast as she could.


    She sent a few kunai flying towards his chest.


    "Infinite Rotation!" Sejin yelled, and his hand began to twist chaotically. Every kunai that encountered Sejin was deflected spiraling through the room destroying wood, and cracking the ceiling.


    "Air Current Dance: Quiet Step," Sejin stepped forward, and in an instant he''d closed the distance between himself and Mikan.


    The quiet step allowed the user to close small distances between themselves, and their opponent by shrouding them in a thick black mist, and briefly enhancing the body allowing for a single quick step toward an enemy.


    With his rotation still active he brought his fist straight into Mikan''s stomach.


    "Too easy." He muttered before hearing his own bones crack as Mikan''s knuckles crushed into his face. Sejin flew hard to the other side of the room...it took him a second to catch his breath before standing back up.


    ''I see.'' Sejin thought. ''She used the kunai as a distraction while I focused my attention on them. She used a shadow clone to charge me while the real Mikan hid behind it waiting for an opportunity to strike.''


    "I''ve underestimated you Mikan," he said glaring at her.


    Sejin took out two smoke bombs from his pocket. He threw them up and used wind style to break them.


    "Ninja Art, Wind Nature Rotation!" He yelled.


    Instead of completely dispersing, the smoke from both bombs remained confined in two finite spheres spinning incredibly fast. Sejin''s chakra control was so developed that not only was he capable of spinning the spheres, but he was also capable of moving them.


    Rubin the lead Jonin began to worry.... he thought about calling out to Sejin to stop before he felt a tug on his leg.


    "Don''t worry Rubin. He''s not trying to kill my sister... You see that smoke?" Noboru said pointing at the white spheres, "if he was he wouldn''t have used smoke bombs in his rotation. The whole point of the smoke is to make them easier for Mikan to see."


    After hearing Noboru''s explanation Rubin was relieved, but a bit embarrassed he couldn''t figure that out for himself.


    ''This kid.'' He thought. ''Is something else.''


    Rubin focused his eyes back onto the fight. Sejin slammed his foot into the ground and threw his arms forward, and without hesitation the deadly spheres of smoke went flying towards Mikan.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Mikan ran avoiding the spheres the best she could; jumping, and gliding through the air as often as possible. Both the spheres of smoke, although guided by Sejin, worked interchangeably together creating a devastatingly challenging opponent. Sejin focused his chakra, and the spheres moved even faster.


    Mikan felt the skin on her back twist into a knot before being ripped off her body. She screamed in horror, but it didn''t stop her. She put her hands together and managed to wield the proper hand signs.


    "Wind Style: Retrieving Wind Technique!" A gust of wind beneath her feet appeared, and propelled her far from the white sphere of smoke. Mikan was incapable of slowing herself down; she looked ahead, and saw she was flying into the second white sphere.


    Noboru watched his sister maintain a collected look as she was right between both of Sejin''s destructive weapons; one in front, and one in back. Regardless she wielded more hand signs.


    "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" She yelled.


    A perfect clone appeared in the air beside Mikan, and without hesitation it grabbed her and threw her out of the way of the sphere leaving the clone to take the impact. Mikan flew into a nearby wall, and both spheres collided sending sharp gusts of wind all over the room.


    "Ninja Art: Earth Style, Mud Wall" Rubin yelled as a giant stone slab erupted from the ground protecting both Noboru, and himself.


    He looked at Noboru with concern as concentrated wind decimated the entire building. After the spheres disappeared, Rubin receded his mud wall. He studied the room waiting for the smoke to clear. Waiting to see what happened.


    ''There''s no way she got out of that unscathed. The impact from hitting the wall alone should have decimated her body...Unless.''


    The smoke cleared and on one end Sejin was bent on one knee gasping for air. On the other end Mikan was standing straight... but something was different about her. She had a blue aura channeling through her body. It was wicked, and intense...It wasn''t entirely chakra...


    "A lightning shield?!" Sejin yelled, "Rubin, what exactly have you been teaching her?"


    ¡®Fire, Wind, Lightning, Water, Earth.¡¯ Noboru thought to himself. "Every chakra nature has an opposing counterpart. Earth will always beat Water, and Water will always beat Fire; the same concept should apply here; wind always beats Lightning... but then how did she...?"


    Noboru crossed his arms quizzically for a moment. Rubin watched the boy struggle to figure it out.


    "Oh...so there is something you don''t know huh?" Rubin asked with a sarcastic grin on his face, "Noboru, it is true that Lightning release is mostly inefficient against Wind release... that''s because wind is a natural electrical insulator. At the same time however, lightning can potentially surpass the penetrative force of wind by increasing its vibration frequency high enough. This allows for lightning to oust wind to some degree... it''s likely your sister was saving this jutsu for this very moment as it was the only defensive technique at her disposal that could''ve deflected the blast."


    "To be gifted in two chakra natures, and at such a young age, " Sejin said. "Your defense is ingenious Mikan. I''m quite surprised, however you can only maintain your lightning release at such a frequency for so long..."


    Mikan ignored him, and charged across the room, and tried to punch Sejin in the jaw, but he was too fast. He was already sending sharp gusts of wind through his palms at Mikan''s body.


    Sparks of lightning, and wind flew with each matching strike. Multiple Kunai in Sejin''s pouch then erupted in a flurry of chaos, and began to spin wildly around the two combatants. Sejin used them like coordinated drones launching them at Mikan one after the other.


    Mikan took out her own kunai, as well as some wire strings, and danced through the air managing to counter every kunai thrown at her all the while fending off Sejin with his own taijutsu attacks.


    "Her taijutsu is incredible!" Rubin said, looking down at Noboru, "even I didn''t teach her how to do that."


    Noboru, and Rubin continued to watch Mikan as she flipped through the air, overpowering Sejin. Eventually the kunai weren''t spinning anymore. Confused, Sejin jumped back a few feet and tried to launch all the kunai directly at Mikan, but they wouldn''t budge.


    He looked up and saw that he no longer had control over them. They were suspended in mid- air loosely attached to wire strings, and the worst part is they had paper bombs attached to them. There was a long-winded silence as both combatants stared at each other. Noboru began to wonder if his father was still going easy on her.


    He began to imagine... the best of the clan... outsmarted by a mere 13-year-old girl. Mikan launched all the exploding kunai at Sejin, and she wielded the right hand-sign signaling all of them to explode.


    "Kiidogan!" Sejin yelled, awakening his doujutsu. Noboru looked on as the explosions from the paper bombs began to collapse on themselves. Sejin was moving his hands back and forth again containing the explosion into a finite sphere of white spinning wildly -just like he did with the smoke spheres earlier.


    "Enough of this!" Sejin yelled, "Wind Style, Retrieving Wind Technique!"


    Out of nowhere Noboru felt a gust of wind beneath his feet. Rubin tried to reach out, but Rubin himself felt a gust of wind hit his chest sending him against the wall. As he had been lifted up, and thrown high into the center of the room between the two combatants. Again, Sejin stomped on the floor and threw his arms out forcing the exploding sphere towards Mikan''s little brother.


    "Wait!" Mikan yelled as the spinning flash of light began to consume him.


    The last thing Noboru saw was Mikan''s eyes...They were purple...''Those eyes'' He thought. "I guess that''s good." He said as everything faded to black.

 16 - Prologue Arc: Noboru V

    ''I wonder if he''ll do the same thing today'' Noboru sat up in his bed and clenched his fists grabbing the pendant Chocho had given him.


    ''But I guess it''s Mikan. If she''s there watching me, and if she''s the one Sejin puts in danger then-then I''ll be okay. If he endangers Mikan there''s no way I won''t unlock my Kiidogan.''


    Squeezing the pendant one last time in his hand, he removed the necklace and hid it in his nightstand next to his bed. He slipped out and got ready for the day. He bathed and ate even though he felt too nervous to do so, and then he did his morning stretches. Due to today''s event the Kosutta complex was more lively than usual with clan members preparing to watch the big fight.


    Noboru found himself outside pacing the courtyard thinking everything through.


    It wasn''t long before he was approached by one of the Kosutta jonin.


    "Young master," Natsuki said with a bow, "If it pleases you I will not be offended if you saw me in place of your lord father during your battle today."


    Noboru grimaced at the thought. "I don''t like you, but my disdain for you does not exceed my hatred for Sejin."


    Noboru stopped pacing and looked up at Natsuki.


    "After all, he''s the one who ordered you to bring me back."


    "That''s what loyalty means young master, I will gladly do it again if need be."


    Natsuki was a tall man at 6 feet 10 and built like a gorilla. He always did what Sejin asked of him no matter the cost, and as a Jonin he''d completed more A-ranked missions than both Minori and Minaka when she was still active in Amegakure.


    "Where is Minaka?" Noboru asked bluntly.


    "I''m unaware, and if I was I would not tell you without your lord fathers consent."


    After a brief pause, Natsuki continued.


    "Good luck today young master; please do not forget your place, and remember to be grateful to have a seat at the table - there are many who would love to pull it out from under you."


    Natsuki left making his way toward the sacred training compound at the edge of Kosutta territory.


    Noboru swallowed hard and was about to follow him. It was about time for their fight after all. It was time for him to use everything Mikan, and Minaka taught him. He needed to awaken his Kiidogan, participate in the Mock Exams, and marry Chocho. That''s what his sister wanted for him, and so that''s what he would do.


    Before Noboru began his walk alone Minori placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t pay that pansy ass any mind Noboru. You got this."


    The two started their walk toward the compound.


    Noboru was not close enough to Minori to consider him a brother, but he was close enough to be considered a friend or at the very least an ally. Minori''s presence calmed him down a bit.


    "Any advice?" Noboru asked, staring straight ahead.


    "Yeah, " Minori said, "don''t overthink it. Remember to go all out - fight as though your life depends on it. If you do that, the Kiidogan will awaken naturally."


    Noboru had another question, but he hesitated to ask it.


    "Mikan."


    Minori flinched at hearing the name.


    "She''s here today... Right?"


    The Kosutta chunin averted Noboru''s gaze and looked straight ahead at the compound.


    "I-I see."


    As the two entered they parted ways. The building was large, and in the center was a giant field of sand, and rock. On the sidelines were long wooden rows of seats, and every single one of them was full.


    ''There are more people here than there were at Mikan''s ceremony.''


    Though Noboru didn''t recognize any of them except for Rubin who was seated toward the front, and the Ito brothers toward the back. One of the brothers looked to be giving him a thumbs up, Noboru grinned at that.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    But his smile soon faded as he entered the center of the arena. The laughter, and the casual conversations all drew to a deathly silent stop. Noboru could hear his heartbeat and the sound of someone else walking into the arena from the opposite entrance. It was his lord father Sejin Kosutta, head of the clan.


    Noboru scanned the sidelines once more looking for Mikan trying to find her amongst the crowd, but she wasn''t there - she wasn''t anywhere to be found.


    ''I''m alone.''


    Noboru walked until he was about ten meters away from his father. Sejin looked at his son with contempt and expectation.


    No announcement was needed, and no words had to be said. Everyone knew what they were there for.


    "You don''t need me to tell you what will happen if you don''t succeed do you?" Sejin asked.


    "I''m going to Point Break, and I''m going to fight in the Mock Exams!"


    His voice had cracked.


    ''At least I hope I will.''


    Even Noboru knew there was no conviction in his words, but despite that Noboru pressed on.


    Noboru slowly revealed a handful of smoke bombs from the pouch on his waist.


    ''Here goes nothing.''


    He threw the smoke bombs on the ground, and the instant they exploded smoke began to fill the room.


    Sejin did his best to peer through the smoke. He carefully awaited Noboru''s next move, but a full minute had passed and still nothing came.


    "You''re relying on subterfuge instead of facing me directly?!" Sejin yelled. "How cowardly, even Mikan dared to fight me head-on-"


    Wham!


    A section of the smoke was broken through. An invisible fist smashed into Sejin''s face.


    "What?" Rubin called out surprised. The audience wasn''t quite sure what was happening. How did Noboru land a hit?


    Sejin stepped backward in an attempt to recover. He brought a hand to his red cheek and looked around in a panic, and it happened again. Sejin felt his body twist, and contort as he fell to one knee holding his stomach. Noboru had landed yet another blow.


    Even Natsuki was surprised at Noboru''s move. What exactly did he do to gain the upper hand?


    "You can thank Minaka for that," Minori said studying Natsuki''s reaction.


    "Thanks to her Noboru can cast ninjutsu with only one hand. A feat that you and I are still incapable of doing."


    "O-One hand?! T-Then that means!"


    "Exactly Natsuki, it means Noboru doesn''t need to say the words to cast jutsu. He used the smoke bombs to buy himself some time, and within the smoke, he cast the ''Air Current Dance'' with one hand. Since Sejin-"


    "Lord Sejin, Minori."


    "...Since Lord Sejin didn''t hear the words he wasn''t expecting any kind of ninjutsu. That''s why Noboru was able to catch him off guard."


    "But I''ve seen him train with Lord Sejin; his ''Air Current Dance'' is in a miserable state."


    "You''ve seen him cast the jutsu with two hands. Not one Natsuki. It''s possible Noboru has been practicing casting the jutsu with one hand in his free time picking up where Minaka left off."


    "Hmph."


    Sejin was the strongest Kosutta to come out of the clan in decades. Now that he''d adjusted to the situation he was easily able to predict Noboru''s next move.


    He raised his arm, and caught Noboru''s invisible hand.


    "Your moves have always been the same boy," Sejin pulled Noboru in, raised his elbow, and slammed it down onto the nape of his neck.


    For a brief instant, Noboru was visible again. Everyone could see Noboru''s eyes bulging, his mouth open, and they could hear the spit hit the sand beneath him but then like a candle in a rainstorm, he was gone again. Sejin, still holding Noboru''s arm, threw his invisible son across the arena.


    The audience could see the path his body made as it skirted across the sand, and they could see the smoke from his bombs swallow him whole as he moved through them.


    Without hesitating Sejin started to walk toward his son. He raised his hands, and cast "Wind Style: Air Current Dance" He said, and just like that Sejin too was gone.


    Watching from the sidelines both Natsuki, and Minori smiled.


    "This is where the fun begins," Minori remarked.


    Both chunin knew that despite Noboru''s disdain for Sejin they still trained together often, and they were both now engaged in what was considered the "Kosutta Dance" When two Kosutta clan shinobi cast the ''Air Current Dance'' jutsu, and fought hand to hand it was a dual of sorts.


    ''I remember when Minaka and I used to do this all the time.'' Minori reminisced.


    Because of how often they trained together both combatants knew each other''s moves or at least they thought they did.


    "In a way, this will reveal who knows more about the other. The young master or Lord Sejin," Natsuki remarked.


    And then they clashed. No one could see anything clearly through the smoke but it was clear the two were extending blows. The exchanges were so tough that smoke from the bombs blew through the audience as if they were powerful gusts of wind.


    Sand flew up due to kicks, and trips, and falls, and at one point one of the fighters had clearly thrown sand in the other''s face. They couldn''t see each other, and the audience couldn''t see them, but they were captivated nonetheless.


    "I would''ve loved to see Mikan do this during her fight with Sejin," Natsuki remarked.


    After another minute of bouts, and exchanging blows Noboru''s invisibility began to waver fluctuating between visible, and non-visible. As his body became clearer, and clearer it was evident that he was not doing well.


    He was bruised, bleeding, and limping, but despite that, he pushed onward.


    "While I''m disappointed you did not share this improvement of yours with me - it is commendable," Sejin remarked. "While Your ''Air Current Dance'' is remarkable Noboru; however it is not a Kiidogan."


    Noboru ignored his father and leapt back into the smoke.


    Seeing no need for it, Sejin undid his ''Air Current Dance'' becoming visible once again. He was standing in the center of the arena, and while he was dripping with sweat the Kosutta head had sustained hardly any injuries.


    "No more smoke!" Sejin yelled. "Wind Style: Wind Retort!"


    He slammed his fist into the ground, and in doing so a gust of wind emitted from his palm sending all the smoke in the room up, and out the various windows. As the smoke cleared the audience began to look around, murmuring about the fight. It seemed no one could find Noboru. Everyone looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen.

 17 - Prologue Arc: Noboru VI

    "Did he run away?" A voice asked.


    The voices grew louder in confusion as everyone was talking about what was going on. Even Sejin himself seemed unsure of what to do.


    Minori on the other hand was lost in thought. Noboru had gone through a lot this last year. Had he finally had enough? Did Sejin break him? Not only has he been abused, but he''s been kept in the dark about Mikan''s plans for him. He''s supposed to marry a girl he doesn''t know, and Sejin wants him to lead a clan he doesn''t love. If Noboru did run away would Minori chase after him or would he let him go? In the end the young chunin shook his head.


    ''I made a promise to Mikan.''


    He turned to leave the compound.


    ''He couldn''t have gone far'' Minori thought.


    But just before he could make another move someone yelled.


    "THERE HE IS!"


    Someone in the audience pointed at the ceiling, and sure enough there he was. Noboru was standing upside down from the ceiling with his arms crossed looking down at his father with cold, calculating eyes.


    And then like an angel - he fell.


    Sejin had just caught onto what the audience was looking at, and raised his head up. With a smirk on his face, he started to wield hand signs. "Ninja Art, Wind Nature Rotation!"


    The man extended both hands, and just above them were large concentrations of wind-style chakra energy. The man looked up at Noboru and leaned his left arm back, and then in an instant he launched one of the balls of energy from his hand straight up toward Noboru''s face.


    "He can''t dodge in midair," Natsuki said. "The young master should''ve attacked sooner, he would''ve had the element of surprise."


    Natsuki recalled when Mikan used a shadow clone to push her real body out of the air. In fact, Natsuki himself had done a similar move when he was in the process of awakening his Kiidogan. But still, looking at Noboru and the rate at which he''s falling he wouldn''t have the time to cast a jutsu like that even if he was castling it one-handed.


    As Noboru fell his mind was racing through every possible scenario carefully trying to construct a win out of an equation designed to generate loss.


    ''These are smaller than the ones he used on Mikan. But considering their density they''re probably worse.''


    Noboru took a deep breath in the air.


    "Well, here goes nothing."


    The ball was inches from his face when with all the force he could muster Noboru flipped backwards causing the ball of force to sling passed his body, but Noboru wasn''t done. As it torpedoed passed his torso the boy extended his legs, and then focusing all the chakra he could in that spot he slammed his legs shut capturing the ball of raw wind energy between themThis book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    A loud cry could be heard through the arena as Noboru screamed, and screamed. He was barely able to handle the pain, but all the adrenaline in his body pushed him onward; every cell in his body told him to keep fighting.


    "How about another one?" Sejin leaned back, and then with all the power he''s amassed over the many years of being a shinobi, he launched the second mass of energy at his son. It tore through the air like a missile crackling, and whirling as it traveled.


    ''W-What n-ow?''


    Seeing no other options Noboru raised his hands, and grabbed onto the second mass of chakra. His screams were even worse than they were before - bloodcurdling, and maniacal. The young Kosutta could feel his body on the verge of exploding as his legs, and arms shook with the veracity of an earthquake. It felt as though he was melting from the inside out, as if he was being churned like butter, or emulsified into jello.


    ''Come on Noboru push through this!''


    If any of the other Mock Exams candidates had attempted to do what Noboru just did they''d be on the floor, and in pieces. Minori knew that to be a fact. Due to the intense nature of the ''Air Current Dance'' Kosutta shinobi have always demonstrated immaculate chakra control. The chakra control of a single Kosutta genin was often better than that of jonin level ninja, and that was the truth. However, while that was the case Noboru was no genin, and at this point he could hardly pass for a ninja.


    As Noboru plummeted toward the ground in agony he couldn''t help but think:


    "I should just die."


    Sejin simply stepped out of the way as Noboru crashed into the center of the sandy arena, the balls of chakra dissipating into the sand unable to detonate. Noboru was on his hands and knees staring at the ground. Wet tears of blood started to flow out his eyes, and into the sand beneath him.


    ''If Mikan was here t-this wouldn''t have happened. If she was here I-I"


    Sejin kicked his son in the mouth, cracking teeth, and bone, sending his body flying back and into the sand.


    "Get up."


    But Noboru did not move.


    Sejin kicked his son again, but this time in his ribs.


    Another cry for help as the boy wriggled in pain, and helplessness. He barely looked up seeing the exit to the compound. Extending his right arm he began to crawl toward it.


    "GET UP!" Sejin yelled his voice booming throughout the arena.


    But Noboru did not get up. Instead he continued to crawl toward the exit like a bug trying to escape the boot.


    Sejin''s face was red with fury, veins bulging, eyes popping. Everyone in the arena could hear his anger, could feel his frustration, could taste his fury. Sejin raised his foot, and began to slam it down on the boy''s skull intending to turn it into mush.


    But a hand had caught his leg before he could deal the fatal blow, before he could execute his son in front of the entire clan.


    Sejin looked up at the man who''d stopped him.


    "That''s enough Sejin." Rubin said.


    Sejin stopped, and looked around at the audience, their faces full of disgust, and anguish though others were smiling with anticipation. Without saying another word Sejin pulled his foot away, and left the arena.


    "Such a shameful disgrace," Natsuki said, turning to follow him out.


    "Noboru. You did well," Rubin said


    But Noboru knew he was lying. He had to be. Why didn''t he let Sejin finish him off? Why was he spared?


    He had not shown resolve. He had not awoken the Kiidogan, and therefore he would not be participating in the Mock Exams, he would not get to marry Chocho. He''d live the rest of his life as a failure, and in seclusion. Mikan probably hated him, and that''s why she didn''t come to see him. It''s because she knew he would''ve failed anyway.


    Noboru closed his eyes allowing his consciousness to fade, and as he did he hoped to never wake up again.

 18 - Prologue Arc: Sora VI

    The Akinoyo shinobi bent down, and placed her hands on Aoi. After a few moments Sora noticed a change in the man; although he was unconscious he seemed more relaxed, and at peace.


    "Y-You''re healing him," Sora said.


    Realizing this he reflexively ran his hand over the stab wound again. Now that he thought about it, the last thing he remembered after he was stabbed by Aoi was seeing a river of blood spilling out of the wound. Did she use healing ninjutsu back then as well?


    ''She''s tough.'' Sora thought. ''Very tough.''


    The girl was wearing a silver bomber jacket with pink sleeves, and floral decor on the chest. She kept the sleeves rolled up revealing scarred, and jagged arms; arms that to Sora, looked like they belonged to a man. Even through the jacket Sora could see the girl''s muscles outlined under the shirt. She also wore white cargo pants with a pink and white pattern, and black boots to top it all off.


    "What are you looking at?" Tsubaki asked.


    "O-Oh, I- I was just-"


    "Staring, stop that - it''s rude."


    "-I-I''m just surprised, I wasn''t expecting-"


    "A woman?"


    Sora shook his head.


    "A shinobi." He finished.


    "Do you see a headband on my head?"


    The girl easily lifted Aoi up, and leaned him against a tree. She pursued through the man''s belongings unrolling a leather blanket, and laid it on top of him.


    "But you know ninjutsu," Sora''s voice trailed off.


    "That doesn''t mean anything."


    She got up, and started to gather the parts of her armor. Sora could see stilts inside the greaves which is likely how she was able to stand up to 6ft despite being so short herself. After putting on a few pieces of equipment Sora hesitantly approached her, and began to assist her with the equipment.


    Thanks to his father, Sora knew how to arm a samurai. He''d practiced with numerous Kusakyu family men; traditionally armor like this could only be put on with help from another person.


    "You''re shaking." Tsubaki said annoyed.


    "Sorry, I guess I''m a little nervous."


    "You''re not nervous, you''re scared. You''d be smart to learn the difference between the two."


    Finally after several minutes Tsubaki was fully equipped, and back in samurai armor.


    Without a moment''s notice the tall woman started to walk in the direction of Ame''s entrance. Sora looked at her, and then looked at Aoi.


    "What about him?" He asked keeping up with Tsubaki.


    "You''re worried about the man who stabbed you?"


    "I mean... I just... Won''t that monster come back with his friends? He won''t stand a chance."


    The tall samurai shook her head.


    "Haruki is too prideful to share his defeat with the rest of the pride. He''ll likely just cower in some cave somewhere until his wounds heal."


    ''Just how much does she know about this rogue shinobi?''If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "B-But what about the carriage why would they attack-"


    "That was a trading caravan."


    "I-I see... So they took all of the goods, and then," Sora''s voice trailed off.


    "Anyway, you shouldn''t care about Aoi. He was going to use you as a bargaining chip to extort the Kusakyu. He''ll find his way back, and by the time he does I''ll have left with the band, and you''ll be back home."


    "But I don''t want to go back. I left for a reason."


    "If it weren''t for Straw''s ignorance you''d be dead right now. You know that right?"


    Her words cut deep, but Sora knew them to be true. If Straw hadn''t stolen his armor it would''ve been his body blown into the wind, and not Straw''s. Straw was dead because of his own ignorance, and he''d have to live with that. But regardless Sora shook his head.


    "The only thing Straw saw in me was a paycheck!"


    ''Why am I yelling?''


    "Why should I give a damn about him? He would''ve killed me if he had something to gain from it!"


    Sora turned away, and wiped tears from his eyes, desperately trying to hide them from Tsubaki.


    "If those tears are real then you should already know the answer."


    The samurai stared straight ahead, refusing to look the boy in the face.


    "And you''re still a child."


    "And you aren''t?! You''re the same age as me!" Sora said, throwing his arm forward.


    ''Why am I so pathetic? She saved me, so why am I lashing out?''


    "It wasn''t meant as an insult."


    ''What?''


    "The Norigami family is pretty wealthy, and they''re under the protection of the strongest clan in the village. Running away to play mercenary?" She paused and let the words sink in. "No matter your reasoning it''s foolish, and the dumb ramblings of a child who doesn''t know any better. That''s why Straw punched you again, and that''s why I let him."


    "What are you trying to say?" Sora asked, getting quiet.


    "I''m saying you need to take a better look at your surroundings."


    "I don''t get it."


    "And that''s why I''m taking you back home. If you want to run away after that be my guest, but I''m not having your death on my conscience too. I''ll let your parents keep that to themselves."


    Sora stayed quiet for a while as the two walked along the rain road. He heard what sounded like rain pelting the snowy ground to his right just below the wall; though when he looked up he couldn''t see anything through the dark mist.


    ''Disgusting''


    "What about you then? Y-You''re part of the Akinoyo clan right? Why are you running away?"


    "It''s as Haruki said. My very existence is an affront to nature. But I don''t want to die or get in the way of my clan; and so I''ve chosen to leave. It''s that simple."


    ''I don''t think that''s quite what he said.''


    "How is that any different from what I''m trying to do?"


    "The difference is that I have the power to protect myself, and unlike you I know about the world outside of Ame-"


    "Then teach me about it! L-Let me come with you. You can teach me how to fight, and how-"


    "Why are you lying to yourself?" Tsubaki''s words cut through the air like butter.


    Sora froze. He couldn''t quite comprehend what she had said. Lying to himself - was that what he was doing? The events of the last 12 hours flashed in his mind, and he brought a hand to his mouth forcing himself to keep his insides a.t bay.


    "I-I''m n-not."


    Tsubaki ignored that. After a few more minutes the two saw lights in the distance meaning they were finally at the entrance of Ame. Outside the city were refugees that were fleeing smaller towns, and trying to start a new life inside the shinobi village. They looked ragged, hungry, desperate. Some had been yelling at each other, and others were fighting.


    ''Over what I wonder.''


    The closer they got to the mercenary band the quieter things seemed to get indicating to Tsubaki at least that most of the men were probably asleep.


    Sora felt himself instinctually move closer to Tsubaki for protection. The two came across a small gate with a handful of soldiers outside it. They were tasked with watching over the mercenary camp. The closer the two got, Tsubaki realized that there were Orange Men at the camp as well.


    "Ah, Tsubaki, welcome back. Where''s Aoi, and Straw?"


    "We were attacked by shinobi. We got separated."


    "S-Shinobi?" The guard said. "Then you ought to go see Roji straight away." The man paused, and then gave Sora a look up and down noticing him for the first time. "And this is...?"


    "There''s a wagon burnt to a crisp a few miles down the road coming this way. Found em'' outside, a survivor."


    The soldier nodded.


    "Then you ought to get going."


    The two entered the camp, and made their way toward a large number of tents.


    "I-I didn''t know things were this bad out here." Sora heard himself say.


    "There''s a lot of things you don''t know."


    They stopped outside a rather large tent, and Tsubaki opened up one of the flaps. "Get inside, and don''t move. I''ll be back in a while with some food, and water."


    "B-But I-" But before Sora could say anything she closed the flap leaving the boy alone.


    Now that he was sitting down Sora''s body finally had a chance to catch up with him.


    ''So cold.''


    Needing a way to see his surroundings he re-opened the flap just enough so that moonlight would shine inside giving him just enough light to see inside the tent. The first thing Sora noticed was a sleeping bag. He instinctively got straight under, and allowed his body to warm up. His feet in particular were almost frost-bitten.


    ''These shoes... Are all that''s left of Straw.'' Sora thought.

 19 - Prologue Arc: Sora VII

    After warming himself up Sora took a curious look around the inside of the tent. After going through some of Tsubaki''s belongings one thing in particular stood out to him. It was a pencil drawing of an older woman. She was sitting in a chair, and smiling as if she was posing for it.


    ''She looks just like Tsubaki.''


    Meanwhile, the young girl had made her way to the tall circular pavilion that featured a large grill, and a man bigger than even Aoi.


    She sat at a table, and watched the man closely.


    "Big Bowl." She called out.


    The man turned around in surprise, and looked at Tsubaki with a scowl.


    "Tsu..."


    "I told you not to call me that."


    "Ah, you wound me girl. Why can''t I call my daughter by her nickname hmm?"


    The man went over to a pot, and scooped out a bowl of hot stew rich with meat, and every vegetable under the sun.


    "Because I''m not actually your daughter, idiot. And I''ll need a second bowl."


    The man chuckled. "Don''t you mean a second and a third? Where''s Aoi, and Straw? I heard ya''ll went on a scouting run earlier today."


    "It''s a long story."


    And so she told it starting with when they left early in the morning. Big Bowl grabbed himself a bowl of food, and sat across from the girl listening to everything she had to say. She told him about the idiot boy in her tent, and about Straw, and about Haruki Okami, and her fight with him.


    By the time she''d finished telling her story the two were both done with their food, and whatever was left in the pot had grown cold and dry.


    "So that''s everything then," Big Bowl replied with a heavy sigh.


    "It is."


    "You did the right thing by protecting that boy."


    "I''m not so sure. He''s an idiot who doesn''t understand what he''s losing by being out here. It pisses me off."


    "Hmm, did you ask him?"


    "What?"


    "Did you ask him what he''s running from? Did you ever ask?"


    "Tch, what''s there to ask? He''s protected by the Kusakyu. He lived inside the village, he-"


    "Didn''t you also live inside the village? Weren''t you protected by the Mizukage?"


    "It''s not that simple, it''s more nuanced than that!"


    "And there ya go." Big Bowl said with a smile. He couldn''t see Tsubaki''s expression under her helmet, but he knew he''d struck a chord.


    "............"


    "This doesn''t change anything. I''m still bringing him home."


    "Do what you feel is right, Tsu. Just don''t take too long before you tell Roji. He''ll want to know what happened, and the longer you keep it from him the more suspicious of you he''ll get."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "He can wait until after the meeting with the Kusakyu. Speaking of which, what the hell are all these ''Orange Men'' doing here?"


    "Ah, I almost forgot. Cayan has some kind of meeting with the lead jonin. Think it''s got somethin'' to do with a slave girl they brought."


    "Whatever, as long as it doesn''t interfere with my plans to get the hell out of here. As soon as the meetings done we''ll finally be able to leave Amegakure."


    "Are you really sure about this Tsu?"


    "Of course I am. I don''t want anything to do with this village anymore. I want to leave it all behind, and start fresh."


    "Ya know if you talk to Rubin about the Mock Exams, I''m sure he''ll let you-"


    "And what good would that do me huh? I''ll just bring attention to myself, and then-" She looked away, "and then someone will come kill me."


    "You said your mother."


    "Don''t. Mention. My. Mother."


    Big Bowl nodded. "If you say so Tsu, if you say Tsu."


    "Tch," The girl took the extra bowl of food, and brought it back to her tent. On her way she stopped by the armory, and grabbed some light leather armor.


    ''All out of swords huh?''


    She brought the equipment back to the tent, and sat it just outside.


    Inside she saw Sora sitting up in her sleeping bag staring at the other end of the tent.


    "Hey." She said, "It''s cold, but-"


    Sora eagerly took the bowl from her and scarfed it down.


    "Wow, this is the best meal I''ve ever had. Like, I''ve literally never had anything as good as this."


    "The first meal you eat after escaping death tends to stick with you."


    The boy paused for a moment, and looked down at his food.


    "Oh, yeah I-I guess that''s what it is huh?"


    "Get this armor off me."


    "O-Oh, right!"


    Sora put the bowl down, and reached up to help Tsubaki out of her armor, his legs still stuck in the sleeping bag.


    "Hey Tsubaki." Sora said meekly.


    "Hmm?"


    Sora''s head was facing her chest plate, and as he was undoing some of the straps he simply stopped, and looked down at the ground beneath him. Tsubaki couldn''t see it with her helmet on, but she could hear it. His tears hit the ground beneath him.


    "You were right. I am scared. I''ve been trying to hide it, and lie, but what I saw back there t-the carriage, a-and what happened to Straw- I... Please take me home, Tsubaki."


    The girl raised her arms, and removed her helmet. Then she placed a hand on the boy''s head.


    "Idiot. Finish getting this armor off me."


    The boy did as he was told, and finished taking the armor off of the girl. Afterwards she placed the pot on the ground outside the tent. Too ashamed, and shocked to notice, the girl crawled into the sleeping bag with him, and turned opposite to him.


    "I will." The girl said. "I''ll get you home."


    Sora closed his eyes trying to stop the tears. He was so thankful for the girl''s help, but after everything that''s happened - Images of the carriage kept flashing into his brain, he couldn''t get them out. After some time he felt some kind of warm embrace across his body; something was holding him, and coddling him. He did not know what it was, but it was warm, and kind, and precious. Everything that had happened today no longer mattered, all the blood, and pain was meaningless. It was gone, and he was happy.


    <hr>


    The following morning Tsubaki woke up feeling more energized than usual. She''d only slept for a few hours, but for some reason her chakra had been fully replenished. She considered Big Bowl''s meal, but even those were just leftovers, and she''d eaten his food plenty of times before so she knew how much it helped when it came to her chakra levels.


    Tsubaki sat up, and quickly covered her eyes as some sunlight was peaking in through the tent. She leaned back a bit, and then turned to the boy next to her.


    "H-HEY!" She yelled.


    She grabbed the boy, and started to shake him awake.


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no how could this happen?!"


    The boy was wrapped head to toe in deep purple vines, and plants. Just like a cocoon in a spider''s web sitting aimlessly in the dark waiting for its execution.


    Tsubaki began tearing through the vines until she saw him. His body was weak, and his eyes were sunken. If it weren''t for the faint pulse she felt in his wrist she would''ve pronounced him dead.


    As late as they got in last night it was a miracle they''d only slept for a few hours.


    ''A full night''s rest and... ''


    Before Tsubaki could finish the thought the boy opened his eyes.


    "T-Tsubaki," he said.


    She grabbed the boy, and tore him away from the plants, and out of the sleeping bag some of them resisted her pull as she did.


    "Agh!" The boy made a pained expression, and reached up holding his head.


    "I don''t feel so good," Sora said.


    He looked around the tent and saw purple plants everywhere; it was like a small forest had bloomed overnight.


    "W-What is this?"


    Thankful that the boy was okay, she didn''t skip a beat.


    "Let''s go. We''re running late," she said, her voice cracking nervously as she spoke.


    Sora helped Tsubaki back into her armor; he did so meekly and without question. Afterwards she reached outside the tent, and pulled in a shield, and the leather armor from last night.

 20 - Prologue Arc: Sora VIII

    As Sora put the leather armor on Tsubaki hurriedly explained the situation.


    "The Onmyodo is the name of the mercenary group we''re a part of. We''re delivering some gifts to the Kusakyu as a token of good faith. After that we''re going to sneak away, and get you to your parents, and after that I''m leaving with the Onmyodo. Understood?"


    Sora simply nodded in response.


    "Good."


    The two stepped outside the tent, and saw soldiers running amok preparing for the meeting. Big Bowl was handing out breakfast, men were sparring in the dead fields, and the Rain Road was bustling with wagons full of booze, and treats for the Kusakyu Clan.


    "H-Hey..." Sora said, looking down. The boy picked up a sword that had been left by their tent.


    "I-It''s heavier than it looks."


    "Be grateful. Someone somewhere here is frantically searching for that sword. You better capitalize on their misfortune; though you shouldn''t need it anyway."


    Sora nodded in response.


    ''Seriously, why is it so heavy?''


    The two then lined up on the Rain Road with the other soldiers. Tsubaki kept note of Sora''s movements; they were slower, and more sluggish than yesterday.


    ''Once I get you home you can start to really recover. Tch, I can''t believe I didn''t see this coming. Damnit!'' Tsubaki thought, gritting her teeth.


    "T-The Onmyodo must''ve paid a lot of money to get an audience with Kuda," Sora said.


    "You have no idea kid. It''s gonna be a whole parade. 90% of the Onmyodo band are gonna parade the streets all the way up into Kusakyu Castle. Okita wants us to make a big show of it."


    "Okita?"


    "Okita Kiriyama, he''s the shinobi leading the Onmyodo."


    "I-I thought that Roji guy the guard mentioned last night-"


    Tsubaki shook her head.


    "He''s in charge of this platoon, and this mission I guess, but he''s not the leader."


    ''That''s what Big Bowl told me anyway.''


    Sora looked down at the shoes he was wearing.


    "What is it kid?"


    "Straw, and Aoi... They''ve never been inside a shinobi village before; I was thinking - It''s going to be really sad they''re not here to see this."


    "They''d just be disappointed anyway."


    "Maybe, but I want them to be disappointed. I want them to see it''s not as great as it seems. Just like I did; just like I learned about what''s outside of Ame. I want them to learn about what''s inside of it."


    "And now you''ve come full circle huh?"


    The gates to Amegakure had finally opened, and the long lines of Onmyodo mercenaries began to enter the village; there had to be at least 200 of them marching inside with caravans full of gifts. As they made their way in there were dozens of refugees clamoring on the outside of the Rain Road desperately trying to force themselves into the ranks, and into the village, but Orange Men, Rain Soldiers, and Onmyodo men worked to keep them back.


    Once inside the village the gates behind them had closed. Walking along the main roads of Ame, now instead of refugees lining the sides of the street it was Ame citizens watching in earnest curiosity. They were better dressed, decently fed, and well protected by the Ame government.


    "Where''s Roji?" Sora asked.


    "He''s at the front of the line. He''ll be the one talking to Kuda."


    "I''ve heard so much about her, but I''ve never actually seen her."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Huh? Oh, well that makes sense. You may be a part of a big family, but you aren''t part of a shinobi family. Even seeing her is probably a once in a lifetime chance for you."


    "When my brother was younger my dad had brought him to the castle to meet her. He thought she was crazy, but in an exciting way." Sora couldn''t help but smile."He''d go on and on about how he wished he could be like her one day, and he''d even practice hand signs in the backyard, but nothing ever happened of course. O-Oh, and another thing, he''d always want to play fight with me. I was always the bad guy though, and he was the super cool shinobi. He''d even get me out of bed just so we could play before mom had breakfast ready."


    "Sounds like you really love your brother."


    Sora''s smile remained, his face fixed on the line of soldiers in front of him as he marched.


    "Yeah."


    Not wanting to interrupt Sora''s remembrance she let him have that thought; and grew quiet herself.


    ''I''ll bring you back to your brother kid. I promise you that.''


    Tsubaki, and Sora both unintentionally listened in on a conversation happening in front of them. It seemed every soldier was talking about the Kusakyu in one way or another.


    "I-I''m surprised they didn''t limit the soldiers we could bring," a soldier named Manzo said.


    "It''s because we''re soldiers that they don''t care," a soldier named Koichi replied.


    "Who knew one clan could burn through this much alcohol in a week."


    Koichi shook his head with a scowl,while another man from the group stepped forward.


    "It''s because the Kusakyu have really high alcohol tolerance; it takes a lot to get em drunk."


    Sora figured that was probably true. It was another odd fact his brother mentioned on more than one occasion. He said the Kusakyu were known for their extravagant parties. As they approached the castle they were met by a large drawbridge which slowly lowered to welcome their arrival.


    Then everyone saw them. Watching from the castle walls, and across the moat were the Kusakyu. To everyone''s surprise what they saw were men, and women clad in expensive clothing. For what they lacked in elegance, and formality they made up for with style. The most common trait the Kusakyu demonstrated was their striking purple hair, and most of them had eyes the color of gold.


    "The color of their eyes isn''t natural." Manzo said nervously. "I''ve never seen anything like it."


    "That''s because they''re not. A soldier said. You know, some call these Kusakyu folk demons."


    "W-Why is that?"


    "It''s because they used to have horns stickin'' out of their heads." Koichi said.


    "That''s not the entire rumor by the way," Sora whispered to Tsubaki, "The Kusakyu supposedly have a huge stash of horns under the castle."


    "Fairy Tales," Tsubaki said simply.


    "Haha, not the superstitious type huh?"


    "Absolutely not."


    Koichi, and Manzo seemed to fall onto the same topic.


    "HORNS?!" Replied Manzo.. "Please Koichi, did you drink some of the booze we''re supposed to be delivering? Must all be going to your head."


    After crossing the bridge the group was led into a large courtyard where they were surrounded by walls on all sides. Plants of all kinds aligned the edges of the inner curtain of the castle. Pinks, blues, reds, and yellows, and various combinations of the colors lightly decorated the walls giving the castle an exquisitely tasteful look.


    Both Sora, Tsubaki and the other guards looked around in awe, and wonder. It was like they were visiting some kind of forbidden place; the castle just had that wondrous aura about it.


    ''So this is where my brother spent most of his time.''


    In the center of the courtyard, and beneath the mercenary''s feet was hard white stone; the same kind that was used to build the bridge. There was also a surprisingly large drainage system fit with at least a dozen drains, and multiple gutters just situated evenly along the castle walls. In front of them was the keep; and on the balcony attached to it was the head of the Kusakyu clan herself ¨C Kuda Kusakyu.


    "There she is!" Manzo said.


    The crowd of mercenaries grew even louder as they all looked up at the head of the clan.


    "She''s so young." Sora said.


    "It''s not that special; if it wasn''t for Sejin refusing to step down, Mikan would be heading the Kosutta clan in her place. And my clan is the same way."


    Sora didn''t know much about the Kosutta, but everything he''d heard told him they were bad people, and the worst clan in Amegakure. He knew even less than that about the Akinoyo.


    Kuda Kusakyu had a determined, callous face; her eyes looked drenched in murder and frustration; her hair was a dark purple, and her one eye as gold as the sun. The other eye was dressed with a black eye-patch.


    ''Man why is this sword so freaking heavy?''


    As the group settled down Roji, the highest-ranking member of the Onmyodo mercenaries stepped forward, and nervously cleared his throat before kneeling before the head of the clan.


    "Oh, great Kuda!" He yelled. Roji''s voice reverberated off the walls "My employer, Surudo the Body Snatcher, better known as Okita Kiriyama has sent me, Koichi his best mercenary here as a representative to offer you an apology for our most recent transgressions."


    The Onmyodo mercenaries began to talk amongst themselves.


    "An apology?" Manzo said, "What are we apologizing for?"


    Hush whispers washed over the group painting the Onmyodo with a sense of curious unease.


    He looked up at Kuda. "I... trust you''ll accept," he then turned his attention to the Kusakyu who all seemed to be enjoying the alcohol the Onmyodo had provided.


    Kuda looked down at Roji with disdain.


    "The Kusakyu clan happily, and graciously accepts your gift Roji. It''s clear a lot of thought, and consideration was put into this care package. We will never forget the Onmyodo''s amazing gesture of goodwill."


    The Kusakyu cheered, and hooted, thankful for the gifts. The Onmyodo mercenaries all started to laugh along with the Kusakyu, thankful for a successful transaction.


    "But... The Kusakyu do not accept your apology Roji. In fact I intend to kill Okita Kiriyama with my own two hands. I will tear off his legs, and throw him back into the cold abyss he climbed out of."

 21 - Prologue Arc: Sora IX

    Roji hesitantly looked back at his men.


    Tsubaki grabbed Sora''s hand.


    "We''re leaving."


    "W-What''s happening?"


    Roji protested, "B-But Kuda, all the good we''ve done for the Kusakyu in the past. It''s- It''s not too late to rebuild trust.¡±


    "The funny thing about trust Roji is it''s oh so easy to break. And the thing about a Kusakyu promise is once it''s broken - the only way to pay it back is with blood."


    "B-But our battles across the-"


    "The Onmyodo aren''t as important to us as you think," she said with a smile, "your entire organization, and the goods you distribute could disappear, and it wouldn''t bother us in the slightest," she paused and extended her finger, "But you know what? You''re not entirely useless Roji... because you do matter to someone. You and your men. You matter to Okita Kiriyama." Kuda said.


    "Kuda please! S-Some of our men have families!"


    Sora looked around as Tsubaki dragged him through the crowd. It was then he noticed it; all of the Kusakyu were lined up on top of the walls; the gate leading out and to the drawbridge was closed.


    ''Oh no.''


    "Whatever happens, don''t let go." Tsubaki said.


    Tsubaki, and Sora weren''t the only ones trying to leave. The Onmyodo started to panic, and in a frenzied shuffle they all began to run in unison back to the drawbridge.


    Mercenaries clawed at the walls begging for escape- begging for life. Kusakyu shinobi lined the walls, took aim with their fingers, and shot focused bits of clay into the crowd. On impact arms, legs, heads, and entire torsos flew all over the courtyard.


    Sora watched as an explosion caught Manzo''s feet sending them up in the air, and then as if it was a competition his legs were shot out of the air painting the crowd a deep maroon. What was left of Manzo flew into a wall splattering on impact painting it a crescent red.


    The smell of burnt flesh filled Sora''s nostrils as a white light overtook him.


    Like vultures, various Kusakyu clan members scoured the remains of the mercenaries for the swords they wielded, and any personal belongings that could prove useful to the clan. The blood of the mercenaries sank into the ground through the drains, and through the gutters; it traveled downward, creasing itself around pipes and etching itself into concrete walls. It was underground where rats, and roaches fed on what little human meat flushed itself into the sewer, and it''s where a small percentage of survivors remained.


    "Hey, get up kid. Come on!"


    Sora tried to open his eyes, but everything was blurry. His hand felt like it was on fire, as if it had been dipped in molten lead, he felt as if his fingers were in places where they shouldn¡¯t be, and his head was pounding like a drum.


    When he finally opened his eyes he saw Tsubaki outside her armor, but there was someone else with her. A boy anxiously looking around as if he was guarding both him, and Tsubaki.


    "Damn Kusakyu." He said seething. He looked back at the two.


    "Hey, is he up yet. We need to go."


    "Look at him. What do you think?"


    "I think you''re lucky I saved your asses. If it wasn''t for my lightning nijutsu he''d be a gonner. So thank me by getting his ass up so we can go. It''s already been an hour."


    Tsubaki sighed, and lifted Sora up by his right arm.


    "M-My hand?" Sora asked, confused. He wanted to look over at it, but he didn¡¯t think he¡¯d be able to handle what it¡¯d look like. For a brief second he thought back to the carriage again, but he forced the thought out of his head as the urge to puke followed him.


    "I''ve stopped the bleeding, but the kid is running on nothing but dopamine. We need to get him situated ASAP or he''s going to be in a world of hurt."


    The group started to move through the Kusakyu sewers. The water was a tinted maroon with red humps of gore listlessly flowing through it.


    "Who are you anyway?" Tsubaki asked.


    "Doesn''t matter."


    "Um, yeah it does."


    "Your friend''s sword. That was me; I was using a substitution jutsu."


    "So that''s why he was complaining..."


    "Yeah, I didn''t get the weight quite right. Substitution isn''t my strong suit."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "But, I still don''t unders-"


    "Look, I''m not asking you why you''re here am I? Or why you have Sora with you."


    "Sora? Who''s-" Tsubaki brought a hand to her mouth.


    ''I never even asked for his name.''


    "How do you know who he is?"


    "I know everyone there is to know in Amegakure, the important people connected to the Kusakyu family aren¡¯t excluded."


    "I take it you know who I am then?" The girl asked.


    "As a matter of fact, I do - Tsubaki Akinoyo."


    "Tch," she gritted her teeth.


    About a dozen meters away or so the group saw light coming from an exit-way.


    "There." The mysterious boy said. "That''s our exit."


    But as they approached they saw a man''s silhouette, the light shining past his figure.


    "Oh come onnnnn!" The man yelled. He brought his hands up to his hair, and started to pull angrily. "Thanks to you idiots, I owe that damn vixen 1,000 ryo. Why couldn''t you have just died with the rest of those cretens?"


    "Shit," The boy whispered.


    "Do you know his name too?"


    "Shusei Kusakyu, he¡¯s a Kusakyu jonin, and one of Kuda''s lieutenants."


    "Guess beating him is out of the question then." Tsubaki said. ¡°Then we''ll need to get around him somehow."


    The boy paused for a moment and stared at the man angrily. It looked as if he wanted nothing more than to kill Shusei right here, and now. He started to breathe more heavily, and he clenched his fists.


    "Look, I don''t care what kind of personal vendetta you have against him-"


    "It''s not just him," he said angrily, "I will kill every member of the Kusakyu clan."


    The man named Shusei seemed to be lost in thought, and was talking to himself. He paid no mind to the conversation between the boy and Tsubaki.


    "Hmm, if I can wipe them out before the vixen gets here then maybe I can save face, and keep my Ryo."


    "Look man, I don''t give a damn about your vendetta; figure that shit out another time. Right now we need to get out of here."


    He took a deep breath, and shook his head.


    "Yeah, whatever.¡±


    "It''s decided." The man said, clapping his hands. He pointed at the three. "I''ll kill all of you before Miami gets here, slug your remains into the sewer here, and go buy cotton candy with Miami''s money!"


    "Do you have a plan?" Tsubaki asked.


    "Just focus on getting him out of here. I''ll be the distraction."


    Sora was still barely conscious, hanging on to Tsubaki with his good arm. She grabbed him by his legs, and lifted the boy up and onto her back. She then placed his arm firmly around her chest.


    "Just like that. No matter what happens, do not let go."


    Sora didn''t say anything, but he was gripping Tsubaki tightly so she figured he must''ve understood her.


    Then, in a burst of light, and strength the boy torpedoed toward the Kusakyu Jonin, Tsubaki following close behind him.


    "Woah, you kids are fast! Ah, I suppose that''s what it means to cling to life."


    Shusei leapt backwards, and took aim. Small forms of clay generated in front of his finger, and then:


    blam! blam! blam, blam! blam blam!


    He shot chunks of clay straight toward the boy, and as he did Tsubaki focused the chakra in her feet, and ran up the walls of the sewer until she was on the ceiling running upside down toward the exit.


    "Lightning Style: Electric Shield" He cried out. As the first clay explosive entered his range, a chaotic blue shield erupted from the boy''s body, and as it did the clay explosive simply evaporated into nothing.


    "An affinity for lightning release huh? So annoying." Shusei said as the rest of his bullets met the same end.


    "Well, it isn''t the end of the world. Can''t hit em?"


    He raised a second hand, and pointed at the ground under Hilt''s feet, and up at the ceiling where Tsubaki was running.


    "Hit around em."


    blam! blam! blam, blam! blam blam!


    Several bullets blew up the ground beneath Hilt''s feet sending him flying up, and toward the celling. He''d lost control of his momentum, and started to flip endlessly, and Tsubaki on the other hand leapt from the ceiling avoiding the explosions.


    "Dammit all!" He yelled.


    The boy had lost control of his lightning shield, and so it dispersed.


    "Gotcha." Shusei said, sending bullets straight at him as he fell.


    "I don''t think so."


    Tsubaki threw several kunai at the bullets, catching them before they''d get too close. The bullets exploded in midair, but the shockwave from the blast sent all three back against a sewer wall. Before any of them could recover, Shusei was standing before them holding one hand out ready to annihilate them.


    Tsubaki checked on Sora who was still on her back.


    ''Still breathing.'' And no signs that her plants were sucking him of his chakra or life force.


    The mysterious boy on the other hand was not done. Just like before he was seething, looking up at Shusei in disgust, and anger.


    He clenched his right hand tightly. Tsubaki could see a small fizzle of electricity coming from it, and then -


    "I don''t think so." Shusei said, stepping on his hand, and twisting the heel deep into his wrist. the lightning went just as soon as it had come.


    "Aghhh, dammit all!!"


    "Didn''t know the Onmyodo had a couple of shinobi with em'' bit of a shame too. Ame is lookin'' for runts like you to fight in the Mock Exams."


    Just then the sound of footsteps could be heard coming from the other side of the tunnel.


    "Looks like you lose again, Shusei."


    The woman was skinny, almost anorexic with short purple hair and pink highlights on the tips.


    "Damned Vixen." Shusei scoffed.


    "Agh, Miami K-Kusakyu." The boy muttered.


    "Your detonations lacked range, and precision. Though it''s a good thing they did. That is Rubin''s son you''re stepping on - Hilt was it?"


    ¡®So that¡¯s his name.¡¯ Tsubaki thought. ¡®And he¡¯s Rubin¡¯s son? What¡¯s the son of the lead jonin doing down here?¡¯


    Shusei stared deep into Hilt''s eyes, and scoffed.


    "Give me a break. What the hell is his son doing down here?"


    The girl shrugged her shoulders.


    "He probably snuck in with the Onmyodo. He has a bit of an obsession with us. It''s quite unhealthy."


    "You shut your goddamn mouth!" Hilt yelled.


    "Hilt!" Tsubaki said glaring at him. "Shut. Up."


    "As for the girl?" The woman continued. "She belongs to the Akinoyo clan. I don''t recognize the boy on her back though."


    Shusei stepped off of Hilts wrist.


    "Guess it''s your lucky day kiddos."


    Tsubaki, and Hilt struggled to their feet, and watched as Shusei, and the woman started to head off in the opposite direction of the exit.


    "Can you stop showing me up like that?" Shusei cried out.


    "Hey, if you killed him Kuda would''ve dragged you to Blood Prison herself."


    "What''s so wrong with that? Bet Yuta''d be glad to see me. Bet I''d get some appreciation down there." Shusei said.


    "L-Let''s go." Tsubaki said to Hilt, and the two made their way to the exit.


    "Ohhh by the way! Tell Rubin no hard feelings!" Miami yelled.


    It was a long, and arduous day but Sora, Hilt, and Tsubaki had finally escaped the clutches of the Kusakyu. Over 200 mercenaries went behind those doors, and not a single one came back out. The screams of the forever dead were heard all across Ame as the Kusakyu massacred them between their walls. The Kusakyu castle of inebriation was a graveyard full of loss, and complete annihilation.

 22 - Prologue Arc: Ayano II

    Ayano Kaguya was instructed to sit in a room by herself as Mikan, and Rubin held their own private conversation, but Mikan had left ages ago.


    There was a bed by a window, and so that''s where she sat looking out at the village. It was cold, and rainy. Not so different from what she was used to in Marshwood, but the way the rain decorated the tall metallic buildings, and the way its denizens carried themselves, and their umbrellas were enough for her to take note.


    In the distance she saw what looked like a large castle with smoke coming from its center. Ayano thought about who might live there, and what they were cooking. She hadn''t eaten since Big Bowl''s hot stew, so she wondered if this "Hilt" that she was going to meet would feed her as well.


    ''Amegakure, the Village Hidden in the Rain'' She thought. ''A new home, but not a new beginning. Not really.¡¯ She brought her fingers to the slave mark on her face, and carefully traced it.


    This entire journey was for her sake, and it was all because she had what was called a ''kekegenkai.'' The last time she''d heard that word was when her brother Shiki had said it. He''d told her that it made her special.


    Ayano reached up, and touched her bleach white hair, the split ends prickling her fingers.


    ''But I don''t want to be special.''


    Ayano was kept separate from all the other slaves. She had food to eat, a bed to sleep on, and a number of other privileges - the other slaves weren''t so lucky. If Ayano didn''t have a kekegenkai maybe she would''ve been treated the same way as the other Orange Men. Maybe...


    ''Maybe everyone wouldn''t have hated me, and maybe Shiki, and Alu would still be alive.''


    But this was Ayano''s new situation, and she had to accept it. She just wished Rubin would tell her what he wanted, and didn''t sugar coat it with flowery words, and lies. A slave is still a slave, it doesn''t matter who the owner is.


    Ayano gritted her teeth, and stared hopelessly out the window. Unable to wait any longer she got up from the chair, and made her way to the door. She opened it, and went out to the hallway, and turned toward Rubin''s office. Just as she got to the door, and reached for the handle she heard a loud commotion down the stairs. There were probably 2, or 3 people rushing through the building.


    And then she saw them at the top of the stairway on the other side of the hall. Without saying anything they sprinted toward her, unsure of how to react she stepped to the side as one of them - a boy with blue hair grabbed the handle, and threw it open with all his might.


    Rubin had stood up from behind his desk, and stared at the group unsure of how to react.


    "Hilt, Ebisu, and T-Tsubaki?" He hadn''t noticed Ayano standing behind them; or at the very least he hadn''t acknowledged her, "what are you-"


    "Rubin, shut-up," Hilt said.


    "Wh-"


    "The Kusakyu just held a large meeting with the Onmyodo, and she killed all of them! All of them!" Hilt yelled, his voice echoing in the office, and throughout the building. "She lead them into the castle, and made a big show of it, and then as soon as we-"


    ''T-The castle? T-Then that means that smoke I saw'' Ayano was internalizing everything. She did not mean to ease drop, but now that she was there she couldn¡¯t help herself.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "We?" Rubin interrupted. "What were you doing in Kusakyu territory?"


    "She slaughtered them like they were livestock."


    "Hilt, I need you to re-"


    "When are you going to do something about them?¡± Hilt yelled slinging his arm forward. ¡°You just sit here twiddling your thumbs while the Kusakyu get away with everything they want. Didn''t they just assassinate a member of the Anbu Black Ops a couple of weeks ago? What the hell have you been doing?!"


    This time it wasn''t Rubin that said something.


    "Hilt..." Ebisu said, placing a hand of support on the boy''s shoulder.


    Ebisu was a short boy with green hair wearing a dark orange jacket with the sleeves rolled up. He had a blank undershirt underneath it, and he wore fingerless black gloves.


    Hilt was sweating, and seething with rage, but there was an underlying sadness to it all.


    ¡®The Kusakyu must be one of the clans of this village, but why would a clan do something like this without the lead jonin¡¯s consent?¡¯


    "Rubin," Ebisu gently pulled Hilt back, and stood in front of him.


    "Why... Don''t you seem very surprised?"


    It was true, Rubin showed no signs of nervousness or eagerness to act. Instead he stood perfectly still. In fact it didn''t even seem like he was looking at the group; he seemed to be staring past them, and out the door. Ayano almost turned around to see what he was looking at, but then he spoke.


    "That''s because I let it happen, the Kusakyu clan asked me for permission ahead of time, and I gave it to them."


    It happened so fast Ayano''s brain could barely register it. Hilt had kicked Ebisu in his side, sending him flying into the wall cracking it, and then he charged his dad, his hand brimming with electricity.


    Before he could take another step Tsubaki grabbed Hilt by his arm, and twisted it.


    "Aagggghh!" He cried out in pain.


    Tsubaki pulled the boy back, and held him still - the electricity in the boy''s hand slowly dissipating.


    "Are you an idiot or something?" She said.


    ''She''s strong, and what''s with the pot?'' Ayano thought. ¡®And that boy knows ninjutsu.¡¯


    Hilt struggled, and squirmed in the girl''s arms, but it was of no use; she was just that strong. Eventually tiring out the boy stopped moving, and looked up at his dad in disbelief.


    "Why? All of those people?" He said, almost choking, "I don''t understand."


    "Hey, Rubin. If it weren''t for a promise I made I''d help your son kick your ass, but I don''t have the time for that. There''s a kid named Sora who was with me, and he-"


    "Sora?" Rubin interrupted, "Sorutsu''s boy?"


    "You know him?"


    "Of course, I met him and his brother a few years ago when-"


    "Look, I don''t care about that. Because of your decision he''s in pretty bad shape, and is sitting inside the hospital. I need you to make sure he gets back to his parents."


    Ebisu slowly crawled out of the small crater in the wall.


    "Next time you could just ask me to move, you know." He said, cradling his head. "I mean, I probably would''ve still stopped you from trying to kill your father, but at least I would''ve anticipated the kick."


    "Let me go," Hilt said to Tsubaki, "I''m leaving."


    The girl let him go, and as soon as he did he started to leave the room with his head held down.


    "Wait," Rubin said, "take Ayano with you."


    Everyone gave Rubin a confused look, not quite sure who he was referring to. Feeling it necessary Ayano stepped forward announcing her presence.


    "Hello." She said, "My name is Ayano Kaguya, it''s nice to meet you all."


    "What the hell are you wearing?" Tsubaki asked.


    Ayano realized she was still in the white dress Cayan had put her in, and she was still wearing makeup. He wanted her to look presentable to Rubin, but why a dress and makeup if she was expected to be a fighter? She wasn''t quite sure what had gone through Cayan''s mind.


    Ebisu approached Ayano, and looked her up and down, it made her quite uncomfortable, ¡°look at her face. She''s a slave."


    "I bought her for the Mock Exams," Rubin explained, "afterwards I intend to free her."


    "Just when I thought you couldn''t get any scummier." Tsubaki said.


    "Every decision I make is for the good of the village, and to mitigate suffering," Rubin said, walking over to the window.


    He watched as the smoke from Kusakyu castle still rose, turning the sky above Ame into a dark, and sad gray.


    "If that makes me the villain then I understand, and will play that part for each of you," He said with a smile.


    Ayano wanted to learn more about Rubin, and what kind of person he was. He seemed to genuinely care about the good will of the village, and based on what he said earlier:


    "Ayano, become my slave. Fight in the Mock Exams for me, and with the revenue generated I will free you of your bond."


    Maybe¡­ Just maybe she could trust him.

 23 - Prologue Arc: Ayano III

    Was he just lying to her or was there truth behind those words? Rubin could''ve easily hid the fact that he okayed whatever happened at that castle, but instead he''s opted for honesty, and told all of them the truth despite how they''d react.


    "Tsubaki," Rubin said, "please stay behind, I''d like to talk to you about something."


    "The Mock Exams?" She asked, "I already told the Akinoyo clan they wouldn''t have to worry about me. You don''t have to either, so kindly fuck off."


    "It''s more than that. Please lend me your ear, I believe you''ll find what I have to say intriguing if nothing else."


    "Tch," Tsubaki sat down across from Rubin''s desk, "this better be good."


    With a deep sigh Ebisu gently grabbed Hilt in one hand, and Ayano in the other. "Let''s go you two. This isn''t our business."


    Ayano wrangled free, and looked Rubin in the eyes.


    "I want to stay," She declared.


    "Ayano..." Ebisu began.


    "It''s alright," Tsubaki said, "let her stay. After all, I bet she''s trying to find out just what kind of person her new master is - am I right?"


    And to that Ayano nodded with a determined face.


    "If it''s alright with you Tsubaki then I''ll allow it. Ebisu, Hilt, please wait outside for Ayano. I''ll send her along shortly."


    The two boys started to exit the room.


    "Seriously man, you owe me dinner for that kick." Ebisu said.


    "Sure, whatever just tell-"


    "For the next three weeks."


    "Wha-?"


    "I need to be compensated for each rib you could''ve broken."


    The two continued to bicker as they left the office, closing the door behind them.


    Ayano couldn''t help but to silently giggle while listening in on the conversation. Back in Marshwood she rarely had a chance to laugh as every day was all work and no play. This was very different, and new to her. In an odd turn of events she started to enjoy her day, and looked forward to spending time with Hilt, and hopefully Ebisu as well.


    ''Will I see more of them if I fight in the Mock Exams?'' She wondered.


    "First Tsubaki, why did you run away from home?" Rubin asked.


    "That''s a stupid question. You know how the clan treats me, I''m better off dead to them."


    "The Mizukage prevented your extermination so you could grow up to be a shinobi - you do know that don''t you?"


    "If you were given the choice to go through years of torture, and abuse for the rest of your life or to never exist at all which would you choose?"


    Tsubaki let the question hang for a moment.


    "I don''t owe the Mizukage anything."


    "If you fight in the Mock Exams, and become a shinobi here in Amegakure I will protect you from the Akinoyo. You won''t need to run away, and start a new life."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Why would I trust the man who just let 200 people die?"


    Rubin didn¡¯t have an answer for that. Tsubaki let that question hang too before moving on.


    "My sister-"


    "Will also participate in the Mock Exams. Surely handling one Akinoyo will be much easier than dealing with the entire clan like you''re used to?"


    "Tch, the Akinoyo won''t approve of my participation."


    "The clan heads get a say in who represents their clan, but they are not the ones who make the final call. That is my responsibility as Lead Jonin."


    Tsubaki crossed her arms, and avoided his gaze. Her voice grew quieter, and more nervous.


    "You know what I am... What can I do, don''t you?"


    ''What she can do...'' Ayano thought. ''Does she have some kind of hidden ability?''


    "I believe that you will  learn to control it, and to master it."


    "B-But the collectors..."


    "Haven''t made an appearance in over a thousand years."


    Tsubaki took a deep breath, and thought in silence for the longest time.


    ''This must be a huge deal for her. From the sound of it she put a lot of thought into leaving Amegakure, but something brought her back. So we''re both slaves to our past.''


    "Alright, fine. I''ll participate in your little exam, and become a shinobi here in Ame. You better have a place for me to stay afterwards because I don''t plan on living on the streets, and I''m not going back to the Akinoyo."


    "Of course," Rubin said with a smile


    ''She has a whole plan and everything. If I fight in the Mock Exams, and Rubin does free me, what will I do afterwards?''


    "Then I guess I better say goodbye to Sora later," Tsubaki said.


    ''Sora, who was that?''


    "You mentioned him earlier. He got caught up in what happened at Kusakyu Castle... How did that happen?"


    "That''s not my story to tell. I''m going to stop by and see him later; I suggest you do the same."


    "Let''s go Ayano," The girl stood up, and pushed her chair in.


    "Ayano, please be back before dark for the ritual." Rubin instructed.


    "Right," She replied.


    ''I almost forgot, the transfer of ownership ritual. As of right now I still belong to Cayan.''


    The two left jonin HQ to find Hilt, and Ebisu outside on the street bickering about something new.


    "I''m just saying there''s value in expressing your feelings without lashing out like a starving frog on a hot summer day without a lily pad to sit on."


    "That''s¡­ oddly specific." Tsubaki said as they approached the two.


    "Be quiet." Hilt remarked.


    "Heyyyyy let''s go hang out for a while guys. Today''s been super stressful so we should go blow off some steam." Ebisu said ignoring him.


    "I''m not your friend. Don''t act like I am." Tsubaki said.


    "Oh, then what are you doing here Miss Tsubaki hmm?"


    "Sora probably isn''t awake yet so I''m killing time with you until then - that''s all."


    "Given everything he''s been through I doubt he''ll wake up before tomorrow. Besides, I wanted to ask you something." Hilt said, looking at Tsubaki.


    "When we were down there you used medical ninjutsu to stop the bleeding didn''t you? Why did he need to go to a hospital in the first place then?"


    "I don''t owe you an explanation."


    "Is it because you don''t trust in your own ability?"


    "Says the person who failed to cast their special lightning jutsu not once, but twice. Figure out how to use your own jutsu before speculating about someone else''s."


    "She''s got ya there Hilt." Ebisu said grinning.


    Hilt clenched his fists in frustration again.


    "Shut up Ebisu."


    The group started to walk through Amegakure. Everyone was going about their business as if 200 people hadn''t just lost their lives behind Kusakyu Castle. If you lived in Kusakyu territory it was possible you already knew what was coming or since your family was under the protection of the Kusakyu you didn''t particularly care. Either way both Hilt, and Tsubaki felt a sense of emotional whiplash considering that fact. The group weren''t heading anywhere in particular, but they soon came across a small empty park.


    "Ooooh Monkey bars! Let''s go Rain Gang!"


    Without waiting for a response Ebisu ran straight into the park, and climbed up the monkey bars, and hung upside down.


    "I-I think I want to do that." Ayano heard herself say. She found herself looking to Tsubaki, and Hilt for permission.


    ¡°What, you want to act like a child too?¡± Tsubaki said groaning. ¡°Well, go on then I don¡¯t care.¡±


    And so Ayano did just that. She followed Ebisu into the park, and hanged upside down on the monkey bars just like was.


    "You''re wearing a dress you know." Tsubaki said.


    While Ayano got comfortable Tsubaki adjusted the girls dress for her tucking it in-between her legs so it wouldn''t drop down.


    "So are you guys excited for the exams? How many of us are there gonna be?" Ebisu asked.


    "There''s going to be more of you guys?" Ayano asked, smiling.


    Ayano had meant to keep that to herself, but she couldn''t help but let her excitement show. She was intrigued with Hilts lightning ability, the strange pot around Tsubaki¡¯s waist, and even Ebisu was a mystery case. She wanted to meet more exciting people if she could.

 24 - Prologue Arc: Ayano IV

    "Undoubtedly," Hilt said, "each of the five villages in the Land of Water are to submit 9 candidates exactly to participate in the exam."


    Ayano raised her hand and started to count on her fingers. "One... Two... Three."


    "That''s four of us." Tsubaki said, trying to stop Ayano from wasting her time. "Which means aside from us there are five more participants."


    Tsubaki grabbed Ebisu''s Jacket, and started to yank it off of him.


    "H-Hey! S-Stop that!¡± He resisted, but ultimately this ended in failure. Tsubaki claimed the jacket with ease, ¡°pfft you know what I wasn''t cold anyway," he grumbled.


    The girl climbed up the monkey bars, and laid the jacket over Ayano''s legs before placing her head down on them like a pillow.


    "Your head is super warm Tsubaki. Are you catching a cold?"


    "That warmth is probably from my jacket." Ebisu said.


    Meanwhile Hilt was pacing back and forth under the monkey bars.


    "There will be five other participants from Ame," Hilt began, "There''s Sejin''s son from the Kosutta clan, Noboru. The Inuzuka heir Rui-"


    "Ruuuuiiiii she''s so pretty."


    "Shutup Ebisu." Both Hilt, and Tsubaki said in unison


    "Then there''s my sister," Tsubaki said.


    "Woah, you have a sister?" Ayano asked.


    "We don''t get along , but yes I do."


    ''That''s right, she''d mentioned her during the conversation with Rubin earlier. It doesn''t sound like they have a good relationship, and that''s sad. If I had a bad relationship with my brothers before they passed, I don''t know what I would''ve done, or how I''d feel now.''


    "Then that leaves..."


    "The Kusakyu clan," Ebisu finished for Hilt.


    Hilts expression seemed to change.


    "Like hell I''m going to work with the Kusakyu," He said, gritting his teeth.


    "Do you know their name?" Tsubaki asked.


    "No, somehow they''ve been pretty tight lipped on who''d be participating. I know Kuda has a little brother though so it must be him. I''m going to kill him."


    "No, you''re not." Ebisu said, "If anything you should use it as an opportunity to learn more about the clan, and figure out what they''re up to, I dunno something like that."


    "Like it''ll matter. Rubin just lets them do what they want," he spat.


    "Why don''t you just leave?" Tsubaki asked.


    "What? Run away? I''m not a coward."


    "It''s not cowardly to avoid confronting something you don''t want to. If anything, that''s bravery."


    "Just be quiet. You don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Hey, Ayano!" Ebisu yelled, changing the subject for everyone.


    "Eggggggh egggggh."


    "What are you doing?" Tsubaki asked, turning on her stomach and peaking between two of the bars.


    Ayano was extending her arms as far up as she could reaching for Tsubaki''s pot.


    ''Oh no, I''ve been caught!''


    "I''m stretching," she said.


    "Well stretch the other way."


    "R-Right hahaha."


    ''I want the pot.''


    Giving up for now Ayano stretched her arms in the opposite direction seemingly reaching for the sand on the ground.


    "So, can you fight?" Ebisu asked her.


    The girl turned to face Ebisu, both of them hanging upside down.


    "Kinda sorta, I mean it''s been a long time since I''ve had to, I might be rusty."


    "You know some ninjutsu don''t you?" Hilt asked. "Who taught you?"


    "My brother did. Shiki taught me, and Alu how to wield ninjutsu, but-"


    "Buuuuut?" Ebisu pressed.


    "I think Rubin used the word kekegenkai. It''s what makes me special, but I don''t want to use that anymore."


    "Oooh so you''re just like Tsubaki here then," Ebisu said, smiling stupidly, "Both Hilt, and I don''t have any special abilities."


    "If you don''t want to use your kekegenaki then don''t. I don''t use mine either." Tsubaki said.


    "Whaaa really?"If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ''So we''re both the same in that regard too.''


    "Useless. Two potential genin from Amegakure who won''t use what they''ve been gifted with. Absolutely useless." Hilt said.


    "What''s a genin?" Ayano asked.


    "Later." Tsubaki said, shushing her up.


    "I don''t recall needing a kekegenkai to lock your ass down earlier, Hilt." Tsubaki spat.


    ''Wow she''s vicious.''


    "Anyway, Ayano. Whatever your reasons, you don''t need to use your kekegenkai. Do you know what your chakra nature is? Ebisu asked


    "Chakra who now?"


    "Your chakra nature," Ebisu repeated, "It''s what you have an affinity for using."


    Ayano shook her head, her hair flapping around wildly as she was upside down.


    "I have an affinity for water style ninjutsu, and Hilt here is lightning style just like his dad."


    "Oooh that''s neat. What''s yours Tsubaki?" Ayano asked.


    "Most of the Akinoyo clan are born with water style as their affinity. I''m no different."


    "That''s sooo cool! I hope I have something fun like explosion style!"


    Hilt let out a frustrated groan.


    "Here, let''s take a test." Ebisu said.


    Both genin flipped off of the monkey bars landing on their feet at the same exact time.


    Ebisu reached into his pack, and pulled out a small slip of paper.


    "Okay, once I give this to you all you gotta do is infuse it with some chakra. Once you do that we''ll have our answer," the boy handed Ayano the slip.


    Tsubaki peered down from the top of the monkey bars, and even Hilt looked on curiously.


    "Okay! Here I go!" She exclaimed. Ayano held the slip of paper, and closed her eyes.


    After a moment or two the paper suddenly burst into flames, and was quickly reduced to ash.


    "Woah!" Ayano said, "how''d I do?"


    "Fire nature. Not bad." Tsubaki said.


    She tossed Ebisu''s jacket on top of him from the monkey bars, and leapt down.


    "Wuaahhh!" Ebisu cried out for a moment, unable to see.


    "Whatever, guess it''s good for variety. The other candidates better have wind or earth release to balance us out," Hilt said.


    "I''m going to go check on Sora now." Tsubaki said.


    "It is starting to get late huh?" Ebisu replied.


    It was true, the sun had started to go down, and Rubin had asked her to be back before it got dark.


    "I guess I''ll go ahead and head home then guys." Ebisu said with a yawn, "hehehe I''m glad the Rain Gang are coming together as the bestest of friends though haha?"


    "Not a chance."


    "Shutup Ebisu."


    Ayano wrapped an arm around Hilt, and another arm around Tsubaki and pulled them in.


    "Friends?" She asked them both.


    "I mean..¡±


    "That''s..."


    "What I thought." Ebisu finished closing his arms around the four of them. Him and Ayano were the only ones smiling.


    After the group parted ways Ayano, and Hilt walked alone together toward Jonin HQ. The boy was walking in a relaxed manner with his hands behind his head. Ayano watched his face, and saw that he was staring off at the moon rising in the distance, the sun setting behind them.


    "Hey Hilt," She asked.


    "Hmm?"


    "What does it mean to be a ''forever slave''?"


    "Oh, well," The boy struggled to find the words.


    "It''s okay, I think I''d rather hear it from you than either of them."


    The idea of Cayan being the one to explain her misfortune irked her in every way imaginable, and she just didn''t trust Rubin enough yet to hear it from him.


    "You just seem like the type of person to speak your mind, and be honest about some things so..." She added.


    "It sucks, it really sucks." Hilt said, "as a slave you''re already compelled to do whatever your master tells you, and on top of that you have that mark on your face," Hilt sighed. "A forever slave is someone who''s ownership has been transferred to someone else. But due to the nature of the jutsu if the new master relinquishes freedom then ownership transfers back to the original owner.¡±


    Ayano was at a loss for words.


    "B-But then."


    This meant that even if Ayano did her best, and participated in the Mock Exams, and earned her freedom it would only mean freedom from one master, and not both. Did Rubin lie to her?


    "This hole just keeps getting deeper, and deeper," she whispered.


    Ayano brought her hands up to her face, and felt how wet her eyes were getting.


    ''Oh great, I''m crying again.''


    The sun had fully set, and the dark moonlit sky peppered Amegakure in a blissful shade of bright white.


    "He promised he''d free you after you participate in the Mock Exams right? Knowing him he probably intends to free you from both himself, and whoever your original master is."


    Ayano tried to calm down, and think clearly about everything. Earlier, when she was with Rubin and Cayan they did intend to explain the forever slave concept to her. If they wanted to, they could''ve just withheld that information, but then again who''s to say she wouldn''t have heard it from Hilt, or Tsubaki or someone else?


    ''It''s all too much to think about.''


    "I''m just going to put my faith in my friends," Ayano finally said aloud.


    ''Because if I don''t do that then everything becomes uncertain, and I''ll find myself in a spiraling pit of despair.''


    Hilt chuckled. "There you go with that word again."


    "Yep, deal with it." Ayano said, smiling brightly.


    The two finally arrived in Jonin HQ, and made their way all the way up to Rubin''s office. Inside was Cayan sipping on some tea, and Rubin was seated across from him at his desk.


    "Ah, welcome back my darling Ayano. Oh, Rubin, this must be your son. He looks quite like you," the man stood up, and extended his hand to the boy.


    "Keep your filthy hands to yourself," he replied brushing it aside.


    Rubin had nothing to say to that, though Ayano detected the slightest hint of a smile from the man.


    "Ah, well no matter," he turned back to Rubin, "shall we get on with it then?"


    "Right. Ayano, earlier I wanted to tell you about a for-"


    "Don''t worry about it, I already know," Ayano explained, ¡°just like Cayan said. Let''s get this over with."


    Rubin nodded.


    "Please come stand in the center of the room."


    Ayano did what was asked of her, and once there both Cayan, and Rubin placed a hand on one of Ayano''s shoulders.


    With his free hand Cayan declared a unique hand sign, and then spoke:


    "Ninja Art: Nexus Event - Item Transfer: Ayano Kaguya | Recipient: Rubin Ikeda | Signature: Cayan Utomoia"


    Then Rubin spoke next.


    "Ninja Art: Nexus Event - Item Acceptance: Ayano Kaguya | Sender: Cayan Utomiia | Signature: Rubin Ikeda"


    As the final word was spoken Ayano''s face began to burn. She started to fall to the floor, but Rubin caught her in time.


    ''It''s just like the first time, no it''s worse than that.''


    Ayano''s face felt like it was on fire, and while that''s where the pain started, that was not where it ended.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She cried out.


    It felt like a hot rod was being pressed against her face, and slowly moving down her neck, and to her body.


    "Cayan what''s happening!" Rubin asked worriedly.


    "Relax, the jutsu starts with the brain, and then spreads to the rest of the body. This is completely natural."


    But it was so, so slow. Ayano pushed Rubin away, and collapsed onto the ground. Hilt ran over to the girl, and grabbed her arm.


    "Don''t touch me!" She screamed, her voice as high pitched as a bird.


    The boy backed away, hurt but understanding.


    ''My body. Is not my own.''


    That was the message her brain was sending her. It was as if her very soul was rejecting the bag of meat it was stuck in, but it had no means of escape. The pain coursed through her chest where it felt like air bubbles were forming under her skin with no escape before finally popping like a needle to a vein slowly sending the pain down further, and further.


    "Rubin, you better keep up your end of the bargain." Hilt said in frustration.


    The man nodded, and looked at Cayan.


    "I know, I know. I''m not to leave Amegakure until the end of the Mock Exams, after which we will both free Ayano of her bond," the man started to leave the room. It seems he had no last words for his former slave. "I''ll be around if you need my services," he said, disappearing from view.


    Ayano finally looked up, and out the door. Her face was red, and her right eye was bleeding, but despite it all she did what her brother told her to do.


    ''Never stop smiling.''


    And so looking like a woman who¡¯d gone mad that''s what she did. She looked at the pain in her body, and in the world and smiled.

 25 - Prologue Arc: Ooyama II

    Ooyama Kusakyu woke up the next morning still inside his puppet Saisei, a large wooden contraption in the shape, and appearance of a lion. Controlling Saisei took some getting used to, but being able to hide his small frame from curious eyes was something he''d always wanted to do, and so he made building it his first priority under Endou''s guidance.


    Endou had also shown him the ways of the Red puppet style; a method of puppeteering specializing in variety as opposed to a particular set. While generally useful against most shinobi, Endou had told him that it would not fare well against other puppeteers that opted to specialize in the Black, or Blue puppet style. Ooyama didn''t expect to deal with other puppeteers any time soon so Red was the obvious choice.


    A calm gentle light poked through the cracks in the lighthouse''s interior indicating that it was daylight out. Saisei slowly got up, and using his chakra strings Ooyama guided the lion outside, and into the cold rain.


    Just past the lighthouse was a small empty beach, and beyond that was the ocean sea stretching for miles, and miles without end. Ooyama guided Saisei out and onto the sand. Wanting to feel the beach beneath his feet he considered exiting the puppet. The boy looked around peering out through the puppets'' eye holes. Just when he thought the coast was clear he saw something - someone laying face down in the sand.


    Ooyama approached them carefully, and saw that it was a girl about his age; she was soaked in water, and unconscious.


    "A-A mermaid," Ooyama said.


    He scooped the girl up in Saisei''s arms and brought her into the lighthouse where he started a fire to warm her up.


    Ooyama stirred uncomfortably inside of Saisei. He was scared, what if the mermaid tried to kick him out of the lighthouse, or to take his money?


    After a couple of hours the girl started to shift a bit before finally waking up. She sniffled before instinctively moving closer to the fire. She wore nothing but a long black dress, and a tie for her hair. Her eyes were as black as the night, and she was smiling excitedly.


    As she warmed her hands she looked straight at Ooyama through the holes in his puppet. The boy flinched in fear causing the puppet to fall to the ground.


    "I was saved... by a bear," The girl said.


    "H-He''s a lion." Ooyama replied softly, his voice quiet and opaque.


    "How many of your kind are there? Take me to your king."


    "M-Mermaids sure are weird..."


    "What?" The girl stood up for a moment, "these are legs. Mermaids don''t have legs! They have fins!"


    Ooyama blinked, and while Hitomi couldn¡¯t see his eyes she could tell he wasn¡¯t getting it.


    "F-I-N-S. Fins!" She spelled out.


    The girl then looked at Ooyama through the eye holes again.


    "Wait a minute!" She said, "you''re an impostor!"


    "N-No, I''m a bear."


    The boy blinked again, and before he knew it he was under attack. The girl had launched herself at him, tackling Saisei to the ground.


    "S-Stop i-it you''ll hurt him."


    "LET. ME. IN."


    The two thrashed around the lighthouse breaking shelves, and crashing into walls. The entrance to Saisei was located on the lion''s back, and it seemed the girl had realized this as she was prying at the entrance.


    "N-No, I-I''ll be e-exposed!"


    Ooyama used his chakra strings to seal the entrance shut, but the girl was far too strong. After several more minutes of thrashing about it was settled.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Having opened the hatch she peaked inside analyzing every nook and cranny of the Saisei.


    "This is super duper spacious! How do you see out of this thing?"


    She waited for Ooyama to answer, but instead all he did was cower, and shake in terror. She couldn¡¯t see his face, and his body was covered with what looked like an over sized trench coat.


    "Get out."


    ¡°Hmmm, okay,¡± Hitomi said, closing the hatch.


    Afterwards she sat down across from Saisei and stared at him intently.


    "W-What''s your name?" He asked.


    "I''m Hitomi! I hope we can be great friends!"


    ¡°I''m Ryu." He lied. "A-Are you okay? I-It looked like you a-almost drowned e-earlier."


    "Mmmm don''t worry about all that."


    "O-Okay."


    Ooyama was a very short boy at 4 ''5, and he was quite frail as well. He wore a mask that covered the bottom half of his face, and his hair was short and purple. He generally wore a large gray trench coat that hid most of his body, and under Hitomi''s gaze he seemed to be cowering under it despite being inside Saisei


    "Where are we anyway? Can we go hunting?"


    In truth Ooyama wasn''t sure where he was. He''d never been outside of the village, even when he lived with Endou he preferred to stay inside and work on his puppets. After all, if living inside Kusakyu Castle was hell, the outside world couldn''t have been any better, Endou just so happened to be a rare exception.


    "I-I dunno."


    "Let''s go look around then!"


    "I d-don''t want to."


    "Pleeeeeeaaaaassseeee!"


    "O-Okay."


    Ooyama uncomfortably stood up, and started to attach his chakra strings to Saisei. After a few moments the puppet began to rise. Hitomi excitedly watched Ooyama use Saisei so easily.


    Ooyama guided the puppet outside of the lighthouse, and onto the beach with Hitomi following close behind.


    "Oh, I think I see some people over there. Let''s ask them for directions!" Hitomi yelled, pointing towards them.


    "O-Okay, b-but you do the talking."


    Ooyama guided the giant puppet toward the group, but as they got closer one of them pointed at them and started to run away. The entire group began to scream, and bolt in different directions leaving all their stuff behind.


    "Whaaa? Why did they run away?" Hitomi asked.


    "I think they''re playing tag."


    "Oh, that makes sense, hey look! At the ground!"


    Saisei looked down in the sand and saw a few bento boxes.


    "Oh no! They left their food here!"


    "W-We should probably e-eat it. We d-don''t want it to go to waste."


    "But won''t they be back? You said they''re playing tag." Hitomi said sadly.


    "It''s okay for us to eat them, it''s a cultural thing."


    "Ohhhh so leaving food out for strangers then is like a huge deal here huh?"


    "Yeah."


    "Okey dokey then I can''t say no to that!"


    Ooyama briefly opened Saisei, allowing a shock of cold air inside, and like a rat snatched one of the bento boxes. Hitomi grabbed one of the bento boxes as well, and then the two of them sat in the sand and began to eat.


    "Um, what are you doing?" Hitomi asked.


    Ooyama had turned Saisei around, and faced the direction opposite to Hitomi.


    "Eating."


    "But why are you turned around like that?"


    "Why aren''t you?"


    Hitomi reached from behind Saisei, grabbing his head.


    "Eeeeeeeeeep!"


    "It''s rude not to face your guests!"


    And so Ooyama turned Saisei around to face her. Even if Ooyama was outside of Saisei she still wouldn¡¯t be able to make out his face. Ooyama kept his face still, hidden behind his mask, and covered with his arms. He looked down as he ate, his hair drooping down masking his already hidden features


    Afterwards Hitomi clapped her hands together. "That was delicious! If we see those guys later we need to thank them properly!"


    "Y-Yeah, s-sure."


    Ooyama did not finish his food, instead he covered the bento up intending to finish it later. Afterwards he thought to himself for a bit until he realized there was something he needed to see.


    "Um, Hitomi?"


    "Mmmmhmm?"


    "I''d like to go check on something, but it''s very selfish so you don''t-"


    "I''ll come!"


    "O-Okay."


    Ooyama took control of Saisei again, and moved the puppet up and across a long bridge that was built over the Kaguya river. He followed it all the way back to where he was just the day before. He peaked around the corner, and saw what looked to be:


    "R-Rain shinobi," Hitomi said having followed Saisei


    She was right. Investigating the explosion were a handful of Amegakure shinobi, and it looked like it was a range of different ninja from genin to jonin.


    They were investigating a toy shop that had been blown to smithereens. It''s where Ooyama had lived the last few years, and it was where Endou had now lost his life. There was a medical team on site as well, and they were picking up pieces of Endou''s corpse, and stuffing it in large black plastic bags.


    Hitomi looked at Saisei¡¯s eyes as the puppet looked at the scene. Although Hitomi couldn¡¯t see the boy behind it, he was transfixed, and in a daze lost in some other world it seemed.


    Hitomi stepped forwards, and pressed a hand against the puppets'' back.


    "You knew him didn''t you? I''m sorry."


    "N-No, I should be sorry. It''s my fault."


    "That''s not-"


    "HEY YOU! STOP!"


    Ooyama regained his senses, and saw straight ahead a young shinobi wearing a headband. She was pointing right at Saisei.


    "?? ????."


    Ooyama turned Saisei around completely, and booked it back to the lighthouse, Hitomi tailing close behind. In terms of speed Saisei was fast thanks to its incredibly long legs. Its heavy arms also assisted in movement with each stride carefully pushing the large body along. Before he got too far Hitomi clinged onto Saisei¡¯s back as it ran.

 26 - Prologue Arc: Ooyama III

    After some time the two arrived back at the lighthouse, and while in Saisei the two peered through  a window that was pointed in the direction they''d escaped in.


    "W-We got away s-somehow."


    "What would''ve happened if they caught us?" Hitomi asked.


    "I-I dunno, but I d-don''t trust them."


    "Why not?"


    "Because they''re s-strangers."


    "Hmmm, am I a stranger?" She asked, looking at him with curious eyes.


    "W-well, yes."


    With nothing left planned for the day the two explored the lighthouse at their leisure. It was definitely abandoned, but the large light at the top still shined as brightly as ever. He didn''t bring it up, but Ooyama figured it was that light that led Hitomi to Amegakure in the first place. She must''ve been on some kind of boat, and saw the light in the distance. That was his guess anyway.


    For dinner Hitomi insisted on showing Ooyama how to fish. The two stepped outside the lighthouse, and made their way to a nearby dock. Hours flew by as Hitomi instructed Ooyama on the various kinds of fish that lived inside the Kage sea. While she spoke, Ooyama carefully considered where he''d go next.


    Since Kuda did not give him any details he assumed it was not worth worrying about it just yet. Still, he thought about Hitomi; if Kuda was willing to kill Endou she might be willing to kill Hitomi too.


    Even though he didn''t know the girl very well he didn''t want someone else dying because of him. Ooyama tightened his grip on the fishing rod; afterwards, something began to tug on the other end.


    "Wow you got one!" Hitomi yelled. "Come on, go ahead and pull!"


    Saisei pulled back as hard as he could, but it wasn''t enough. He was being pulled closer, and closer toward the water.


    Ooyama closed his eyes as he felt Saisei begin to plunge over the dock. He didn''t feel it but reaching over his shoulder from behind him was Hitomi grabbing the fishing pole.


    "Don''t give up now!" She said struggling. Her face was pressed against Saisei''s back as she pulled as hard as she could.


    "We''re almost...there!" Hitomi yelled as a ginormous fish came leaping out of the water landing on the dock right before them.


    Hitomi grabbed Saisei, hugging him, and rocking him back, and forth.


    "We did it!" She yelled, "see? It''s not that hard, fishing''s really easy!" Hitomi proclaimed.


    "??''? ??? ???."


    "Huh? Whaddya mean it''s too big? There''s no such thing!" She said, throwing her arms into the air. "Come on. Let''s head back inside and cook this thing up!" Hitomi said.


    And for the second time that day Ooyama, and Hitomi sat inside the lighthouse together.


    "Hey Ryu, do you think we can stay here forever?"


    "I-It''s not that I wouldn''t mind, b-but.." Saisei turned its head looking away. "I have something I need to do."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    It was true. Kuda said he''d be allowed to leave the clan if, and only if he represented the Kusakyu in the Mock Exams, but he didn''t know a thing about what the Mock Exams were, or where to start in them. He didn''t want to go back to Kusakyu Castle so he''d have to look into it tomorrow.


    "T-Then let me help you."


    "I-It''s not exactly a two-person thing... I think."


    Ooyama could see Hitomi''s eyes drop to the floor.


    "B-But afterwards I won''t have a-anything holding me b-back anymore so s-so maybe..."


    What was he saying? He''d barely known the girl for a day, and he already had friends, the kind that would listen to him no matter what he said.


    "We can stay together?" Hitomi finished for him.


    "I-If you''re still here t-then s-sure, b-but I''m not counting on it." He lied.


    "Then it''s a deal!" She replied with a smile.


    Hitomi had just finished eating. She stretched her legs before laying down on the ground. She¡¯d gathered a small assortment of supplies, long bush leaves, paper and she was using them as a blanket and pillow.


    "W-What are you doing?"


    "Oh, it''s getting late so I''m going to sleep."


    "I-In here?" Ooyama asked fearfully.


    The girl didn''t even respond; she was already fast asleep, her head resting delicately on the pillow.


    "?? ????."


    Ooyama uncomfortably laid down as well, and after some time he finally managed to drift to sleep.


    ----------------------------------------


    The next thing Ooyama saw was Kusakyu castle, but he was 50 feet above it, and he was falling. Fast.


    "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep," he screamed as he plummeted toward the ground, but just before he could hit it he felt the cold embrace of his older sister. She''d caught him.


    "Talk about a new record Kuda." Shusei said with a bright smile.


    There were over a dozen members of the Kusakyu clan relaxing in the courtyard, many of which were drinking vast amounts of alcohol.


    "Think I can do 100 yams?"


    The boy cried, and sniveled as he desperately tried to pull away from his younger sister.


    "Hey Kuda, I''m going long!" Shusei said, dropping his alcohol.


    "Hahahaha, you''re on. Remember, head first Yams!"


    Shusei bolted out of the courtyard, and all the way down into Jiraigen territory. Kuda tightly gripped Ooyama with one hand before tossing the toddler far up, and over the castle.


    "I got him!" Shusei cried. He was still running, but at this point he was in front of the Norigami family house.


    While Ooyama flew through the air he looked up at the sun. It looked like it had been replaced with a dark black eye, and it blinked at him. Before Ooyama could think about what was happening he finally lost momentum going up, and started to build it going down. He had gone over a large portion of the castle, and started to fall down, and toward a tree.


    Ooyama''s left arm smacked into the tree, crushing it on impact, but Shusei still caught him as his body continued to fall.


    "Gotcha, ya little rugrat."


    Ooyama was sobbing so hard, he couldn''t believe the pain he was in. After a few more moments the boy had passed out, but that didn''t stop Shusei from tossing the child back to Kuda.


    "Heads up Kuda, coming your way!"


    ----------------------------------------


    Ooyama woke up in a cold sweat. He was still inside Saisei, and across from him sleeping was Hitomi. He took a deep breath, and brought his arms up to his knees, and pulled them in like a lost, and frightened child. Although that nightmare was a very real, and scary memory from his past, the most striking part about it was the eye in place of the sun that was looking down at him.


    Hitomi had started to wake up as well. She gently rubbed her eyes, and looked at Saisei with a sad distant look.


    "W-What?'' Ooyama asked.


    "Hmm, you¡¯re awake! Good morning!"


    Before the two could do much else they heard a noise coming from the front of the lighthouse by the door. Alerted, Ooyama moved Saisei up, and into a fighting position, and Hitomi moved over to his side.


    "Walf! Walf! Walf!"


    It was a small puppy about a foot long. It''s tail was pointed up, and it was sitting poised to attack.


    "Awwwe, it''s a cute doggie! At least we won''t have to look far for dinner-"


    Before Hitomi could finish, Ooyama had taken control of Saisei, and was bolting in the opposite direction heading toward the stairs.


    "What are you-" Looking at how Ooyama moved Saisei Hitomi could tell that he was frightened


    "Stop that." Hitomi said, tackling the puppet to the ground.


    "Ouch," she rubbed her head, "it''s okay, I''ll take care of it for you," Hitomi said.


    And just as Hitomi started to walk toward the puppy, someone new appeared.


    "HA! There you are, you squatters! Wait, is that a puppet?"


    The voice came from a tall girl with long bright orange hair. She wore a jacket the same color as Ooyama''s hair, and bright white shorts with fishnets on her right leg, and a shinobi pouch on the other which also held her headband wrapped around her thigh.


    The dog ran up to her, and crawled up her leg all the way up until it was situated on the girl''s shoulder.


    "My name is Rui Inuzuka! And I''m... uh, almost a genin." She said scratching her head seemingly unsure of herself.


    "Walf! Walf!"

 27 - Prologue Arc: Ooyama IV

    Seeing that Ooyama was still too scared to speak, Hitomi seemed to take the reins.


    "Um, I think something is wrong with your dog."


    "Hmmmm?"


    "It''s going Walf! Walf! and not Woof! Woof!" Hitomi said. "Dogs go Woof! Woof! not Walf! Walf!"


    Ooyama slowly struggled to his feet, and peered through Saisei''s eyes, careful not to look the pup in the face.


    "Um, w-what do you want with us?"


    "This is Inuzuka territory, I''ll say it again. You''re squatting. I heard some complaints from a group of friends who were on the beach yesterday. They said you scared them off!"


    "Is Saisei t-that u-ugly?" Ooyama said sadly.


    "He''s amazing!" Hitomi said. "They were running away in excitement!"


    "When they came back later their food was gone!"


    "Y-You don''t have a-any proof!" Ooyama exclaimed.


    The girl turned her direction to the pile of trash on the other side of the room, and simply pointed at the empty bento boxes; though the one Ooyama hadn''t finished was still in Saisei with him.


    "That doesn''t prove anything!"


    "H-Hey, they gave us that food for free!" Hitomi cried out. "It''s cultural!"


    "HA! Caught red handed!"


    "?????????"


    Ooyama was all out of options, and the girl in front of him didn''t seem likely to concede. For a moment he thought about sneaking back into Kusakyu castle. The Kusakyu rarely went down into the crypts, and he''d have plenty of room to build his puppets; though he''d need to figure out a way to ditch Hitomi.


    "O-Okay, we''ll leave, but I-I have a question."


    "Well, go on, spit it out. I don''t have all day."


    "Walf!"


    "Um, w-where do I go to f-fight in the Mock E-Exams?"


    "The Mock Exams? Why are you asking about the Mock Exams?"


    "B-Because I-I''m a participant."


    "Yeah, I don''t think so."


    "I-It''s true!"


    "Okay, tell you what puppet boy. Me and you, one on one. If you got what it takes I''ll tell you everything I know about the exam. Oh, and on top of that, I guess I can let you get away with staying in my tower."


    "??''? ? ??????????."


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    "D-Deal."


    "Well, let''s go outside, we''re not doing this inside the tower."


    Ooyama used his chakra strings to walk Saisei outside of the tower, and onto the beach, Hitomi following him close from behind


    It was just as cold as it was the previous day, but this time it had begun to snow. The sand was white, and grainy and the water from the tide gently caressed Saisei''s legs. A handful of bystanders seemed to form a crowd up on the road staring down at the beach where Rui, and Saisei were standing.


    "?? ????."


    "Um, Bearyama..."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "H-Hitomi, p-please step aside for now."


    "O-Okay."


    "Ugh, this is just getting weirder." Rui said.


    The crowd up on the road were murmuring to themselves. Hitomi had sat just below them, still in the sand, but not so far that she couldn''t intervene if she was needed.


    "N-No dogs."


    "Walf!" The dog was still sitting on the girl''s shoulder, and was waiting to pounce.


    "Go on Nina."


    The dog whined a bit before leaping off the girl''s shoulder, and running to the sidelines by Hitomi.


    "This won''t take long at all."


    "P-Please go easy on me."


    It was true. Up until now Ooyama had never been in a real fight with his puppets. Aside from very short training sessions with Endou this would be the first time he''s put his creations to the test.


    "Hmm let me think about that - no."


    And with that the battle began.


    "Let''s see just how strong that puppet of yours is," Rui said charging Ooyama.


    ''I-I''ll just keep my d-distance.''


    Ooyama pulled Saisei back, and pulled down on a lever just under his foot. As a result two small square pockets opened up in Saisei''s torso, and launched a barrage of kunai at the young shinobi.


    "Useless!" The girl then started to run on all fours, her speed increasing with each stride.


    "Fang Bullet!" Her body twisted, and spun at such an immense speed the sand on the ground began to levitate off the ground. She crashed straight into Saisei crashing through the wood, splintering it all over the ground.


    The puppet''s constitution was not easily broken however. Saisei''s feet remained planted on the ground despite being pushed all the way back into a rock, the boulder behind the puppet cracking.


    ''Ooyama, the wood we use to build our puppets is infused with our own chakra.''


    That''s what Endou had told him. But was his chakra strong enough to resist the might of the Inuzuka?


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" Rui yelled.


    Then it happened. A claw burst through the wood like it was made of paper. If Ooyama wasn''t as frail, and limber as he was, it would''ve gutted him. The claw continued to reach for Ooyama''s body, but the boy dodged left and right while inside Saisei. When he had the opportunity he brought both of Saisei''s arms down onto the beast as hard as he could, but before they could crush her she leapt several feet back, and began to corner Ooyama like how a wolf would corner its prey.


    The crowd up above began to murmur even louder as the fight continued. Hitomi watched as the crowd grew larger, and larger. Even shinobi started to get involved; though they were in Inuzuka territory so it was mostly shinobi belonging to that clan that were watching.


    Just as Rui charged Ooyama again he activated a smoke screen. It engulfed the area, but Saisei was still leaned against the boulder with little room to run, so the Inuzuka shinobi took a chance and leapt into the smoke. She found her target with little issue, and stabbed her claw straight into its chest, and tore apart the cavity. Then she took her other claw, and picked the puppet up, and threw it out of the smoke, and to the other side of the arena. It crashed into a tree exploding into pieces, but to Hitomi''s surprise Ooyama was not in it.


    The young girl continued to watch the smoke. For some reason neither Rui or Ooyama had emerged from it.


    "You think I''d fall for a trick like that?"


    It was Rui''s voice.


    "Let''s try this again."


    "Fang Bullet!"


    The smoke in the arena immediately disappeared, flowing up, and over the audience with intense speed.


    "Look!" One of the bystanders called out.


    Rui was in the middle of her Fang Bullet ability once again crushing Saisei, and Ooyama against the same rock.


    "You thought you could trick me with a substitution!"


    Hitomi knew better. She knew that the boy had three scrolls on his back. It wasn''t a substitution, it was another copy of his puppet. It was another Saisei.


    "But the Inuzuka rely on scent to track our opponents!" Rui explained.


    There was already a hole in Saisei''s armor so the puppet would not last if this kept up. Ooyama tried to launch the kunai out of Saisei''s chest again, but.


    "I don''t think so!"


    Rui lifted her legs up, and smashed both of her feet into the two holes where the kunai would''ve flown from. Saisei was falling apart.


    Struggling from inside Saisei, Ooyama tried raising the puppets arm again, but the Inuzuka shinobi tore it off with brute strength, and held it up for the audience to see. Then she slammed the arm into Saisei''s head, piercing through its skull, Ooyama ducking just in time as the life of his puppet met its end.


    She slowly stood up on her legs, and looked down at Ooyama who could barely see her under the rubble of his puppet.


    "Is that all you got? Really?"


    "Move," before Rui could react she was on the ground, her hands full of sand.


    Hitomi dug through the wreckage looking for Ooyama.


    ''W-What? I didn''t even hear her coming. Who is she?''


    "I-I''m fine H-Hitomi l-let me g-get my other s-scroll. D-Don''t look at me." And after a moment a new Saisei had formed just before the group.


    Rui got to her feet, and eyed Hitomi suspiciously.


    "You''re next."


    "Oh, uh n-no I don''t think that''s a good idea," Hitomi replied anxiously. She was looking up at the crowd, and everyone that had gathered.


    "You need a place to sleep don''t you? Then fight me."


    Nina had run up Rui, and climbed up her leg sitting right back on her shoulder.


    Hitomi turned back, and looked at Ooyama.


    "Y-You don''t have to," he said. The boy was already back in Saisei, no one had managed to see him outside of it yet.


    "B-But we need a place to sleep - for when you get back." Hitomi clenched her fists. "I-I''ll fight you then."


    "No, you won''t!" A loud voice boomed from the crowd, and down into everyone''s ears.


    The group looked up, and saw something parting the crowd. It was a man atop an extremely large wolf. He had a large sword sheathed to his back, and dark orange hair.

 28 - Prologue Arc: Ooyama V

    "Otosan!" Rui ditched Hitomi, and Ooyama, and sped up the hill toward her dad.


    The man reached his hand down, and pulled his daughter up, and sat her on the back of the wolf. Nina leapt off of Rui''s shoulder, and daintily skipped over to the end of the large wolf''s nose, turned around, and sat down. It looked like the larger wolf was enjoying its company.


    "Walf!"


    "What did I tell you about starting fights?"


    "They''re squatters'' otosan, and they were staying in grandpa''s tower.."


    "Is that so?"


    The wolf leapt off of the hill, and confronted Ooyama, and Hitomi.


    "Ooyama Kusakyu." The man started.


    "HUH?" Rui yelled, "KUSAKYU MY ASS HE DOESN''T EVEN USE EXPLOSION RELEASE! WHAT KIND OF KUSAKYU USES PUPPETS???"


    "Y-Yeah well y-your breath stinks!" Ooyama heard himself say.


    He instinctively backed away seeing how large the beast under the man was. Sensing this Hitomi stepped in front of him in a protective manner.


    "We all have our own reasons for choosing the path we do. His path just happens to be different from the one his clan has taken. Tell me Rui, how many other Inuzuka have you seen wield a sword? After all, why wield a sword when you have such powerful claws? A similar question could be posed to Ooyama. Why resort to puppets when you have such a powerful kekegenkai?"


    "Kusakyu..." Hitomi heard herself say.


    To Ooyama''s surprise she didn''t seem to fully understand the gravity of his family name.


    "I-I guess I understand, kinda." Rui replied.


    The man refocused his attention on Hitomi, and Ooyama.


    "My name is Kayako Inuzuka. It''s a pleasure to meet you both, and this here is Ryuk."


    The wolf breathed deeply, and licked its lips. It was a huge beast at least twice the size of your average wolf. It was a deep gray with orange highlights in its hair.


    Please accompany me back to HQ. Rubin would like to have a word."


    Hitomi reached for Saisei''s hand, and grabbed it.


    "Okay, we''re coming."


    "I-Is this about the Mock Exams?" Ooyama asked.


    "It is."


    "Then I''ll go."


    Saisei, and Hitomi both followed Ryuk back up the hill, and through Amegakure. The crowd that had formed during the fight had begun to disperse, but not before a handful of them reached in an attempt to touch Saisei.


    "Please don''t mind them." Kayako said briefly, looking back at Ooyama.


    "You''re the closest thing they''ll ever be to the Mizukage."


    ''The Mizukage.'' Ooyama thought.


    Endou had told him about the Mizukage. He was also a puppet user, but his methods were taboo. He''d come to power in a mysterious controversy that ended with the death of the last Mizukage. A steam release wielder from Kirigakure, the Village Hidden in the Mist.


    "There aren''t many puppet users in Ame, let alone the Land of Water," Kayako explained, "that fight gave them some idea of how the Mizukage uses his ability even if it was a poor example."


    "I-Is the Mizukage well liked, dad?


    "That''s... a complicated question. Our Civil War has tanked his credibility quite a bit."


    "Oh yeah, that," Rui replied with a sad expression, "nevermind, forget I said anything."


    "We''ll have to talk about it eventually, Rui. It''s a decision that you''ll need to make sooner or later."


    Neither Ooyama or Hitomi had any idea what Kayako was referring to, but either way they were both finally leaving Inuzuka territory and entering Kage territory. Amegakure was divided into five distinct territories. The smallest belonged to the Kosutta clan, and the largest belonged to the Inuzuka, and between them were the Jiraigen territories belonging to the Kusakyu, the Hana territories belonging to the Akinoyo, and the Kage territory belonging to Ame''s central government.


    As the group traveled Ooyama couldn''t help but note how much less extravagant everything looked compared to what he was used to in the area surrounding Kusakyu castle. He looked over at Hitomi however, who was still holding his hand. She seemed to be amazed, looking up at all the tall metallic buildings.


    Finally they reached the Jonin HQ building.


    "Rui, please continue making the rounds."


    The girl leapt off of Ryuk, and stared daggers at Hitomi.


    "Mock Exams or not, I''m coming for you," and with that Rui sprinted down the street, though Hitomi called back to her.


    "Okay! It was nice to meet you!" She yelled at the girl with a wave.


    Kayako greeted the guards outside, and led the two into the building and up the stairs. At the very end of the hallway was Rubin''s office. With a curt knock Kayako alerted the man inside to his presence, and after a short moment the door opened.


    The lead Jonin was of medium height, maybe 5 ''10 at most. He had dark blue hair, and wore a casual black jacket. His smile was casual, but welcoming.


    "Ooyama Kusakyu," he said, showing no surprise at seeing Saisei, "it''s nice to finally meet you," he happily shook Saisei''s hand, "I would''ve loved for it to be much earlier, but your sister pulled every trick in the book to keep that from happening."


    "We got intel that you were staying with Endou some time ago so we let it be. We didn''t anticipate..." The man took a deep, exasperated breath. "We didn''t expect her to do what she did. I''m truly sorry for not acting sooner," Rubin then bowed before Ooyama.


    "D-Don''t worry about it. T-Thank you for your concern," Ooyama flabbergasted at Rubin''s behavior.


    "In any case", Rubin turned toward the window, and looked outside at Amegakure, "Kuda asked you to participate in the Mock Exams, as a representative of the Kusakyu. I don''t know if you know this or not Ooyama, but after the Mock Exams are over, provided you get through it all you''ll be a genin. Meaning, you''ll officially be a shinobi. At this point in a shinobi''s career they can choose to either complete missions for their clan, or they can choose to side with the village government. I''ve only heard rumors about how you''ve been treated over in Jiraigen territory so I can only speculate, but I just want you to know that if you choose to fight for Ame, and not the Kusakyu - there will be a place here for you."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "W-What will I get if I s-side with Ame?"


    "A home for one. It''d be provided for you here at HQ."


    "I''ll think about it."


    "I understand."


    Rubin looked at Hitomi next, who was still standing patiently next to Ooyama. The lead jonin brought a hand to his chin in deep thought.


    "Do you want to conduct a full examination?" Kayako asked.


    The man was still standing in the doorway - he had never left. Ooyama wasn''t sure what they meant by full examination. Did they recognize something about Hitomi that he didn''t?


    "Ooyama, wait here please. Hitomi, please come with me to the other room."


    "I''ll be back!" She told Ooyama with a smile before letting go of Saisei''s hand. Then she followed Kayako, and Rubin out the door.


    Ooyama had planned to go through Rubin''s desk, then eavesdrop on the conversation with Hitomi, but unfortunately they had a guard stand inside the room with him.


    "??"


    It had been at least an hour, and Ooyama was still sitting inside Rubin''s office with the guard. He was seated at this point thinking of new puppet designs, and how to improve Saisei.


    But finally the door had opened, and both Rubin, and Hitomi stepped back inside. The girl seemed to be smiling as she took her place back next to Ooyama''s side holding Saisei''s hand.


    "I''m back!"


    "W-Welcome back."


    Rubin went behind his desk, and reached into his drawer. He revealed two Hidden Rain headbands, and held them up.


    "These are your tickets to get into the Mock Exams so don''t lose them. If you pass the exams then they are yours to keep, and you''ll officially be recognized as Hidden Rain genin."


    Ooyama took the headband in Saisei''s hand, and placed it around the puppets head. As for Hitomi she did the same for now, though she ''d likely change it later on once she got some new clothes; she was still in the black dress she was in when she arrived in Amegakure.


    "Now, it''s a good thing Rui, and Kayako ran into both of you because everyone is going to the exam site tomorrow. And while technically you don''t need to be at the site for about four more days it''s imperative you leave with a jonin."


    "W-Why''s that?"


    "Because there have been attacks on Mock Exam candidates on their way to the site. A single examinee is an easy target, a pair of ninjutsu users with a jonin level shinobi is considered too much trouble."


    "A pair? Awwe so we won''t be traveling with other Mock Exams participants?" Hitomi asked, her eyes sparkling.


    Rubin laughed. "Unfortunately no, and you two will be the last to go. I''m going to have to find a shinobi willing to take you."


    "B-But why are M-Mock Exams participants being attacked?" Ooyama asked.


    "It''s part of the ongoing Inuzuka Civil War. A good way to cripple your opponent''s military is to get rid of your weakest links."


    "O-Oh."


    Ooyama didn''t know much about the Civil War, and he didn''t care enough to ask further questions.


    "You''ll meet the rest of the genin at the entrance in the morning. Kayako will be there to make sure you''re all accounted for. Oh, and you''re both free to sleep here tonight of course; don''t worry about the lighthouse situation. I''ll smooth it over with the Inuzuka."


    "Thank you Rubin," Hitomi said, "For everything, I mean it."


    Later that night after dinner Ooyama found himself alone in his own room. He was able to take a nice long shower, and afterwards he tore the blankets off of the bed he was provided, and started to lay them out inside Saisei, but then he heard a knock on his door.


    Before he could ask who it was he heard their voice.


    "I-It''s Hitomi."


    Ooyama climbed inside Saisei, and made his way to the door. Fearing that she''d break it down he slowly started to crack the door open, but after it was only an inch away from the frame Hitomi, and reached inside, her fingers trailing the door like a spider, and then she slammed it open.


    "I''m sleeping in here too.¡±


    "No. Y-You have a bed."


    "Ooyama."


    That was the first time she''d said his name. Though the more Ooyama thought about it he realized he''d given her an alias before - Ryu. But even after that, before she learned of his identity she''d called him something else.


    ''Bearyama''


    A nickname of sorts, but she''d gotten it mostly right. Ooyama was careful, she shouldn''t have known his real name until Kayako had said it out loud. Was it just a coincidence? It had to have been. Just as he was about to reject the girl she forced her way into the room, and leapt  straight onto the bed, and covered herself under the sheets.


    He didn''t have his mask on, but he faced her anyway, she couldn''t see him in the dark.


    "Hey Hitomi?"


    "Hmmmm?"


    "How did you Ooyama know that w-was my name? I don''t remember telling you."


    The girl shuffled under the sheets as if buying time trying to conjure up a response.


    "I-I wanted to get your attention a-and I just said what I felt."


    Ooyama wasn''t satisfied with that answer, but he didn''t want to press the issue. There''d be no use in doing so. With that burning question out of the way Ooyama reflected on the day before finally drifting into a deep sleep.


    ----------------------------------------


    Ooyama was tied to a large pole outside in the dark rainy cold. His legs were bound, and his arms were tied across his chest like an x, The only thing that was free were his hands, and mouth. The entire clan was pointing at him, and laughing.


    "Honestly Kuda he might just be a lost cause. Biologically speaking he got the short end of the stick. It''s not too late to throw him into the moat and call it a day. We can wipe the records clean just like Akira did with his enemies. It''s not exactly a new idea." She had a beer in her right hand, and took a clean sip.


    It was Miami Kusakyu that was speaking. She was barely a foot taller than Ooyama at 5''5. She wore bright pink glasses, and leggings patterned with black and yellow.


    "Shut your mouth Miami. He has my blood in him, not yours."


    Kuda grabbed the pole, and began to shake it, Ooyama''s head bouncing against the steel behind him.


    "Are you going to make me a liar, Yams? In front of the whole clan?"


    Unlike other clans, Kusakyu children usually manifested their kekegenkai at five years old. Ooyama was already seven at the time, and hadn''t produced even the smallest hint of explosive clay.


    "M-Mommy!"


    Ooyama simply sobbed at Kuda''s accusations, and as a result the entire clan continued to jeer, and laugh.


    "Alright then yams. I''ll let you run to mommy."


    A member of the clan stepped forward, and on three separate leashes were large black hounds with razor sharp teeth. Compared to Ooyama they were at least three times his size. The boy instinctively pressed his back further against the pole as if it would be his salvation.


    "Fight or flight yams."


    She cut the boy loose, and soon after the dogs bolted after the boy; terrified Ooyama ran for his life screaming in terror.


    Kuda casually took the beer out of Miami''s hand before sitting down in a chair. She stretched her arms and legs and chugged it down as the rest of the clan watched and laughed at the screaming child.


    As Ooyama ran he noticed something odd. It was the sun, in its place was a large black eye. And as one of the dogs slammed its teeth down onto his arms he woke up yet again in a sweat.


    ----------------------------------------


    After waking up inside Saisei Ooyama peaked through the eye holes, and saw Hitomi sleeping peacefully in the bed that was meant for him. After another moment the girl had woken up as well, and turned to face Ooyama, a cold sad look painting her expression.


    "L-Let''s get ready to go," he said.


    And that''s what the two did. Rubin had helped pack several days worth of food for them the previous night so that wasn''t a concern.


    Hitomi had gone back to her room, and was given an assortment of different clothes to choose from by some of the aids in the building. She''d chosen a dark red blouse, and a matching headband which she stitched her shinobi headband onto, and she wore it just below her neck.


    When she went back to Ooyama she expected to see a clean bed, but instead he was stuffing the blankets, and sheets into Saisei. Nothing had been left, even the soap, and toiletries from the bathroom had been taken.


    "W-What are you doing?"


    "I-It''s c-cultural," he said, closing Saisei''s exterior.


    Finally the two had left Jonin HQ, and made their way toward the north village entrance.


    Hitomi had opted to stay outside of Saisei this time opting to take in Ame''s scenery, and culture. Ooyama was happy this was the case because he wasn''t sure if he''d be able to fit her in addition to all his souvenirs.


    Upon arrival it didn''t seem very busy outside, and the large gates that lead outside of Amegakure were completely closed. The ginormous walls towered over the two with guards presumably at the top, though neither Ooyama or Hitomi could see them.


    "It looks like we''re all alone," Hitomi said, staring up at the large gate. She turned toward Ooyama and looked at him.


    "I''m really glad we met. It looks like we''re both about to go on a big adventure, and once we finish the Mock Exams, and become shinobi we''ll be able to live inside the lighthouse together, and do more fun things."


    "U-Um Hitomi. C-Can you do me a f-favor?"


    "Hmm? What is it Ooyama?"


    He stared at her through the holes in Saisei.


    "P-Please, leave me alone."


    After hearing those words, Hitomi simply stood still with a blank expression peering at Ooyama through his puppet''s eyes.


    "You''re scary, s-so please s-stay away from me."


    Hitomi didn''t understand. He''d saved her, and kept her warm inside the lighthouse, they ate together, and slept in the same room together.


    ''What did I do wrong?''


    She thought she''d done everything right this time. She thought that Ooyama would be her first, and only friend. But, he hated her, and told her to stay away.


    "But why? I thought we were getting along. I t-thought we were friends."


    "P-please just stay away."

 29 - Prologue Arc: Noboru V

    Noboru opened his eyes feeling a massive headache in his skull, and his ribs were aching in pain. He moved his hand down his shirt.


    ¡®That¡¯s right, I left it in the drawer next to my bed.¡¯


    Noboru moved his hands further down, and felt bandages wrapped around his body. He slowly sat up, and got a good look at the room.


    It was simple, and small. He was lying down in a bed slightly shorter than his own, but the window to his right showed him something he wasn''t used to.


    ''Ame.''


    And not just what was in Kosutta territory, no - this was all of it. Tall metallic buildings coloring the skyline, he could even see the faint outline of the Kage Gullet Mikan escorted him through the previous day.


    ''It''s all so small from here.''


    He must have been several stories up as the streets below were small, and lifeless from where he was sitting; though the great wall was tall, the skyscrapers of Ame were several stories taller. It must''ve been the afternoon because far off in the distance he could see the sun shining through the dark gray clouds. The time of day reminded him of something he didn''t want to think about, something he wanted to ignore.


    Earlier he''d fought against his father Sejin in an attempt to unlock his Kiidogan, but it ended with an abrupt, and disappointing failure. Noboru had lacked the strength to defeat his father, and therefore he wouldn''t be able to participate in the Mock Exams. He wouldn''t be able to live freely, and he wouldn''t be able to marry Chocho.


    He had failed.


    But as he thought about that unavoidable fact his mind drifted to his present situation. Rubin had saved him; stopped his father from ending his life. Given that, it stands to reason that he was at Jonin HQ.


    Noboru pinched the bridge of his nose.


    What value did Rubin find in Noboru? Without a doujutsu he wouldn''t be able to adequately represent his clan. The only thing Noboru could think of is if Rubin had to meet a quota for Mock Exam participants. If that was the case then it''d stand to reason that he''d go out of his way to protect him, but even then why risk getting on the bad side of Sejin?


    Noboru thought endlessly on Rubin''s reasons for saving him, but in the end all he could do was wait for the man in question to explain himself, and luckily that didn''t take long.


    The door opened, and in walked Rubin, and Minori.


    "Minori, are you sure it''s safe for you to be here?" Rubin asked


    "Sejin is probably sulking in his office right about now, don''t worry about him." Minori replied.


    "I''m not worried about Sejin Minori, it''s his birds that I fear."


    "Birds? You mean Natsuki?"


    "He''s one of many."


    "He''s more of a pigeon-"


    Rubin had no words for that.


    "-I just wanted to see him alive and well before I left him in your hands," Minori added.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Minori." Noboru interrupted their conversation.


    "If Mikan was there, do you think... Do you think I would''ve-"


    "If Mikan was there it wouldn''t have made a difference. The truth is Noboru, the reason you didn''t unlock your doujutsu is because you lack something-"


    ''Resolve.'' Noboru thought


    "-And you have your father to thank for that. How could he expect you to grow as a person if he keeps your wings taped to your back? I don''t blame you for that loss Noboru, I only regret that it was Rubin who stepped in and not me."


    "Wings taped to your back?" Rubin repeated with a raised eyebrow.


    Minori shrugged his shoulders, "The bird analogies work better when they''re not coming from you."


    Rubin smiled, "Anyway, well if you tried to intervene he may not have stopped, so. It''s for the best."


    "For what it''s worth, your Air Current Dance has improved." Minori told Noboru.


    "Thanks, I guess."


    "See you around, I''m heading back to the complex before anyone notices I''m gone." The young chunin waved him goodbye before heading out the door.


    Rubin, and Noboru were alone now. The man reached into his back pocket, and revealed a Hidden Leaf headband.


    ¡°I see more in you than just eyes, Noboru. Fight for Ame in the Mock Exams, and become a shinobi. Do that, and you won¡¯t have to worry about Sejin.¡±


    Noboru chewed on that thought. He had no doujutsu so his fathers interest in him would certainly dwindle over time. Hypothetically, if he were to leave, and come back to Ame would Sejin bother with him at all? Regardless of what he thought the answer was clear.


    Noboru took the headband from Rubin, and sat it on his lap.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I have another choice.¡±


    ¡°Sejin is the other choice.¡± Rubin said bluntly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fight in the exam, just don¡¯t expect too much of me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it, you¡¯ll make a fine shinobi.¡±


    ¡°The Exams are on an island right? How do you expect me to get there?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately for you the other Ame candidates left yesterday, and generally it¡¯s not safe for exam candidates to leave Ame without a jonin level shinobi to escort them.¡±


    Noboru had heard murmurings of an ongoing Civil War outside of the village.


    ¡®Has the fighting gotten that close?¡¯ He wondered.


    ¡°But luckily, Mikan was three steps ahead, as usual,¡± Rubin said regrettably.


    ¡°Ohh, is that jealousy I detect? Of Miss Mikan?¡±


    A new, distinct voice had presented itself. Noboru peaked over Rubin¡¯s shoulder and saw a young girl his age wandering into the room.


    ¡°Wow, I almost didn¡¯t hear you come in. You¡¯re definitely her student.¡±


    ¡®Student?¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me that, Rubin.¡± She made her way to the bedside, and eyed Noboru curiously.


    ¡°You must be what Miss Mikan¡¯s been keeping all to herself.¡± She glanced at the lead jonin, ¡°Are you sure I can¡¯t meet mister Sejin as well?¡±


    ¡°¡±That wouldn¡¯t be the best idea.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel too bad,¡± Noboru started, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about you either, my sister doesn¡¯t tell me anything.¡±


    Noboru felt relieved, after all he thought he was the only one in the dark, but it seems Mikan treats her students in the same way.


    ¡°So, I¡¯ll be traveling with you then?¡± The boy added.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! So I¡¯ll be asking you lots of questions. Please feel free to do the same with me!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be interested in anything I have to say.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, I wonder about that.¡± Rin said, bringing a finger to her chin.


    ¡°Noboru,¡± Rubin interrupted, ¡°Rin traveled here on her own from Kirigakure, and managed to do so undetected. You should be safe traveling together.¡±


    Feeling uncomfortable with two people standing over him, Noboru got out of bed. He took the headband, and stuffed it in his back pocket.


    "You probably won''t need it, but here''s a map of Ame no shima the island our village is on. You''ll want to follow the path west to Ryoto Port, from there you''ll take a boat to Point Break."


    Noboru studied the map for a moment before nodding his head, and placing it in his pack. He figured Rin would know the way, but it''d be good for him to take note.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost as tall as Miss Mikan.¡± Rin said, her hands behind her back.


    ¡°Will we have any trouble getting out of Ame?¡± Noboru asked Rubin.


    ¡°As Minori said earlier, Sejin is probably too busy sulking to notice.¡±


    ¡®Sulking about me huh?¡¯


    Noboru smiled.


    ¡°Why are you smiling like that? Are you thinking of something stupid?¡± Rin asked.


    ¡°Someone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got supplies packed for you both downstairs, please remember to take them before you leave.¡±


    After thanking Rubin, and loading up on supplies Rin, and Noboru had finally exited HQ.


    The boy instinctively reached up to grab the pendant that wasn¡¯t there, before sighing in frustration. Instead, he squeezed his shirt in its place.

 30 - Prologue Arc: Noboru VI

    ¡°Hey Rin, how much do you know about my clan?¡±


    It was a shot in the dark, but Noboru figured it¡¯d be worth the effort.


    ¡°Hmmm, not much at all. I know about the Air Current Dance, and the Kiidogan, but we only briefly covered Kosutta history in the academy - oh, and the first Mizukage was a Kosutta, but her legacy isn¡¯t highly regarded.¡±


    ¡®An academy? Ame never had anything like that, but anyway.¡¯


    ¡°How would you like to go on a little detour?¡±


    She brought a finger to her bottom lip, and cocked her head.


    ¡°Hmmm, I dunno I have super strict orders from Miss Mikan to get you to-¡±


    ¡°You want to learn all about Miss Mikan right? Then let¡¯s go on this detour.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, it¡¯ll be awfully quiet the whole trip if you don¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking to. There¡¯s a reason Mikan never told you anything about me.¡±


    ¡°Touch¨¦.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­?¡±


    ¡°Screw it, why not. Let¡¯s go take a look.¡±


    The two made their way through Jonin territory, until they were in the western part of the village just outside of the Kosutta complex.


    Before Noboru could make the suggestion Rin grabbed his left arm, and then using a single hand he cast the ¡®Air Current Dance Jutsu¡¯ after just seven signs.


    ¡°One hand? Wow, even Mikan can¡¯t do that!¡±


    ¡°Unlike Mikan, I haven¡¯t mastered the jutsu yet,¡± Noboru whispered, ¡°I can¡¯t mute our sounds, so please be quiet.¡±


    And with that they both disappeared.


    Noboru knew the ins, and outs of the Kosutta Complex. The main thing he needed to watch out for were Sejin, and Natsuki. He would¡¯ve preferred to do this alone, but it¡¯s unlikely that he¡¯d be able to convince Rin of that. At least, that¡¯s how he felt. All he needed to do was get to his room, grab the Necklace, and then leave.


    The Ito brothers were guarding the front entrance, but he didn¡¯t need to worry about that. Noboru¡¯s room was on the eastern side of the complex on the third floor. He quickly guided Rin across the territory, and around the building, and then using his hands, and feet he started to scale the large mansion.


    Rin didn¡¯t complain at all. Due to his ¡®Air Current Dance¡¯ he couldn¡¯t see her face, but he figured she was just soaking in as much information as she could. She was still holding onto his arm as they climbed.


    ¡®It¡¯s not much to look at.¡¯ Noboru thought.


    After scaling to the third floor they¡¯d finally reached his window. Noboru usually kept it open in the hope that either Mikan, or Minaka would stop by and save him from the nightmare that was Sejin; though that never happened of course.


    Noboru peaked inside his room, and was reminded of how empty his life was. A small shelf lined the wall with books, and stories only Sejin allowed him to read. He¡¯d hoped that wherever he¡¯d live after the Mock Exams there¡¯d be more for him to line those shelves with; new hobbies he could explore, and new things for him to try. He pressed his hands against the window to open it, but then the door swung open, and Natsuki made his way inside.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡®Damnit. What could he want?¡¯


    The jonin slammed all the books on Noboru¡¯s shelf onto the floor. He tore the sheets off the mattress, and then the mattress off its frame placing it against the wall.


    The last time his room had been searched was back when Minaka had taken him away. When Natsuki brought him back he was greeted with a trashed room, and all his belongings had been shredded. But this was different, Natsuki, and Sejin both knew that Noboru was rescued by Rubin. What did they hope to find by searching his room? In any case¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Natsuki said under his breath. He had opened the drawer next to Noboru¡¯s bed, and revealed a necklace. The one that Chocho had given him.


    ¡°No!¡± Heard himself say under his breath.


    Natsuki, and placed the necklace in his back pocket, and left the room, closing the door behind him, and heading in the direction of Sejin¡¯s office.


    Noboru immediately opened the window, and snuck straight into his own room, Rin following close behind. Then, he closed the window behind him, re-opened the door quietly, and carefully darted out of the room.


    In front of him he saw Natsuki paused in the hallway, and across from him was Minori.


    ¡°Looks like you were somewhere you weren¡¯t supposed to be.¡± Minori said, blocking Natsuki¡¯s path.


    ¡°I could say the same about you. However, you should not address your senpai in such a hostile manner, it¡¯s unbecoming of a Kosutta.¡±


    Minori cocked his head back, and crossed his arms, ¡°what were you doing in Noboru¡¯s room?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re inferring.¡±


    Noboru swallowed hard. If he didn¡¯t take this opportunity, it¡¯d be lost forever. Slowly, step after step, doing everything he could to maintain absolute silence he approached Natsuki. This was a jonin level shinobi, one misstep, one squeak in the floorboard and he¡¯d be discovered, and not only that, but Rin would be in jeopardy as well.


    ¡°What were you looking for Natsuki?¡±


    There, he could see the pendant hanging out of the man''s back pocket. Noboru slowly reached his hand up, but suddenly -


    Feeling something off, Natsuki immediately turned around swinging his arm back as hard as he absolutely could.


    The hit connected, and a body slammed into the wall cracking it.


    ¡°An attack?!¡± Natsuki said.


    He blew it. Noboru was so close to taking his necklace back, his gift from Chocho. The first, and only present he¡¯s ever received. The pendant was gone, it likely sank to the bottom of the man¡¯s pocket. And to make matters worse it wasn¡¯t him that the man hit. Noboru was just about to blow his cover, and get Rin out of there when:


    ¡°Natsuki, good job!¡± The young chunin clapped his hands, ¡°you actually managed to detect my clone.¡±


    ¡°Y-Your clone?¡±


    ¡°I cloaked it using ¡®Air Current Dance¡¯ and snuck it behind you. Looks like your skills are still sharp, keep it u-¡±


    ¡°Minori, I¡¯m placing you under arrest for directing an attack against a fellow member of the Kosutta clan.¡±


    As Natsuki spoke, a handful of guards came running to the scene to investigate. They surrounded Natsuki, and Minori in an attempt to find out what was going on.


    ¡°Men, please place Minori under arrest, and take him down stairs. He¡¯ll need to face Sejin so he can explain his actions, and justify his attack against me himself.¡±


    Not entirely comfortable, several of the guards started to get a hold of Minori intending to keep him from leaving.


    ¡°Man, I hate improvising.¡±


    The man looked straight at Noboru, and winked before dispersing in a puff of smoke.


    ¡®No.¡¯


    When it cleared both Minori, and Natsuki were gone. It was likely that the jonin was in pursuit.


    Noboru still felt Rin¡¯s hand on his shoulder. He bolted past the guards with her, and exited the complex the same way he came in.


    Once out of sight Noboru hurriedly undid the jutsu. The left side of Rin¡¯s face was black, but despite that she smiled at him - one of her front teeth cracked.


    ¡°Rin, I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t think-¡±


    The girl ignored him, and pulled something out of her pocket.


    ¡°T-The necklace. Y-You got it?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± She twisted her neck groaning in pain, ¡°It¡¯s not every day you¡¯re punched in the face by a jonin. You owe me lots of answers.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll have them.¡±


    Rin placed the necklace in the boy''s hand, and he immediately put it on.


    The two made their way toward Ame¡¯s north gate.


    He squeezed the pendant again, in only a couple short days it became a habit of his.


    ¡®Was this worth Minori¡¯s freedom? M-Mikan will help him when she gets back. She has too¡­¡¯


    Noboru forced himself to believe that, but then again Mikan didn¡¯t help Minaka.


    Noboru¡¯s heart beat furiously as he got closer to Ame¡¯s entrance. Hunters, fishers, and laborers went about their day barely shooting a glance at Noboru, and Rin, but to him it was more than enough to make him worry. The young boy picked up his pace, and constantly watched his surroundings for any potential pursuers, but none came. As the two exited the village the guards watching the gate simply nodded their heads as they passed by. It was only after he exited the village did he breathe a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I-I made it.¡±