82 Chapter 18: The Onmitsu 12
AN: Hey everyone! I know, it's been a long while since I've updated the story. Sorry about that. I've been putting most of my work and effort on my Bleach Story. Of course I'm still working on this one as well, just not at the same pace as the Bleach one. Going forward I will try and get more updates out for this story, but do note that it will most likely be at a slower pace than the Bleach story. And thanks to everyone who continues to read and support me and the stories.
Also, hope everyone is safe and doing well!
Chapter 18
One Week Later
Currently gathered in a neat and luxurious looking room were not only the Five Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages, but also representatives of other hidden villages that had joined the Shinobi Union overtime. A few notable hidden villages that had joined the Union were Amegakure, Hoshigakure, Ishigakure, Kusagakure, Otogakure, and Yumegakure. Aside from the Kage and the representatives of the other villages, everyone's advisors were also currently situated in the room. Izaya was present as well. Even though he was not the current Hokage of Konoha, he was probably the most prominent and respected person in the room as he was the one who laid the foundations for keeping the ASF together which was now renamed the Shinobi Union.
As everyone lightly chatted amongst themselves Shikamaru was the one who got everyone's attention as he let out a loud cough. "Ahem. Uhh...well, I suppose we should begin. If you all don't mind I will start the discussion. First, thank you all for coming on such short notice. The reason we're gathered is because there seems to be an undercurrent of issues moving throughout the world right now. They may not manifest themselves as a huge problem right now, however if left unattended then they could eventually come back to bite us. Keep in mind that everything we discuss here today should be kept only within these walls. Now moving on to the pressing issues at hand. The Kaidan Killers have once again revealed themselves to the world. Why? We don't know. Most likely they were hired by someone for a job and used the distraction of the Five Great Games to complete their contract kill. There was also the use of an illegal Tailed Beast Drug during the Games. That means that the organizations of the underworld have gotten their hands on something extremely dangerous. Not only does this drug cause one to gain enhanced physical capabilities on the level of cloaked Tailed Beasts, it can also cause one to lose control of their minds."
Someone from Hoshigakure interjected as they asked, "Couldn't we have Kabuto analyze this drug and have him create an antidote?"
Shikamaru nodded. "We could, however we don't have any of the drug on our hands. It's possible that this is not the only kind of enhancing drug circulating in the underworld. Furthermore there is the issue of the middle seas treaty. Tensions are rising there and should things keep going in the direction they're heading it could lead to a war over the trade routes between The Land of Water, Sea, and Waves. Konoha and Kirigakure could also end up being dragged into it as well since they utilize these trade routes too. Then there was the incident with the Otsutsuki Clan during the Chunin Exams. They are dangerous, and with their arrival we now have confirmation that they have set their eyes on our planet. While the members who invaded have been dealt with, the fact remains that we don't know how many more of them are out there nor do we know when they may send reinforcements. On top of that we don't know their strength. How powerful was Momoshiki amongst their Clan? Where does he rank? Will they send someone stronger? Will they send an army next time instead of just 3? Was Momshiki and his group just an advanced party to study our strength and gather intel? We don't have enough information. With the possible threat of the Otsutsuki Clan still looming in the air we can't divert too much of our strength and manpower into the undercurrents disturbing the rest of the world."
A member from Amegakure then chimed in, "From the way you are talking it seems you have already thought of a countermeasure. I think we can all agree that these issues are a pressing problem. So what is the plan?"
Shikamaru nodded and looked over to Izaya as he continued, "The 6th Hokage has proposed we train a group of highly skilled Shinobi that will work under the Shinobi Union known as the Onmitsu 12. As the name suggests the group will consist of 12 members. They will work with each other to take on the difficult tasks that we face in the world. For instance the Kaidan Killers. They work in the shadows and thrive in the underworld, however we have no way of tracking them down. We would need a group of highly skilled Shinobi to find more information on behalf of the S.U. The problem is if we pick a group of random Shinobi from each village for the job, albeit suited to their skill set, we still need to give them time to train and get familiar with each other. Only then can they work effectively as a team and glean anything useful without being caught during these dangerous missions. Then what if another problem arises later similar to the Kaidan Killers? We would need to gather another group and train them and whatnot. It takes time, and groups like the Kaidan Killers won't wait for us to be prepared. By the time the group of Shinobi we chose for the mission is ready the trail of the target could vanish. We would lose the initiative. So, the main topic of today is to gather everyone's thoughts on the formation of the very first Shinobi Union Omnitsu 12."
The room was silent for a few seconds before everyone began quietly chatting between themselves. After several minutes of discussion Darui raised his hand and asked, "The idea sounds alright, but we would still need to train the 12 Shinobi chosen for the task. How will we choose and how will they be trained?"
It was then Izaya, who was relaxedly leaned back on his chair with his feet up on a desk uncrossed his legs and sat up replying, "I will choose. And I will train them."
Immediately everyone widened their eyes in shock at the revelation that Izaya was going to personally train the group himself. Izaya grinned a bit at everyone's expression and stood up walking in front of the room to better address everyone.
"It's no surprise really. After all, like Shikamaru said I was the one to suggest we create the Onmitsu 12. These problems in the world, I would personally investigate them myself, however there is the issue of the Otsutsuki Clan. I believe, and I think you all would agree with me, that my focus is better suited on searching for more information on the Otsutsuki Clan. The same would go for the Five Kage and the leaders of the other hidden villages. You all have political matters to deal with and can't go leaving your villages to search for information in the underworld. Also, the formation of the Onmitsu 12 is not just something that will end in our generation. We won't be around forever which means we need to also prepare capable Shinobi that can deal with such hidden dangers in the future. Even when we are no longer here. Send in any and all candidates from your villages under the age of 16 that you believe would be suitable to be part of the Onmitsu 12 to the Shinobi Union 1 month from now. I will assess their skills, abilities, mentality, potential, character, and willingness to learn and adapt. Then from amongst all the candidates I will choose 12. I will not be biased in who I choose. If they come from my village, Konoha, and have the right potential then I will choose them. If they come from Ishigakure and have the right potential then I will choose them. I want you all to know that I do not care about what village they come from. Whether from my village, your village, or anyone else's village, as we are the S.U. it matters not which of our village's the Shinobi forming the Onmitsu 12 come from. In the end they are part of our Union and they will be our special task force. The process of choosing the 12 members will be recorded of course, so you all can watch and judge yourself whether or not I am an objective person. In the end I hope you can trust my judgement. Now, only one thing remains. For everyone here to sign the document in approval of the formation of the Onmitsu 12."
Everyone gave careful consideration to what Izaya had said. They all began to silently chat amongst themselves again for a few minutes before the room fell silent. Shikamaru nodded his head noting that everyone seemed to have come to an answer and asked, "Then, those in favor of the formation of the Shinobi Union Onmitsu 12 please raise your hand."
In no time at all everyone in the room raised their hand in agreement. After gaining everyone's approval everyone signed the official document enacting into being the creation of the very first Onmitsu 12. After confirming everyone's signature the document was sealed. Izaya then placed a dark black box on the table in the middle of the room startling everyone present.
Chojuro narrowed his eyes and asked, "What is that 6th Hokage?"
Izaya furrowed his brow in seriousness as he stared at that black box. "You Five Kage already know that Hanabi and I were attacked at some point during the Five Great Games celebration. This is the item I mentioned to you all before."
Everyone aside from the Five Kage were extremely shocked at Izaya's statement. They had no idea that such an incident had occurred nor did they ever think anyone would dare to attack one of the Kage so openly.
Izaya then continued, "I was attacked by a Shinobi named Kai. He originated from Kirigakure. Of course the 6th Mizukage is looking into this matter. That's not the reason why I brought this to light. I mention Kai because of this box. It was a mysterious item that seemed to bear no uniqueness about it. In fact even right now I'm sure all of you in this room don't see anything that special about this box, however it was sold at an auction in Iwagakure during the Games. That's how Kai acquired it. He used it to seal me away in another dimension. In that dimension was nothing but darkness. The feeling of gloom and despair permeated the air. Fortunately I possess the skill to escape such a technique, however being trapped inside for just a few seconds was enough to affect my mind for a few days. At least my dreams that is. Those who are sealed inside will experience a powerful illusory nightmare that tortures their mind. I reckon the longer you are sealed inside the longer and more powerful the torturous nightmares last. I was only trapped inside for a few seconds yet when I escaped, the nightmares still lasted for 3 days. I don't know how Kai knew what this box is, but he called it the Dark Moon Box and said that it fell with Otsutsuki Kaguya when she arrived on this planet. From that information I reckon it is some sort of relic made by the Otsutsuki Clan. It's dangerous and powerful. As you can see I've already placed a powerful seal over the box to prevent anyone from misusing its power, however I wanted you all to be aware that it is possible there are more dangerous items and relics created by the Otsutsuki Clan hidden on our planet. If that is the case then please proceed with caution if you ever discover any strange artifacts."
Everyone in the room once again mumbled and discussed amongst themselves for a few minutes before someone from Otogakure asked, "What of the box? What shall we do with it?"
Izaya let out a sigh and took a seat as he replied, "I've already sealed its power, however it still remains a dangerous item. We are the Shinobi Union. These types of dangerous artifacts should be made aware to all of us and should any of us discover more of these dangerous items we should bring them forth before the Union's council so we can deal with it appropriately. I propose we set up a hidden chamber in the deepest levels beneath the Shinobi Union with powerful restrictive barriers and seals to hold any and all potentially dangerous items like the Dark Moon Box. We'll call this sealed area the Togoku Hoko. The imprisoned Treasure House. Should we find more of these kinds of items we should seal them away there. What does the Shinobi Union think?"
Once more everyone discussed amongst themselves before everyone took a vote. In the end everyone agreed that certain dangerous items like the Dark Moon Box be sealed away under the control of the Shinobi Union, and so the creation of the Togoku Hoko was also signed into being. That was the last thing everyone discussed before the council was adjourned.
In the end it was only the Five Kage and Izaya left as Izaya let out a sigh and laid down on a nearby couch in the room. Kurotsuchi shook her head at Izaya's tired expression and commented, "6th Hokage, how much do you plan ahead? I truly wonder how that brain of yours works sometimes."
Darui nodded in agreement. "Well, let's all just be glad that it's not the 6th Hokage plotting against us or we'd be in for a lot of trouble. He's too meticulous and calculating." He paused for a moment as he realized what he said and teasingly commented, "Wait, 6th Hokage you aren't plotting against us right?"
Izaya just turned his head lazily at the Five Kage and responded, "Do you even hear what you're asking me? You can take on the burdensome task of training the Onmitsu 12 then."
Darui laughed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Hahahaha! I'm just kidding. Ahem. No one is more suitable for the training of the Onmitsu 12 than you."
Izaya smirked. "Flattery isn't helping your case."
Gaara joined in the discussion next. "How is it exactly that you plan to choose the candidates?"
Izaya looked up at the ceiling for a few moments as he thought about it. "Hmmm...they'll take a paper test first. There will be some easy questions, some hard ones, and some morally questionable ones. I don't care whether they can answer correctly or not. The questions are meant to help me judge what they're thinking. I will then use those tests to help me conduct a personal interview with each candidate. This will help me assess their character. If they pass those two tests I'll choose the 12 that have the greatest potential and show the most promise to carry out dangerous and special missions for the Shinobi Union. Then I'll assess their skills in battle and pair them in a team of two. " He then turned to look at the Five Kage with an amused expression. "I look forward to seeing your candidates." He then disappeared leaving the Five Kage completely baffled.
Chojuro awkwardly smiled and commented, "I see the 6th Hokage is still up to his old antics of appearing and disappearing in a flash."
Naruto just awkwardly laughed. "Aha...hahaha...you all know Izaya. That's just how he is."
Everyone just let out an amused sigh.
888
Hiroshi, Zen, Boruto, Shikadai, and Inojin were currently standing outside an item shop each with a card pack in their hands. Zen glanced at the silver foil wrapping and commented, "So this game is called what?"
Boruto grinned and answered, "Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls! You see, each card depicts the image of a Shinobi throughout the history of the world. Each card also has a rarity type that ranges from common, uncommon, rare, super rare, and super super rare! There are also cards that are only limited editions! Each card lists the stats of the Shinobi on the bottom left and there's a description box that lists the ability and effect of the card. Anyways, let's just open them and see what we get!"
Everyone nodded in agreement and began to unwrap their package. Inojin looked through his first and let out a sigh. "Aww man...I got Shino-sensei."
Boruto laughed. "Hahaha, too bad Inojin. Shino-sensei is a commonly ranked card. I have plenty of him."
Inojin clicked his tongue. "Tch. Then what did you get huh?"
Boruto grinned and slowly took out his cards, however he immediately felt his soul leave his body in disappointment. "Ugh! I got dad...again."
Shikadai, Hiroshi, and Inojin laughed as Hiroshi chimed in, "Hahaha! Too bad Boruto, that's like the sixth time you pulled a 7th Hokage card out of a pack."
Shikadai quickly reigned in his emotions as he chimed in, "But if you think about it that's pretty amazing. I mean the 7th Hokage is a super super rare card. The odds of getting a super super rare card is extremely low. The fact that Boruto got six of them is kind of...how do I put it...nearly impossible to do. I mean, pulling one SSR is tough. Pulling two of the same kind is even harder. But six times?! It must be fate or something."
Boruto could only grumble. "Hmpf. Why couldn't it be Sasuke-san or uncle Izaya. I haven't even seen anyone pull one of those cards yet."
Hiroshi smirked and said, "Watch me! I'll pull it right now!" As he slowly unraveled his package and took out the 10 cards inside he quickly flipped them over to look at what he got. Everyone watched with bated breath, however in the next moment they all just let out a disappointed sigh. Hiroshi could only click his tongue. "Tch. Best card is Genin Konohamaru. That's only a common rank. I have like 5 of him already."
Shikadai smirked. "Heh, then I guess I'm the one with all the luck." As Shikadai unravelled his cards and revealed them everyone was actually extremely shocked.
Boruto pointed to the card and stammered, "I-It's a super rare card of a-aunt Hanabi as the Hyuga Clan Head! I haven't seen anyone pull one of those before!"
Hiroshi immediately gripped Shikadai by the shoulders. "What do you want?! I'll trade you something for the card! Tell me!"
Boruto shoved Hiroshi out of the way as he made his own offer. "No, forget Hiroshi. I'll trade you this card of the 7th Hokage for your card of Hanabi!"
Shikadai smirked in amusement. "Heh, in your dreams. With how often you're pulling the 7th Hokage cards it makes them look almost too normal now. On the other hand, I don't think I've ever seen anyone pull this card of aunt Hanabi as the Hyuga Clan Head before either so it'll make a nice addition to my collection."
Hiroshi crossed his arms and grumbled unhappily. "Hmpf. That's my mom. You should have just given it to me."
Shikadai shook his head at how childish both Hiroshi and Boruto were being. It was then they were brought out of their own little world when they heard Zen unravelling his pack.
"Oh! Right, Zen still needs to open his. It's your first time, right Zen?" Inojin commented.
Zen nodded. "I've never played Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls before nor did I know that they existed."
Boruto patted Zen on the shoulders reassuringly. "Don't worry if you don't get a good pull. As you saw, Hiroshi and Inojin didn't get anything great either. Then again maybe you'll have some beginner's luck."
Zen nodded and revealed the cards in his hand, however the moment everyone saw the cards in his hands they all dropped their jaws in disbelief. The very first card in his hands depicted a Shinobi with a blindfold. He wore a katana on his waist while wearing his unique Hokage's Haori with the falling leaf and fire patterns on it.
Hiroshi widened his eyes in extreme shock. "T-T-That's! Dad!"
Inojin was also completely shocked. "Y-You actually drew the SSR 6th Hokage?!"
Shikadai also commented in disbelief. "He really did have beginners luck."
Boruto could only grip his head in frustration. "Ahhhh! That's so unfair! I should have swapped packs with Zen."
Zen stared at the picture of the card in his hand for a moment and an involuntary smile graced his lips. "Mn. I think I'll start my own collection."
The four of them continued to talk about Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls for a bit longer until Hiroshi turned to Boruto and asked, "How come you, Sarada, and Mitsuki didn't show up at the Five Great Games?"
"Hm? Oh, that's because before dad left he assigned us a mission. We had to protect this guy named Kokuri in Hozuki castle. Apparently he was an ex-member of the notorious Mujina bandits."
"Ehhh? So that's what you guys were doing. Does that mean you guys were holed up in prison for a bit?"
Boruto nodded. "Yeah. It was interesting to say the least. Oh, by the way I watched the recordings of you, Zen, and Shikadai kicking butt during the Games. Nice job guys!"
Hiroshi smirked. "Did you ever have any doubt in us?"
"Course not. But I do have to say there were some pretty strong looking guys there. I saw Shinki was there too. Even Kagura and Kaito. Oh, and I heard that there was some sort of incident that happened. Someone died and Chocho was poisoned or something. What was that about?"
Hiroshi just shrugged. "I don't know. The Kage's are handling that. When I asked dad about it he just said not to worry for now and if it's something I need to know he'll tell me. Mom told me that dad left this morning to attend a meeting at the ASF HQ."
Shikadai nodded and chimed in, "That's right. My dad left really early in the morning alongside the 7th Hokage. And I believe they are renaming the ASF to the Shinobi Union. Anyways they're probably discussing this stuff right about now."
They were interrupted from their discussion at the sound of Izaya's voice. "Discussing what stuff right about now?"
"Eh? Dad?" Hiroshi exclaimed.
Izaya grinned and walked over to them noticing the cards in their hands. "Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls huh? Seems it's gotten pretty popular."
Hiroshi smirked and teasingly said, "Want to try it out dad?"
Izaya raised his eyebrow curiously at Hiroshi wondering what he was up to. In the end he shook his head. "It's alright. I'm fine."
Hiroshi just smirked some more as a mischievous glint flashed past his eyes. "Oh? Are you sure dad? You don't even want to collect one card?"
"Alright Hiroshi, what are you up to?"
Hiroshi just shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing. I just thought that you might be interested in mom's card. Shikadai drew it from a pack."
Izaya immediately turned his attention to Shikadai with great interest causing him to feel a powerful formless pressure weighing down on him. Shikadai nervously scratched the side of his cheek and unconsciously took a step back. "Aha...uhhh...L-Lord 6th. Here. Please take a look." Shikadai immediately caved in and handed the card over.
Izaya happily grinned and looked over the card. After studying it for a bit he nodded his head in approval. "Mn. Not bad. This is a good picture of her. They didn't make any weird or strange modifications to her image." He then shook his head in disappointment. "Hanabi definitely deserves to be SSR tier not SR tier. A shame."
Boruto and Shikadai could only stare at Izaya in shock and disbelief at his words as they knew he was only saying that because Hanabi was his wife. Furthermore they were shocked because the reason he wanted to look at the card of Hanabi was to make sure that the company didn't objectify her in any way, shape, or form on the card...though they wondered what he would have done if the manufacture company did make some sort of modification. In the end Izaya returned the card to Shikadai as Hiroshi chimed in, "So, interested in collecting some cards now dad?"
Izaya flicked Hiroshi's forehead in response. "Stop teasing me."
Hiroshi simply smirked. "But mom is your only weakness. It's the only time I get the upper hand on you."
Izaya just let out a sigh in defeat. "I'm going now."
The four of them waved goodbye as Izaya disappeared in the next instant.
"Uncle is fast as always." Boruto commented.
Zen nodded in agreement as Hiroshi commented, "Yup. You'd think I'd get used to it by now but I'm still amazed every time."
Soon after the four of them dispersed from the area, Izaya appeared once more. He looked all around him seeing no one in sight so he quickly used the Transformation Jutsu and walked into the item store pointing to a silver pack. "Excuse me, I'll take one pack of the Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls."
"Mn, one pack of the Extreme Shinobi Picture Scrolls. That'll be 30 ryo." The shop owner said.
Izaya nodded and paid before taking his leave. He stared at the pack in his hands and crossed his fingers hoping to get the card of Hanabi before tearing it open. The moment he saw the first card in the pack he paused and stared in disbelief. A second passed in silence, then another and another until finally Izaya let out a triumphant laugh. "Ha! Hahahaha! I did it! It must be fate."
He pulled out the SR card of Hanabi as the Hyuga Clan Head on it and happily walked home.
One month later Izaya had returned to the Shinobi Union in Amegakure and was currently waiting for all the candidates applying to be part of the Onmitsu 12 to finish their tests. The test didn't have too many questions on it. There were some basic history questions, some basic math, logic questions, and problem scenarios. The truth is he wasn't looking for people who could correctly answer the questions. Instead he was looking for people who could think more deeply about a problem. He didn't want the Shinobi in the Onmitsu 12 to be mindless work dogs for the Shinobi Union. He wanted them to be able to think for themselves. To make the best judgements when faced with difficult problems. As he waited for everyone to finish their test he flipped through the documents that had the information on each of the candidates.
"Hmm...Kento from Amegakure huh? If I recall he participated in the Five Great Games. Oh, so his specialty is Summoning Salamanders. As for this next person they're from Iwagakure. His name is Kamizuru Isshin. HIs specialty is Bee Summoning. Interesting. So his lineage stems from the famous Kamizuru clan. If I recall that clan had once clashed with Konoha's Aburame clan a long long time ago. In the end the Aburame's cultivated beetles defeated the Kamizuru's cultivated bees. Mn. quite a lot of interesting candidates, but we'll see if they have the potential."
Izaya continued to flip through some more documents whilst at this moment, Iraia sat in a closed room looking down at the test in front of her. She was one of the candidates for the Onmitsu 12, however she had no idea that it was Izaya who was administering the test nor did she know that it was Izaya who would be in charge of training everyone. As she continued down the line of questions it only made her furrow her brows and frown more and more.
"What's with this test...the instructions say that every question can be answered as open ended or not. It's left to the judgement and discretion of the test taker. And this question...is difficult to answer. It states that during a mission something goes awry and I have a choice. If I choose to continue the mission I would succeed and prevent the potential of a war from breaking out, however in the process I would have to abandon my comrades and they could potentially die. The other option is obviously the opposite. If I choose to save my friends then there is the potential of a war breaking out. The question asks which I would choose. They purposefully left the consequences of each scenario ambiguous. Meaning, if I choose to continue the mission I only potentially stop a war, not that I would actually stop the war. On the other hand my comrades could potentially die. Not that they would actually die. This makes the decision even harder because it leaves me with a sliver of hope that both good things end up happening. There's a sliver of hope that I stop a war and my comrades survive...but there's the chance that everything could just go wrong and I would have to live with the knowledge of knowing that I could not stop a war nor save my comrades. Or if I choose to continue the mission and do stop a war and my comrades die, then I would have to live with that knowledge and that consequence on my conscience. Tsk...what the heck am I supposed to answer...who made this test?"
Iraia grumbled a bit to herself as she sighed and decided to come back to that question later, however she frowned even more at the next question.
"What the heck is with this messed up scenario? It states that my clan has been falsely accused about an incident that caused great damage to the village and over the years they became shunned. Finally the clan could not bear the mistreatment and plans to take over the village. They ask for my cooperation. At the same time I am a member of the village's Anbu and the village is aware of the clan's coup d'etat. The village asks me to spy on my clan, but my clan asks me to spy on the village. The question asks what I would do in such a situation? The follow up question is just as bad. It says that the village tries to negotiate with my clan but the negotiations fail. In the end time ran out and the village assigned me the mission of wiping out my entire clan. Would I accept the mission or would I join my clan in fighting the village. What kind of hellish scenario is this? It then asks me to contemplate what kinds of repercussions this could have depending on which choice I chose. The timeline setting of the question is set to before the formation of the S.U. or the ASF."
Iraia clenched her fist and felt a headache coming on.
"A-Are these questions based on real events in the past...I mean these questions are pretty dark. Usually questions that are semi-specific like these are based on true events. If it is based on true events then I can't imagine how whoever went through these kinds of situations felt."
After two hours passed Izaya finally looked up from the documents in his hand and created several tens of Shadow Clones. Each Shadow Clone went to a different private room and began the interview process which greatly startled every single candidate. They weren't told how much time they had for the test nor were they told who the proctor was. The only thing they were told was that they would first take a written exam before having an interview with someone, and if they passed the interview they would officially be enacted into the Onmitsu 12.
Izaya and his clones began conducting their interview as one of the Clones entered the room with Sarada in it. He walked across the room and greeted, "Hello Sarada."
She nervously greeted back. "L-Lord 6th. Hello."
Izaya warmly smiled. "Are you feeling nervous?"
Sarada immediately steeled her resolve as she knew she was being evaluated at that moment. "No Lord 6th. I am prepared for the challenge."
Izaya took a seat opposite her and replied nonchalantly, "You're not nervous? That doesn't seem to match up with what I saw in your eyes just now. And prepared for the challenge? Who said that there's anything challenging that's going to go on?"
Sarada inwardly flinched and scolded herself.
I knew it. I'm being evaluated already. In fact I was probably being evaluated the entire time I was taking the test. I can't believe that I drew the short straw and got Lord 6th as the one interviewing me. Wait...is Lord 6th going to do everyone's interviews? Ah, what am I thinking. It doesn't concern me. All I know is Lord 6th is interviewing me and that means I need to show him I'm worthy of being part of the Onmitsu 12. Papa once told me that Lord 6th is someone he greatly respects and admires. I knew Lord 6th was amazing but if papa even says so then I need to really give it my all. My dream is to one day be Hokage. Being part of the Onmitsu 12 and having my name recognized by the Shinobi Union will definitely be of great help on my path.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as Izaya looked over her exam and pointed to a question. He then said, "That's an interesting answer. You didn't choose to kill your own clan but you also didn't choose to help your clan take over the village. You wrote that you would find a different solution. Tell me Sarada, how did this question make you feel?"
Sarada was a bit startled. She thought that Izaya was going to ask her to elaborate on what she wrote, but instead he asked her how she felt. It was a really unexpected question. She closed her eyes for a moment as she gave it some serious thought before replying, "For some reason I feel like...this question connects with me a lot. I am one of the last surviving Uchiha and so I know a little bit about their history. I know that my clan was killed by the hands of papa's older brother, Itachi. When I read this question it made me think of him."
Izaya nodded. "I see. Did it make you angry to recall something like that?"
Sarada shook her head. "No...it made me sad."
Izaya closed his eyes for a moment lost in his thoughts as he took a second to absorb her answer. "It made you sad huh? I see."
It was then without warning Izaya threw an eraser right at Sarada who widened her eyes in shock. She barely had time to react. In fact the time it took to register what was happening to the time she could make a voluntary movement was too slow. She was only able to dodge simply based on reflex and the training she had done with Sasuke.
Pop!
The sound of the eraser hitting the wall could be heard as a small breeze from the force of the eraser being thrown caused her hair to flutter a bit.
Izaya smirked and nodded in approval. "Mn. Not bad. Even after all of that and getting you to feel sad emotionally you were still able to dodge in time. While I don't believe you made the conscious choice to dodge which means your guard was lowered, the fact remains that your muscle memory is superb and you have great potential. Please wait here until all the interviews are over. You will be notified soon whether you passed or not."
Sarada was completely stunned. She had assumed that the interview was going to be based on how she answered the questions on the exam since when Izaya came in he looked over her test and asked her about it, however he only ended up referencing one question from the exam and didn't even ask her to elaborate on her answer. Instead he had manipulated her feelings and caused her to lower her guard without realizing it before striking out at her. If she hadn't gone through some high intensity training with Sasuke in the past month she would have absolutely failed to dodge the eraser aimed at her.
She glanced curiously at Izaya and asked, "T-That's all?"
Izaya smirked and nodded. That's all."
Before she could ask anymore Izaya disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving Sarada completely stunned. "Shadow Clone?"
Lord 6th is really crafty...and he's actually really scary. He seems really nice on the outside and when he interacts with us he's always really kind, but when he's actually in action he's really fearsome. The entire time I had no idea that Lord 6th was purposefully manipulating me to lower my guard. He was testing me to see if my emotions would get in the way during dangerous tasks. It was a battle of the psyche. He only gave me a passing mark because my innate reflexes were able to save me regardless of my lowered defenses. He's a master manipulator and interrogator. Is this how a true shinobi goes out to gather information in the field?
In the next room over Izaya was performing an interview with Shinki as he sat across from him and looked over the test. He then stared at Shinki for a moment before asking, "Shinki. How are you?"
Shinki remained calm and collected as he replied, "I'm fine."
Izaya smirked. "I see. Fine huh? What's 1+1?"
Shinki was inwardly startled as he was now greatly confused and answered, "2."
Izaya nodded and continued quickly, "3+3?"
"6."
"5+3?"
"8."
"9+38?"
"4-"
Izaya didn't even wait for Shinki to finish giving an answer as he just kept going.
"32+43?"
"7-"
"61+2? 81+17? 22+66?"
Shinki was baffled and he couldn't understand what was going on. He wasn't even given any time to answer back. As he was struggling to give an answer Izaya interjected and said, "What's your name?"
Shinki furrowed his brow and said, "Shi-"
However once again Izaya didn't give him time to answer and cut him off by saying, "You're not very good at math are you?"
Shinki wanted to respond but once again Izaya didn't let him. "Can't even tell me your own name can you?"
Shinki was inwardly enraged by this point and greatly flustered and frustrated. He didn't understand what was going on. He wanted to hit something really badly, however he simply clenched his fist and reigned in his emotions.
Calm down...I don't know what Lord 6th Hokage is thinking or trying to do. Maybe try to rile me up but whatever happens I can't lose my cool. This is Lord 6th Hokage we're talking about.
Izaya took a moment to observe Shinki and grinned amusedly as he stood up from his seat prompting Shinki to look up at him. Izaya just nodded in approval and said, "Well, not bad I suppose. Wait here until all the interviews are over. You'll be notified shortly of your status."
With that he disappeared from the room in a puff of smoke leaving an incredibly stunned Shinki.
"W-What was that? That was the interview?" Then it hit him. "So that's how it was...Lord 6th wasn't looking for anyone to give any correct answers to the test question. He was trying to pressure me. To see how I would react under frustration. To see if I would lose myself under stress. These interviews are more dangerous than they seem. Lord 6th is playing a psychological game with us."
Izaya currently sat in the large conference room that the Kage's would normally use for meetings. By now all of his Clones had dispersed and returned to him so he knew how all the interviews went. He closed his eyes for a moment and filtered through all the memories of the interviews before letting out a deep breath. He flipped through the documents before him and picked out the profile of 12 Shinobi who he deemed had the potential to become part of the Onmitsu 12. He turned to one of the staff members in the room with him and handed them the documents.
"Bring these 12 here before me. Dismiss the others."
The staff member nodded and immediately left to complete his task. In but a few minutes the door to the conference room opened revealing 12 young Shinobi. Izaya took a moment to take in the sight and thought to himself amusedly.
It seems Konoha sure has a lot of outstanding Shinobi this time. To think that they'd make up the brunt of the Onmitsu 12...sigh...I sort of wish Hiroshi and Iraia didn't come as the missions they'll be forced to take on will be dangerous, but...they are Shinobi. Hanabi and I can't keep them sheltered forever.
The 12 young Shinobi who were in the room automatically knew that they had passed, however they were a bit surprised and not surprised at the same time when they saw one another.
Izaya cleared his throat and then began his address. "Ahem. Congratulations. You 12 have been chosen to form the very first ever Shinobi Union Onmitsu 12. From Konoha. Uchiha Sarada, Uzumaki Boruto, Mitsuki, Yagami Zen, Hyuga Hiroshi, Karasuma Iraia, and Yuki Asuka. From Iwagakure. Kaguya Kaito and Kaguya Koen. From Kirigakure. Karatachi Kagura and Hozuki Shingetsu. And finally from Sunagakure. Shinki. Now, just because you are chosen I hope you don't let it go to your head. You are now part of something larger than before. After your training the missions you all will take on will be potentially life threatening. You could die during any one of them. I hope you understand the heavy responsibility. To be chosen as part of the Onmitsu 12 is a great honor, but also a great burden. If any of you wish to leave your post then do so now. Once we begin you will officially have your names carved into the history of the Shinobi Union."
Izaya waited for several minutes, however it was completely silent as no one stepped forth to withdraw. He glanced at everyone's eyes and noted that none of them wavered. They were all filled with great resolve so he silently nodded in approval. He placed a document in front of him and gestured to it.
"Then all of you. Step forth and sign your name here."
They all nodded and did as they were told. After Izaya confirmed that everything was done he handed a staff member the document to be sealed away in a safe place. He stood up before them and asked, "Do any of you have any questions before we begin?"
Another moment of silence passed through the room as no one seemed to have anything to say. It was then Boruto broke the silence as he asked, "Begin what?"
Izaya simply smirked amusedly. "Your training of course. I have to assess what level you all are at."
Koen chimed in as he asked, "How?"
Once more Izaya just kept his amused grin on his face as he began walking out the door.
"Using the simplest method. The 12 of you are going to fight me..."
MISC.
-Togoku Hoko (The imprisoned Treasure House): A room deep beneath the Shinobi Union with powerful seals and barriers in place to store incredibly dangerous items.
Onmitsu 12:
1. Sarada Uchiha (Konoha)
2. Boruto Uzumaki (Konoha)
3. Mitsuki (Konoha)
4. Asuka Yuki (Konoha)
5. Hiroshi Hyuga (Konoha)
6. Iraia Karasuma (Konoha)
7. Zen Yagami (Konoha)
8. Shinki (Suna)
9. Kagura Karatachi (Kiri)
10. Shingetsu Hozuki (Kiri)
11. Koen Kaguya (Iwa)
12. Kaito Kaguya (Iwa)
Shinobi Union Hidden Villages (11):
Konohagakure (Village Hidden in the Leaves)
Sunagakure (Village Hidden in the Sand)
Iwagakure (Village Hidden in the Rocks)
Kirigakure (Village Hidden in the Mist)
Kumokagure (Village Hidden in the Clouds)
Amegakure (Village Hidden in the Rain)
Hoshigakure (Village Hidden Among Stars)
Ishigakure (Village Hidden in Stones)
Kusagakure (Village Hidden in the Grass)
Otogakure (Village Hidden by Sound)
Yumegakure (Village Hidden Among Dreams)
