68 Chapter 68
"Iwa has pulled out of Rain and has redirected their forces to Grass and Claw..." Tsunade paused and surveyed the room.
She was happy with what she saw and nodded to herself before she continued reading.
"Takigakure has allied with Iwa and has started attacking our troops in Grass from the South-East, while Iwa focuses on the North and North-West of Grass." Tsunade paused and took a sip of water. "Kiri has sent forces into The Land Of Fire and is working on establishing camps along our Eastern shores near Wave." Tsunade pursed her lips.
"Kumo has entrenched themselves in the Aisu Bay and is frequently attacking Iwagakure while building more infrastructure in the Bay." Tsunade tossed the briefing into the center of the table signaling the end of the meeting.
I ignored the chatter around me and grabbed the briefing with some chakra strings, the briefing flew into my hands earning some raised eyebrows from the surrounding ninja.
I ignored them and gave the briefing a quick read.
Kiri was low on strong ninja but hadn't given up on causing trouble, while Iwa was getting smashed from all sides and still seemed to be doing fine.
Iwa and Kiri were the most annoying villages, Iwa was too strong and Kiri couldn't stop fighting even when they lost most of their S-Ranked ninja baring their second Jinjuriki who was half-rouge.
"Sigh..." The briefing flew from my hands and was stacked neatly in the center of the table with little more than a thought.
I'd asked to be stationed in Grass but nothing came of it. The war was ending soon and I was looking forward to getting into a big battle of some kind so I could come out of the war with fond memories.
But it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon...
...
Isami sent a torso sized bolt of lightning at me which was cut in half with a swing of my wind covered sword.
I pointed my index finger at Isami and launched an apple-sized ball of water at her.
She sidestepped it and proceeded to launch a dozen fist-sized Lightning Balls at me.
With a few causal swings, the Lightning Balls were cut in half and dispersed into the air. While I sidestepped the remaining Lightning Balls.
"You have to switch it up, lightning is not working." Isami responded by sending a Water Whip at my face.
I rolled my eyes, grabbed the whip, and started sending electricity down its length. Isami muscles tensed but she ignored it and sent a second Water Whip towards my stomach.
I let it grab me and sent electricity through it as well. Isami ignored it just as she ignored the electricity running through the first whip.
She tried to pull me towards her but my feet remained anchored to the ground, she strained for a moment more, futilely trying to move me.
"Sigh..." I cut the whips with my sword and half-heartedly tossed a small Rasengan at her legs.
She dodged it and breathed lightning at me after a few hand-signs, I again cut it in half while wondering when she would run out of chakra.
The spar was starting to get repetitive and I wasn't sure I could tolerate much more.
"Alright that's enough for now, lets go again tomorrow." Isami nodded and dramatically collapsed on her back.
I eyed her for a moment before turning my gaze to the sky.
It was a clear cloudless day as most days in Wind Country were. I tucked my bangs behind my ears as they were getting in the way and Shunshined towards the lab.
I had to make sure the clones hadn't destroyed it...
...
Test tube babies were on my mind a lot these days. I had quite a bit of DNA and making a test tube baby was well within my means.
I could combine and genetically edit the egg or sperm in any way I desired, giving it any bloodline or traits, I thought would mesh well. It was tempting as they would be easy to make as long as there was a surrogate mother.
The thought of combining my DNA with the DNA of another bloodline holder to make a child was also tempting.
Especially when it was extremely likely that the child's DNA and Chakra would be compatible with my own chakra and DNA.
Make a child that was genetically similar to me, that had whatever bloodlines I desired, and switch my DNA for his DNA...
It was a nice idea, if only because it gave me a lot to think about.
"Sigh..." Test tube babies and the acquisition of stable multi-bloodline DNA...
It was something that I'd continue thinking about...
...
My clones continued to tirelessly mutate the Hyuga Chakra Density gene and were making good progress.
It has gotten to the point where I didn't want them to mutate it any further, as my body might not be capable of accepting such a huge increase in Chakra Density.
"Sigh..." I sighed while looking at the clones with my Byakugan.
Further mutation could probably wait...
I now needed to decide if an Overwrite was worth it or not...
I had wanted to avoid more...
But I'd already given myself two more affinities...
Another increase in Chakra Density wouldn't hurt...
Right?
"Hmmm..." I hummed and shrugged while pondering what else I could set the clones on now...
Genes corresponding to chakra or related to Chakra were the easiest to monitor...
So maybe they could mutate the genes for chakra reserves or the Affinity genes?
Affinity genes or chakra reserves was the question...
Chakra reserves were harder to test...
So, Affinity genes it was...
I shrugged and created some shadow clones so they could make an Overwrite seal and get started on mutating the Affinity genes.
More stuff to do...
At least I'll be entertained for a while...
...
"It seems like we're going to be here for the rest of the war." I said blandly while staring my 'orders' from the Hokage. "Tsunade and I are supposed to stay here while most of the non-essential troops are being moved to Grass." Isami looked apathetic to my plight, and mom looked nonplused.
"What do you guys want to do? I could have us stationed in Grass if you're interested?" I realized I probably shouldn't be dragging the squishy people into warzones.
"I'd rather not have to move again." Isami nodded, seemingly agreeing with mom.
It didn't matter overly much to me, I wanted to fight some more but if I could keep the people, I cared about happy that was fine.
"I guess we're staying." I pursed my lips.
I still needed something to do...
"I can't seem to figure out what I want to do with my time, I keep changing my mind." I shrugged when I received no reply.
Whatever...
"Alright, if anyone wants a break just apply for leave." Mom shook her head at me and Isami raised an eyebrow.
"Don't abuse your power." I rolled my eyes.
Power was meant to be used and abused.
"Sure..." Mom squinted at me but didn't continue.
Yawn* I rolled my shoulders and yawned.
"Whatever, I'm going to train with Gai." Mom nodded and Isami sent me a little wave.
I made my way towards the door, leaving the two ladies by themselves.
...
News arrived and it was about Obito.
Who was 'dead' and gone.
I rolled my eyes and crumpled the letter.
At least I got an invite to the funeral...
"Sigh..." I rubbed my eyes, feeling stressed. "Obito's dead and the Hokage's granted us leave so we can attend the funeral." Canon was still somewhat on track it seems, If nothing else Obito would be predictable.
Better an enemy I know then an enemy I don't.
"Poor Rin's probably heartbroken." Isami's eyes watered and she blinked away the tears. "I'll go let the others know." I blew a heavy breath from my nose and nodded.
Isami scampered away and I was left to my thoughts.
"Was this the bridge thing or was this an unfortunate accident?" I asked the empty air and received no answer.
I hoped that Obito was alive and predictable, but things rarely went exactly as I wanted them to.
With a hand-sign, I was surrounded by clones who quickly went about finishing what needed to be finished, and packing up what needed packing.
At least Obito's 'death' got me a week of leave.
...
I was enjoying our quite trip through Rivers when Mom spoke.
"What are your current plans?" When no one answered I realized that it was me she was talking to.
"Hmmm?" I hummed to buy myself some time. "I'm going to buy a lot of buildings and rent them out, hopefully I can cut down on the missions I need to do." That was the plan.
Become well-off and train a lot.
"Why are you asking?" She shrugged and I raised an eyebrow at her.
She was silent for a moment.
"I've been offered a position in the Anbu." I smiled wearily.
People weren't supposed to know you were in Anbu...
"If you want to do it you can, but I'd feel better if you didn't accept." Mom nodded so I continued. "I'd rather know where you are so I can keep you safe, should you disappear I probably wouldn't be told anything."
"Ok." Mom nodded.
I stared at her, wondering if that was the end of the conversation.
She didn't speak so I focused my attention back to the direction we were going.
Anbu was only for those who were extremely loyal and those who were unfeeling monsters.
Mom was closer to the latter, but I still didn't want to test her mental strength.
"If your interested we can talk more when we get home." Mom nodded.
I raised an eyebrow at Isami who had been listening in.
She quickly looked away and I huffed at her.
That wasn't very slick...
...
I sent my clones off to check on Kushina, Minato, and Kakashi while I checked on my favorite kohai.
"How are you feeling?" I grabbed Rin's wrist and used the Diagnostic Jutsu.
She was still eating at least...
"Sorry, but I need to be alone..." Rin rubbed her eyes.
I nodded.
"Are you sure?"
Rin took a deep shaky breath and nodded.
"Sigh..." I was feeling guilty about not revealing Obito's survival.
But I cared more about predictability, then I did about the temporary guilt.
"I'll come over tomorrow, sorry for dropping by unexpectedly." I left the manju I bought on the table and made my escape.
...
I laid in my bed and dwelled on how foreign the house felt, I had made a place for myself in Frost and since I've left, nothing has felt like home to me.
The absence of sound was slightly off-putting as was the feeling of silk sheets, I had gotten used to the screams and clashes of steel, and I missed the coarse blanket that had been provided to me.
Wind Country hadn't been as homely as Frost was but it was close enough that I hadn't minded it.
Now I was home with the awareness that my time on the battlefield was coming to a close and I was feeling more lost then I usually was.
Idleness will be the death of me...
"Sigh..." I flipped the pillow over and rolled over to the other side of the bed for maximum coolness.
I wasn't sure if the emptiness that plagued me was from some DNA shenanigans that I'd messed up or if it was because I was becoming an edgy teenager.
It could be both.
I closed my eyes and curled into a ball hoping for sleep that probably wouldn't come.
False hope was better than no hope.
...
Obito's funeral was much busier than I expected. Many Uchiha clansmen attended as well as people from the academy class.
Minato, Kakashi, Rin, and an assortment of Uchiha stood in a line in front of Obito's coffin, head's bowed and eyes closed.
"He doesn't belong to our clan but he possesses the Sharingan." Kakashi tensed, and Minato turned and gave the one who spoke a menacing stare.
"Hmmm..." I hummed and patted a young Itachi on the head.
He looked young and innocent, sadly that wouldn't be for long if things went as they did in canon.
I ignored his questioning stare and the reproachful stares of the other funeral-goers.
I think I'll have a look at Kakashi's Sharingan, maybe I can make it less of a burden...
...
The Sharingan seemed to drain less chakra when it wasn't exposed to light. The drain was still there but it wasn't as bad as it was when the Sharingan was exposed to light.
Closing the eye seemed to help lessen the drain, but covering it seemed to be the way to go...
"You are going to need an eyepatch or something to lessen the drain." I ignored his frown and continued. "I can't deactivate it." I'd liken the Sharingan to a parasite, but Kakashi probably wouldn't take it well.
"If your willing, we can work on changing your chakra so your Sharingan doesn't eat it as fast." I scratched my head.
I just needed to 'pollute' his spiritual energy with Uchiha chakra...
"It would probably take a long time, and we'll need an Uchiha to supply you with chakra..." I trailed off in thought. "A transplant of some kind would be the easy solution though." Though it probably wouldn't be as effective as I wanted it to be.
Spiritual pollution might be an unexpected boon.
I hadn't been thinking too deeply about it, but it might be the key to the awakening of the Tenseigan.
I quickly quashed the joy I felt.
It was just conjecture, I didn't have solid information to go off of.
"I could also alter your genes and make your chakra denser, that could help as well." Not that much as the Sharingan favored Yin-Chakra and altering Chakra Density through the DNA would cause it to lean towards Yang.
"It's up to you." I stared at him.
Kakashi stared back.
"Thank you." He said quietly.
I just nodded.
"Go see Rin, she needs some company." I shoed him off.
My presence didn't cheer her up any, maybe Kakashi could succeed where I had failed.
"Thank you." Kakashi repeated as he left the room.
I let out a heavy breath and rubbed my eyes.
Only one of his friends is dead and he's already much more tolerable.
"Sigh..."
Good thing I can keep those thoughts inside...
...
Choking down my nutritious health drink was not how I liked to start my morning but it was necessary, thankfully mom arrived with a distraction that made my daily ritual bearable.
"Shiro, Research And Development sent another letter." I motioned for her to open while I choked down the sludge I had in my mouth.
"They will give you a personal lab if you work on 'Artificial Summons'." Mom nodded and continued. "It doesn't say anything about funding." She smirked.
I shrugged as I didn't care too much. "I'll write a refusal." I didn't want to burn bridges, at least not yet.
They hadn't done anything to earn my ire.
Yet.
"Researchers are the quintessential nerds. You could probably bully them into giving you what you want." She smirked and I laughed.
"Hahaha..." I could be the 'King Nerd' of Research And Development.
Mom telling me to bully the nerds cracked me up, even though I might also be considered a nerd.
"I don't think that's necessary, even if I got what I wanted, my freedom would be heavily restricted." Which was not what I needed. "But thanks for that, it cracked me up." I smiled and she smiled back.
I took what was left of my health drink and slammed it back with a grimace.
"Are you interested in buying an apartment for me?" I could do it myself, but it was easier when the one buying it wasn't twelve.
"Have you got the paperwork settled?" I nodded in reply. "Did you get any loans?" I again nodded. "Sigh..." Mom sighed and rubbed her face. "You should stay away from loans." I nodded in agreement.
"I would have, but it's cheap enough now that it's worth taking out the loan." I could save up the money, but how many annoying missions would I have to suffer to get said money? "Anyway, don't worry much, the bank just needs a fifteen-percent down payment and we're good to go." I had to pay the loan back within ten-years but that probably wouldn't be a problem.
"I'll send a clone with you, in case you need help." A hand-sign later the room had gained one clone.
The clone looked annoyed, but he made his way to my room in search of the papers.
"Sorry for eating up a few days of your time."
Mom shook her head with an amused smile.
"I'll just send a clone of my own, no worries." I smiled as well.
I probably should have done that in the first place.
"Thanks." Mom nodded and went towards my room.
I stood and grabbed my empty glass, before making my way towards the sink.
The apartment building was going to get taken care of, that was a load off my shoulders.
Just a few more buildings and I'd be wealthy.
...
...
...
Interlude.
Shiro rubbed his eyes looking half-awake as he stared into the cereal I had provided.
I felt bad about making him come over so early in the morning, but I wanted to talk to him about something he had said.
"You told Kakashi you could help him with Obito's Sharingan?" I decided to be direct, as that was what Shiro preferred.
"Yep."
Shiro stared at me with unconcealed annoyance, while stirring the cereal.
"Can you?" My voice came out more desperate then I had intended, mainly due to the fear that Obito's Sharingan would cripple Kakashi.
Shiro nodded, still looking annoyed.
"Yes, I just need an Uchiha to donate some of their chakra." Shiro took a spoonful of milk and brought it to his mouth, ignoring the cereal. "If you can get an Uchiha on-board, then I can lessen the amount of chakra the Sharingan drains." I blinked.
It wouldn't be too hard to get the chakra, people owed me favors and even if they refused Mikoto would be willing to give up some chakra should Kushina ask.
"If it doesn't work?"
Shiro scowled at me.
"I know what I'm doing, have some faith in your student."
I smiled.
"Former student. And I'm not sure I taught you much, you did most of the learning yourself."
Shiro shook his head and took a bite of cereal.
"Don't sell yourself short, you are still my teacher." I smiled and nodded, Shiro smiled back before digging back into his cereal.
"Is there anything else you need?"
I shook my head and blinked in surprise as Shiro Shunshined away taking my bowl and spoon with him.
I stared at the open window wondering if I would ever get my bowl back...
At least Kakashi would be alright...
A bowl was worth Kakashi's continued wellness.
...
