9 Brother's Forever

AN: Hey everyone, uploading chapter 8 today! Just want to let you all know that I'm not sure how often I'll be updating in the future. Hopefully sooner than later. I'm working on chapter 9 right now and probably won't upload a new chapter until i've written at least a few more chapters ahead. In other words, it might be a week before the next upload or just a few days, it all depends on my writing speed. Anyway, just wanted you all to be aware. Now on with the story.

Chapter 8

Time skip 4 years

Beep, Beep, Beep, Be-click…

My hand lightly smacked the alarm clock by my nightstand shutting off the noise as I turned to look at the time. My eyes still groggy, but thanks to the sharingan I clearly saw the time which read 5am. The slowly creeping light of daybreak attempted to penetrate my curtains signaling that it was still dark out but getting lighter by the minute. As I lay on my stomach, one arm sprawled outwards toward my alarm clock and another arm underneath my pillow, I gave a slight moan from the soreness of my body and being woken up at this hour.

I had trained until my body and mind were completely exhausted and only stopped when 3am rolled around the corner. A poor choice on my part. Even with my body's amazing regenerative abilities due to having a large portion of Hashirama's cells in me, 2 hours of rest was most definitely not enough to restore myself to peak state. I usually wake up at this time to do some morning exercises and meditation but it looks like I'll have to skip out on the exercise portion today.

I unceremoniously kicked off my bed sheets and rolled out of bed. I gave my body a good stretch and a soft yawn before heading into the shower and completing my daily care necessities. After I got dressed in my attire I noted the time on the clock to be 6am. I had 2 hours before class started. I made my bed quickly and sat down on top in the lotus position beginning my morning meditation.

It's been 4 years since Kimimaro, Haku, and I have arrived and become official citizens of the leaf village. A lot has happened in these past 4 years. For one, Kimimaro, Haku, Naruto, Sasuke, myself and many others are 11 years old of age now. Our graduation exam will be later today which will consist of a written and practical portion. One of the basic requirements to graduate is to successfully perform the Clone Jutsu. This will be a cinch. It also means that Naruto will fail and he will steal the scroll of sealing tonight from the Hokage's residence.

During these past 4 years, I was finally able to obtain a few sets of the special kunai I wanted to use for my Flying Thunder God technique. I even took up an apprenticeship in blacksmithing and weapon forging all for the sake of making my own weapons. This not only helped me make some money, but also allowed me to save money by making my own instead of buying them. Naturally I also ended up making more senbon needles for Haku, and Kimimaro is a living weapon so there was no need for him to carry any.

I started getting a handle on the Rasengan, but its not perfect yet. For now it takes me too long to build up the chakra, contain it, and spin it violently. By the time I finish all the steps my opponent would have slit my throat and I'd doubt my enemies would wait for me to complete my jutsu. If I try to build up my Rasengan too fast then I lose out on the power and at most it'll act like a super strong punch with some extra force behind it, but it won't bring out the desired effect. My best bet is to try the Shadow Clone tactic that Naruto used if I really need to use this technique.

One other struggle I'm having is with the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. I've pretty much mastered the technique to teleport myself, the problem is that teleporting other objects or people is truly complicated. Having to connect my chakra with theirs or connecting them to my teleportation sealing network is difficult to master. It currently takes up too much chakra to transport other objects and people since I don't have a good grasp on this yet. I let out a deep sigh, I can only continue working at it.

On the plus side I've increased the total amount of chakra my body can contain. Now I won't be so helpless when I meet dangerous opponents. I'm confident in taking on any chunin level expert and even ordinary jonin level opponents. I'm not sure what my chances would be though if I had to face someone like Kakashi right now, though I'm confident I can escape with my life. Which brings me to wonder who my jonin instructor will be after graduation.

I slowly opened my eyes as I felt the warmth of the sunlight aglow my back. I turned to look at the clock which noted the time as 7:59am. Class began in the next minute, however, I didn't panic. I got off my bed and made sure I wasn't missing anything before activating the Flying Thunder God technique. I instantly arrived inside the treetop of a large bushy tree by the academy entrance. Then with the Body Flicker Jutsu I arrived in my classroom seat with a puff of smoke just as the bell rang signaling the beginning of class.

Haku turned to look at me and said, "Big brother, you're still using that trick to get to class exactly when the bell rings. Even on the last day of class."

"No one other than you and me knows that Izaya can use that Jutsu." Kimimaro said to Haku.

I simply gave them a smile. By now everyone in class was used to my antics of using the Body Flicker technique to rush into class, what they didn't know was that I used the Flying Thunder God technique first to get all the way near the academy entrance first. Sasuke stared at our corner for a bit before turning back to what he was doing. And that was absolutely nothing. He sat there with his elbows propped up on the table and chin resting on his hands.

During these 4 years Sasuke had been more conscious of Kimimaro, Haku, and myself since we showed a similar talent to his own. I believe he acknowledged us as worthy rivals these past 4 years and while he still keeps a bit of his indifferent attitude, he isn't all that cold towards us. He at least answers back with sentences when we talk. For the four of us in this class, shuriken and kunai throwing was too easy. The same went for the fundamentals of chakra control and the other topics the academy taught.

The truth is that if Kimimaro, Haku, and I wanted to, we could have graduated from the academy earlier, but we refrained from doing so. The reason being? It was because I wanted Kimimaro and Haku to have a bit of a more normal childhood in this life than the harsh life they had in the anime and manga I read in my previous one. Their talent and potential still remained the same only they went about a different way to acquire their skills this time.

Using my knowledge of the anime and manga from my previous life I was able to help give them some pointers and guidance. By now both Kimimaro and Haku were a foe to be reckoned with. They definitely wouldn't lose out to any chunin nor low leveled jonin. Since we decided to take things at a more leisurely pace we showed off just enough skill to grant us the title of genius but refrained from showing off too much.

Iruka-sensei soon walked in and explained to us the details of the test. We all began the written examination first. The first to finish at nearly the same time was Sasuke, Haku, Kimimaro, and I. Iruka-sensei didn't seem too surprised at this but he did look a bit worried for Naruto. During these past 4 years I attempted to help Naruto out but he really didn't have much patience.

While his relationship with me and the other two could be considered as entering the good friends realm, we couldn't do much for his acts of mischief. I do believe however that he'll do decently well on the written portion at least. With our addition to the class and becoming good friends with Naruto he had at least picked up some academic knowledge.

Once time ran out for the written portion we began the practical portion. Some simple taijutsu movements and what not and lastly the Clone technique which everyone had passed except Naruto. I watched at the side as Naruto and Iruka played out the familiar scene I recalled from my previous life. Not long after Naruto ended up running off. Well I won't bother with the next set of events I silently thought to myself.

Naruto will succeed in the Shadow Clone Jutsu once he takes the scroll of sealing, Iruka might get hurt but overall he'll be fine, and Mizuki the traitor will fail. I turned away and looked towards Haku and Kimimaro who were conversing with the others like Kiba, Ino, Shino, Choji, etc. Concern flashed pass my eye momentarily as I stared at Kimimaro. He should be feeling his health deteriorating soon if not already. It might not be that severe right now but it'll get worse in the next couple years. In my past life he died at age 15 but he was already bedridden before that. I looked down at my hand which held a leaf shinobi headband. I tied it to my left thigh and walked over to the group for a chat.

Unsurprisingly we decided to all go celebrate with some barbecue meat at Yakiniku Q. We all sat around a large group table chatting amiably amongst ourselves.

"Seriously though, do you really think Naruto isn't going to graduate?" Choji asked as he picked up a piece of meat to eat.

Sigh. "It can't be helped, those are the requirements for graduating." Shikamaru replied while grilling some more meat.

We continued our idle chatter and small scale celebration for an hour and a half before we disbanded. It was already 3pm in the afternoon. The list of the three man squad and their jonin instructor was going to be released tomorrow early the next morning and so there wasn't much for anyone to do except wait.

Haku, Kimimaro and I walked around town a bit before I paused. "Kimimaro, tell me honestly. How do you feel." I asked with a solemn expression.

Both Kimimaro and Haku were startled by the question.

"What do you mean big brother? Is something wrong with Maro?" Haku asked anxiously.

Kimimaro remained silent for a moment before letting out a sigh and speaking, "I knew I couldn't fool you for long Izaya. I've sensed the changes in my body recently. As you know the body of the Kaguya clan are slightly different than those of others. I feel my body slowly weakening overtime. Currently it's not that bad. I essentially don't feel any different than I normally do. I can utilize my jutsu and Kekkei Genkai without any serious problems for now."

"What! Brother Maro! Let me help you, i've learnt some medical ninjutsu during these past 4 years. No, we should go to the hospital and let them take a look at you. They should be able to treat you!" Haku exclaimed worriedly.

I let out a deep breath before speaking. "Mn. I'm glad you answered me honestly Kimimaro. I've sensed the slight changes in your body and can see your chakra flow is slightly deviated. Only slightly. This may become more pronounced later on if you overexert yourself. From the looks of things, so long as you don't push yourself too hard you'll be fine for another 3 maybe 4 years. After that I can't be so sure. I'm not sure Konoha's hospital can cure you but if worst comes to worst they should be able to help prolong your life. The only one who can truly help you is one of the legendary sannin named Tsunade. She's supposed to be the greatest medical ninja in the world, so if anyone can figure it out it'd be her. For now let's not worry too much about your condition as long as you promise Haku and I something."

Kimimaro stared me in the eyes before giving in. "Alright, what do I have to promise."

I nodded my head acknowledging his wise decision. "No matter what, you are not allowed to push yourself too hard until we are able to meet Tsunade and have her diagnose you. Not even if our Haku and my own life are in danger."

"Bu-." Kimimaro wanted to protest however Haku didn't let him.

"No buts brother Maro! Big brother and I know that you are strong but don't you agree that big brother and I are also strong. In fact big brother might be the strongest out of the three of use. What we want more than anything is you to be alive and well, not for you to put yourself in harms way for us. Big brother and I are capable of protecting ourselves and if we really need to, big brother and I have multiple strategies to allow for our escape and survival. So right now, until you are cured, you have to put your own health and safety above ours okay?" Haku lectured.

I placed a reassuring arm on Kimimaro's shoulder. "Haku is right Kimimaro. Remember, we live together and protect each other. As sworn brothers. That means you have to trust us on this. I promise, we won't think any less of you. Once you get cured you can become your stubborn self again okay." I gave him a confident smile.

Haku then placed his hand in between all of us. I placed my hand on top of his which prompted Kimimaro to place his hands atop of mine.

"Brothers forever." Haku said.

I nodded and repeated, "Brothers forever."

Kimimaro looked where are hands intersected and had a warm feeling of belonging inside of him.

"Mn." He nodded his head. "Brothers forever."