Chapter 12 : Meeting People I didn't want to meet

Age: 7 years 6 months

Knowledge:

Postgraduate level in anatomy, pharmacology, medicine, etc.History of the Shinobi world

Civilian subjects - graduate level in physics, chemistry, and biology.

Advanced knowledge of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu techniques.

In-depth understanding of Chakra control and manipulation.

Extensive knowledge of legendary Shinobi and their feats.

Proficiency in deciphering ancient scrolls and texts.

Chakra: Genin Level: 1500 units

Chakra Control: Elite Genin, Bordering Chunin:

Chakra Control Exercises:

Leaf Exercise: Mastered

Tree Walking Exercise: 700/1000

Nature Transformations: Fire Nature: 75/1000

Physical Capability: Genin Level

Combat Skills:

Shurikenjutsu: proficient in targeting and hitting moving objects.

Intermediate Konoha Taijutsu: 600/1000

Ninjutsu:

Mystic Palm Jutsu: Hand Signs: Ox → Hare → Monkey → Bird → Ox, Proficiency: 22/1000

Academy Jutsu:

Clone Jutsu: Hand Signs: Ram → Snake → Tiger

Transformation Jutsu: Hand Signs: Dog → Boar → Ram

Substitution Jutsu: Hand Signs: Ram → Boar → Snake

Genjutsu Skills:

Pain Relief ( )

Stimulation ( )

New Genjutsu Skill: Illusionary Escape ( )

Other Skills:

Chakra Disruption: 150/1000

Chakra Augmentation: 200/1000

Fuinjutsu: Theoretical mastery and practical application: 50/10000.

Sensor: 100 meters

Deciphering Ancient Scrolls and Texts: Proficient]

-Time-space ninjutsu: Time skip-

I, Kyudo, stood on the secluded training ground, preparing for my spar with an Anbu operative under the watchful eye of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen, leaning against a tree, gave me an encouraging smile. "Kyudo, my boy, today's the day to show off your skills. Based on this test, your future supply of Chakra pills is decided. After all, I must provide some measure of answers to the council for providing strategic resources to a civilian, even if it is a shinobi student."

I encouraged myself with reminders that I stored beforehand.

[ Remember, your chakra control is not just for show. Use it for Chakra Augmentation, and you'll have rapid bursts of speed and strength. Those are your keys to using Intermediate Konoha Taijutsu effectively.]

You will be surprised how good a teacher Duy-san can be and his reminders to be quite helpful before a fight.

I grinned, the casual banter with the old man putting me at ease. "You got it, old man. Time to put that chakra control to good use."

That made him cough. He is not that old after all. He only showed a strand or 2 of white hair.

But for me, that is enough to call him an old man. Considering he visited my restaurant every day just before closing broke all my respect for him. So, the honourable Hokage became an old man in my words. Again, I thank my decision to show my talent. If I was older, then I might have been punished for being disrespectful.

WHOOSH

I felt another Anbu on the side of the field ready to referee. How do you ask?

I don't know.

After some time, I just started sensing them, not Chakra per se, but I just know they are there when they make themself known.

With a focused mind, I activated the chakra, feeling the energy flow smoothly through me. I soon augmented my limbs with it. Thank god, I have enough reserves to use this.

The Anbu operative, masked and ready, stood on the opposite side of the training ground.

"Begin the spar."

WHOOOSH

WHOOOSH

WHOOOSSH

Wasting no time, I hurled a series of super-fast shurikens toward him. The Anbu simply deflected and dodged them, weaving back and forth in between them.

CLINK CLINK CLINK

I nodded at him, acknowledging his capability. Yep, this simple move helped me find the agile nature and type of fighter the Anbu is. He doesn't prefer Taijutsu, and he is a Kenjutsu user. The way his kunai is being used to deflect the shuriken like a Tanto tells me that much.

Inwardly thanking Duy-san for his sparring and teaching, I started adapting my strategy.

CRACK

With a single jump, I was near him with a punch.

THUD

He easily took the punch with an open palm and caught it. Experiencing this with Duy-san and Guy hundreds of times made me smoothly pull the punching hand back and buckle my knees to skid on the ground to give a sweeping kick to his feet.

He jumped up to avoid it. Anticipating that, I used my free hand to send a shuriken into close quarters. He finally left my fist and jumped back to make distance. I followed him with another Chakra-augmented jump.

As the spar continued, I switched to my Intermediate Konoha Taijutsu.

After a punch with my full body movement, I immediately shifted my chakra to support the next attack.

Continuous shifting of chakra with Kata is the essence of intermediate Taijutsu forms.

BAM

BAM

BAM

BAM

I launched a series of strikes and kicks, making use of Chakra Augmentation to enhance my speed and strength.

As much as I wanted to say, The Anbu operative struggled to keep up with my rapid movements. The truth was - he easily batted away my strikes.

It was my inexperience in combat other than Duy and my friends that showed my irritation with this kind of opponent and also the thrill of battle is no helpin me.

Still, losing control was a weakness that is easily used.

GASP

A kick sent me skidding across the ground. I grit my teeth and jump back at Anbu, knowing I am more or less useless in other things compared to him.

Time to incorporate my academy jutsu into the mix. As I closed the distance, I used the hand signs for Clone Jutsu - Ram → Snake → Tiger. Clones of myself materialized, adding to the complexity of the fight. It says the amount of my practice and Chakra control each clone is doing a separate movement.

WHOOOSH

WHOIS

The Anbu dodged some, clicked away some with kunai but one of the kunai that he clicked away exploded.

BOOM

It's from the cloud of smoke that I yelled out, "Surprise!"

BANG

I gave him a solid fist on the mask. I expected it to give away, but it showed not even a scratch.

THUCK

The next thing I knew, I was sent flying into a tree and smashed into it. Feeling groggy, I got back to my feet, to see the Anbu wielding a Tanto in his hand which was empty a second ago.

"Fucking Fuinjutsu."

Just how rich is the Anbu salary, to think he can afford an instant-release Fuin storage seal.

They made me crazy by just shrugging. I felt irritated, no, fucking furious. That transformation into a kunai was weeks of practice and too chakra costly. But, he easily took it because of the vast difference in strength.

Speaking of difference, it is time to show my unique skill set, "I have a few special aces."

WHROOM

I soon started the mystic palm to cover my arm with a blade. The thing about this jutsu is that it depends on the user's knowledge, will and concentration. So, just with a knick I can cut away his nerves.

I said to him, " I didn't master the jutsu enough to heal the tissue in a moment, but breaking is quite easy with this Jutsu. Get ready for round 2."

WHOOOSH

"That's enough."

It seems the Hokage brought the spar to a close, seeing him in between us with a raised hand.

I skidded to a halt, panting, but filled with a sense of accomplishment. He approached, clapping me on the shoulder.

-Hokage's office-

The spar with the Anbu operative had left me as exhausted as the Adrenaline left, but now I found myself back in Hiruzen's office, facing a much tougher challenge.

The casual conversations we had shared earlier had taken a serious turn as the Hokage within him emerged. He looked at me with a piercing gaze, and I knew it was time to address the subject I had been dreading.

I cleared my throat, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

"Hokage-sama, there's something I need to discuss with you."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his expression serious. "Go on, Kyudo. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision pressing on me. "I don't want to graduate, Hokage-sama."

The Hokage's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He waved his hand for me to continue, and I did so, my voice steady but blunt. "It's because of the Third Shinobi War."

Hiruzen nodded, understanding the gravity of my statement.

"I see. Please, elaborate."

I stiffened my back, reminding myself that I was now a soldier in training, not a child. "The increased prices of food, weapons, and the stoppage of long-term missions by the shinobi. The few short words slipped at the pizzeria are enough for me to put the puzzle together."

The Hokage listened attentively, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"And what are your thoughts on this, Kyudo?"

I continued, citing reports from Tsunade and Tobirama that I had brought with me, adding weight to my argument. "I believe while increased combat might help in faster growth of the shinobi kids, it is not good for one's mentality in the long term. "

Hiruzen sighed, his eyes fixed on me. "Kyudo, I understand that the ideal age limit for graduation is 16 years. It was something my teacher researched. I know that because I was there, but dire circumstances have always forced both our hands."

I nodded, recognizing the tough reality of our world.

A Konoha that slightly adjusts its ideals is better than a completely destroyed one.

"I understand, Hokage-sama."

The Hokage continued, "However, there are exceptions like prodigies such as yourself. You thrive in these challenges and quickly rise in strength."

Remembering the fact while their fates are tragic, none can say the Sanin were not strong. Even the future prodigies like Itachi, Shusui, etc.

I replied with my argument, "With heavy, intense training and a stable environment, I can show the same effectiveness in strength. Considering the war is about to start, I will be easily killed if I take part now. Mine is a strength made from my efforts. A first-generation chakra user. I need time to grow my body, unlike the clan kids."

I took a deep breath and said, "From a long-term perspective, I think it's better for geniuses to grow in a safer environment before facing harsh realities. Even prodigies are human and deserve to enjoy peace before they're pushed into their responsibilities. Or they can grow in saftery to protect themselves in danger."

The Hokage leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Kyudo, what you're proposing is unconventional, but I can see the logic in your argument. It's a risk, but one that might benefit you and the village in the long run. I'll need some time to consider this."

I bowed respectfully, grateful for his willingness to listen. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I'm willing to work hard and prove that this approach can be successful."

He will accept.

The reason for confidence is Naruto's generation who were allowed grow like proper kids.

While their generation is left to enjoy peace, they trained heavily in the basics needed to show combat potential rapidly on demand.

Evidenced by all of them reaching elite Jonin by 16 years old. 12 elite Jonin. Fucking hell. You can destroy a small city with them all.

Of course, Naruto is a jinchuriki. Also, a son of S-rank Shinobi. Oh right, he is also a demigod reborn. What a talent and background.

I can say without shame that if I had the chance, I would reincarnate as naruto.

It is too much hard work for me.

CREAK

As I was discussing my request with the Third Hokage, the office door creaked open. Danzo Shimura walked in, his presence chilling and unsettling.

Danzo was a figure of both intrigue and controversy in the Leaf Village. He had been a high-ranking member for decades, known for his ruthless pragmatism and dedication to the village's security. His right eye and the entire right side of his body were covered in bandages, a sign of the sacrifices he had made.

Rumors surrounded Danzo's secretive activities.

In my past life, many blamed him for various atrocities committed in the village's name, though the full truth remained unclear.

I remember internet memes even after many years.

On the internet, there used to be netizens saying that if you blame any atrocity or war on any of this trio, there is a 50% chance for it to be blamed kings are Danzo, Zetsu and Orochimaru. The rest are all pawns to play around. Or thrown away experiments/disciples in Orochimaru's case.

Danzo's piercing gaze bore into me, and without preamble, he stated, "I've heard enough."

It was a chilling moment for me.

Danzo turned his sharp gaze toward me, his voice low and filled with conviction. "Kyudo, a shinobi's true potential is often squeezed out in the crucible of danger and on the verge of death. If everyone were to follow your lead and delay their graduation, it would set a dangerous precedent."

I couldn't deny the truth in his words, but something about this man, whether it was the shadowy drawl or the condescending tone, made my blood boil.

Without thinking, I blurted out, "I don't like you."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, his patience tested. But I wasn't done. I turned to the one who ultimately decided–the Third Hokage–and threw a challenge back at the duo.

"I have a proposition," I declared, my voice unwavering. "I will reach Jonin's level by the time of my graduation."

Hiruzen's eyes widened, and he exchanged a brief, surprised glance with Danzo. It was a bold challenge, one that would require intense training from the side but must seem stupid and from others to others. After all, others are crushing themselves in death and misery while I am proclaiming to do even better by staying in cover of safety.

Danzo, despite his irritation, understood the gravity of my words.

Achieving Jonin's level before graduation was no small feat, and the risk of my plan failing would fall squarely on my shoulders.

Based on the normal growth rate I showed them, I would be Jonin by 16. Under the condition I had a Jonin guidance, knowledge and intense combat in war. I might as well take a risk and be at least a Jonin to increase my chance of survival. I found Shinobi as a whole are too accustomed to the fact they may die at a time. It is these times I am reminded of my past life.

The tension in the room was thick as the two elder shinobi considered my challenge. I awaited their response, my heart pounding with the weight of my decision.

I heard a distinct voice of Hokage, "I accept."

Danzo's tch and comment on his softness were stored in the back of my mind as I turned to the Hokage. My pupils narrowed in thought. This is too much. I just threw a lucky shot, but didn't expect it to be accepted.

This preference is not the same as others. It is not because of reasons found in fanfics like my grandfather being his friend or something.

I checked with my great-grandfather. All are normal civilians. On both sides of the family. I don't have any bloodline.

I know because I checked for that on the first day of joining the hospital.

I am getting more doubts regarding this. This day started nicely. But will soon have the evidence I have shitty luck that day because I would find the reason from the second person I didn't want to meet.

Most importantly, I would curse Danzo in the distant future. As for why? Let's say, my loss of emotions in this first encounter was pre-planned by him and it marked the first step of his intervention in my life.

-The next day, Academy-

BANG

BANG

GASP

BOOM

BARB

My classmates watched in shock at the aggressive sparring going on between me and Asuma. It was filled with insults and curses, and frankly, it was too violent for a regular training session.

It started with Asuma coming to irritate me like usual with sarcastic taunts. He does this regularly because of my friendship with Kurenai. Now he ignored Guy but focused on me. Normally, I would have diverted him and wouldn't bother about this because while he is a little shit, he is a good kid. An example of a spoiled good prince.

But it changed from the answer to my doubts about the meeting in the Hokage Office.

I dodged his knuckles and backed off, thinking it was an excellent decision for Asuma to train with them from early life, considering his wind chakra nature.

But I was not in the mood for the compliment. "It must be sad being the black sheep of the family. A Perfect father and mother. A talented older brother who works in Anbu."

"You asshole."

I dodged his throw of kunai and weaved the signs for clone jutsu, summoning 5 clones. All of me started attacking him.

While he dodged the 3 clones, he got hit by me in the face, getting a tooth displaced.

BAM

Asuma spit out the blood as he stopped to pant.

PTOOH

Seeing the bruising on his face and his unsteady feet, I realized I used chakra augmentation subconsciously in anger.

I moved over to him, weaving the hand signs for the Mystic palm technique. It tells about his state that he doesn't realize me approaching.

[Mystic palm Jutsu: A medical Ninjutsu that works on the Yang release principle. It infuses the pure Yang Chakra-Physical Energy into the patient guided by the User's medical knowledge to treat the patient. Because of the chakra control and extensive medical knowledge required, it is given a rank. Its combat derivatives are Chakra scalpel.]

The chunin instructors are already back. I can sense them behind him as I kneel to heal Asuma's face. He seems to have only abrasions and contusions, Lucky for him. It would have taken him 2-3 days to heal normally. But with a Mystic palm, it cured just in a minute.

I heard curses from him like stupid, perfect Kyudo, and a stupid old man.

Sigh, I understood the ins and outs of the matter. It seems I became the model kid to be shown off to other kids. Now, for a spoiled kid like Asuma, it must be irritating to hear praises from his respected father about me.

"I am sorry, Asuma. My beef was with your brother. I just found out something from a snake."

It would have been more understandable if the reason behind our clash was something mundane, like competing for the affection of a girl, like Kurenai. Even if I have no hormones yet, I can say she is cute, but the reason is much more.

-Time-space Ninjutsu: Memories-

It all started with me heading out the Hokage faces to relax in the aftermath of me, making Danzo angry. It must be done. After all, him trying to get me into Root must be destroyed in the bud. Because he got Kakashi into root after the plotting of his father.

But it must be known he is quite a pragmatic person and will not assassinate me, at least for now. Yeah, I'm not so sure about the future, considering he ordered to assassinate the third. He is not someone to be trusted, and I don't want a relationship with him.

The air seemed to grow heavy as the hissing of a snake echoed through the silence. It was a sound I had learned to recognize all too well from my classmate, and my body sprang into action even before I saw him.

Orochimaru, the snake Sanin known for his forbidden experiments and insatiable quest for power, stood beside me.

His eyes few inches from mine. FUCK

His presence was suffocating, like a cold, poisonous ocean of chakra. I knew I had to tread carefully. I cursed my luck in meeting two people I didn't want to meet on the same day. You just had to add Zetsu to make it a trio. Considering him, he might even observe us.

On the internet, there used to be netizens saying that if you blame any atrocity or war on any of this trio, there is a 50% chance for it to be true.

My thoughts immediately raced to the possibilities of who could have informed him about me. Hokage-sama or Danzo-san? I couldn't be sure, but I had a sinking feeling.

Orochimaru continued, his slitted eyes never leaving me.

"Anko was saying something about a civilian genius who caught up to all the class A students in just two years of hard work. It was nice to finally meet you, Kyudo. It's a pity Sensei and Danzo-san didn't see fit to inform me about you."

I gulped, feeling the sheer pressure emitted by Orochimaru's presence. It was as if he could see through my very soul, and I did not doubt that he could, if not now, at least in the future.

"A sensor too," he mused, his tone laced with intrigue. He was probing, trying to gauge my abilities and potential.

I knew I had to respond carefully.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."

His lips curled into a faint smile, but nothing was reassuring about it. It was the smile of a predator sizing up its prey. "Impressive," he purred, circling me like a vulture. "Tell me, Kyudo, what drives a young shinobi like you? Ambition, power, or perhaps something more… personal?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. Orochimaru was not someone to be taken lightly, and any misstep in this conversation could prove fatal. "My goal is to protect the village and its people, Orochimaru-sama. I seek knowledge and strength to fulfil that duty."

He chuckled softly, his voice like a haunting melody. "Ah, the noble sentiment of a protector. But tell me, have you ever considered the cost of power? The sacrifices one must make to truly become strong?"

I knew of Orochimaru's dark path, his quest for immortality, and the forbidden jutsu he had delved into. It was a path I had no intention of following. "I believe in strength gained through hard work and determination, not through shortcuts or forbidden methods."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with an eerie light. "You're a fascinating one, Kyudo. Such resolve, such conviction. But remember, the world is not as black and white as you may think."

"You see, dear Kyudo," Orochimaru began, his voice low and contemplative, "the proof is right here."

CLANG

With a flick of his wrist, he threw a kunai at one of the nearby shadows, and a figure emerged from the darkness, landing gracefully before me.

WHOOSH

I recognized him instantly; it was the same Anbu operative who had sparred with me earlier in the morning. He had also been the one who had delivered the Hokage's summons to me. I watched as the mask he wore shattered, revealing a young man who appeared to be around 27 or 28 years old. His features were familiar, especially brown monkey-like hair and a rough beard.

Orochimaru confirmed my suspicions with a sinister smile. "Meet Shinosuke Sarutobi, Sensei's eldest son. A genius in his own right, he achieved the rank of Jonin at the young age of 16. But it was a pity he had to turn away from the light because of a mistake made seven years ago."

Dread filled me as I listened to Orochimaru's words.

"He went to rescue his love, a returning Anbu, and while doing so, had disregarded the rules of Mission. So memorable. Danzo-san had a field day back then with this. He made root using this to pull the civilian council." Orochimaru continued, his tone growing colder. "However, his clueless genin followed him bravely. But the poor merchant couple they had been protecting was left behind and betrayed by the friend who had accompanied them. It turns out the friend was a bandit who had planned to steal from them."

The weight of the words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a deep surge of anger, sadness, and inability to respond as Orochimaru started disappearing while leaving a sentence. " Kyudo. I will watch your progress closely. Who knows, our paths may cross again in the future."

Normally, I would enter a brainstorming session about this, but seeing the person responsible for the demise of my parents is making me angry.

Logically, he didn't know about the betrayal, and he went to save his love. He even took the punishment and seems to have been in the Anbu since. Even the support of Hokage and no troubles to my business made sense now.

I thought I was thinking too cinematically when expecting issues while making business plans. But it seems a Hidden Anbu with guilt is supporting me in the dark.

Now all this logic is not helping me process my heart and the emotions it gave. I gave a bitter laugh and questioned him, "Hahaha! Well. What do you have to say?"

He stood up with a myriad of emotions flashing through his eyes and finally said, "I am sorry."

Maybe I am being stupid to say this, but I have my pride and sorrow.

Unlike what he thinks, my parents raised me and fed me too, in my previous life. Just as my appearance was the same as my previous life, their appearance was also the same. I couldn't help the emotions that surged. I know I am not a saint. Nor a psychopath. I am just a human. One thing I know is I will never regret saying this, "I don't need your sorry. I don't need your help from now on. You can go reject the old man for me."

He sighed but said one last thing before disappearing, "I only brought you to his attention. The rest was his decision only."

Normally, I would have cursed him for that, but I didn't care now.