Chapter 61
I grumbled, "do me a favour lord Hokage, please, please don't assign
that depressed emo as my sensei. Seriously, do you know how many
times I found him staring at the memorial stone?!"
"When you become a ninja kid you'll understand," a jounin spoke up, I
looked at him and found myself face to face with a smoking Asuma;
Asuma Sarutobi, Fire's Pride
Lv-?
REP- 20
"Yosh! This is most exciting! Not only have I gotten amazing students,
but I saw once more the Fourth's cloak! To celebrate I'll by us all a
round!" I'm not giving you any guesses as to who that was;
Mighty Gai, Leaf's Green Beast,
Lv- ?
REP- 20
Why was my REP score with these people so good? I never even met
him before in my life!
"At least wait until the Hokage let's us go Gai," said a man, brown hair,
green eyes, Inuzuka marking on his cheek.
"Actually, I think this is plenty of reason to celebrate," Sarutobi smiled
as he took a puff of his pipe, "we can finish the team assignments
tomorrow. For tonight go out and celebrate, we have had a great
treasure returned to us, it's plenty of reason to be meary."
The ninjas all smiled and vanished in a push of smoke or leaves. I
grumbled, "I so have to learn how to do that."
Sarutobi smiled, "I'm sure your jounin instructor will be more than
happy to teach you that, if they believe you're ready."
I nodded, "yeah, I guess," time to make my escape and give Naruto his
dad's right sleeve, "anyway, I'll be going now, night big proffessor."
"Just a minute little professor," the man replied with a chuckle at my
nickname, "you have done your village a great service, returned a
valuable treasure...and you aren't even officially a genin yet."
I shrugged, "meh, it was nothing. Honestly it was dumb luck."
"Yes...tell me, why were you at Uzumaki compound in the first place?"
"Naruto kind off...well, he's kind of been sad that I'm already a ninja
and he's not," I sighed, this part was true, "I figured if I could find
anything from the Uzumaki compound of the clan's well then that could
interest him."
The man smiled, "I'm happy to see you and Naruto getting along so
well Yami, I really am. People say you two act like brothers, I suppose
that statement is very accurate."
"Yeah...I guess," I smiled, like I said before, Naruto was like a brother
to me, a moronic annoying brother but...a brother nonetheless.
"Well, back to your little achievement," the man smiled, "tell me Yami,
what can I do for you? Ask anything, and if I can give it, it's yours."
My eyes sparkled, "like what?"
The man chuckled, "well for one how about a cash reward. I'm sure I
can get the council-"
"-I'm going to stop you right there," I cut him off, "I don't need cash, I'm
me remember?"
Sarutobi blinked before chuckling, "ah yes, Stan Lee, I almost forgot
your alternate identity. It's honestly difficult to believe such words could
come from a child so young."
I shrugged, "over active imagination," I looked around and noticed the
Hokage's portraits, immediately my eyes landed on Minato and I
thought of something, "I want one of his kunai."
Sarutobi raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean?"
"This tri-pronged kunai," I repeated myself, "I won't one of them, one
with a Flying Thunder God seal on it."
The man smiled, "why is that?"
"Naruto looks up to the man, and so do I. And since I can't keep the
coat, I figured a kunai would be the second best thing."
The third smiled, "that is possible," he reached into his desk and
opened the fourth drawer pulling out the tri prong kunai. My eyes
sparkled as he tossed it to me. I held it like one would hold a newborn
baby.
Tri Pronged kunai, A class item
A kunai with the Flying Thunder God seal on it's handle.
I looked at the seals on the handle and smiled, I'm so going to figure
out how you work!
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Figure out how the Flying Thunder God jutsu works!
Rewards:
?
?
Failure:
Death
Do you accept?
Y/N?
I pressed yes without hesitation and turned to the Hokage, "thank you
for this...it means a lot."
Sarutobi smiled, "it's fine. Now, I'm sure you and Naruto have a lot to
talk about. I'll see you soon for your first mission Yami...if you pass that
is."
I chuckled, oh please, who the hell is he trying to scare? I wished him
well and quickly left the tower. The moment I did a new alert popped
up;
Ping!
Quest Completed!
Return the fabled cloak of the Fourth Hokage!
Rewards:
+20 Skill scroll
+20 REP permanent bonus for the people of Konoha
Tri prong Kunai
Okay, now that was a reward. A permanent +20 REP bonus? No
wonder people liked me before I even met them. And the skill scroll
was pretty bitchin too!
Chapter 62
I went home quickly that night, I walked in and called out, "Naruto! Are
you home?!"
"Yeah Yami!" Naruto called out from the workroom. He sat his own
rarely used desk looking over a book with a pencil behind his ear, "yo,
what's up?"
I raised an eyebrow, "are you studying?"
The boy chuckled, "yeah. I figured if you're already a ninja, it's my job
to catch up. No Hokage is going to be second rate to his subordinate!"
I chuckled, "I guess..oh, and speaking of Hokage's, guess what I did
today!"
Naruto blinked, "what?"
"I found the fourth hokage's cloak!" I quickly told him the entire story, of
how I found it in the Uzumaki stone, at which point I had to explain who
the uzumaki clan were. Damn kid, I wish he listened in class!
"Woah! I came from a pretty important clan huh?" Naruto said, his eyes
sparkling, "take that Uchiha bastard!"
I sighed, "yes Naruto, you come from a pretty cool clan."
"Hey, you think if I tell Sakura this she's finally say yes to a date with
me?!" Naruto asked with eyes filled with hope.
I shrugged, "sure, I guess. Just make a fool of yourself okay? Because
is she likes you just because you're from an old clan, she isn't worth
the trouble, do you understand me?"
Naruto waved my worry away, "yeah yeah, I got you."
I smiled, "right...anyway...do you want to know the real reason I went
there thought?"
Naruto blinked, "what do you mean?"
"You see, I figured you would be a little depressed, with me becoming a
ninja before you and all-"
"-Hey! I'm not depressed Dattebayo! I'm just determined!"
I rolled my eyes, "right. Anyway, I figured if I can find something from
the Uzumaki clan that might cheer you up! So I went looking and..."
"And? Did you find something?" Naruto asked, his eyes wide.
I smiled as I opened my inventory behind my back and mentally
selected the hokage right selves. I took it out and presented it to him, "I
found this around the same place I found the fourth's cloak."
"What is it? A dusty old cloth?" Naruto asked sniffing it.
I smiled, "look inside the sleeve dumbass."
Naruto frowned, he did just that finding the stitched names easily,
"Kushina and Na..Naruto?"
I smiled, "I'm guessing...that's you. Because I don't know another other
Naruto's in Konoha. And the woman's name….it's probably-"
"My mother's name" Naruto gasped in realization as he looked up at
me with awe filled eyes as tears began to fill them up. He leaped out of
his seat and hugged me, slowly beginning to cry.
I said nothing, I stayed silent as I hugged the boy I came to look at as a
brother.
It took awhile for Naruto to calm down. The moment tears stopped he
demanded I help him find out more about his mom. I promised him I
would d just that;
Quest alert
Find out more about Kushina Uzumaki!
Rewards:
300 EXP
+10 REP with Naruto!
Failure:
-10 REP with Naruto!
I accepted of course. But after that we spent quite a while talking about
what kind of woman she would have been, and if she would have been
proud of him. I told him that she would, of course she would.
I made ramen for Naruto that night, a special treat, and quickly he fell
asleep. I was about to go to bed as well when I heard the window slide
open.
I moved on instinct throwing five kunai at once at the target.
"Impressive," Kakashi said from the window sill as he held four kunai in
his hand while the fifth had sailed past his cheek cutting it before
embedding in the window sill behind him, "not many people can react
that quickly."
I lowered my defence a little, "I'm not many people. I'm a
ninja….technically," I looked at the man's REP and was shocked. It
was 60. WHOA! How the hell did it become 60?! I looked at him and
him at me.
"So...what can I do you for copycat?" I asked.
Kakashi threw the kunai back at me before turning around and looking
out, "the sleeve you tore off...why?"
I blinked, "what are you talking about?"
Kakashi sighed, "I know you tore off the sleeve and gave it to Naruto. I
want to know why."
I raised an eyebrow, "don't you wish you had something of your father's
to remember him by?"
Kakashi's breathing faltered as he slowly turned to me, "so you know?"
"That Naruto's real name isn't Uzumaki but Namikaze? Yeah, I know."
"When did you figure it out?"
"A few years back, I think it was month after we began living together.
Saw his dumb face so many times, when I was presented with the
fourth picture I couldn't help but draw conclusions. It was kind of
obvious really. I mean, why would a Hokage ask someone else to
sacrifice their child if he couldn't do the same?"
Kakashi looked at me and blinked, "you are very wise for your age."
I shrugged, "they don't call me the Little Professor for my looks. I
hope."
"And are you planning on telling Naruto?"
"Not yet no," I sighed, "the kid's too dumb, he'll probably go around
yelling it out on the top of his lungs. And then he'll be in deep shit.
Maybe after he's a chunin I'll tell him...yeah, that sounds right."
Kakashi smiled, or well eye smiled...how does he do that? "Very
well...that's all I wanted to know. Thank you...for being such a good
friend to Naruto."
"I-" I tried to speak, but before I could say a thing he disappeared. I
grumbled, 'fucking ninja!'
I sighed and went to my room. I laied down but….I COULDN'T
FUCKIGN SLEEP!
So I decided to do something fun. I went to my work room and sat
down on my desk. I took out the tri pronged kunai and began to study
the seals on it;
Finjutus, Lv- 45 (0%)
The art of making seals using paper and ink.
Success rate- 90%
Maximum difficulty range- A class seals
Alright, I have a 90% success rate, let's see if I can figure this out.
Ping!
Your are attempting to learn a SS class seal! It cannot be done!
Damn it! It's past my difficulty range! Unless...I took out the +20 skill
scroll I got today and opened it up.
Ping!
Your skill has leveled up!
Fuinjutsu, Lv- 60 (MAX)
The art of making seals using paper and ink.
Success rate- 99%
Maximum difficulty range- SS class seals
I ended up wasting five levels, but it's so fucking worth it! ARGH GOD
THIS IS AMAZING!
I turned back to the Flying Thunder God seal on the kunai and began
to understand it. I worked through the night, hours passed by but I
didn't care. I picked apart every line on that seal like a doctor observing
a cell under a microscope.
Chapter 63
The next day Naruto and I went to the library where we found records
of one Kushina Uzumaki. All information about her marriage life was
retracted, which made Naruto depressed since he didn't find out
anything about his dad.
But we took all we did find about Kushina and spent three days in the
library reading up on her life. Well, Naruto did that while I read a
random fictional novel about a ninja that used jutsu to build a village in
the center of the Earth...yeah, real original.
It was at five in the morning on the day of team assignments that I
finally managed to succeed. The village was barely awake when I
stood up and threw my hands up in victory, "I DID IT!"
Ping!
Flying Thunder God seal added to recipe under Creation skill
It was perfect, a seal so complex it took me five whole days to figured it
out, even with my genius level intellect and mad high ninjutsu skills!
I immediately took out a horned dagger and etched the runes into its
handle. I placed it across the room and focused, allowing my chakra to
take hold of the seal trigger and
ZOOM!
I moved in a flash of yellow light across the room arriving above the
dagger's potion on the ground.
Ping!
You have created a new jutsu!
Flying Thunder God, S rank
Your can instantly travel to locations with the Flying Thunder God
markers on it.
CP cost- 100 CP (for 100 Km)
A smile broke out on my face, "best jutsu ever!"
Ping!
Quest completed!
Figure out how the Flying Thunder God jutsu works!
Rewards:
New Perk
+5 points
Ping!
You have obtained a new perk!
Seal Master- +10% to success for any new seals you try and make
Adding this to my already high 99% success rate made it a perfect
100%! Sweet! I then opened my menu and quickly assigned the new
points I got. I put two in VIT, two in DEX and one in CC;
STR- 32
VIT- 44
DEX- 44
INT- 35 (+2)
CHA- 50
CC- 131
LUC- 26 (+5)
I closed the menu and groaned, stretching the knicks out of my body
before going for a shower and a fresh change of clothes and since
today was the official start for my ninja career I figured I might as well
come in with style.
I opened my inventory and took out all the items I would need;
Custom leather armour, C class item
Armour made out of leather and Scyther exoskeleton.
Durability (with +400 for cutting damage.)
250/250 for chest (15)
300/300 for shoulder (15)
200/200 for shin (15)
The leather armour was similar to the classic garb ninjas in my world
wore. The leather worked like cloth binding itself around me tightly, but
still allowing me enough freedom to use my Disturbance style
effectively.
Then came the Scyther exoskeleton plates I used as pieces of armour.
They were all dark green, almost cameo green and were broken apart
and placed in a similar fashion to Batman's armour in Dark Knight.
Along the sides and belt were several pouches and hidden
compartments I filled with poison powder, paralysis powder, a few
potions, a bunch of ninja wire, sealing tags, sealing scroll, ink and even
a few trap creating instruments kept in a storage scroll.
Rare cat fur cowl, C class item,
Cowl that grant +5 STR
The cowl was similar to the hood I saw Green Arrow use on some...TV
show I think. Either way the cowl was around my neck with a face
mask and a hood that did a pretty good job covering my features. But
for now I just let it be, displaying my face for all to see.
Custom made armbands, C class item
Made out of Scyther exoskeleton and fireproof leather and can
withstand extreme temperature.
-50% DMG from all fire based attack.
Durability- 400/400 (+300 for cutting damage)
These were just simple forearm bands, at least that's what people
would think. In actuality they are covered with seals and also hide a
hidden blade for assassinations and the like.,
I also hide away several ninja tools and other forms of items. This is
just incase I was in a situation where I couldn't explain away how I
pulled things out of thin air when I use my inventory. Hence, the many
seal forearm bands.
I sighed as I looked at myself in the mirror. I honestly hated the fact
that I looked so much like a fucking uchiha. Black spikey hair that came
down till my shoulders and black walnut shape eyes. My cheekbones
were a little rounder than the normal Uchiha look, so that was
something.
I took my forehead protector and looked at it, it shined brightly..hm,
that's going to be a problem. It shining brighting will make it difficult for
me to hide, even with my hood and face mask...hm.
I took some charcoal and soda wash and mixed them together. I then
rubbed the headband thoroughly in the sink making it into a dull grey
colour, like it had just been through a dirty swamp. I then quickly
replaced the cloth headband with some black leather I had in my
inventory and tied it around my head, now I was ready.
Hm, I really do look like a cooler version of the Green Arrow. Only no
bow and arrow, thank god for that.
I quickly made dinner, and by that time Naruto had woken up. It was
technically his holidays, so he stayed at home while I went to the
Academy. He wished me good luck, and I knew I probably won't need
it. It's not like I'll get stuck with someone who hates my guts right?
I walked into the classroom and noticed only a few of the kids I spent
this year with had managed to pass. Around nine people, including me.
I'm guessing only nine teams will be formed this year then, huh, no
wonder people kept talking about Naruto's generation compared to
their year where nearly everyone passed, this year was shit.
Chapter 64
"Alright everyone settle down," Iruka said as he walked in with a folder.
He looked at me in surprise, "ah Yami, almost didn't recognize you.
Impressive uniform, where do you get it?"
I smiled, "I made it senseit."
Iruka grinned and gave me a thumbs up, "well it's amazing. Now, take
your seat, I have one final lecture for you all before you leave these
halls for good."
I sat down and listened, but I didn't really pay attention. I know what he
was going to say, I know it and I understood.
"Right then, on with the main event," he said with a smile. "First we
have team one..." I stopped paying attention, listening to only see if my
name came up. The only other interesting name came up was during
team nine, "for team nine we have Rock Lee, Tenten Higurashi, Neji
Hyuga, you're sensei will be Mighty Gai."
"YOSH! THIS IS SURELY DESTINY!" Lee cried out with eye's glowing
with determination.
"Sit down Lee!" Iruka scolded.
"Hai!"
Iruka pinched his nose, "I already know they're going to get along.
Anyway, moving on. Team ten is still in rotation, team eleven will be
Zumo Sarutobi, China Mozen and Yami," that had my attention, "and
your sensei will be Ko Hyuga. That is all the teams, I hope you all make
us proud!"
I looked at Zumo, the same kid who's ass I kicked my first day in this
class. Wore red flame overcoat under which was a blue ninja uniform,
his mesh clearly seen under the cloth. He hates losing, to me
especially. He has a penchant for fire jutsu, if the way he keep bragging
about his skills is anything to go by. Hyperactive too, like a certain
someone I know.
Zumo Sarutobi, Genin of Konoha
Lv- 21
REP- 5 (+20 REP from permanent bonus)
HP- 1,600/1600
SP- 1,750/1,750
CP- 2,000/2,000
CONTROL- 40%
Allegiance- Konoha
STR- 21
VIT- 29
DEX- 17
INT- 10
CHA- 35
CC- 20
LUC- 20
A member of the branch family, Zumo has always seen himself as
an outcast and always felt ignored. He sees the world a troubled
place and wishes to simply gain the respect of his clan.
And then the girl, China Mozen, civilian, blue hair tied in a ponytail,
black eyes. She wore a blue one piece chinese style dress that ended
at her knees and split apart at her side showing her bloomers
underneath. She had a giant scroll on her back, if recall correct she
and Tenten were weapons freaks, only she realized a lot more on hand
to hand weapons while Tenten focus do projectiles.
China Mozen, Genin of Konoha
Lv- 19
REP- 35 (+20 REP bonus)
HP- 1,700/1,700
SP- 1,900/1,900
CP- 1,300/1,300
CONTROL- 64%
Allegiance- Konoha
STR- 24
VIT- 30
DEX- 27
INT- 15
CHA- 17
CC- 56
LUC- 15
China has only one dream, to show the world she isn't someone
who should be looked down one simply because she's a woman.
She looks up to her close friend, Tenten, and wishes to be
Konoha's first female S ranked swordswoman.
I groaned, I barely even spoke to her, but she had a high REP score,
35, 55 if the bonus was added. And then finally came our new sensei.
He wore the standard Konoha jonin garb and had his headband
covering his hair which was cut shorter than normal for a Hyuga his
age. His face was thinner than Neji's and he actually smiled at me,
which I didn't think was possible.
Ko Hyuga, Jounin of Konoha
Lv- ?
REP- 5 (+20 REP bonus)
HP-?
SP-?
CP-?
CONTROL-?
Allegiance- Konoha
STR- ?
VIT- ?
DEX- ?
INT- ?
CHA- ?
CC- ?
LUC- ?
Ko is a shinobi from the main branch of the Hyuga clan and is
known to be very light hearted and cheerful. He is a calm and
collected man and his only goal in life is to make the world a
better place for those he cares about.
I raised an eyebrow, so I had a Sarutobi who didn't like being second
fiddle, a civilian girl who looks like Tenten's stalker, but is skilled
enough and a Hyuga who's an idealist.
I smiled, "I don't know about you guys, but I think I got the best team
out of this deal."
"Not so Yami! I have gotten Gai-sensei as my teacher! So surely mine
was the best!" Lee exclaimed.
I sighed, "can't you let me have this Lee? I was trying to look cool in
front of my new teammates."
Lee blinked, "oh! I'm so sorry Yami! As punishment I'll apologize to you
a thousand times! I'm sorry I'm sorry-"
"Lee please stop," I groaned.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!..." I really should have just shut up.
Chapter 65: Team 11
My new teammates and I found ourselves in the academy training yard
sitting under a tree near the back. Ko had taken us all here for our
team introduction and now sat under the tree while the rest of us sat
around him in the shade.
"Alright then," Ko smiled, "why don't we go around and introduce
ourselves?"
"Why don't you start sensei," Zumo requested in an eager tone, guess
he was really excited. Hm, didn't Sakura say the same thing? Odd,
history is a strange thing indeed.
Ko nodded, "right. My name is Ko Hyuga, I'm part of the Hyuga clan
and as such I possess the Byakugan dojutsu. I like reading and tea
drinking ceremonies and my dream is to help raise my clan's children
to become good people. I don't like people who are cruel and would
like to be a good father one day."
I used my chakra sensory perk to scan him. From his chakra I could tell
he was...soft, like a bird. Not a bad guy, but he had his claws as well. I
smiled, I have to say, this chakra sensory thing really is useful.
I cleared my throat, "I'll go next then," I turned to my teams and gained
no sign of disapproval. "My name is Yami, I'm an orphan. I like reading
and writing and learn new things and my dream is to become a strong
kick ass ninja in the future. I don't like people who act like morons and
hurt other people for no reason and I suppose….yeah, that's it."
"Alright, me next," China raised her hand excitedly. Ko nodded allowing
her to begin, "my name is China Mozen, I'm a civilian and my dream is
to become Konoha's top female swordswoman! I liked melee weapons
and other cool ninjutsu and ah," she blushed a little before stammering
out, "I-I dislike people who are mean to others because of things they
can't help."
Her chakra felt like...like soft iron, if treated properly it could be strong,
if not it could rumble into dust. Ko smiled, "that's very nice of you. And
lastly," he turned to Zumo.
The by grinned, "about time! My name is Zumo Sarutobi! I'm from the
Sarutobi clan and am going to be the best ninja to ever come out of
that clan! My dream is to be more famous that the third Hokage, my
granduncle! I like cake and training and I hate snobby brats who think
they're better than everyone else!"
He turned to me and sent me a glare that had me surprised, didn't
realise he had a problem with me. His chakra felt hot and uncontrolled,
like a cracker ready to blast off.
Ko nodded, "well...that was interesting," he clapped his hands, "now,
let's begin."
China blinked, "begin what sensei? Our missions? I was told that won't
happen for some time now."
"Oh no no no China, you see, technically, the three off you haven't
actually become ninjas yet," Ko smiled.
"What?!" Zumo and China cried out in shock.
Ko nodded, "yes, you see, the academy test is simply to see if you
even have the slightest chance of making it in the ninja world. We jonin
instructor administer a second test and only by passing that do you
actually qualify to become a ninja."
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Pass the secret test!
Rewards:
500 EXP
Allowed to perform mission for Konoha
Failure:
Permanent genin status.
Do you accept?
Y/N?
"W-what?! No way! I worked my butt off for the Academy tests! And
now I have to take another one?!" Zumo grumbled as he hung his
head.
As I pressed yes I had to suppress a snort, it's amusing how that
simple thing they call a test was difficult for other people. I pushed my
pride to the corner and got on my feet and patted the dust away,
"alright, when do we begin sensei?"
Ko smiled, "I'm glad you are taking this in such stride Yami, tell me,
where you not surprised to learn about the second test?"
I shook my head, "no, I knew about it."
"What? How?!" Zumo asked jumping on his feet.
I looked at him and shrugged, "I'm a ninja, intelligence gathering is
literally in my job description. I also know the chunin qualifications
exams and the jonin qualifications test."
"Woah! That's so cool Yami!" China said in surprise. Really? That was
cool? Seriously? This is basic shit girl!
Ko blinked, "how did you find out about all that?"
I shrugged, "the chunin exams take place every two and half years in
Konoha, so I know about that. And I learnt from an ex-ninja that a
chunin can only become a jonin through an election from the council,
the Hokage and the jonin commander. Or is they gain that position
during combat."
Zumo huffed, "oh please, there's no way all that is real."
"Actually it is," Ko replied looking impressed, "that is very true Yami,
you have done your homework I see."
China nodded, "Yami spends a lot of time reading, so he's bound to be
smart!"
I blinked and turned to China….she was blushing a little, pupils
dilated...her 35 REP rate...she has a fucking crush on me?! Damn it! I
don't like fangirls! I see how Sasuke deals with them and, argh!
I reign in my emotions, I really hope I can work with her without her
gushing all over me like a noob. I turned to Ko, "where are we going
sensei?"
"Right, follow me," and with that Ko took off into the tree, running at a
reasonably slow pace, allowing us to keep us. We ended up training
field eleven, similar to seven, except this one had a small pond near
the back with the dense signature leaves of Konoha surrounding it.
Ko landed in the center of the training field and we stood before him
awaiting instructions. He pulled out two bells and displayed it to us,
"the rules are simple. Fight me and get a bell. You have three hours, by
the end, if you have a bell, you can stay."
China blinked, "but sensei, there are only two bells."
Ko smiled, "yes. Begin!"
I grabbed my teammates shoulders and dragged them back into the
dense trees. "Hey! Let go off me!" Zumo tried to break free, but I
refused to let him go, pulling him by his collar. I saw Ko smirk as he
activated his Byakugan, damn, need to think of a way to fight that.
Chapter 66
We ended up in a small clearing in the forest when I finally let them
both go. Immediately Zumo turned to on, "what the hell do you think
you're doing?!"
"He said begin, we need to make a plan," I told him as I frowned, how
can I defeat an all seeing eye?
"And?! It's every man for himself!" Zumo cried out.
"Zumo-" China said in a weak voice.
"You plan on taking on a jonin? A man with more fighting experience in
his pinky than the three of us put together...alone?" I asked in a very
slow and mocking voice.
Zumo growled as he walked up to me, towering over me by a few
inches, "do you think you're in charge? Do you pipsqueak?"
"Hey! Back off Zumo! He's just trying to help!" China pushed him back.
"Whatever, I don't need this," Zumo scoffed as he turned to walk away.
I sighed, "if you leave...you'll be nothing more than a loser...like the
people in your clan think you are."
Zumo stopped, he slowly turned around, "what did you say?"
"I said, if you leave, you're a loser, just like everyone in your clan thinks
you are," I walked up to him losing the distance until were were neck
and neck, "but don't take it the wrong way, we're all losers here."
China blinked, "excuse me?"
I turned to her, I remembered everything I read in their bio's, about how
Zuko felt ostriches inside his own clan, how China was dismissed for
being a girl, and I put it to use. I pointed at myself, "clanless orphan," at
Zumo, "black sheep of the clan," and then China, "a woman."
Zumo blinked, "that's not really the same."
I scoffed, "trust me, it is. Women have it tough, especially in the ninja
world."
China slowly nodded, "he's right."
I turned to Zumo, "here's the thing Zumo, I hate losing, and more
importantly, I hate being looked down on. I know you do as well, and
China hates being seen as nothing more than a chick. We all are
looked down on our entire lives, all of us, and being ninjas...it gives us
the chance to be more, to be greater, to be our own legend. I don't
have a last name, by being a ninja I'll earn one. You're clan looks at
you like you aren't worth their time, prove them wrong, instead of
saying, 'oh, he's from the Sarutobi clan' let people say, 'hey, isn't that
Zumo's clan'? And if the only thing they see China as is a woman, then
they will never see her blade. But we can't do that if we don't pass this
test, right here and right now. And the only way we have a chance….is
if we work together."
Zumo and China looked at me, blinking. Zumo gulped, "r-right...do you
have a plan?"
Ping!
You have successfully motivated your teammates!
Ping!
A skill has leveled up!
Speaking skills, Lv- 15 (1%)
Your verbal ability to convince people to follow your lead or agree
to your demands.
Chances of being successful- 40%
+10% for every positive REP score you have with target
-10 % for every negative REP score you have with target
+250% bonus into teamwork for Zumo
+550% bonus into teamwork for China
I grinned, "I think I have just the thing. We're dealing with a Hyuga,
meaning we can expect him to rely heavily on his eyes and taijutsu.
So, we focus on attacking mid range of long range. Do any of you
know any jutsu like that?"
China shook her head, "no, sorry. I'm mainly into weapons."
"I know the great fireball jutsu and the flame bullet jutsu," Zumo said
with a proud grin.
I groaned, "I see...oh! I got it!" I took out an empty scroll and took out
my fuinjutsu set laying on the ground and drawing a seal on it that I
quickly came up.
"You can make seals?" Zumo asked looking over my shoulder in
interest.
"Yes," I replied.
"You any good?" he asked.
Ping!
You created a C rank seal!
Flash!
I grinned, "very," I rolled the finished scroll and got up, "this seal will
create a bright flash of light so strong it should temporarily blind Ko-
sensei. All you have to do is open it up, place the seal facing him and
make a ram seal."
"Amazing," China said in wonder.
"Right, China, give me your hand," I said picking up the seal brush
once more. I began drawing a seal on her palm, it quickly took the form
of a tiger. I had worked on the tattoo I had gotten a long time ago from
my first dungeon run. I had analysed it and figured the seal pattern out
a long time ago and could now replicate it whenever I wanted.
When I was done China looked at it and blinked, "what is it?"
I grinned, "that is how we are going to pass this test. Now listen up,
here's the plan."
With Ko:
'Hm, it's been half an hour, should I be worried?' Ko asked himself as
he kept his byakugan active, looking around like a sentry, keeping
watch. Just as he was about to go looking for his genin he stopped and
smiled as Zumo appeared in the edge of his sight, walking towards him
with a giant shuriken on his back and a kunai in each hand.
Ko was actually impressed by the genin's skills, sneaking around with
something that big on one's back was quite a feet. Zumo stopped by
the edge of the tree line and waited. It was ten minutes later when Ko
finally had enough.
"You know I can see you yes? I am a Hyuga after all," Ko called out.
Zip!
Zumo threw two kunais at Ko, which the Hyuga easily dodged. Zumo
then leaped out, throwing the giant shuriken on his back at the Hyuga,
which sailed inches over his head, landing softly behind him.
Chapter 67
"You're going to have to do better than that Zumo," Ko sighed, as the
Sarutobi kid came right at him slipping into the jungle style, his clan's
signature taijutsu style.
Ko easily blocked his strikes, sweeping away his kicks and hits, "so
where are the others?"
"I don't need them," Zumo growled as he jumped back and threw three
shurikens at Ko. The jonin was impressed at the speed, but nothing
else. He easily slipped into the gentle fist style and caught each
shuriken by looping a finger through the center hole before throwing it
back at Zumo, twice as fast.
"Shit!" Zumo took a kunai out and knocked the kunai away.
"Too slow," Ko whispered into his ear as he suddenly appeared next to
Zumo, hitting him in the gut, sending the Sarutobi kid flying back.
Zumo coughed as he got on his knees, holding his gut, Ko walking
towards him lazily, "you know...I honestly expected more...I'm
disappointed in you."
"Well, you shouldn't be," Zumo smirked as he twisted his body
revealing a scroll on his tummy. He swirled it open, displaying a seal on
it's surface. Ko blinked in confusion, he didn't recognize that seal.
"Flash!" Zumo called out, shutting his eyes as he made the ram sign.
ZM!
"ARGH!" Ko called out as he closed his eyes, blinded by the sheer light
that came out of the scroll. He held his head in pain, grumbling at the
tactic, "clever."
"Then you'll love this! Fire release: Great Fireball jutsu!"
Ko smirked as he lept into the air, dodging the attack, "I may be blind,
but my other sense are-"
"Wind release: Great Breakthrough!" Yami cried out.
Ko was shocked, he felt a rush of wind coming right at him, passing
through the Great Fireball, the sheer power of the wind swept the
fireball away from its intended path, deflecting it and heading straight
for him.
"Shit!" Ko cried out as he performed a sealless substitution landing a
few feet away. His eyes slowly began to recover as he noticed two
blurs rushing at him, he got ready to fight when suddenly something
pulled at his belt, pulled at the bells.
Ko turned downwards and found China there, one hand around the
bells with the other's palm facing him, and on it was a seal in the shape
of a tiger.
"Fire!" she cried out, causing a fireball to come point black at Ko. The
Hyuuga was so busy escaping again he could do nothing to stop China
from cutting the bells ropes with a kunai.
Ko landed near the lake, his eyesight slowly returning. His three genin
students walked up to him, all smiling.
China held up the bells, smiling, "we did it!"
Yami smiled, "yup. We did."
With Yami:
I turned to Ko who blinked his blindness away, "you alright there
sensei?"
Ko smiled as he straightened himself, "oh I'm fine...and I must say, I'm
very impressed. You used Zumo to blind me and then came out of
hiding...I suspect you moved into position the moment my focus was
on him?"
Actually I just ran here really really fast, Chuunin level speed, but meh,
not the time. I nodded, "yup."
"And then when Zumo blinded me with that...seal," Ko groaned, "you
came out, luring me into your trap using the combination jutsu, brilliant
move by the way-"
"Thank you," Zumo and I replied.
"-And then China here grabbed the bells," Ko said turning to a grinning
China, "who then fired another fireball at me, forcing me to dodge or
else risk getting burnt. I must say, every well thought out...and perfectly
executed."
I grinned, "and we couldn't have done it without the other," I turned to
Zumo and smiled. The Sarutobi kid blushed and looked away, I saw his
REP go up to 10. Huh, cool.
"Although, I am curious, how did China get near me so quickly?" Ko
asked, "I have read reports on Yami's speed, but China's is average,
she couldn't have run all that way."
"I didn't have too," she grinned, "I was right under your nose the whole
time."
"Oh? How-the giant shuriken," Ko realised as he looked around, finding
no shuriken. He slowly smiled, "very clever. Using a henge, the oldest
trick in the book."
I shrugged, "oh please, you knew the whole time. You were just
pretending."
"Wait, what?!" Zumo asked with his jaw dropped.
"What are you saying Yami?" China asked in equal shock.
I sighed, "the Byakugan can see all, including a henge. Sensei knew it
was you...he just didn't do anything about it."
"Is this true Ko sensei!" China asked turning to the Hyuga.
Ko smiled and chuckled, "observant as always Yami. Yes, that's true. I
did know China was the shuriken, but I didn't know why. I wanted to
see what you were planning...and that cost me the match."
"But wait, if you knew he would recognize China, why did you go
through with the plan?!" Zumo asked me.
"Because getting the bells was never really the test," I stated, "the
test...was to see if we could work together, as a team."
The two genins blinked as they turned to their jounin teacher. The
Hyuga's smile was radiant at this point, "it seems I lucked out. Not only
did I get a small genius but also a Sarutobi who's willing to bleed for his
friends and a kouichi that actually knows how to fight. I truly am the
luckiest jonin in the village."
"W-wait, does that mean we passed?!" China asked with a gasp.
Ko nodded, "yes, you all passed. As of this moment, we four are team
eleven. Congratulations."
Ping!
Quest completed!
Pass the secret test!
Rewards:
500 EXP
Allowed to perform mission for Konoha
I smiled and swiped the box away as China cheered loudly "alright!
This is cool! When can we begin doing missions?" she asked bouncing
on her feet in excitement.
Chapter 68
Ko chuckled, "why don't you all go home for tonight. Tomorrow met up
here at 8 o'clock and we can begin doing our mission."
"Yes!" Zumo cried out, "I'm so excited!"
I sighed, "don't be, it's not worth it."
China and Zumo blinked turning to me. "Why do you say that Yami?"
China asked.
I sighed, "because every genin team for the first six months perform
nothing by D rank mission."
Zumo blinked, "isn't that a good thing?"
I sighed, "trust me...it's not."
Three months later:
"I HATE THIS!" Zumo threw his hands in the air as we walked to the
Hokage tower, finishing out tenth mission of the month.
"I agree," I replied grumbling as I wiped the red paint off my leather
armour, "I made this armour so that I wouldn't die from a kunai to the
chest, not as a canvas."
"Why couldn't they just ask other people to do these damn chores!"
China yelled rubbing her fingers, covered with red paint, "I hate this!
We have done nothing but chores for the last three months!"
"Now now, don't think of them like that, think of them as team building
exercises," Ko replied with a smile as he hurried us along into the
tower.
For the past three months my life had been hell. I would start the day
by six, going to training field eleven to train by myself. Then the rest
would arrive by eight where Ko would begin training us. Nothing too
advanced, just basic ninja tactics, signals and even battle formations.
And after than we would go out and perform chores, chores that
sometimes lasted until 7 in the night. By then I would be so mentally
exhausted I barely had any time for myself. I had to cook and the finally
I had some time to write and continued to do so through the night.
Because of these I wasn't motivated at all to train in the dungeons in
any way or form. Honestly, it was getting stale. I gained an average of
200 EXp for every mission. I did level up once, but that was it;
Yami, Little Professor
Level- 30 (400/15,800)
HP- 4,250/4,250 (+20)
SP- 2,050/2,050
CP- 2,400/2,400
CONTROL- 100%
FIRE- 100% WIND- 52%
Allegiance- Konoha Civilian
STR- 32
VIT- 46
DEX- 46
INT- 35 (+2)
CHA- 51
CC- 131
LUC- 26 (+5)
Points- 0
Meh, at least I had a 52% control rate going for wind. Two more times
and I'm golden!
Anyway, I was running on a very short fuse, I was really trying to hold it
together but...it felt like I was going to explode!
I sighed as we entered the hokage tower and entered the mission
office where he and Mizuki sat with a huge bundle of scrolls next to
them.
"Team eleven returning from mission," Ko said with his signature smile,
pulling out a mission scroll and handing it to Mizuki who recorded the
finished assignment.
Ping!
Quest completed!
Paint the house!
Rewards:
200 EXP
Oh fuck off!
"Excellent work," Sarutobi said with a smile as he looked at me then
Zuko, "how have they been Ko?"
"Eagerly lord Hokage," Ko smiled, "I must say I lucked out with this
team."
"Yes, I'm aware," he puffed his smoker looking at me, "now, what to
give you next. Oh, we have a very nice mission here, grocery shopping
for Mrs. Kimo, poor thing has a broken back and-"
"-I can't take this anymore!" I cried out startling everyone in the room. I
slammed my hand on the table and growled, "if I have to waste my
days painting fences and shopping for groceries I'm gonna fucking die!
Please! Please for the love of God and everything that is good, give me
a mission that doesn't make me want to kill myself! Please!"
Hokage blinked in surprise. Ko as well while Mizuki just chuckled. Ko
cleared his throat, "Yami, that is no way to speak to the leader of your
village."
"With all due respect Ko-sensei, our team's talent are being wasted on
D ranks!"
The Hokage nodded, "that may be Yami, but these mission are
necessary," he flashed a look at me, "can you tell me why?"
I sighed as I reeled in my anger and thought about it for a moment
before sighing, "because it makes ninjas look like humans, not cold
blooded murders and thieves."
The man smiled, "exactly. And we also wish to make sure that the
young don't die that way, as you said when we first met, this is a
profession when men die young. As such, until we know you're ready,
we can't let you take anything higher than a D rank."
"Well how can we show we're ready if you don't give us a chance?"
Zumo scoffed. The Hokage raised an eyebrow causing the boy to
stammer out, "I-I apologize for speaking out of turn lord Hokage."
Sarutobi sighed, "it's fine Zumo, don't apologize for speaking your
mind."
"Y-yes!"
"But he does raise a good point," the Hokage said chewing his pipe's
wooden stick, "alright then, how about this. A test, if you can perform
ten mission within a week I'll consider letting you go on a C rank
mission."
I turned to Mizuki, "give us five."
The man blinked, he turned to the Hokage who shrugged. "Alright, but
be careful little professor," Mizuki smiled as he gave us five scrolls.
Shopping, gardening, catching Tora the cat, painting over graffiti and
dog walking.
I turned to the team, Zumo and China looking just as determined as I
was while Ko just sighed and shook his head.
"Alright team, let's do this!" I cried out, causing them to cheer along
with me. We practically ran out of the tower leaving a sighing Ko and a
chuckling Hokage behind.
"Do you really think they can do ten mission in a week?" Mizuki asked
in surprise.
Sarutobi shrugged, "I see no reason or them not too. I'm sure they'll
surprise us."
The next day:
It was seven in the morning and Mizuki was already in the mission
assignment room going through some paperwork. Just then the doors
slammed open, he looked up from and spotted us walking towards him.
He blinked, "this is...unusual."
I was covered in paint, Zumo in scratches as he held a struggling Tora
who had run away, again. China's fingers were covered in dirt and Ko
looked like he didn't get any sleep.
Chapter 69
I slammed the mission scrolls in front of Mizuki, "done! One C rank.
Please!"
Mizuki, "didn't you leave with five mission yesterday?"
"They came back last night and demanded five more," said a very tired
Ko.
"You really don't like waking up early do you sensei?" China smiled.
"It was three in the morning!"
"Grass doesn't cut itself," Zumo said as he put Tora inside a cage and
slammed the door shut, "and stay in there this time!"
I stepped back and crossed my arms, "we finished the missions like
you asked. C. Rank. Please."
Mizuki sighed, "give me a moment, I'll get the Hokage."
Five minutes later:
The old man looked through the mission scrolls and blinked. He looked
at us and smiled, "well...I'm surprised. I didn't think you would form
such a close bond so soon."
"We tend to agree when it comes to things we hate," China smiled.
"And apparently that include waking their teacher up at three in the
morning," Ko grumbled. Yesh, he really wasn't a morning person huh?
"Well, either way, a promise is a promise," the man smiled as he pulled
out a blue scroll, "a C rank, as promised."
"Yes!" we all cheered as one.
"Right, now, this is a simple escort mission to the land of tea. The
customer is a long time friend of Konoha and has been using our
services for years. He makes monthly trips from Konoha to the land of
tea, trading. Are there any questions?"
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Ensure the cargo is delivered to the land of tea!
Reward:
+5000 EXP
Failure:
Banned from C rank missions for over a year.
Do you accept?
Y/N?
I raised my hand. The Hokage nodded and I spoke, "what kind of
resistance can we expect? Bandits? Raiders?"
The old man smiled, "is there a difference between a bandit and a
raider?"
"Yes. A raider will just take everything and run as fast as they could. A
bandit will take everything, kill you, burn your caravan and then run as
fast as they could."
Sarutobi chuckled, "no Yami, you won't face any raiders or bandits.
This is a very safe route. But common thieves are still an issue. And
the money is still very good. Now, are there any other questions?"
there were none as I accepted the quest, "good. Ko, meet with the
customer and set up your departure time. Dismissed."
"Yes lord Hokage," we replied as we quickly ran out.
"Alright, all of you pack enough for two weeks," Ko said as he opened
the scroll and looked over the mission details before putting it away, "I
know this trader, I'll talk to him and find out more. Met me at the
training ground in two hours and I'll tell you when we will leave.
Dismissed!"
"Yes sir!" we said as he leaped away, moving like a blur across
rooftops.
"So what are we going to do for two hours?" Zumo asked.
"You heard Ko sensei," China spoke up, "we need to go pack up."
Zumo rolled his eyes, "we can do that whenever we want China!
Besides, we don't even know when we're leaving so what's the point?"
I nodded, "agreed. We should celebrate, reward ourselves for a job
well done. You two up for some ramen?"
China smiled, "yes Yami! Of course!"
Zumo shrugged, "you buying?"
I nodded, "yup. Come on, I know this great place just down the road." I
guided them to Ichiraku's where we entered, "hey Ayame! I'm back
honey!"
"Hey Yami!" Ayame called out from behind the counter.
"Yami!" Naruto, who was sitting eating what looked like his fifth bowl of
ramen, turned to us and smiled, "fancy seeing you here! Don't you
have a mission or something?"
"We got a break, decided to get lunch," I smiled as I sat down next to
him. I turned to see my teammates looking cautiously at Naruto, China
in particular looking very worried. I rolled my eyes, "relax, he's not
going to prank you or something. Come, sit," I tapped the stool next to
me.
China gulped as she nodded, sitting down next to me while Zumo sat
down next to her. "Hello," Ayame said as she came up, "and who are
these cute little genin?"
"I-I'm China Menzo, it's pleasure to meet you," China bowed a little.
"I'm Zumo Sarutobi," Zumo smiled at Ayame.
"They're my teammates," I explained, "we're on a break, figured they
could use a nice meal. Plus seeing you always brightens up my day
sweetie," I said with a wink.
China's eyes went wide while Ayame just rolled hers, "never going to
happen Yami."
"But why? I am technically an adult you know," I winked pointing at my
headband.
"Maybe in a decade or so hon," Ayame chuckled, "now, what will you
have."
I sighed, "well, since I obviously can't have you, I guess I'll just settle
for some chicken ramen," I turned to my teammates, "and you guys?"
Zumo shrugged, "miso is fine."
"And you China?" Ayame asked looking at the girl was a shocked stiff.
Ayame blinked, "China? Are you okay?"
"Y-yes, I'm fine," China blinked out of her shock as she looked at me
and Ayame, "I'll have pork please."
"Coming right up!" Ayame smiled getting to work.
"Yami," China called out.
I looked at her, "yeah? What's wrong?"
"Do you...do you like Ayame?" China asked, her words struggling to
come out. I sighed, fan girls, what a pain.
I shook my head, "not in a romantic way no. She's just nice to be
around, plus I've been flirting with her since the day I met her it's kind
of hard to stop now."
"Awe, Yami, and here I was thinking you loved me!" Ayame chuckled.
I smiled, "you'll always have a place in my heart Ayame."
"Bah! Would you stop already, you're making me want to throw up!"
Naruto scoffed.
I rolled my eyes, "you're just jealous because I have the guts to flirt with
girls while you still can't even talk to Sakura without her punching you
across the room."
"Hey! Just you watch! One day she'll say yes!"
Zumo snorted, "sure, that'll be the day. I bet even frogs will talk by
then."
"Technically frogs can talk," I shrugged.
"What?" China asked in surprise.
"Yeah, toad summons can talk, didn't you know that?" I blinked. All
three shocked their heads, "huh...just me then. Okay."
Lunch was spent quietly, though Naruto kept asking questions loudly
that set my teammates on edge. But eventually they gave in and spoke
to the boy like a normal human being.
Chapter 70
An hour later we met up with Ko and he informed us to be ready to
leave tomorrow morning at dawn. I got back home that night and told
Naruto I won't be coming home for a few days, the kid just went on and
on about how t wasn't fair I got to go cool mission while he was stuck
here. Hehe, sucker.
I stayed up all night working on storage seals and managing my tools,
just to ensure against any possible outcome. Then morning came and I
ran to the gates, eager to leave the village for the first time ever.
I arrived their first and stood waiting for my teams mates to show up. At
the ten minute mark Zumo showed up with a heavy looking backpack
and an excited smile on his face, "morning Yami! You excited?"
I smiled and nodded, "you bet I am."
Zumo looked over my shoulder and frowned, "where is you bag? Didn't
you pack anything?"
I pointed at a scroll on my thigh pouch, "storage seal," I put all my
needed stuff inside the seal, since I obviously couldn't just use my
inventory in front of people.
"Smart," Zumo sighed, "I wish I thought of that."
"I can make it for you is you want," I offered, taking out a spare scroll.
Zumo blinked, "really? You don't mind?"
"Not at all, besides, if you are held down by so much weight that might
be a problem for us," I opened the scroll up revealing several kanji
streams along the side, "put in on."
"Right," Zumo placed the heavy bag in the middle of the seal and after
a small puff of smoke the bag was gone. I rolled the scroll up and gave
it to him, "thanks, this is so much better."
I nodded, just then China arrived, running towards us with a smile,
"good morning!"
"Hey China," Zumo smiled and waved, "packed all your stuff?"
China nodded pointing at the scroll on her back, "all in here. You two?"
"Same," I pointed at my scroll ad Zumo's.
"Ah, I see you're all here, good, we don't have to wait then," the three
of us looked over and saw Ko walking towards us with an elderly man
wearing a green kimono with a bald head and pencil mustache riding a
horse.
Gemu Soru, Merchant of Tea
Lv- 12
REP- 0
"This is Gembu, he's our client," Ko introduced the man.
The bald man looked at us and raised an eyebrow, "this is your team?
Aren't they...a bit young?"
Ko smiled, "I assure you, they are more than qualified for this mission."
"Hello, my name is China, it's a pleasure to met you," the girl bowed.
"Zumo Sarutobi, yo,"Zumo waved.
"Where's the cargo?" I asked, not bothering to introduce myself.
"It's with me, so technically speaking, I'm your cargo," Gembu huffed,
"and aren't you going to introduce yourself?"
"As far as you need to know, I'm the man who is in charge of saving
your hide," I pulled up my hood around my cowl and my face mask
covering my head, "shall we get a move on then?"
Gembu snorted, "rude boy."
Ko smiled, "they are a handful. Alright team 11, assume kunai
formation. I'll take the lead, China, you and Zumo stay on either side of
the target and Yami bring the rear. We'll set a walking pace, remember,
our client is only a civilian. Any questions?" there were none, "then
move out!"
We walked out of the giant gates for the first time and...well, it was kind
of disappointing. I totally expected something amazing and profound. I
mean, this is the country of ninjas right? Sigh, well, I'm just happy the
mission hasn't gone to shit just yet.
Two days later:
It was a boring two days. Filled with nothing but walking, not even
running, walking. It was so boring halfway through I decided that I
might as well get some training done. So I began practising my
shuriken, throwing it at trees and retrieving them using chakra threads.
And then I began juggling the shurikens with my threads, just to see
how well I could manipulate the items using chakra threads.
It was a slow few days.
But hey, at least I leveled it up!
Chakara thread, Lv- 28 (2%)
A concentrated thread of chakra that can be attached to
manipulate certain objects.
CP cost- 3 CP per minute per 1 feet
Max length- 255 feet
Cool.
However finally, finally, we reached the edge of the border for the land
of fire, arriving before a booth of some kind where a shinobi sat in
waiting wearing a konoha vest, reading a book...wait...that's my book!
The man was reading Wonder Woman, and he quickly noticed us
approaching him and got up to greet us. "Hello, mission, vacation or
free movement?" he asked not bothering to look up from his book.
"Mission," Ko replied taking out his ninja ID card and presented it to the
man who looked at it for a fraction of a second before returning it to
him and looking at Gembu himself and nodding.
"Alright, escort mission to the land of Tea, move along," the man said
waving us through.
We walked until we were passed earshot when Zumo spoke up, "what
a lazy guy."
"Not really," Gembu huffed, "the land of Tea is famous for it's peaceful
nature, the only reason Konoha even has a patrol booth is simply for
census sake. The poor man probably had nothing else to do, one can
forgive him for reading...especially if it is a Lee book."
The last part peaked my interest. "You a fan of Stan Lee?" I asked in
my best neutral tone.