"What am I supposed to do with these?"

Being cooped up all day in bed day after day got boring, really boring. So when I  finally got out the idea of just training never sounded so appealing.

Though I don't know why I choose here of all places to train?

Turning around I reluctantly looked at the tree that had a me shaped indent, not really. But I wish, might make up for just how close I came to dying.

Not sure why I came here though?

Motivation perhaps?

Not that I really need it.Being in the hospital for so long was awful, I made all these plans for once I got out. I was gonna approach a clan for funding, as I doubt Orochimaru will be giving much of anything.

Tell I surpass Kakashi. 

And after careful consideration the clan I have decided to approach for funding is… all of them. You see I realized I really don't care who gives me the money so I'll just send an offer to like 20 of them. I know I said all of them but I'm not about to sit down and write out a letter for each and every clan head in the village.

That would be such a monotonous task.

Hell, I don't know if I'll even manage to write 10.

But that's for later.

Right now I just want to train.

And once the sensation of boundless energy kicked in I redoubled my efforts.

I'm gonna be doing a lot of sitting in the coming days, mind as well go all out.

Opening my pack I pulled out the vial.

Making my way to the field part of the training grounds, I stood at one end of the field. Removing my gear I placed it all neatly leaning up against a tree, lastly I removed my cloak, hanging it up on the tree as well.

Alright.

The field is plenty big with no obstacles to get in the way, good thing nobody was already out here, usually you're supposed to reserve a training ground before you use it.

Building up chakra I stood at one end of the field, pulling off the capped end of the vial a needle is revealed. Flicking the vial a few times I eye the contents tell I was happy with it before injecting the substance into my body.

Immediately I made two shadow clones, the drain wasn't too bad but still left me with far too little for me to consider creating more than one shadow clone in an actual combat situation.

"You know what to-..." I begin to say before being rudely interrupted by one of my clone trying to punch me.

Without thinking I raise my hand expecting a barrier to stop the blow.

Only issue.

I took off my bracers.

So yeah… kinda got punched in the face.

"Did you really just?" My clone asked as the other one found my pain hilarious as I began to laugh.

"It was a reflex!" I defended

My taijutsu wasn't the best but that didn't really matter right now, all I needed right now was to be pushed to the edge.

Idea.

I know somebody who can kick my ass, lots of people actually.

Performing the summoning technique I am greeted by the sight of Gray, "I need your help. Can you fight me alongside these two clones? I'll give you some chakra when we're done."

Nodding his head, Gray joined my two look-alikes opposite of me.

"Alright nothing I can't walk off, I don't want to end up back in the hospital. Just keep me on my toes."

Not waiting for anything that could be interrupted as a single to begin I surged my chakra system as I shifted into action.

Unfortunately it seems I know myself too well as my clones were ready for me.

As for Gray? Well simply didn't give a single damn as he charged right towards me.

Gray was already stronger than me by a decent margin but I was hoping the odds would be a bit more even this time around.

With the vial and all.

I knew myself, the clones would tell it was clear who had lost this little impromptu spar.

Unfortunately even with an even playing field I've never beaten Gray up close, he's a big snake, not the easiest to fight without a sharp object.

Standing my ground I go through the motions of prepping a Jutsu, Wind Barrier. Don't let the name fool you, this jutsu can do more than just block.

Just gotta get the timing right.

The air around my hands begins to take shape swerling in on itself over and over as it completely forms.

I'd have to release it in a few moments otherwise the risk of the jutsu backfiring was too great. Thankfully, I didn't need to maintain it for but a second.

The moment Gray made contact with the translucent barrier it ruptured, all at once the barrier destabilized as it exploded outwards from the point of contact sending Gray veering off course into the woods.

"Ha! Did you guys see that?" I say celebrating my first combat use of that jutsu. Unfortunately it was cut off as I was forced to move otherwise I'd be assaulted by an upset snake.

Guess even the nicest of snakes don't like when those weaker than them show them up.

…

"Why are you wearing that?" Kakashi asked, perplexed as he look at me dressed in my nicest clothes.

"Good morning to you as well Kakashi."

I did actually own some nice clothes. Orochimaru gave them to me on my birthday, which was quite surprising. For one, I did not know when my birthday was, and second because we were a week into a mission and I really wasn't expecting to suddenly receive formal attire from… really anybody honestly.

It was nice though.

Plus it saves me the hassle of figuring out what is appropriate formal wear.

"I have a meeting with the Uchiha Patriarch."

That certainly got Kakashi's attention.

"You have a meeting with the head of the Uchiha clan?" Kakashi said, asking for confirmation he heard me correctly.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Money."

Kakashi didn't get a chance to say much more as I was out the door on my way to the Uchiha compound.

To argue why I should be given a lot of money.

Along with satisfying a curiosity of mine.

You see I haven't even heard back from any of the other clans yet, then you have the Uchiha who responded within the hour.

The power of the sharingan truly is astonishing.

Arriving at the gate of the Uchiha compound I offered the scroll detailing my meeting here with the Patriarch. His eyes briefly changed into that of the sharingan for but a moment as he stared at the broken seal on the scroll before letting me through no question asked.

So that's what it looks like, freaky.

I had the biggest smile on my face as I strolled through the compound, feeling like I was a lot more important than I truly was.

Arriving at my destination 15 minutes early debated if I should just knock now, or in 15 minutes. In the end I decided to just knock, figuring if the Patriarch was home, he'd definitely know I just stood out here for 15 minutes. 

As Long as I knock soon I can play it off as nerves, not that I'd be nervous. Just meeting yet another guy who holds more sway over the village than I'll ever. 

The literal Chief of the police.

Who really wanted to see me for some reason.

I should've done a background check to see if Orochimaru had any problems with the Uchiha, if the Uchiha don't like him I doubt they'll like me.

Raising my hand I hesitated for a moment before finally knocking on the door.

Lezduit