Running laps around the courtyard outside of the Academy I am quite concerned about myself. Normally one gets tired as they run especially when they are pushing themselves to their fullest like I am currently doing. But I don't feel tired, not even a little. If anything I feel pretty great right now.
And that's a problem.
Stopping, I pack my things and head home. I'll work on Fuinjutsu today instead.
.
.
.
Apparently explosive tags are made with Fuinjutsu and as much as I'd like to try and make my own I know it's a really bad idea. Best case scenario they don't work, worst case scenario I don't have to worry about the future anymore. So I shifted my attention to something that won't kill me.
I've been dabbling in just about every branch of Fuinjutsu. I could understand absorbing as much information as I could from the books Sakumo has. There's one book that's more of a journal written by one Hatake Nõka. It's full of a bunch of stuff I don't even know how to begin to decode so I set it to the side.
Maybe in a few years.
There's a part of Fuinjutsu that still kinda confuses me. Your intent while making a seal actually plays a part in if it dose what you want. The only thing I can think of is your mood or intent affecting the chakra in the seal. Doesn't really make any sense to me but people can harness the elements with chakra so what do I know.
Speaking of Ninjutsu Kakashi has been using it quite a bit as of late moving the very earth with nothing but his chakra. He still refuses to let me attempt the stuff, Bastard.
But that's not really a problem right now as I'd like to actually be able to use Fuinjutsu in the field so that's my top priority. I'll learn how to spit fire later.
Right now my arsenal of usable seals consist of my first one that can make something small and light roll on an even surface. And that's it. Now don't get me wrong it's a wonderful seal with many uses but I'd hate to find myself in a situation where a self rolling cup won't be enough to save me.
Of course I won't be completely dependent on Fuinjutsu. I still have Kenjutsu which is my actual primary skill so I guess you'd flip the two. I'm not completely dependent on Kenjutsu. I also have Fuinjutsu even if its just the cup thing.
Yeah that sounds better.
"Sozo,"
"Kakashi, how many times have I told you not to bother me when I'm in my study? This better be an emergency," I said sternly to an unamused Kakashi.
"This is my Father's study."
"Our study comrade," I said with an accent that doesn't even exist in this world, hopefully.
"What can I do for you Kakashi? You need a seal that can make cups roll?"
"Let's go," Kakashi said leaving the room
"Hmph?"
Leaving the study I grabbed my Tonto figuring this was another session of getting my ass handed to me by Kakashi.
Leaving the house we went to our usual spot.
"So what's in the bag," I said nodding towards the bag on Kakashi's back.
"First aid supplies," that's concerning.
Arriving at our spot i glanced around looking for traps, I didn't want a repeat of last time. So far so good I didn't see any traps but that doesn't mean there aren't any.
"So what's on the agenda today Kakashi-sensei?"
"Kenjutsu training."
"Oh my favorite," bouncing in place, I unsheath my blade, taking a moment to look at myself in the reflection. I'll never get used to seeing my green eyes.
"Ok let's do this," Readying myself I see Kakashi do the same.
We stare at each other for a moment before rushing to meet each other, our blades clashing. Once upon a time I never would have even tried to match Kakashi strike for strike but those days are behind me.
I'm Sozo Akinori, one of the top students of the Academy. I may not be of the same caliber as Kakashi but I've come a long way in half a year.
Keeping up with Kakashi is and probably will always be a problem but I push myself.
Faster.
Don't just react, predict his next move and counter. Unfortunately that's easier said than done.
Ducking Kakashi slices a large part of my shirt completely avoiding my strike.
Jumping backwards i try make some distance unsuccessful as Kakashi is already closing in gritting my teeth. I brace my blade with my other hand as Kakashi brings the full weight of his blade down one me. I manage to stop the blade.
"Think you may be going a little overboard?"
Kakashi doesn't respond, instead he kicks me in my gut, sending me against a tree.
A kunai digs into the tree next to my face warning me of the next volley that is aimed at me instead. Pulling the kunai out I deflect those I couldn't dodge.
I foolishly didn't bring my kunai or shuriken so I closed the distance once more.
With a tanto in my right hand and a kunai in the left, I approached Kakashi who was patiently waiting for me.
Stopping just out of reach I take a deep breath before dashing forward. Kakashi slowly backs away as he blocks each successive strike.
I feel the chakra rushing through me as I demand more power from my body to even try and match Kakashi who has no problem adapting to my every move.
Suddenly dodging a strike Kakashi ruins my shirt further slicing another long opening. Unfortunately this time he does a little more than cut my shirt.
I've cut myself in the past on accident on my hand or fingers before but I've never been cut along my chest. Thankfully it wasn't deep and Kakashi was equally surprised when blood started staining my shirt so I know it wasn't on purpose.
Still hurt though.
"I think that's enough for today," Kakashi agrees and quickly gets his bags.
You know this doesn't hurt all that much right now, thanks adrenaline.
"Kakashi hurry I'm gonna die," I say, falling back against a tree.
"Killed by my best friend oh what a way to go," funny enough even though I was exaggerating my words they still made Kakashi feel guilty.
"Ok but seriously hurry up and bandage me."
"It's not too bad but we should go to the hospital just in case," said Kakashi.
"I appreciate the concern Kakashi but no," like hell I'm willingly entering that place. They will probably try to keep me overnight and harvest my organs.
"You're going to the hospital."
"Make me."
poor choice of words to someone who can in fact make me.
.
.
.
Thankfully I was in and out of the hospital with no incident and was back home in time to guilt Kakashi into cooking dinner.
The food was pretty good much better then anything Sakumo could make.
As we were eating, the front door opened and a tired Sakumo entered. Right away I knew something bad happened. He didn't even say anything to us. Kakashi also noticed something was wrong and didn't stop Sakumo form going straight to bed.
"We'll talk to him in the morning," Kakashi nodded.
Finishing up Kakashi did whatever A Kakashi does and I returned to the study to continue with my research of Fuinjutsu. I eventually passed out my face in a book. In the next few days the Third Shinobi War was declared.
Not too long after that the rumor that brought about the end of the good times started to spread.