After meeting the Hokage I spend the last day of my week-long break with Gai in Youthful training.
What a weird world I live in, Youthful training is my way to destress…
…
Minato decided that we would eat at a restaurant to celebrate how well we have been doing as a team.
I didn't mind free food, but I wasn't interested in spending more time with Kakashi and Minato then necessary.
…
Minato, Kakashi, and I sat together at a small booth.
We were of course silent.
Minato seems to have given up on me and Kakashi ever being friends and had accepted this as normal.
So, the booth was silent, while we waited for a waitress to come to get our order.
…
We were about mid-meal when I decided that it was time to broach the topic of the Strength Of A Hundred Seal.
"I'm learning a new technique that will take around six months to learn."
Kakashi didn't show any sign of paying attention and was still sneaking bites, but Minato was looking at me.
"During those six months I will be unable to do missions."
Minato blinked, while Kakashi continued eating.
"So, I'm leaving the team."
Kakashi twitched but didn't react anymore than that, Minato looked lost in thought.
Eventually Minato broke the silence that had befallen the table.
"We'll miss you during these six months and we'll make sure to check in now and then."
Kakashi had nodded in agreement and went back to eating his food.
"Ahh… I won't be coming back after those six months. I'm leaving team Minato permanently."
Minato and Kakashi looked at me in shock.
Things had fallen silent again and I picked up my fork and started eating my yakisoba.
I didn't want to eat cold soba after all.
Minato interrupted my meal with a question.
"Why are you leaving?"
So, Kakashi doesn't sacrifice me to complete a mission...
So, Minato doesn't have more opportunities to make trouble for me…
So, I can get on a team with some less important meat shields.
So, canon can somewhat be preserved.
There were many reasons.
…
Bullshit no Jutsu!
"I want to make friends."
Minato stared at me giving me his full attention.
"I want to be on a team with friends, and I don't think I will ever have that with team Minato."
I went back to eating, while Kakashi and Minato looked to be lost in thought.
"Will you do one last mission with us tomorrow?"
As tempting as it was to tell Minato to fuck off, I decided that it was best to end our time together on a high note.
"Yes."
I went back to eating, Minato and Kakashi soon returned to eating as well.
Kakashi and Minato both looked to be in a bad mood…
I wonder why…
…
Kakashi and I met at the base of the Hokage tower, Minato arrived about a minute after which was unusually early for him.
"Shiro, you pick the mission."
Ok.
Minato led me to the mission desk.
…
Hmmm…
Escort a merchant to the border of Rain and back…
Escort a merchant from the Land Of Claws…
Escort a merchant from Rice to Grass…
I hate merchants…
"Can I choose a B-ranked mission?"
Minato nodded.
"As long as it's within The Land Of Fire."
Hmm… Alright…
…
I had narrowed my mission choice down to a guard mission and a bandit elimination/rescue mission.
So… did I want the month-long guard mission…
Or did I want the short mission involving brutal murder…
…
Brutal murder it is…
…
We set off from the west gate.
I figured I'd catch Kakashi up on the mission while we ran.
…
"Today we're hunting bandits."
Kakashi nodded.
"The bandits are hiding somewhere north of Tanzaku Gai, they've taken a noble's wife hostage so we have to rescue her."
Kakashi nodded again before asking a question.
"Why was she taken hostage?"
For money?
"Probably for money."
I didn't know nor care.
…
We were following a river north of Tanzaku Gai, I was activating my Byakugan every few minutes trying to spot the bandits.
The plan was that Kakashi and I would take out some bandits then Henge into them and infiltrate the camp.
I thought it was unnecessarily complicated and made my thoughts known.
…
Minato responded with a good point.
He said we need infiltration experience and that this was an opportunity to get some hands-on experience.
Fair enough…
…
We continued traveling along the river until we eventually found the camp.
The camp wasn't much, just seven tents around a fire with the leader and hostage occupying the largest tent.
The leader's chakra was a little under Genin level…
I looked around the camp, their hostage was well kept and looked unmolested.
Though considering that she was of noble birth she might have thought of the conditions she was in as hellish.
…
There were only seven bandits, three were scouting the perimeter of the camp, and the other four were in the camp, one was at the fire, the rest were sleeping and the leader was watching their hostage.
I relayed this information to the team and waited for permission to start.
"Ok since there's no danger, watch the patrol's routes, and when it gets dark trade places with one of them when you have the opportunity."
…
It was finally dark.
I was following above my intended target, as soon as he got a little farther away, I'd jump down and trade places with him.
…
Eventually the time came.
I jumped down and killed him with a Gentle Fist strike to the head.
I carried his body a distance away so it wouldn't accidentally be seen.
I had spent my day staring at him so I was familiar with his visage.
A quick Henge later and I had assumed my disguise…
Now I just had to follow his route until I meet up with his fellow guard.
And then I'll see how it goes from there…
…
I was using the Byakugan's Predator vision to keep track of the bandits while I followed the route, I was enjoying my nice little walk and humming a tune as a bandit approached.
I gave him a nod and tried to continue past him but was stopped.
"Ogawa!"
That's probably my bandit's name…
I deactivated my Byakugan
"Hmmm?"
I watched him shuffle his feet nervously.
"Can you walk with me?"
No, I've got people to murder…
"What for?"
I watched on weirded out, as the bandit blushed.
"Don't m-make me say it!"
Were these two bandits' boyfriends or something?
I smiled.
"C'mon say it!"
He turned away from me and was silent.
"I-I'm afraid of the dark!"
Really?
What do I even do with this?
"Alright follow me…"
He stuttered a quick thanks and started following me…
…
My new bandit buddy was incredibly nervous.
Or a little bit autistic...
And thus, wouldn't stop talking.
Eventually we reached an area that was a good distance from the camp.
…
I led the bandit into the shadow of a large tree.
"I wish these trees didn't block the moon at least then we'd be able to see something."
My bandit buddy nodded.
"Ya, it got darker and I'm getting scared."
I can't believe you're a real person…
A bandit who rapes and pillages is scared of the dark…
"it's a good thing we're walking together."
The bandit got closer to me.
"Yea, It's super scary walking alone!"
The bandit was now invading my personal space.
My buddy's new closeness brought with it the smell of someone that hadn't showered in a week.
"It's a shame I have to go back alone."
The bandit uttered a "Wha…" before he died from a Gentle Fist strike to the head.
I had regained my personal space…
And my silence.
…
I resumed my route, this time with a clone disguised as my bandit buddy.
I decided that this was the way to go.
I'd make my way around and replace the bandits with my clones.
…
The bandit manning the fire left to take a piss.
He got replaced by a clone.
…
Eventually, it was time for a shift change, the two bandits plus one clone were gathered around the fire and ordered to go out and replace the scouts.
The bandit coming my way was killed and the fire watching clone was dispelled.
And I continued to the camp.
…
Kakashi and I were both Henged, and everything had gone according to plan so far.
We met at the fire.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow at my clone.
I mouthed 'Clone' to him and winked.
He winked back.
…
Kakashi was making hand signs at me, likely telling me the plan…
Sadly, I didn't remember any hand signs.
I had forgotten them the moment I left the academy.
So, I just nodded my head now and then, pretending I understood what he was signing.
…
Kakashi stopped signing and looked at me expectantly.
I had no idea what he wanted…
…
Kakashi was starting to look annoyed.
We had been staring at each other for a while now…
Honesty is the best policy, I guess?
"I forgot what all the hand signs mean…"
Kakashi stared at me in disbelief.
My clone joined him in staring.
I stared back unashamed.
Kakashi broke the silence.
"I killed the bandit that was sent to change with me, did you do the same?"
I nodded.
"Only the leader is left?"
I responded with a thumbs up.
"So, who gets to rescue the hostage?"
I pointed at him.
"You do."
…
Kakashi sighed and made his way over to the bandit leader's tent.
I was sitting by the fire and enjoying its warmth.
If Kakashi needed any help I'd toss a Shunshined kunai at the bandit.
But I doubted it'd come to that.
…
Kakashi was standing in front of the leader's tent.
"Hiroto-sama!"
How did he get the leader's name?
I guess he tortured it out of his bandit…
Wait… Should I have tortured my bandits as well?
…
A bald head poked out of the tent.
"Whaddya want!"
Kakashi grabbed him by the head and pulled him out of the tent.
"Huh! Wha...!"
His life was ended with a swift stab through the ribs.
He used the wall walking technique to grab the bandit...
Which was extremely impressive.
"Nicely done Kakashi!"
…
Minato arrived with a smile on his face, while Kakashi was untying the hostage.
"Good work."
His smile vanished.
"But can you tell me what you did wrong?"
I answered first hoping to get this over with.
"I didn't get any information from my target."
Minato nodded.
"Yes, you also didn't know Konoha's standard sign language."
Thanks captain obvious.
"Kakashi what about you?"
Kakashi just shrugged.
"You didn't hide your bodies very well."
Kakashi nodded.
Our hostage had a rag around her mouth so she couldn't contribute.
…
Our hostage was set free.
Minato and Kakashi were talking with her while I wandered around the camp Byakugan active.
I was looking for some sort of loot.
But was having no luck.
…
My quest for loot ended with no success.
One day I might find some hidden loot, but today wasn't that day…
…
I returned to see Minato and Kakashi still talking to the hostage.
"What's the hold-up?"
It was Kakashi who answered.
"She doesn't want to travel at night."
Knock her out, then she won't be traveling at night…
"Put our ex-hostage in a Genjutsu, make it seem like its day time."
Minato sent me a judgemental look.
And I raised an eyebrow at him.
The ex-hostage interrupted our silent communication.
"I'm not just a hostage! I have a name!"
…
"Are you ignoring me!?"
Kakashi and I locked eyes.
I mouthed "Genjutsu" to him and winked twice.
Kakashi sighed and started going through hand-signs.
"Sleep."
She fell unconscious and was caught by Minato who had a look of disapproval on his face.
I sent Kakashi a thumbs up.
…
We were traveling south to Tanzaku Gai.
I had earned the job of carrying the hostage because it was my idea to use Genjutsu on her.
"So where are we dropping this?"
I lifted the now limp woman for emphasis.
"Were bringing her to her house in Tanzaku's west district."
Ok…
...
I spent the rest of the trip amusing by myself waving at Kakashi with the woman's limp hand.
…
We finally arrived.
I was tired of carrying dead weight and wanted to get some food.
"Sensei if you take this I'll go get us some food."
I took her hand and waved it at Minato.
"Sigh… Meet us at the inn in the east district…"
No problem.
"Yes Sensei!"
A grin split my face as I left, I was happy to get some greasy street food.
…
I arrived at the inn food in hand, I took a moment to scan the inn with my Byakugan before proceeding to the window to our room.
…
We were all seated and enjoying our food when Minato threw an annoying question at me.
"I'm surprised you didn't want those bandits alive Shiro."
I raised an eyebrow and hummed at him.
"Did you not need to do any more experiments?"
Minato didn't want to let it go…
"No, I found something different to experiment on."
Minato sent a chilling stare my way.
I blinked at the look he was giving me.
"Cats have nine lives, it makes them ideal for experimentation."
Minato stopped staring at me and blew a loud breath out of his mouth.
"Was that a joke?"
No…
"Yes."
There was no more conversation that night.
…
I woke up with a smile on my face.
I was excited to get my day on with and depart from team Minato once and for all.
…
Minato and Kakashi didn't share my joy and had been looking at me weirdly.
"What's got you in a good mood, Shiro?"
Minato seemed suspicious about my good mood.
Bullshit no Jutsu!
"I've decided I want to adopt!"
Kakashi side-eyed me and Minato looked confused.
"What are you talking about?"
I don't know myself I'm making it up as I go…
"I've always heard the saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' so I've decided to adopt an orphan!"
Minato's jaw dropped and Kakashi was staring at me.
...
Minato composed himself first.
"I don't think that saying is meant for orphans…"
I just continued to smile and started humming a tune when it was clear that no one had anything else to say.
Eventually, we made it back to Konoha.
The trip back was quiet and nothing noteworthy happened.
…
When we got through the gates I turned to Minato and Kakashi.
"Well it's been fun being on a team and all, I'll see you guys around..."
Though hopefully not too soon.
"Thanks, Shiro, I enjoyed your company and hope we can still meet up now and then for lunch."
Not on your life Minato.
I looked at Kakashi who was silent.
"Kakashi."
He nodded.
"Never break someone's heart, they only have one."
Kakashi nodded again.
"Break their bones instead, they have 206 of them."
Kakashi looked away and scratched his face.
"All right I'm off, Cya around…"
Hopefully I wouldn't see those two bastards for a while.
…
Though who knew…
Kushina might drag them over…
…
I arrived home eager for a shower.
I was thinking about the things I'd need to do before I started on the seal when my mom interrupted me.
"Shiro."
Delaying my shower seems to be a theme…
"Ya?"
She gave me a half-smile.
"We need to talk again."
Really?
Is she interrupting my shower time on purpose?
"Let's talk now, my shower can wait."
She nodded and started toward the dining room.
…
We were both seated and facing each other.
Mom had brought out the tea and was filling her cup when she spoke.
"The Hokage scheduled another meeting."
Fuck off!
"What is it this time?"
The bastard wouldn't leave me alone.
"Nothing serious, the Hokage wants to know why you permanently left your team and he's also giving you another look at the Strength Of A Hundred scroll."
I didn't need another look but I apricated the thought.
I just hummed and waited for her to continue.
"I would also like to know when you decide stuff like that."
I blinked at her.
"Why?"
She winked at me.
"If I don't have anything to report to the Hokage, I likely won't be included in the talks about you."
You gotta give some, to get some…
Got it.
"Anything else?"
She took a sip of her tea.
"I want to train you while you're building the seal."
I raised an eyebrow at her.
"What would we practice?"
She shrugged.
"Depends on how far you've gotten since I've last seen you spar."
Ok, good point…
"Alright, that it?"
She nodded and I jumped up, eager to get in the shower.
I stopped before I left the room.
"When's the Hokage want to see me?"
I heard her chuckle.
"At seven, tomorrow morning."
Alright, now it's shower time.
…
The next morning I was again seated in the waiting room, waiting for my turn to be called.
…
Eventually, an annoyed-looking male receptionist told me to proceed and I made my way to the Hokage's office.
I didn't waste any time and knocked as soon as I arrived at the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"You may Enter!"
Alrighty…
I opened the door and made my way inside hoping that this meeting wouldn't be too nerve-wracking.
I stood in the middle of the room and gave him a bow.
"Hokage-Sama."
I stood still and waited for the Hokage to start.
He spent a little time staring at me before he started speaking.
"It was quite a surprise when I heard you were permanently leaving your team."
It was a surprise to me as well…
I didn't have it planned out until I was filling out my paperwork for a leave of absence.
"You told Minato the reason you were leaving his team was in search of friendship."
The amused tone in his voice told me what he thought of that statement.
I just nodded. Sometimes the best answer was no answer.
"I don't believe that was the real reason, would you mind sharing your thoughts."
Although he asked nicely, I knew it was an order and not a question.
I hummed and stared at the ceiling buying myself time to compose my reason in my mind.
I had planned on using the same excuse on the Hokage when he asked.
But he wasn't buying what I was selling.
It was a flimsy excuse, to begin with, I had just said it to take a shot at Kakashi and Minato.
A mistake in hindsight.
I focused back on his face.
"I don't mind telling you, as long as you don't tell Minato or Kakashi."
He lifted an eyebrow at me.
"Hmmm… What you say here will stay between us."
Yes… us and the Anbu listing in…
"When I said I wanted friendship that was a half-truth."
I looked at the floor for a moment.
"I want a team that wouldn't sacrifice me to complete a mission."
I chuckled.
"I also want people to laugh at my jokes and by extension friendship…"
I trailed off and the office descended into silence.
"What gave you the impression that you would be sacrificed?"
I didn't think I would be sacrificed I just wanted to use this opportunity to throw some shade at Minato.
"Under Minato's cheerful façade is a hidden ruthlessness. I can tell that, should he deem it necessary he wouldn't hesitate to let me die."
The Hokage didn't confirm nor deny my words but continued.
"Hmm... and Kakashi?"
He's a bastard.
"I've tried to reach out to him and become friends on many occasions but was met with disdain. We have no bond and I believe should I become a burden, Kakashi wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice me."
I sighed to give myself more time to compose my next reason.
"But that was only part of why I left my team. I can handle Minato's ruthlessness and Kakashi's apathy as I have faith in my abilities and believe I can keep myself alive."
I tapped my foot trying to disperse some of my nervous energy.
"Minato is a terrible teacher."
That got a surprised blink out of him.
"How so?"
I took a deep breath.
"I don't think I can even call Minato a teacher as one has to teach something to be a teacher."
The Hokage waved his hand.
"Continue."
I started shifting around, an action that was not faked as I was feeling genuinely nervous.
"Minato never taught me or Kakashi anything during the time we were together. We did weekly spars and Minato gave criticism but he never actively taught us any ninja skills."
Not entirely true, Minato had shown us how to use the fire starting jutsu.
"Did you ask Minato to teach you anything?"
No, I hadn't. But should I have had to ask?
"No."
I paused for a moment before continuing.
"I didn't think Minato liked me so I was too nervous to ask."
The Hokage nodded.
I waited for him to continue with his line of questioning.
But he just stared off into space.
…
"I'll have a talk with Minato about his teaching."
What happened to this staying between us?
The Hokage seemed to have guessed my thoughts.
"I have ways to look over the village, I'll tell Minato that was how it came to my attention."
I gave him another deep bow.
"Thank you."
He gave a nod in response and picked up a scroll on his desk and held it out.
"This is the Strength Of A Hundred scroll, you can take it into the room across the hall and study it. When you are done leave the scroll on the table, it will be collected later."
I bowed again though this time for longer.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Hopefully, this will cause Minato some trouble.
Though I doubted it would.
…
I sat in the room staring blankly at the scroll I was given.
I wasn't sure if anything I had said would be taken seriously.
Or if it was the right thing to do…
Minato was causing me trouble…
So I figured, I'd return the favor…
Though I doubted anything I said would have an effect.
Pettieness thy name is Shiro Hyuga...
I sighed and stood up, leaving the scroll on the desk.
I wanted to get home and get a start on the seal.
…
I was seated on my bed gathering chakra on my forehead.
I had gotten started as soon as I got home.
I currently wasn't having any problems but figured that I'd start to have difficulty when I had to sleep.
Though for now, I was fine.
I sighed and stood up, I was hungry and ready to eat.
…
I spent the rest of my day reading and practicing calligraphy before heading off to bed.
As I had predicted I was having trouble keeping my chakra under my control while I slept.
As soon as I fell asleep my control would start drifting, and the chakra would disperse through my body…
The feeling of my chakra dispersing through my body also woke me up.
Sigh…
I'd need to keep doing this until holding my chakra in my forehead was an automatic process…
It might take longer than six months to complete the seal…
I gathered my chakra and sent it to my forehead once again.
It seems this will be a long night…
…
I spent the next two weeks trying and failing to keep my chakra in my forehead while I slept.
During the days I would read books from the Hyuga library and sometimes practice calligraphy.
I didn't have any luck until today where I had my first uninterrupted sleep in two weeks.
I'd see if this kept up for a few more days and then I'd adjust my schedule.
My good luck proved true and I had a few more days of uninterrupted sleep.
Now I was ready to get my ass into gear.
I was going to learn all I could from my mother and then spend some of this free time with Gai and Duy where I'd further practice Taijutsu.
While I used this time to shore up my basics, I'll write down all my ideas for experiments I want to do.
I'll have to better plan them so I can use any 'resources' I acquire to the fullest extent.
The more I thought about my experiment with the bandit the more disappointed in myself I got.
I could have used that opportunity better and made better use of my time…
That experiment caused me a lot of grief…
I think that was the last time I'll experiment around anyone else…
…
I was sitting with my mom and enjoying a cool drink.
We had been training for a few hours and were now taking a break.
I had been pondering the whys and how's of human intelligence when my mother spoke.
"You need a plan for when you rejoin the active shinobi force."
What was she talking about…?
"What do you mean?"
I got an eye-roll in response.
"When you become an active shinobi again you will have to choose between joining a team that has lost a member or joining the Genin corps."
I didn't like either of those options…
"Is there a research and development department I can join?"
She nodded.
"Yes, but it's not something you should waste time on."
What was the deal?
"How so?"
She looked absently into the distance while she spoke.
"If you joined research and development you wouldn't have time to pursue your projects, anything you do would be for the village."
But how does Orochimaru get to experiment?
She continued.
"To get time for your research you have to prove your worth to the village or have good connections."
So, I need connections or I need to prove my worth…
That's annoying…
"So, my time is better spent pursuing projects on my own?"
She nodded.
"Yes, at least until you establish yourself as valuable enough to have your own lab."
That's annoying…
I decided to change the topic.
"Is there anything you would recommend I take the time to learn?"
She shook her head.
"Not that I can think of at the moment."
Hopefully, that means I'm doing well.
"Alright, I've rested enough let's get back to it."
Daylight is burning after all.
…
I woke up to someone knocking on my window.
The knocking stopped and I laid in my bed wondering who was so eager to die on this fine morning…
The knocking started again and I rolled out of bed ready to find out who was bothering me.
I opened the curtains and came face to face to Kushina.
I heard a muffled "Good morning Shiro!" from outside.
I just stared in disbelief.
I opened the window and let Kushina in.
I told her to make herself at home while I showered.
…
I returned to see that Kushina had indeed made herself at home.
She was sitting on my bed curled up in my blankets…
Why are you violating my bed?
My place of comfort…
"What brings you here?"
I was happy to see her but also annoyed at being woken up.
"I wanted to see you!"
And?
"What for?"
Seriously the sun isn't even up yet…
"I was thinking about you, Shiro."
I wasn't sure I believed it but I'd give her the benefit of the doubt.
…
"Alright what do you want to do?"
How do I continue this interaction?
"I want to know what you've been up to."
Kushina was of course still on my bed and rolled up in my blankets and I was leaning against the wall out of grabbing distance.
"I've just been practicing Taijutsu and reading since I don't have access to my chakra."
I also spent my time wallowing in near-crippling anxiety and thinking about the future.
"Oh, that's good! Taijutsu is like the most important part of being a ninja!"
I'd say chakra is the most important part of being a ninja, but I know what you mean Kushina…
…
Kushina and I continued chatting for a while longer.
Before I decided that I might as well introduce her to my mother since she was here.
"Kushina we're going to go see my mother."
I figured I'd give her no choice in the matter.
That's some Social Fu that I learned from Kushina.
"Yea! Let's go see her! What's her name!"
She had a broad grin on her face.
"I have no idea, I've always called her mom."
Well, I called her mother until recently…
I led Kushina down the hall and to the dining room, which was the space my mom occupied for a good part of the morning.
My mother was in the dining room as expected.
She didn't look too happy to have a guest though.
I watched as she frowned at Kushina while she introduced herself.
"Hi! I'm Kushina Uzumaki what's your name!"
Blunt and to the point, this was the reason I liked Kushina.
"My name is Sumiko it's nice to meet you Kushina."
Sumiko meant child of goodness or beautiful child, it's a good name…
...
My mom and Kushina continued talking for a while.
I looked at the gentle smile that had replaced her earlier frown and decided that things were alright and my presence wasn't needed...
I think It's time for breakfast…
Perhaps some fruit today…