Sorry but I'm not interested in taking an apprentice at this time." I nodded having expected a refusal.
At least Tsunade was polite, I had expected a much harsher refusal.
"That's fine, I'll continue teaching her." I had wanted her to learn from a medical specialist.
Although I could make it work, I wasn't good at Medical Ninjutsu in the same way Tsunade was good.
Reading notes and having someone verbally teach you were different.
"Are you interested in undergoing a De-ageing procedure?" Tsunade scowled.
I realized I might have made a mistake.
"Are you calling me old, brat?" Tsunade smiled at me, but the smile wasn't friendly in the slightest.
I shook my head quickly.
"No, I've developed a De-ageing procedure and your chakra reserves would make the whole thing relatively easy." I was taking a slight gamble.
I wanted her DNA but I had no way of easily getting it. An 'Anti-ageing Overwrite' was what I came up with.
"It's only viable for those with large reserves, a Yang Affinity, and under a certain age." Tsunade looked slightly interested but I could tell she was on the verge of refusal.
I wracked my brain for a solution but couldn't find one, my brain was failing me...
"I'd essentially be able to De-age your body, but only once, and after the age of forty it becomes increasingly harder to do." Tsunade raised an eyebrow which I considered a success.
Making stuff up was hard.
Tsunade was around forty and I was trying to sell this as her last chance to have a younger body.
"Your lifespan would still be the same you'd just have a physically younger body." That wasn't true at all, I was just worried Tsunade wouldn't want to live for longer than necessary.
I saw Tsunade still didn't look interested and shrugged, as I'd already done what I could to convince her.
"Don't talk about the De-ageing procedure, it's extremely hard to do and I'm not able to do it for most people." I blew a breath out of my nose. "I only offered because you meet the requirements and I owe you."
Tsunade nodded but didn't speak.
"Sigh..." No Senju DNA for me it seems...
I already had Kushina's DNA so it wasn't too big of a deal, there would be other opportunities to get Senju DNA...
"I can tell your not interested, but take a bit to think about it." I sent her a little wave and started on my way out of her office.
I had planned on getting into Kushina's DNA and had put it off for too long.
...
Suna wasn't too likely to attack after having lost their Jinchūriki so I had a good bit of free time before I got sent back to the 'front'.
As I had the Jinchūriki's body and a Tail from a Tailed-Beast I was excited to see what I could figure out.
My clones and I had sealed the chakra extracted from the tail away and were now digging through the Jinchūriki's body and DNA.
There wasn't much, some mutated genes, nothing unusual for someone with strong chakra running through their body.
However, something was going on with his genes for affinities, he had Wind and Earth but they were both unusual.
I'd almost chalk it up to a bloodline but he hadn't used it in our fight...
His weird affinity genes and his genes for chakra density were the only other things of note.
"Sigh..." I'd call this a bust as there wasn't anything to be gained from the body.
I'd preserve everything I could and then I'd go through it at a later time.
Maybe I could find something I missed?
I mulled over the idea for a moment before coming up with a better plan.
I'd take a peek at the Bingo books and see if the Jinchūriki was known for any bloodline usage.
Maybe those affinity genes would be something special?
Or maybe the host gained the affinities of the tailed beast and that's why they were so unusual?
...
Suna's Jinchūriki had a bloodline...
Magnet Release...
It was good news.
It made the body more valuable...
But it made me wonder why he hadn't used his bloodline...
Maybe because the One-Tails took over so quickly?
Maybe...?
"See if we can get our hands on some prisoners." Aomi nodded and set off to do her task.
I turned my eyes towards the clones who were working on Kushina's DNA.
They had been doing a fine job but hadn't found anything too useful.
Kushina's DNA was wildly different and not at all something a normal human should have and was taking a long time to pick through.
Whether that was because of the Nine-Tails chakra or because of her bloodline was unknown.
Her unusual DNA seemingly didn't give her any amazing abilities but it did put her above a normal human in terms of chakra and bodily strength.
Nothing she had was worth using an Overwrite on myself, but perhaps it would be useful in the future...
I turned my focus away from the clones and onto my notebook where I had sketched out a few vague plans.
First, I could stick with my bloodlines body and chakra, and slowly mutate them until they reached an insane level.
Second, I could start trying to add additional bloodlines to myself and make myself like canon Orochimaru who was trying to make the optimal body.
Third, I could keep collecting better traits and add them to myself.
Forth, a combination of all three.
All of them sounded good in my head, but the First was the easiest to do.
Mutation currently seemed to be the way to go...
Though I'd have to do a little of the Second and Third to get the Tenseigan if I got to the moon.
'When I got to the moon...' I nodded to myself.
Sadly, the power of positive thought wouldn't get me to the moon...
I rolled my eyes and dragged them back to the notebook.
I'd need living Hyuga test subjects to get anywhere with mutating my bloodline...
Chakra density was easy to mutate as it was easy to observe...
Other traits wouldn't be as easy to do...
So maybe mutation wouldn't be as easy as I thought...?
Unless I made flesh and blood clones...
Which sounded too expensive to do at the moment...
"Sigh..."
I didn't need more bloodlines...
Nor did I need to collect better traits...
What I had now was good...
As my reserves grew and my chakra got denser my body would continue to get stronger...
It wasn't likely I would find any better traits anyway...
The Raikage's were near the top in terms of strength...
Also, bloodlines that had a lot to do with the body were hard to transplant after a certain age according to Orochimaru.
He said that bloodlines that had a lot to do with chakra were the easiest to acquire, though usually at the cost of DNA degradation and abilities that were weaker than the original bloodline holder...
Knowing that bloodlines were probably out...
I let myself slump and held back a sigh.
I probably wouldn't see a vast improvement in the future...
At least not until I aged or could get to the moon...
Am I obsessed with the Tenseigan?
Probably.
I crossed my arms and settled in for a thought-filled wait.
I needed those prisoners to make any progress on Kushina's DNA...
So, all I could do was stew in thought until I got them...
...
A few prisoners I had acquired were given some chakra from the One-Tails and had shown some interesting results.
Aside from the normal mutations and the expected but barley notable increase in strength, the prisoners also experienced an easily noticeable change in spiritual energy.
Their spiritual energy now had a tinge of 'Tailed-Beast' to it.
It was interesting.
And I called it spiritual pollution as that was the first thing to come to mind.
Their spiritual energy had changed and the change seemed premiant.
But more study was needed...
...
Spiritual pollution could happen with the acquisition of any chakra, and the change was so slight that it was barely notable.
Upon gaining my chakra prisoners would gain an ever so slight tinge of Shiro-ness to them according to mom.
The same was mirrored when they acquired her chakra, though they were notably more Hyuga-like in terms of spiritual energy with the combination of both my chakra as well as moms.
It wasn't as notable as the change from the Tailed-Beast chakra but it was still notable.
It was something to look into in any case...
Foreign spiritual energy could 'pollute' your own...
Neat.
...
I was once again stationed at the 'front'...
In the time I was away, the buildings had been dug up and reconstructed.
The occasional abnormally large mound of sand was the only thing left behind from the battle.
It was almost like it hadn't happened at all...
"How's the training going?" Isami had no interest in 'Medical stuff' but had a surprising talent in Ninjutsu.
If she had bigger reserves, she would have a bright future in front of her.
"It's been alright, water is hard but I'm getting close to learning some Jutsu's." I nodded.
The academy wasn't made to teach Ninjutsu, that was the job of the Jonin-Sensei, which Isami hadn't had.
"Finish Water Nature transformation and jump to fire immediately after, Jutsu's can be learned later and Aomi won't always be available like she is now." Learn what you could, while you could.
It was probably time to up her reserves...
"Exhaust your chakra and swing by tomorrow." She met my eyes and nodded. "I'll need a bit of your blood first." She nodded and started walking away leaving me puzzled.
She tapped Aomi on the shoulder and started speaking while gesturing to her arm...
Ah...
I could've drawn her blood...
But I guess it's good for my minion to have stuff to do...
Now, how big should those reserves be...?
Kage-level or Tailed-Beast Level?
Kage for now...
I probably shouldn't be creating Tailless-Tailed-Beasts.
...
Kushina's DNA governing chakra was doing an excellent job of killing everyone who got it.
It was a bit odd.
It was almost like her DNA was poisonous to any who received it.
There was one semi-successful test where one of the prisoners received her gene for Chakra Density but even then, his chakra coils were 'eaten' by the chakra in a matter of hours.
Was it perhaps because she was exposed to Tailed-Beast chakra for so long?
Possibly, but I thought that was unlikely.
Her blood had no negative effects...
I'd have to test out the One-Tails Jinchūriki's DNA as well...
Clap*
"Alright!" I clapped. "Sorry for spacing out."
Isami nodded not looking too bothered.
"So..." I went to clap again but stopped myself. "Your chakra and natural bodily limits will be expanded..." I trailed off and pointed to the Overwrite Seal that took up most of the floor.
"You just need to lay in the ominous circle and you will no longer be limited by pesky genetics!" I smiled but could tell it wasn't a good smile. "Your future will be determined by your own hard work and talent!" My smile disappeared as fast as it came and I strutted towards the Seal.
Clap*
"Almost forgot!" I clapped again as I couldn't contain my glee. "I've included Poison and Disease Resistance!"
It was a little too much to do at one time, but the changes to her DNA wouldn't immediately affect her body.
And she'd already had dense chakra in her body, so an abrupt increase in density shouldn't be too much of a shock to her body...
So, disastrous results were unlikely.
"Did you make the seal ominous on purpose?" Isami put her hands on her hips and stared at me.
I smirked. "Of course, I did!" The purple glow completed the whole look.
It just wasn't as ominous without a glow of some kind.
"Now remove your pouch and step into the ominous circle!" Isami scowled at me but I ignored her and shooed her into the circle.
"Sigh..." Isami sighed and tossed her kunai pouch against the wall before stepping into the circle.
Hopefully, I could get through some Overwrites without using all the chakra in my Seal...
"Alrighty..." It wasn't likely as I had been using it a lot...
But a boy could dream...
Isami laid down as instructed and closed her eyes with a grimace.
I took my place at the edge of the circle and started filling it with my chakra.
Maybe I could do two Overwrites today?
I ignored the pull on my reserves with an ease born of the repeated use of the Overwrite Seal.
...
Duy's refusal of Poison and Disease Resistance was unexpected.
I figured after his poison scare, he'd be open to the idea.
But apparently not...
I pulled myself from my thoughts and turned to the usually silent Aomi.
"Alright, you won't receive the same benefits that Isami will even though the DNA your getting is pretty much the same." I wasn't sure how to say it nicely. "Your body is less malleable because of your age."
Being blunt was probably not the best way to go about it, Aomi looked quite sad...
"Don't look so put out, you'll still gain some benefits just not the same amount as Isami is going to." I didn't want my minion to think I favored Isami over her. So, I had to be clear about the whole age thing.
I didn't want resentment to build in my favorite minion.
"It will also take a little longer for these changes to take effect, lots of training will speed up the process though." The change in Chakra Density was the only immediate improvement she'd see.
Everything else would take time, and training in the case of Chakra Reserves.
"I'm increasing your potential, but you won't see rapid growth as you are not in puberty." I summed it up as best I could and moved towards the Seal.
She was moping, and I didn't want my favorite minion to feel sad.
"Poison and Disease Resistance will take effect as soon as you step out of the circle, so you have that to look forward to." I stood at the edge of the circle as a thought hit me.
If Kushina's DNA was annoying to work with would Naruto's be the same?
Perhaps...
"Alright step into the circle, this won't take long." I wanted the gene for Naruto's reserves...
What I had was pretty good so it didn't matter if that wasn't possible...
...
Mom was the final person on my list of people to Overwrite.
She was also resistant to changes of any kind being done to her body.
Which was a shame...
"Is there a reason your so against an Overwrite?" I ran a hand through my hair and leaned deeper into my seat.
Mom shook her head and continued sharpening her kunai without bothering to look at me.
"I'm just not interested." His tone was light but I could see from her tenseness that I shouldn't continue hounding her.
I couldn't fathom why she didn't want to undergo some scienceing, there was minimal risk and nearly no negatives.
Unless one was using animal DNA...
I let the idea of animal-human hybrids roll around in my mind for a moment.
Could cat-eared maids become a real thing...?
I scowled at the thought and pushed it into the deepest darkest corner of my mind.
Thoughts like those shouldn't see the light of day.
I should be focusing on mom...
But perhaps later...
She was still tense and would probably be more receptive to the power of Science when she was in a better mood.
...
Due to a lack of human test subjects, I restarted my efforts to mutate the Hyuga Chakra Density Gene.
What I had achieved with it was great, but there was room for continued improvement.
Chakra Density was the easiest to observe especially when clones could carry the blood and observe its effects.
I'd also need to start collecting Sensor DNA...
It'd save me some work when I eventually decided to get back to it...
...
Aomi stood beside me as we overlooked the fleeing Suna-nin that we had just encountered.
"Suna doesn't seem too interested in fighting me, do they?" Their expressions of terror as they fled made it obvious.
"No, they do not." Aomi's voice rang out.
I raised an eyebrow as I hadn't expected a response.
"Do you think I have a Flee On Sight Order?" I raised my hand and pegged the slowest ninja with a Bone Spear.
So, I could say that I didn't just let them flee.
"Maybe..." Aomi nodded with a bored expression on her face...
I was hoping she'd pull out a bingo book...
That could've been a cool moment...
"All of these seem to be Genin-level, I think they were doing a survival exercise of some kind." Though they should have done it away from the borders...
It was odd that they were so close to us...
"Let's go, their running straight to Suna and I'd rather not get surrounded by whatever S-Ranks are protecting their village." Their current Kage used Iron Sand in the same way the Jinchūriki used normal sand.
I wasn't confident in my ability to pierce his defenses as sand was already a challenge...
Iron sand wouldn't be any easier...
"I think I'll get started on another nature transformation soon..." I eyed Aomi who raised an eyebrow. "I probably won't need you around for a while once I start it, so you'll have lots of free time to pursue your own interests." Aomi nodded and looked rather unbothered.
I turned my eyes away and focused them forward.
I'd need to get the affinity Genes for whatever nature transformation I wanted...
"Sigh..." I waved Aomi off when she looked at me.
I had just said not long ago that I wasn't going to do another Overwrite on myself...
But if I was going to do one, I might as well give myself all the normal affinities...
There was almost no point in not doing it...
Even with them, I'd still take forever to learn anything...
Unless I made another Tumor Baby...
I smiled at the thought of another Tumor-Chan.
Tumor-Chan and I had such fun together...
"Hahaha..." I chuckled...
I'd make Tumor-Chan and the clones could continue with Kushina's DNA...
...
...
...
Interlude.
Shiro's steps were silent and agile. He was a very light sleeper and could go days with little sleep. Shiro's eyes were always looking, different from my own that remained unaware of my surroundings.
I started copying Shiro's behavior, the confident but lazy way he holds himself. The way he walks into a room, which demands attention. And his silent and agile steps.
What I tried not to copy was his blunt mannerisms and unsociability, though as much as I tried some slipped through. Closeness to Shiro had blunted my speech.
I spent a lot of time observing him, trying to adapt his movements as my own. Though try as I might my steps were never as agile, nor was I confident as he seemed.
"He's late." Aomi spoke, pulling me from my thoughts. "He's never late."
I nodded but remained silent, not really sure what to say.
Shiro worked quickly and efficiently, sometimes starting things hours before to avoid being late. His punctuality was well known, as was his distaste for those who weren't early or on time.
It was unusual for Shiro not to be early, let alone late. It meant that something pressing happened, something that required his attention.
Shiro arrived soundlessly and tapped Aomi on the shoulder causing her to jump.
"Yo!" Shiro waved cheerily as his eyes studied our forms, perhaps making sure we were ready.
"Ah, there's been an outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases." Shiro smiled, not looking bothered by the subject. "So, if you or someone you know has been having mysterious rashes or blisters on their lady bits, make sure to head to the field hospital."
Shiro eyed Aomi for a moment and turned his eyes to me before quickly shifting them towards the sky.
My face reddened and I stared at the ground. I wasn't mentally ready for the subject.
"Now, I might have to give this mission to someone else." Shiro tapped his chin. "I'm supposed to visit the brothel where this started and treat anyone who works there or frequents the brothel..."
Shiro continued not at all phased by my or Aomi's apparent discomfort.
"I'll probably have to go through the whole town, every man and their wife probably have something..." Shiro rubbed eyes. "I wish we could just open a brothel in the camp, it would be a lot less work."
"Sigh..." Shiro sighed and started back towards the camp. "Let's go, we need to make someone else do our mission." Shiro turned and smiled at the two of us.
Aomi and I met eyes. I didn't want to spend the next few days looking at people's genitals, and I doubted Aomi did either.
"Alright, we've got a Shiro, Aomi, and Isami adventure ahead of us." Shiro's smile widened. "There's lots of fun to be had."
I shook my head and increased my speed to catch up with him.
This wasn't a mission I wanted. But when you were a Chunin, you had very little choice in what you did.
Boom*
I watched in amusement while a group of Suna-Shinobi paid the price for being alive and perished in a fiery explosion.
Had they not been so persistent in chasing me when I clearly didn't want to fight, the outcome could have been different.
Not much different, as cannon fodder was cannon fodder and they would've died eventually.
But still, it could have been different...
"I remember when I killed my first person with Fire Ninjutsu..." Aomi stared blankly as the surviving ninja fled.
"Hmmm?" I let out on inquisitive hum as I wasn't sure why a seal made her think of Ninjutsu.
"I cried the first time." Aomi frowned deeply.
"Haha... In ecstasy?" I said with a laugh.
"No, in terror." Aomi didn't miss a beat and my smile vanished at her words.
I nodded in slight understanding.
"Chakra can cause such devastation." I wasn't sure if that was what she was getting at.
Perhaps she had something more profound in mind when she cried.
"Alright let's head out, we don't need another ambush." I wasn't too interested in making more conversation at the moment.
We had crappy mystery scrolls to deliver...
...
"Our encounter with the Company of Suna-nin delayed our arrival by a few hours, but that was only a minor annoyance." I waved airily as if one-hundred and fifty Suna-nin weren't a big deal. "One of them had the summoning contract for the Weasels and those little buggers were annoying."
I wasn't going to fight them at first, but they brought it upon themselves. Having long-rat-things chewing on my ankles was beyond annoying.
"Anyways, a weasel with a sword gave me a surprise haircut and in a bout of righteous anger I killed everyone fast enough to keep up with us." Which was about fifty or so people.
"Sadly, I was still pursued and had to send fifty more to meet the Death-God." Tsunade and Aomi shared a look between each other. "Hopefully the Shinigami apricated my efforts."
I ended my report with a shrug as that was about all that happened.
"Sigh..." Tsunade sighed in exasperation while Aomi nodded sympathetically.
I rolled my eyes at the two drama queens.
"As fun as this is, I've got a minion to train." I tilted my head towards the door. "If you'll excuse me?"
Tsunade nodded and waved me away while Aomi trailed after me.
...
Isami was doing alright.
She wasn't impressive in terms of Taijutsu but made up for it with her Ninjutsu.
She was Mid-Chunin but had pretty substantial reserves.
I was hoping the Overwrite would shore up some of her weakness and give her a higher raw potential so she could work her way into the realm of S-Ranked Shinobi.
Sadly, that seemed like it was going to take a long time.
Or at least longer then I thought it would.
S-Rank was probably ten-years away for Isami...
Or so I guessed.
It came down to her own effort for the most part.
She could lose motivation or she could become more motivated.
It was up to her now.
I let my thoughts wander for a while longer before standing up and rolling my shoulders.
"Alright breaks over, back to Taijutsu..."
Groan*
Aomi stood with a groan and wobbled her way into the sparring ring we had marked with rocks.
"A little pain now will stop you from being armless later." With those motivational words, I stepped towards Isami, who had gotten into a sloppy stance.
"Alright, just dodge don't worry too much about hitting me." Isami nodded and I nodded back.
I kicked out toward her leg and she jumped into the air.
"Off the ground is not where you want to be..." I grabbed her by her shirt and flung her further into the air.
Flinging jumping opponents might become one of my favorite things.
Isami sailed across the makeshift arena and landed in a puff of sand.
"Keep your feet on the ground." Unless one could fly jumping was generally a bad idea.
I ignored Isami's groaning and pondered on the wonders of flight for a moment.
"Alright get up." Flight sounded interesting.
But I knew it could be done with the Tenseigan, so I probably shouldn't spend too much time on it.
"Alright, we'll do this again tomorrow." I said when it became clear that Isami wasn't getting up any time soon.
"Haha..." I got a thumbs up from Isami causing me to chuckle.
My minions adopting my mannerisms cracked me up...
...
"How's my chakra?" I stood arms and legs spread while mom stared at me with her Byakugan.
She shrugged.
"Really dense, with a bulging middle." She didn't look overly concerned so I accepted the answer and didn't question her further.
I wanted a more detailed answer as I looked like a glowing stick man while my Byakugan was active.
"How's it feel?" I stared at her.
Mom shrugged again.
"Warm but chaotic." I rolled my eyes at the vague description.
I brought my chakra to my hand and it was covered by a white glow...
My chakra hadn't changed much in color, but apparently it was chaotic now...
Perhaps because of my new affinities...?
I let the idea roll around while mom continued studying me with her Byakugan.
"Anything?" I got an immediate head shake in response.
Good.
"Ok, thanks for your help." I blinked at her when she nodded with a happy smile.
"Anytime, I'm happy to help." I blinked at her again as she made her way out of the room and towards the exit.
She was weirdly happy there...
Whatever...
...
Jinchūriki DNA didn't want to mesh with normal DNA it seems...
It made Kushina's blood and the Jinchūriki's body near useless...
The fact that Kushina's blood didn't cause any problems while her DNA did was also annoying...
It was weird, but I chalked it up to Tailed-Beast shenanigans.
"Alrighty..." I eyed Uzumaki Tumor-ruto as I called my newest tumor-like mass of flesh.
The amount of physical energy it produced was pretty scary but that wasn't unexpected as the Uzumaki were known for their 'vitality' and chakra.
I'd Overwritten myself one final time and acquired both the Wind and Fire affinities.
I'd have done more but my body was starting to reject my chakra and I was worried I'd have to use an overwrite and go back to a 'previous save' if I did anymore.
Two new affinities were a large jump and my body was struggling to adapt.
"Tumor-ruto seems to be doing quite well?" It was doing better then the previous tumor did.
I turned to Aomi who shrugged.
"Alright, I'll be trying to use the power of Wind to annihilate some paper." I gestured to my desk which contained said paper. "Your free to do your own thing for the next few days..." I'd be hiding and trying to stay away from sensors for the next little while.
"Can I have your notes on Fuinjutsu?" Aomi smiled nervously.
I raised an eyebrow at her nervous smile.
"Are you interested in learning?" I questioned while studying her body language.
Hints of anxiety and fear were apparent...
Aomi nodded. "Yes, I want to get started so I can get right into DNA 'manipulation' when I have the required chakra control." She looked unsure, but I didn't know why.
I smiled as I was feeling amused.
"Notes won't be enough to learn Fuinjutsu, I'll start teaching you." My minion was interested in DNA shenanigans...
The thought warmed my heart.
"I'll start you on DNA once your Medical Ninjutsu is sufficient." Hopefully, that wasn't far off.
Aomi nodded. "Thank you."
I nodded in return.
"Alright, I've got to tend to Tumor-ruto for awhile." I waved her away as I was eager to start on wind Release.
Aomi nodded and started towards the door.
"Alright!" I turned to Tumor-ruto. "Wind and Water are what I need you to teach me!" I pointed dramatically.
Aomi grumbled to herself quietly and shut the door behind her leaving me alone with Tumor-ruto.
I rolled my eyes and stuck my hand into the nutrition solution.
I was ready to rumble...
...
Learning Wind Nature Transformation was easy enough.
Using the tumor didn't make me any better at learning Ninjutsu but it did save me months of training.
Thus, I held the weekly briefing in my hand and watched with glee as it was reduced to shreds.
I'd had trouble with Water Nature transformation but I was able to use it to some extent.
I wouldn't use it in combat currently, but maybe in the future.
"Alright, could you write down some easy Water Jutsu?" Aomi nodded and wandered off to do just that.
Minions were great...
But making great minions was hard.
...
"Gai it's good to see your Youthful face!" Gai's face was sporting a wide Youthful smile as was mine.
Gai did his nice guy pose, a thumbs up, wink, and a winning smile.
"Shiro! My most Youthful friend! It's been so long!" Guy had tears streaming dramatically down his face.
I ignored his tears and gestured to Isami.
"Gai this is my friend Isami." I pointed to my minion. "Isami this is Gai." I pointed to my Youthful friend.
The two exchanged greetings while I watched with amusement as Gai weirded Isami out.
His weirdness shouldn't be surprising as she spent a lot of time around Duy.
"What brings you here?" I'd been bugging Chōza to bring Gai around and chat with me but he's done neither.
That Fat-Scum...
"I've been Youthfully leading a team, to gain experience in the youthful art of leadership!" Gai smiled widely and gestured animatedly as he started to regale me with tales of his 'youthful' missions.
I nodded idly while Gai spoke, Isami was fleeing, and Duy's eyes were streaming youthful tears.
'What a life I have...' I thought while Gai mimed beating up a Missing-Nin.
...
I took a sip of my green tea and let the bittersweet taste on my tongue distract me and quell my wrath slightly.
Weekly briefings were annoying if not anger-inducing.
Which was probably why we didn't do them in Frost, Orochimaru probably thought they were annoying as well.
"You look bored Shiro." Shikaku was trying to make conversation again.
As much as I disliked the scum trio, It was probably good to stay on speaking terms.
"That's because I am bored..." I trailed off as Aomi added more tea to my cup.
I pulled the cup towards myself and stared at the liquid within.
"The lack of action is disheartening and boring." It seemed like we had an advantage that we weren't pushing.
If we had hit Suna right after the death of their Jinchūriki we probably could have forced a surrender from Suna.
"I going to bail, Cya!" I gave the group a cheery wave and Shunshined away before anyone had time to react.
...
Fuinjutsu was proving to be difficult, which wasn't surprising.
If Fuinjutsu was easy everyone would be using it.
"Aomi, please offer Isami the chance to use Tumor-ruto." I said without looking away from my mess of English and Kanji.
Trying to use English as my own custom scrip was looking to be a bust.
"If she isn't interested, we might need to hold a funeral for Tumor-ruto." Aomi was visibly disgusted.
She gave me a dirty look and made her way out of the lab.
"Hahaha..." I cracked up as she sent me a second dirty look before she left.
The idea of holding a funeral for the tumor seemed to have upset her...
Usually there's no shortage of enemies." I said while gazing apathetically at the wave of Suna-nin approaching the camp. "But these all look to be the worst Suna has to offer." I kept my focus on the approaching ninja while trying to figure out their plan.
I couldn't see anyone above Chunin-level which was slightly worrying as the strong ones were probably elsewhere causing problems.
"Shikaku?" He raised an eyebrow and I waved him closer.
I frowned. "There's no-one here above Chunin."
He nodded not looking perturbed. "Don't worry too much about it, the main-camp has sufficient forces should it be attacked." That wasn't my worry, but I didn't say anything.
Me worrying about them attacking the camp looked better then, me worrying about them sneaking past us to get water from The Land Of Rivers.
"Do you want me to head to the main-camp or stay?" I asked while watching a particularly skilled Inuzuka shred her opponents.
She was brutal, shredding Genin and Chunin with a smile on her face. I took a moment to memorize her face while Shikaku spoke.
"Stay, we need you here for when the S-Ranked Shinobi show up" I frowned as I didn't think that was likely.
They probably had no intention of fighting us, this was clearly a distraction.
"Alright." I just nodded and continued watching over the battlefield.
I wouldn't interfere as it was good for the army to get some practice in.
Fighting foes at the same level as them would hopefully do them some good.
...
The few surviving Suna-nin fled, they were of-course chased but I decided that they weren't my problem now that they were leaving.
"Hmmm..." I hummed and deactivated my Byakugan when I noticed Isami heading towards me with a cheerful smile on her face.
She looked positively joyful even though she was soaked in blood and had a deep cut on her right shoulder.
"You look happy." I said as I turned her shoulder towards me so I could see it while I healed.
The cut itself wasn't bad but the blade that did it was poisoned, Poison Resistance was already proving it's worth.
"Yeah..." I raised an eyebrow but she didn't continue.
Whatever...
"Alright, you're all healed up." I patted her on the shoulder and shoed her away.
I had to stand around and look pretty for a little longer...
...
I was proven correct when it was revealed that Suna snuck past our camps and attacked Tanigakure while we were occupied.
Now Suna and Konoha were in 'peace talks' and if those succeeded, I'd probably get sent somewhere else once again.
Which was annoying, I now had to rush my projects so I could finish them before I got moved somewhere else.
Between possibly moving again and teaching my minion with my half-assed Fuinjutsu knowledge I was feeling pretty annoyed.
"Your writing is pretty good but it has to be perfect." I examined the lines in her Kanji. "Every stroke has to be in the correct order or you'll mess up the seal." When it sometimes took five strokes per Kanji it quickly became annoying when remembering the correct brush strokes.
"You could slow down a little as well, it doesn't matter how long it takes as you're not in a rush." I took a pen and circled all the Kanji that had been done incorrectly. "At this point, it's more important that you do it correctly rather than quickly." It was a lesson that took me a while to learn.
I wasn't using Fuinjutsu in combat, so I didn't need to be quick.
"But other than that you're doing well." I said with a pleased smile on my face.
Aomi nodded and ran her fingers across the circled Kanji.
"I did Calligraphy in my kunoichi classes, it hasn't been too hard to pick it up again." I nodded in understanding.
Prior learning was a boon even if you didn't use it until years later, learning was never a bad thing or a waste of time.
"Once you get good enough it'll become easier. Clones will significantly speed up your progress later on as well." Once everything became muscle memory the rest could be left up to clones.
After that, it was smooth sailing, so long as you weren't stupid and didn't injure yourself often.
"It's slow in the beginning, just keep working at it." Aomi nodded and switched her paper with a fresh sheet.
I turned my attention to the clones who were mutating DNA.
Although clones could be given blood or 'flesh' that produced physical energy they couldn't produce more spiritual energy.
They could regenerate chakra to some extent but it came out 'yang heavy' as they couldn't regenerate spiritual energy once it was used.
It was neat.
I wanted to look into making flesh and blood clones, but I was wary of leaving a copy of my body around if they ran out of spiritual energy.
A slight conundrum...
I rolled my eyes and turned my focus back to Aomi who was hard at work.
If only my younger and easier to manipulate minion was eager to learn what Aomi was learning...
I drifted off into thought and wondered what I was going to do when the inevitably moved me to a different battlefield.
There were only three and a half months of war left according to my rough timeline.
It could be more or less, but it still meant that I wouldn't have a stable supply of test subjects soon.
I'd have to pursue other projects for a while, at least until I had a reliable way to secure test subjects for myself.
I shrugged to myself and continued pondering on my future.
Plans would have to be made and goals would have to be set.
I'd need to find other things to do so I didn't die of boredom when the war ends...
It was hard being mad... I thought with an amused smile...
Iwa has pulled out of Rain and has redirected their forces to Grass and Claw..." Tsunade paused and surveyed the room.
She was happy with what she saw and nodded to herself before she continued reading.
"Takigakure has allied with Iwa and has started attacking our troops in Grass from the South-East, while Iwa focuses on the North and North-West of Grass." Tsunade paused and took a sip of water. "Kiri has sent forces into The Land Of Fire and is working on establishing camps along our Eastern shores near Wave." Tsunade pursed her lips.
"Kumo has entrenched themselves in the Aisu Bay and is frequently attacking Iwagakure while building more infrastructure in the Bay." Tsunade tossed the briefing into the center of the table signaling the end of the meeting.
I ignored the chatter around me and grabbed the briefing with some chakra strings, the briefing flew into my hands earning some raised eyebrows from the surrounding ninja.
I ignored them and gave the briefing a quick read.
Kiri was low on strong ninja but hadn't given up on causing trouble, while Iwa was getting smashed from all sides and still seemed to be doing fine.
Iwa and Kiri were the most annoying villages, Iwa was too strong and Kiri couldn't stop fighting even when they lost most of their S-Ranked ninja baring their second Jinjuriki who was half-rouge.
The briefing flew from my hands and was stacked neatly in the center of the table with little more than a thought.
I'd asked to be stationed in Grass but nothing came of it. The war was ending soon and I was looking forward to getting into a big battle of some kind so I could come out of the war with fond memories.
But it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon...
...
Isami sent a torso sized bolt of lightning at me which was cut in half with a swing of my wind covered sword.
I pointed my index finger at Isami and launched an apple-sized ball of water at her.
She sidestepped it and proceeded to launch a dozen fist-sized Lightning Balls at me.
With a few causal swings, the Lightning Balls were cut in half and dispersed into the air. While I sidestepped the remaining Lightning Balls.
"You have to switch it up, lightning is not working." Isami responded by sending a Water Whip at my face.
I rolled my eyes, grabbed the whip, and started sending electricity down its length. Isami muscles tensed but she ignored it and sent a second Water Whip towards my stomach.
I let it grab me and sent electricity through it as well. Isami ignored it just as she ignored the electricity running through the first whip.
She tried to pull me towards her but my feet remained anchored to the ground, she strained for a moment more, futilely trying to move me.
I cut the whips with my sword and half-heartedly tossed a small Rasengan at her legs.
She dodged it and breathed lightning at me after a few hand-signs, I again cut it in half while wondering when she would run out of chakra.
The spar was starting to get repetitive and I wasn't sure I could tolerate much more.
"Alright that's enough for now, lets go again tomorrow." Isami nodded and dramatically collapsed on her back.
I eyed her for a moment before turning my gaze to the sky.
It was a clear cloudless day as most days in Wind Country were. I tucked my bangs behind my ears as they were getting in the way and Shunshined towards the lab.
I had to make sure the clones hadn't destroyed it...
...
Test tube babies were on my mind a lot these days. I had quite a bit of DNA and making a test tube baby was well within my means.
I could combine and genetically edit the egg or sperm in any way I desired, giving it any bloodline or traits, I thought would mesh well. It was tempting as they would be easy to make as long as there was a surrogate mother.
The thought of combining my DNA with the DNA of another bloodline holder to make a child was also tempting.
Especially when it was extremely likely that the child's DNA and Chakra would be compatible with my own chakra and DNA.
Make a child that was genetically similar to me, that had whatever bloodlines I desired, and switch my DNA for his DNA...
It was a nice idea, if only because it gave me a lot to think about.
Test tube babies and the acquisition of stable multi-bloodline DNA...
It was something that I'd continue thinking about...
...
My clones continued to tirelessly mutate the Hyuga Chakra Density gene and were making good progress.
It has gotten to the point where I didn't want them to mutate it any further, as my body might not be capable of accepting such a huge increase in Chakra Density.
I scratched my nose while staring at the clones with my Byakugan.
Further mutation could probably wait...
I now needed to decide if an Overwrite was worth it or not...
I had wanted to avoid more...
But I'd already given myself two more affinities...
Another increase in Chakra Density wouldn't hurt...
Right?
"Hmmm..." I hummed and shrugged while pondering what else I could set the clones on now...
Genes corresponding to chakra or related to Chakra were the easiest to monitor...
So maybe they could mutate the genes for chakra reserves or the Affinity genes?
Affinity genes or chakra reserves was the question...
Chakra reserves were harder to test...
So, Affinity genes it was...
I shrugged and created some shadow clones so they could make an Overwrite seal and get started on mutating the Affinity genes.
More stuff to do...
At least I'll be entertained for a while...
...
"It seems like we're going to be here for the rest of the war." I said blandly while staring my 'orders' from the Hokage. "Tsunade and I are supposed to stay here while most of the non-essential troops are being moved to Grass." Isami looked apathetic to my plight, and mom looked nonplused.
"What do you guys want to do? I could have us stationed in Grass if you're interested?" I realized I probably shouldn't be dragging the squishy people into warzones.
"I'd rather not have to move again." Isami nodded, seemingly agreeing with mom.
It didn't matter overly much to me, I wanted to fight some more but if I could keep the people, I cared about happy that was fine.
"I guess we're staying." I pursed my lips.
I still needed something to do...
I can't seem to figure out what I want to do with my time, I keep changing my mind." I shrugged when I received no reply.
Whatever...
"Alright, if anyone wants a break just apply for leave." Mom shook her head at me and Isami raised an eyebrow.
"Don't abuse your power." I rolled my eyes.
Power was meant to be used and abused.
"Sure..." Mom squinted at me but didn't continue.
Yawn* I rolled my shoulders and yawned.
"Whatever, I'm going to train with Gai." Mom nodded and Isami sent me a little wave.
I made my way towards the door, leaving the two ladies by themselves.
...
News arrived and it was about Obito.
Who was 'dead' and gone.
I rolled my eyes and crumpled the letter.
At least I got an invite to the funeral...
I rubbed my eyes, feeling stressed. "Obito's dead and the Hokage's granted us leave so we can attend the funeral." Canon was still somewhat on track it seems, If nothing else Obito would be predictable.
Better an enemy I know then an enemy I don't.
"Poor Rin's probably heartbroken." Isami's eyes watered and she blinked away the tears. "I'll go let the others know." I blew a heavy breath from my nose and nodded.
Isami scampered away and I was left to my thoughts.
"Was this the bridge thing or was this an unfortunate accident?" I asked the empty air and received no answer.
I hoped that Obito was alive and predictable, but things rarely went exactly as I wanted them to.
With a hand-sign, I was surrounded by clones who quickly went about finishing what needed to be finished, and packing up what needed packing.
At least Obito's 'death' got me a week of leave.
...
I was enjoying our quite trip through Rivers when Mom spoke.
"What are your current plans?" When no one answered I realized that it was me she was talking to.
"Hmmm?" I hummed to buy myself some time. "I'm going to buy a lot of buildings and rent them out, hopefully I can cut down on the missions I need to do." That was the plan.
Become well-off and train a lot.
"Why are you asking?" She shrugged and I raised an eyebrow at her.
She was silent for a moment.
"I've been offered a position in the Anbu." I smiled wearily.
People weren't supposed to know you were in Anbu...
"If you want to do it you can, but I'd feel better if you didn't accept." Mom nodded so I continued. "I'd rather know where you are so I can keep you safe, should you disappear I probably wouldn't be told anything."
"Ok." Mom nodded.
I stared at her, wondering if that was the end of the conversation.
She didn't speak so I focused my attention back to the direction we were going.
Anbu was only for those who were extremely loyal and those who were unfeeling monsters.
Mom was closer to the latter, but I still didn't want to test her mental strength.
"If your interested we can talk more when we get home." Mom nodded.
I raised an eyebrow at Isami who had been listening in.
She quickly looked away and I huffed at her.
That wasn't very slick...
...
I sent my clones off to check on Kushina, Minato, and Kakashi while I checked on my favorite kohai.
"How are you feeling?" I grabbed Rin's wrist and used the Diagnostic Jutsu.
She was still eating at least...
"Sorry, but I need to be alone..." Rin rubbed her eyes.
I nodded.
"Are you sure?"
Rin took a deep shaky breath and nodded.
I was feeling guilty about not revealing Obito's survival.
But I cared more about predictability, then I did about the temporary guilt.
"I'll come over tomorrow, sorry for dropping by unexpectedly." I left the manju I bought on the table and made my escape.
...
I laid in my bed and dwelled on how foreign the house felt, I had made a place for myself in Frost and since I've left, nothing has felt like home to me.
The absence of sound was slightly off-putting as was the feeling of silk sheets, I had gotten used to the screams and clashes of steel, and I missed the coarse blanket that had been provided to me.
Wind Country hadn't been as homely as Frost was but it was close enough that I hadn't minded it.
Now I was home with the awareness that my time on the battlefield was coming to a close and I was feeling more lost then I usually was.
Idleness will be the death of me...
I flipped the pillow over and rolled over to the other side of the bed for maximum coolness.
I wasn't sure if the emptiness that plagued me was from some DNA shenanigans that I'd messed up or if it was because I was becoming an edgy teenager.
It could be both.
I closed my eyes and curled into a ball hoping for sleep that probably wouldn't come.
False hope was better than no hope.
...
Obito's funeral was much busier than I expected. Many Uchiha clansmen attended as well as people from the academy class.
Minato, Kakashi, Rin, and an assortment of Uchiha stood in a line in front of Obito's coffin, head's bowed and eyes closed.
"He doesn't belong to our clan but he possesses the Sharingan." Kakashi tensed, and Minato turned and gave the one who spoke a menacing stare.
"Hmmm..." I hummed and patted a young Itachi on the head.
He looked young and innocent, sadly that wouldn't be for long if things went as they did in canon.
I ignored his questioning stare and the reproachful stares of the other funeral-goers.
I think I'll have a look at Kakashi's Sharingan, maybe I can make it less of a burden...
...
The Sharingan seemed to drain less chakra when it wasn't exposed to light. The drain was still there but it wasn't as bad as it was when the Sharingan was exposed to light.
Closing the eye seemed to help lessen the drain, but covering it seemed to be the way to go...
You are going to need an eyepatch or something to lessen the drain." I ignored his frown and continued. "I can't deactivate it." I'd liken the Sharingan to a parasite, but Kakashi probably wouldn't take it well.
"If your willing, we can work on changing your chakra so your Sharingan doesn't eat it as fast." I scratched my head.
I just needed to 'pollute' his spiritual energy with Uchiha chakra...
"It would probably take a long time, and we'll need an Uchiha to supply you with chakra..." I trailed off in thought. "A transplant of some kind would be the easy solution though." Though it probably wouldn't be as effective as I wanted it to be.
Spiritual pollution might be an unexpected boon.
I hadn't been thinking too deeply about it, but it might be the key to the awakening of the Tenseigan.
I quickly quashed the joy I felt.
It was just conjecture, I didn't have solid information to go off of.
"I could also alter your genes and make your chakra denser, that could help as well." Not that much as the Sharingan favored Yin-Chakra and altering Chakra Density through the DNA would cause it to lean towards Yang.
"It's up to you." I stared at him.
Kakashi stared back.
"Thank you." He said quietly.
I just nodded.
"Go see Rin, she needs some company." I shoed him off.
My presence didn't cheer her up any, maybe Kakashi could succeed where I had failed.
"Thank you." Kakashi repeated as he left the room.
I let out a heavy breath and rubbed my eyes.
Only one of his friends is dead and he's already much more tolerable.
Good thing I can keep those thoughts inside...
...
Choking down my nutritious health drink was not how I liked to start my morning but it was necessary, thankfully mom arrived with a distraction that made my daily ritual bearable.
"Shiro, Research And Development sent another letter." I motioned for her to open while I choked down the sludge I had in my mouth.
"They will give you a personal lab if you work on 'Artificial Summons'." Mom nodded and continued. "It doesn't say anything about funding." She smirked.
I shrugged as I didn't care too much. "I'll write a refusal." I didn't want to burn bridges, at least not yet.
They hadn't done anything to earn my ire.
Yet.
"Researchers are the quintessential nerds. You could probably bully them into giving you what you want." She smirked and I laughed.
"Hahaha..." I could be the 'King Nerd' of Research And Development.
Mom telling me to bully the nerds cracked me up, even though I might also be considered a nerd.
"I don't think that's necessary, even if I got what I wanted, my freedom would be heavily restricted." Which was not what I needed. "But thanks for that, it cracked me up." I smiled and she smiled back.
I took what was left of my health drink and slammed it back with a grimace.
"Are you interested in buying an apartment for me?" I could do it myself, but it was easier when the one buying it wasn't twelve.
"Have you got the paperwork settled?" I nodded in reply. "Did you get any loans?" I again nodded. "Sigh..." Mom sighed and rubbed her face. "You should stay away from loans." I nodded in agreement.
"I would have, but it's cheap enough now that it's worth taking out the loan." I could save up the money, but how many annoying missions would I have to suffer to get said money? "Anyway, don't worry much, the bank just needs a fifteen-percent down payment and we're good to go." I had to pay the loan back within ten-years but that probably wouldn't be a problem.
"I'll send a clone with you, in case you need help." A hand-sign later the room had gained one clone.
The clone looked annoyed, but he made his way to my room in search of the papers.
"Sorry for eating up a few days of your time."
Mom shook her head with an amused smile.
"I'll just send a clone of my own, no worries." I smiled as well.
I probably should have done that in the first place.
"Thanks." Mom nodded and went towards my room.
I stood and grabbed my empty glass, before making my way towards the sink.
The apartment building was going to get taken care of, that was a load off my shoulders.
Just a few more buildings and I'd be wealthy.
...
...
...
Interlude.
Shiro rubbed his eyes looking half-awake as he stared into the cereal I had provided.
I felt bad about making him come over so early in the morning, but I wanted to talk to him about something he had said.
"You told Kakashi you could help him with Obito's Sharingan?" I decided to be direct, as that was what Shiro preferred.
"Yep."
Shiro stared at me with unconcealed annoyance, while stirring the cereal.
"Can you?" My voice came out more desperate then I had intended, mainly due to the fear that Obito's Sharingan would cripple Kakashi.
Shiro nodded, still looking annoyed.
"Yes, I just need an Uchiha to donate some of their chakra." Shiro took a spoonful of milk and brought it to his mouth, ignoring the cereal. "If you can get an Uchiha on-board, then I can lessen the amount of chakra the Sharingan drains." I blinked.
It wouldn't be too hard to get the chakra, people owed me favors and even if they refused Mikoto would be willing to give up some chakra should Kushina ask.
"If it doesn't work?"
Shiro scowled at me.
"I know what I'm doing, have some faith in your student."
I smiled.
"Former student. And I'm not sure I taught you much, you did most of the learning yourself."
Shiro shook his head and took a bite of cereal.
"Don't sell yourself short, you are still my teacher." I smiled and nodded, Shiro smiled back before digging back into his cereal.
"Is there anything else you need?"
I shook my head and blinked in surprise as Shiro Shunshined away taking my bowl and spoon with him.
I stared at the open window wondering if I would ever get my bowl back...
At least Kakashi would be alright...
A bowl was worth Kakashi's continued wellness.