MrProper Happy Monday! We're now starting the new arc! Thanks for your patience as I worked through some changes, both on this novel and in life. The first thing you'll notice is a change in writing style. I'll be labeling the first chapter of each "arc" or "saga" from now on.
I'm starting this first chapter with a POV as well. Since I couldn't make up my mind, I'll be doing both narration and POV's for the future! Special shoutout to user Oat for buying me a coffee!
Please enjoy the chapter!
"Haaah...haaah...!"
"Don't stop, you still have three more to go! Come on Tai, keep moving!"
"Y-Yes!"
Geez! I feel like we're in some kind of boot camp! Tango-sensei arranged for my team and I to have a little "exercise", but since he's on a mission, Samui-san volunteered to take his place. Who knew she was such a drill sergeant!
Physical training obviously isn't supposed to be easy, but come on! I'm wearing these damn bracelets at full power, and I've lost count of the laps we've run already...gimme a break
"Keep it up buddy, just a little more!"
"..." (Tai)
We were training near the orphanage, and all the kids came to watch our training. Suzu and Rei had already finished, the latter of whom was sitting back relaxed. Or should I say, within the arms of Mariko-san as she happily embraced him from behind
Why isn't he tired?! Even Suzu at least broke a sweat, and yet-! He's sitting there, drinking lemonade, and smugly smiling at--wait...that little sadist is getting off on my suffering damn it!
"Come on Tai, we're almost done!"
"A-Agh! Okay!" (Tai)
Even more insulting is Samui-san's little brother Atsui, this kid is nearly keeping up with my pace. The little fire starter became a Genin not too long ago and was already training under his sister
Though I'm wearing these heavy bracelets, it still hurts my pride when being compared to one even younger than Rei
WHISTLE!
"And done!" (Samui)
Oh, thank god. The torture's finally over!
"Your time is much better than before, maybe we should up your regimen?" (Samui)
"N-No! I'm good!" (Tai)
"Are you sure????" (Rei)
"Yes I'm sure...shut up Rei!" (Tai)
"Pfff!" (Rei)
I'll get you back for this!
"Okay, that concludes your physical training for the day. It's about time for the next Jonin rotation, give me a sec" (Samui)
"I wonder who's gonna tutor us next?" (Rei)
"Ugh, we've been doing this vigorous training for over a year now. My body's about to break!" (Tai)
"I still believe we should continue...in order to get approved for higher level missions" (Suzu)
"You want more? Really?" (Tai)
"It's always good to rack up achievements" (Suzu)
"Wouldn't that benefit you the most?" (Rei)
Ahhh...right. I've been trying to forget about the Selection ever since my cousins came back home. Half of my clan elders won't shut up about their heirs, how "worthy" they are for my old man's position
I'd hoped my contribution on Summoning Island would've helped, but no such luck. Truth be told, even if my report was sugarcoated, I doubt it would've been enough considering in the end, we still required rescue
Tango-sensei has upped our mission quota in the last few months, we've even done some B-ranks. They're trying to be subtle, but my team is doing their best to help me...which I appreciate. I've got some good friends
But the position of clan leader is something I still don't want. Why can't my stupid aunts and uncles see my dad staying in charge is the best thing for all of us?!
Ugh...I miss the days where the only thing I worried about was my greenhouse!
"Tai?" (Suzu)
"Sigh! More experience wouldn't hurt, but let's worry about that later. Our next instructor should be here soon" (Tai)
"Right. Mariko-nee...you mind letting go now?" (Rei)
"Hm? Don't wanna" (Mariko)
"..." (Rei)
"Mariko..." (Suzu)
Lucky...bastard
"Enough Mariko, you have other duties. Karui and Omoi can only babysit those kids for so long" (Samui)
"Wha-?! Hey, don't drag me away! No! Rei-chan!" (Mariko)
"Good grief Mariko, there's no need to cry" (Suzu)
And there they go, Samui really is forceful when she wants to be. I didn't think anyone except Mabui-san could deal with her
"You guys head to the field just outside the western gate! You know the one!" (Samui)
Just when I had enough running, we're already dashing towards somewhere else
"Geez, she's so clingy" (Rei)
"It just shows how much she cares, I went through the same thing when I was living with her temporarily. Mariko's overprotectiveness is why she's the best foster mother" (Suzu)
"Mm, can't argue with that" (Rei)
"Ahhhh! Don't pretend you don't like it Rei!" (Tai)
"...What's up your bum?" (Rei)
Wow, this guy! This friggin' guy! He actually has the nerve to ask!
"I just don't get it man. Why the hell are you so damn popular?!" (Tai)
"Haaaa...here we go again" (Suzu)
"Even the small town we visited on a mission last week, that young town mayor was practically spoiling you!" (Tai)
"We did just save them from marauders, of course she was thankful" (Suzu)
"Yeah, but how come she thanked us with handshakes, and Rei with candy, a fruit basket, and hugs?!" (Tai)
"Mmm, that cantaloupe was delicious" (Rei)
"Grrrr!" (Tai)
"W-Well, we're older than him by about two years. The youngest are usually treated the best wherever you go" (Suzu)
"Can anyone tell?! He's almost as tall as us!" (Tai)
"Tai..." (Suzu)
Seriously, this kid is growing like a weed! We're both nearing fourteen, and this almost twelve year old is barely an inch shorter than us. How could she know he was younger?! No...there's something going on here! It's a conspiracy I tell you!
"Well, you guys are certainly noisy today!"
"?!" (The Genin)
"Something happen?"
"No, it's just Tai being Tai" (Rei)
"Toroi-sama, what brings you here?" (Suzu)
Guess I ranted longer than I thought. Before realizing it, we were already standing on an open field, a familiar sight we've constantly used for training over the last year
"Looks like we know who we're sparring against today" (Tai)
"!" (Suzu)
"Sparring? Heh! Alright, let's see what you can do!" (Toroi)
As if I wasn't sore enough
SPARK!
"Don't hesitate, it can still take more juice!"
"Sir, it too dangerous to try on such a small-!"
"I don't care, the schematic isn't wrong. Just do it!"
"Tetsuo-san!"
"What?! What is it now--oh! Shō. What's wrong?"
Another all nighter, it's bad for my health but I just can't help myself. Every time we receive a design from "Developer R", the construction and testing processes always take by breath away
Even with all of my whiny engineers worrying about "safety" and whatnot, I'm still having a good time. "Fortune favors the bold", words to live by!
"There's been a call from Kumogakure" (Shō)
"The Raikage?" (Tetsuo)
"No, it's directly from Dodai, Tenga's waiting outside for you" (Shō)
"!" (Tetsuo)
It's finally time!
"Alright, listen up! I don't care what it takes, if that thing isn't fully charged and working by the time I get back, you'll be scrubbing toilets for the rest of the month! In addition to your regular jobs!" (Tetsuo)
"Agh!"
"Oh, come on!"
"Boss!"
"Yeah, yeah! Save your whining for someone who cares!" (Tetsuo)
"I've already prepared everything, we can leave whenever" (Shō)
"Thanks! Let's move" (Tetsuo)
BZZZT!
"I need the standard detail, the Company President is on route to the Cloud" (Shō)
I haven't even said anything and he's already taking care of my escort. Damn, I so glad to have hired Shō. This guy's work ethic goes above and beyond, I wish they had the same motivation
CLINK!
Oh? Right out of the front gate and I see Tenga with a smile wide enough to stretch across an entire ocean. I've never met anyone in my life that happy to see me
They must've had good results in the village!
"That grin better be for what I think it is" (Tetsuo)
"Yes sir. We're awaiting you to give the final checks so we can begin testing" (Tenga)
"Hmm! Good! Let's move!" (Tetsuo)
"Standard formation men!" (Shō)
"Sir!"
I was having a good feeling this week, and now I know why! The "Network" project is almost ready to make its debut to the world, and Mori Sp. along with it!
The Land of Fire
"Well, that is sight to behold. But can it really work?"
"It is still unclear Danzō-sama, but the Company certainly seems to think so"
"You mean the scientist known as Red. Then again, I suppose it's why they're having a little field test in Kumogakure"
I can barely control Orochimaru, I don't need another eccentric running around. Still, Konoha's not paying for anything, and I've curried favor with them by removing the Uchiha from Hōzuki-jō1Demon Lantern Castle
"When will this so-called renovation take place?"
"Red has just completed her work thanks to Orochimaru's previous aid on the experiment. Balance is prepping the successful subjects for transport while Arc is moving with the Fuma Branch leader Nobuyuki"
"The others?"
"The others, including myself, were ordered not to participate. As for the Company's enforcers, Mountain and Blade have been tasked with selecting and clearing a path directly through the Land of Lightning"
"..."
"I highly doubt anyone will make the connection to us"
Just because you doubt, doesn't imply it's not within the realm of possibility. Konoha can't afford an implication of this level now, right when we're so close to the Chunin exams
The top brass and I have spent much time preparing exceptional Genin to properly demonstrate our village's prowess in the exams. I've even vouched for several individual's myself
"Sir?"
"What is it?"
"For the exams...have you considered using the asset you placed in the Uchiha Clan over two years ago?"
"You mean Shin Uchiha? No. He's certainly talented, and Orochimaru modified him perfectly but...I'm saving him for something else. That clan has become particularly rowdy recently...their use is nearing its end"
{Is Danzō-sama actually considering to-?!}
"Regardless, now's not the time to make a move"
"Right, we'll leave that to the Company. But as for Konoha?"
"If the Leaf is to rise to the peak, we must possess the Lift before anyone else does. See to it the Company succeeds no matter what. Do you understand Ki--no, Brother Flow?"
"Yes sir, no matter what it takes"
"Good"
"If that's all, I should get back"
"Mm"
Even if the "renovation" fails, Kumogakure will still be weakened. They might not even be able to take part in the exams, which is more than fine with me. Either way, Konoha benefits
The village with the best performing Genin will undoubtedly receive the most clients and jobs for both current, and next generation ninja. No matter what it takes, I will ensure the Leaf leads the next era!
"No matter how much I have to bloody my hands..."
MrProper Happy Monday! We're now starting the new arc! Thanks for your patience as I worked through some changes, both on this novel and in life. The first thing you'll notice is a change in writing style. I'll be labeling the first chapter of each "arc" or "saga" from now on.
I'm starting this first chapter with a POV as well. Since I couldn't make up my mind, I'll be doing both narration and POV's for the future! Special shoutout to user Oat for buying me a coffee!
Please enjoy the chapter!
"Haaah...haaah...!"
"Don't stop, you still have three more to go! Come on Tai, keep moving!"
"Y-Yes!"
Geez! I feel like we're in some kind of boot camp! Tango-sensei arranged for my team and I to have a little "exercise", but since he's on a mission, Samui-san volunteered to take his place. Who knew she was such a drill sergeant!
Physical training obviously isn't supposed to be easy, but come on! I'm wearing these damn bracelets at full power, and I've lost count of the laps we've run already...gimme a break
"Keep it up buddy, just a little more!"
"..." (Tai)
We were training near the orphanage, and all the kids came to watch our training. Suzu and Rei had already finished, the latter of whom was sitting back relaxed. Or should I say, within the arms of Mariko-san as she happily embraced him from behind
Why isn't he tired?! Even Suzu at least broke a sweat, and yet-! He's sitting there, drinking lemonade, and smugly smiling at--wait...that little sadist is getting off on my suffering damn it!
"Come on Tai, we're almost done!"
"A-Agh! Okay!" (Tai)
Even more insulting is Samui-san's little brother Atsui, this kid is nearly keeping up with my pace. The little fire starter became a Genin not too long ago and was already training under his sister
Though I'm wearing these heavy bracelets, it still hurts my pride when being compared to one even younger than Rei
WHISTLE!
"And done!" (Samui)
Oh, thank god. The torture's finally over!
"Your time is much better than before, maybe we should up your regimen?" (Samui)
"N-No! I'm good!" (Tai)
"Are you sure????" (Rei)
"Yes I'm sure...shut up Rei!" (Tai)
"Pfff!" (Rei)
I'll get you back for this!
"Okay, that concludes your physical training for the day. It's about time for the next Jonin rotation, give me a sec" (Samui)
"I wonder who's gonna tutor us next?" (Rei)
"Ugh, we've been doing this vigorous training for over a year now. My body's about to break!" (Tai)
"I still believe we should continue...in order to get approved for higher level missions" (Suzu)
"You want more? Really?" (Tai)
"It's always good to rack up achievements" (Suzu)
"Wouldn't that benefit you the most?" (Rei)
Ahhh...right. I've been trying to forget about the Selection ever since my cousins came back home. Half of my clan elders won't shut up about their heirs, how "worthy" they are for my old man's position
I'd hoped my contribution on Summoning Island would've helped, but no such luck. Truth be told, even if my report was sugarcoated, I doubt it would've been enough considering in the end, we still required rescue
Tango-sensei has upped our mission quota in the last few months, we've even done some B-ranks. They're trying to be subtle, but my team is doing their best to help me...which I appreciate. I've got some good friends
But the position of clan leader is something I still don't want. Why can't my stupid aunts and uncles see my dad staying in charge is the best thing for all of us?!
Ugh...I miss the days where the only thing I worried about was my greenhouse!
"Tai?" (Suzu)
"Sigh! More experience wouldn't hurt, but let's worry about that later. Our next instructor should be here soon" (Tai)
"Right. Mariko-nee...you mind letting go now?" (Rei)
"Hm? Don't wanna" (Mariko)
"..." (Rei)
"Mariko..." (Suzu)
Lucky...bastard
"Enough Mariko, you have other duties. Karui and Omoi can only babysit those kids for so long" (Samui)
"Wha-?! Hey, don't drag me away! No! Rei-chan!" (Mariko)
"Good grief Mariko, there's no need to cry" (Suzu)
And there they go, Samui really is forceful when she wants to be. I didn't think anyone except Mabui-san could deal with her
"You guys head to the field just outside the western gate! You know the one!" (Samui)
Just when I had enough running, we're already dashing towards somewhere else
"Geez, she's so clingy" (Rei)
"It just shows how much she cares, I went through the same thing when I was living with her temporarily. Mariko's overprotectiveness is why she's the best foster mother" (Suzu)
"Mm, can't argue with that" (Rei)
"Ahhhh! Don't pretend you don't like it Rei!" (Tai)
"...What's up your bum?" (Rei)
Wow, this guy! This friggin' guy! He actually has the nerve to ask!
"I just don't get it man. Why the hell are you so damn popular?!" (Tai)
"Haaaa...here we go again" (Suzu)
"Even the small town we visited on a mission last week, that young town mayor was practically spoiling you!" (Tai)
"We did just save them from marauders, of course she was thankful" (Suzu)
"Yeah, but how come she thanked us with handshakes, and Rei with candy, a fruit basket, and hugs?!" (Tai)
"Mmm, that cantaloupe was delicious" (Rei)
"Grrrr!" (Tai)
"W-Well, we're older than him by about two years. The youngest are usually treated the best wherever you go" (Suzu)
"Can anyone tell?! He's almost as tall as us!" (Tai)
"Tai..." (Suzu)
Seriously, this kid is growing like a weed! We're both nearing fourteen, and this almost twelve year old is barely an inch shorter than us. How could she know he was younger?! No...there's something going on here! It's a conspiracy I tell you!
"Well, you guys are certainly noisy today!"
"?!" (The Genin)
"Something happen?"
"No, it's just Tai being Tai" (Rei)
"Toroi-sama, what brings you here?" (Suzu)
Guess I ranted longer than I thought. Before realizing it, we were already standing on an open field, a familiar sight we've constantly used for training over the last year
"Looks like we know who we're sparring against today" (Tai)
"!" (Suzu)
"Sparring? Heh! Alright, let's see what you can do!" (Toroi)
As if I wasn't sore enough
SPARK!
"Don't hesitate, it can still take more juice!"
"Sir, it too dangerous to try on such a small-!"
"I don't care, the schematic isn't wrong. Just do it!"
"Tetsuo-san!"
"What?! What is it now--oh! Shō. What's wrong?"
Another all nighter, it's bad for my health but I just can't help myself. Every time we receive a design from "Developer R", the construction and testing processes always take by breath away
Even with all of my whiny engineers worrying about "safety" and whatnot, I'm still having a good time. "Fortune favors the bold", words to live by!
"There's been a call from Kumogakure" (Shō)
"The Raikage?" (Tetsuo)
"No, it's directly from Dodai, Tenga's waiting outside for you" (Shō)
"!" (Tetsuo)
It's finally time!
"Alright, listen up! I don't care what it takes, if that thing isn't fully charged and working by the time I get back, you'll be scrubbing toilets for the rest of the month! In addition to your regular jobs!" (Tetsuo)
"Agh!"
"Oh, come on!"
"Boss!"
"Yeah, yeah! Save your whining for someone who cares!" (Tetsuo)
"I've already prepared everything, we can leave whenever" (Shō)
"Thanks! Let's move" (Tetsuo)
BZZZT!
"I need the standard detail, the Company President is on route to the Cloud" (Shō)
I haven't even said anything and he's already taking care of my escort. Damn, I so glad to have hired Shō. This guy's work ethic goes above and beyond, I wish they had the same motivation
CLINK!
Oh? Right out of the front gate and I see Tenga with a smile wide enough to stretch across an entire ocean. I've never met anyone in my life that happy to see me
They must've had good results in the village!
"That grin better be for what I think it is" (Tetsuo)
"Yes sir. We're awaiting you to give the final checks so we can begin testing" (Tenga)
"Hmm! Good! Let's move!" (Tetsuo)
"Standard formation men!" (Shō)
"Sir!"
I was having a good feeling this week, and now I know why! The "Network" project is almost ready to make its debut to the world, and Mori Sp. along with it!
The Land of Fire
"Well, that is sight to behold. But can it really work?"
"It is still unclear Danzō-sama, but the Company certainly seems to think so"
"You mean the scientist known as Red. Then again, I suppose it's why they're having a little field test in Kumogakure"
I can barely control Orochimaru, I don't need another eccentric running around. Still, Konoha's not paying for anything, and I've curried favor with them by removing the Uchiha from Hōzuki-jō1Demon Lantern Castle
"When will this so-called renovation take place?"
"Red has just completed her work thanks to Orochimaru's previous aid on the experiment. Balance is prepping the successful subjects for transport while Arc is moving with the Fuma Branch leader Nobuyuki"
"The others?"
"The others, including myself, were ordered not to participate. As for the Company's enforcers, Mountain and Blade have been tasked with selecting and clearing a path directly through the Land of Lightning"
"..."
"I highly doubt anyone will make the connection to us"
Just because you doubt, doesn't imply it's not within the realm of possibility. Konoha can't afford an implication of this level now, right when we're so close to the Chunin exams
The top brass and I have spent much time preparing exceptional Genin to properly demonstrate our village's prowess in the exams. I've even vouched for several individual's myself
"Sir?"
"What is it?"
"For the exams...have you considered using the asset you placed in the Uchiha Clan over two years ago?"
"You mean Shin Uchiha? No. He's certainly talented, and Orochimaru modified him perfectly but...I'm saving him for something else. That clan has become particularly rowdy recently...their use is nearing its end"
{Is Danzō-sama actually considering to-?!}
"Regardless, now's not the time to make a move"
"Right, we'll leave that to the Company. But as for Konoha?"
"If the Leaf is to rise to the peak, we must possess the Lift before anyone else does. See to it the Company succeeds no matter what. Do you understand Ki--no, Brother Flow?"
"Yes sir, no matter what it takes"
"Good"
"If that's all, I should get back"
"Mm"
Even if the "renovation" fails, Kumogakure will still be weakened. They might not even be able to take part in the exams, which is more than fine with me. Either way, Konoha benefits
The village with the best performing Genin will undoubtedly receive the most clients and jobs for both current, and next generation ninja. No matter what it takes, I will ensure the Leaf leads the next era!
"No matter how much I have to bloody my hands..."
