Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Priapus, Mike God of Lore, Beans
Guild of Gamers: The Challenger
Chapter 09: Spiritual Healing
— Quest Section —
Should Kyo have Katara teach bending to Konoha ninjas?
Yes, have the Hokage pick some potential students.Yes, Sakura and Ino.Yes, Hinata (even though she canonically doesn't have Water Release according to the wiki. It's not like I stick to canon usually anyway. (29%)Yes, the Uchiha Kyo resurrects.No, keep it for the Senju clan.
Should Kyo challenge Katara's daughter, Kya?
Yes. (82%)No.
– Kyo Senju –
"Hmm. In truth, I must admit that I hadn't considered the possibility. In a way, I was treating all the abilities you gained as similar to Bloodline abilities that could not be taught," Hiruzen admits as he strokes his beard.
After realising that Bending could probably be taught, I did two things. First, I bullied Anko into trying to learn Waterbending because she has Water Release. I am not a good teacher, but Katara is, and while Anko is very much an amateur, she was able to move some water without handseals. Secondly, I challenged Kya because two teachers and healers are better than one. The fight itself was fairly simple because… well, Kya is just Katara 2.0 with the same skills and fighting style. It went even easier this time, because I knew what to expect and because Kya doesn't know Bloodbending. Kinda a mistake on Katara's part because I abused the fuck out of it. I'd say Kya is a better physical fighter than her mother, very agile, but not as agile as Ty Lee or Mikoto, so I still had the advantage.
"It only occurred to me yesterday," I admit. "I was going to claim it as a Senju family thing, but… well, the Senju family is currently Tsunade and me. And I'm not teaching her anything."
"Understandable," Hiruzen admits, though he does look a little disappointed at how my relationship, if one can call it that, is rapidly deteriorating.
"Anko was able to learn a little, but Katara thinks she doesn't have the… temperament for Water Bending. I cheated, skipping to the finish line, but anyone else would have to learn the hard way," I explain. "Water Bending is a naturally defensive fighting style, especially the way Katara and Kya use it. It has a large focus on defensive techniques that can be turned into attacks. Anko's fighting style is… less patient."
"Indeed," Hiruzen agrees with a quiet chuckle.
"I'm not saying she couldn't master it, eventually, but water isn't her main element and Katara's teaching methods don't suit her so it's an uphill battle. I can't really teach it because… well, having the knowledge of how to use it and knowing how to pass on that knowledge are two different things," I continue. "But you said it yourself, Konoha is currently weak and that's bad for both the village and for me. I'd rather share Waterbending with the village rather than hoard it until it is too late."
"A wise decision," Hiruzen agrees, stroking his beard for a moment. "Healers are always in short supply, as the sheer chakra control needed to properly use medical ninjutsu is very rare. Even just adding Katara and Kya to our medical-division would help going forward, but if they can pass on their talents, it could save many lives going forward, whether war comes to us or not."
"The idea is to get so strong that war can't come to us, right?" I point out.
"Ideally, but reality rarely works out the way we would prefer," Hiruzen replies as he takes a puff of his pipe. "It is the job of a Kage to prepare for the worst, and healers are always in high demand. There is a reason that Tsunade's reputation has lasted for so long, even when she stopped healing over a decade ago."
I won't deny that the idea of dethroning Tsunade as the best healer amuses me deeply. Not that I think Katara or Kya compare to her, but as he said. Tsunade hasn't been healing for years, and reputation isn't just a matter of skill.
"Anyway, Anko is… not exactly the healing type. She laughed when I suggested she try learning to heal with water, then threw a snake at me. So, I figured it was best to have Katara and Kya work on training people who are more appropriate and do lean more towards water," I continue, seeing his amusement. Anko has a way with words. Only there are no words, just snakes. "And like Mai, they can both work with the Medical Corps since I'm still planning to apprentice there when I have time. I figured you'd be the best person to ask about finding appropriate people."
"I certainly can do so," Hiruzen agrees, giving me a proud smile as he strokes his beard. "And in fact, I see an opportunity here. As you no doubt know, your new power will be seen with paranoia by many, including the other clans who fear you stealing their bloodlines. The Sharingan faced much of the same, as few appreciated their hard work being stolen with a glance. While the Uchiha clan do not exist to take offence to your actions, beyond Sasuki, whom I intend to speak with once we have finished choosing the best targets for resurrection, the mere idea of you being able to copy other Clan Jutsu or another bloodline."
"So it's best to get them on our side beforehand?" I continue, getting an approving nod. He doesn't continue, clearly waiting for me to finish the thought. "Meaning the Hyuuga or maybe the Yamanaka clan."
"I was considering both, but primarily the Hyuuga clan. You have already taken one of Konoha's famous dojutsu, and when it comes out, and it will, the Hyuuga Elders are bound to see it as a threat, regardless of your intentions," Hiruzen explains. "The Yamanaka do not have an equivalent of the Clan Elders, and Inoichi is a more reasonable man. The Hyuuga Elders have been… problematic before and the Hyuuga clan have only grown more influential with the destruction of the Uchiha."
"So they might not see the Uchiha returning as particularly positive either, regardless of how it benefits the village?" I ask.
"Quite so. Lord Hiashi is a loyal and reasonable man but the Hyuuga clan has its own politics and the Clan Elders have just as much influence over the Hyuuga as he does," Hiruzen confirms. I get the feeling he wouldn't be saying this if I was any other Genin, but the whispers that he's prepping me to be the next Hokage are in the back of my mind. "I believe both of Lord Hiashi's daughters have Water Release, and Hinata in particular is known for being a gentle girl. Kurenai's reports on her personality and abilities suggest she would be a good fit. If you are agreeable, I will speak with Kurenai and Hiashi"
"That works for me. Kurenai wants me to train with her and her team anyway, so inviting them over to the Senju compound's training grounds works," I agree easily. It feels oddly fitting that my first sensei's student would become the first student of my new… whatever the fuck this is.
"Excellent. Now, I have arranged something of a council to go over the Uchiha and pick out the best ones to be 'challenged', along with locating other corpses of figures worth resurrecting. I believe Anko should have mentioned challenging a T&I prisoner to see the effect of your power on a living person, as well?" Hiruzen asks. I just nod.
"She has, yeah. She mentioned that her boss, Ibiki, was looking for an appropriate prisoner," I reply. "How many people even know about my powers at this point?"
"I have kept it fairly close to my chest, but as I wish to act fast before the information can reach the other villages, I have recruited several to the cause of finding worthy challenges," Hiruzen admits. "But first, we need to learn exactly how your power works when you challenge and defeat a living person, and given the mental and emotional effects it has upon your 'summons', I am hesitant to simply have it used on a loyal ninja. Besides Anko, of course, but even I dare not ask why she was willing to let you challenge her despite the risks."
"I think a large part of it was a certainty that she'd beat me. Which was correct, to be fair," I snort. "On the bright side, if Orochimaru does ever come for me, I'm very desensitised to snakes at this point."
"Which may be deliberate, or she simply enjoys sending snakes after you. Some questions are beyond even me," Hiruzen agrees.
In my head, I think I can hear her saying that it's both. It's a useful skill to have, being used to avoiding giant summons snakes. But she definitely enjoys it, and doesn't even try to hide it. She had one hide near my bath and jump on me while I was bathing, claiming that it was to teach me to 'not let my guard down'. She also stabbed me while we were fucking, again to teach me not to get distracted and ignore threats around me. I still don't know where she hid the kunai.
She's a good teacher but Ty Lee finds it far too funny to watch me check under the bed for snakes before I'm willing to take my clothes off. I've started having Mikoto stand guard anytime I'm naked.
"For now, I'd like you to avoid challenging any living person until we choose your target," Hiruzen continues, which I agree with easily enough. It's not like I'm running out of challenges. I've got one of the four bending elements, and even then, there are different styles for each element. "And there is one final matter. Danzo brought up a valid question. While Mikoto appears alive, for all intents and purposes, it is still up for debate whether she could… reproduce. And as the plan is to return the Uchiha clan to life, it leads to the question of whether they would return for a single generation or if they could expand beyond your summoning powers."
It's a legitimate concern, to be honest. Sure, Tsunade claims that Mikoto appeared as a regular, living woman beyond the weirdness about her cell age but we are in uncharted territory here.
"As such, I would like you to attempt to… confirm this matter. I am aware that you are already, hmm, active with your summons. If you are unwilling to become a father at your age, I can find someone else to handle this test," Hiruzen offers.
"No, I'll do it. Mikoto is mine, I'm not going to order her to bang some random dude to see if she can get pregnant," I say, frowning before shaking my head. "As it happens, Katara is already a mother of three so it's not like I don't have access to experienced help. Plus, the Senju clan is in as dire a state as the Uchiha. It's a win-win."
"Indeed. I understand that such a test will take time to produce results, but I simply would ask that you keep it in mind," Hiruzen replies. "Now, unless there is anything else, I believe that will be all for today. I'm pleased that you came to me for assistance in finding a proper student for your new Waterbenders. As always, my office is open if you require any aid."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," I say with a respectful nod. Again, no other Genin has an open invitation to the Hokage's office, and I doubt my frequent appearances in his office have gone unnoticed by the gossips of the village.
Saying my goodbyes, I head out and notice the stares from the various people here for missions or other business. I showed up and got a meeting immediately, even delaying one of his actual appointments. That, plus the rapidly increased activity at the Senju compound, definitely has the village talking. I've been having Ty Lee or her sisters do my shopping so I don't have to deal with the gossiping civilians myself, and I can focus on my training (or sex, if I'm being honest).
Hinata, huh? I vaguely know her, and I know nothing about her little sister. But hey, at least it's not fucking Neji. Wait, doesn't Neji have some grudge against his cousin? Oh yeah, Hinata is the perfect student for Katara. Maybe it's unfair, but hey, I'm sure Neji would say it's just his fate to live in Hinata's shadow.
It's his fate to suck my fat balls. Smug prick. Wait, he'll be at the same Chunin exams as me, right? Oh, his ass is getting bloodbended instantly. I'm keeping that in my pocket until I get a chance to use it on him. And maybe Lee. not because I don't like Lee, but because he scares me. He became a true monster after being taken under Guy's tutorage and I don't think I could take him on without both my Sharingan and Bloodbending.
Entering the compound, I pause at the sight of an unwelcome face. Ugh, I know she technically lives here but the way Tsunade is lurking at the entrance tells me that she's just waiting to jump me with her latest demand.
Leaning against the wall by the main door, she's got her arms crossed and a scowl on her face as she locks eyes with me. There goes my plan of pretending I didn't see her. Maybe I could Mole my way out of this- nah, she's the type to pull me out of the ground.
"Tsunade," I greet, my tone making it clear just how happy I am to see her. I don't even see her babysitter here to keep the peace. I'd kill for Shizune, because she's the only one this pigheaded drunk deadbeat listens to.
"What do you want?" Tsunade responds, her tone equally clipped.
"For you to go away again, preferably. And my money back," I reply. "But I'm guessing you don't just mean in general?"
"For you to bring back Nawaki and Dan, you-" Tsunade replies, visibly restraining herself. "What. Do. You. Want?"
"You realise that I probably can't beat Dan, as I am now?" I point out. Shizune claims Dan was a potential Hokage candidate and he was supposed to be pretty dangerous all things considered. Beating Mikoto was one thing, but I'm not strong enough to take him on at the moment.
"But you will be, with how annoyingly fast you're growing," Tsunade points out. Shit, she's got me there. "And Nawaki was just a genin when he died. You can beat him. So, what do you want? And don't say your money back, I already said I'd pay you back. In my defence, I didn't realise you were paying your mission payments into the main account. I figured it was just savings since all the other personal Senju accounts had been closed and the money moved into the main account."
"I never saw a reason to have a personal account until you pilfered it," I admit with a shrug. Now, I have my own bank account, and the main clan account just has some minor savings in it. "And do you even have a plan to make the money back? Didn't you spend most of your money at the bar last night? And Shizune said something about debt collectors tracking you down now that you're staying in one place."
"I said I'm working on it," Tsunade counters, her ears turning red. She noticeably doesn't deny my comments. It's no wonder she's always on the move if she has debt collectors breathing down her neck already.
"You should make her work it off," Ty Woo says, making us both jump before we freeze. How the fuck did an acrobat catch two ninjas by surprise? I can always tell when it's Woo because she's the biggest bitch of the sisters. Not toward me, but just in general.
"Who asked you?" Tsunade asks, annoyed as Ty Woo gives her a smug look.
"Who asked you to come back to Konoha and waste Lord Kyo's time? Why is someone like you the clan head?" Ty Woo continues, unbothered by Tsunade's glare and the fact that the angry, possibly drunk blonde could snap her like a twig. "But at least you have those fat cow tits. Go shake them in some bar to make some money and stop being a deadweight-"
"Okay, that's-" Tsunade growls, stepping toward her as she cracks her knuckles, before I move between them. Could I stop Tsunade? Fuck no, she'd break me, but she needs me too much to attack me to get to Ty Woo.
…I hope.
"Stop hiding behind him, you bitch," Tsunade demands, trying to get around me. "Ugh!"
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune, my angel, says, her tone scolding as Tsunade freezes. "We talked about this!"
"I- she started it!" Tsunade replies, before realising how childish she sounds. "This isn't over, Kyo."
Before I can respond, she storms off again, leaving Ty Woo's head in place. I was convinced we were going to find out if summons can be resummoned after dying. Shizune gives us an apologetic bow before she chases after her master, and I give Woo a half-hearted scolding look.
"Did I cause trouble, Master? Maybe you should keep my mouth busy, so I can't do it again?" Ty Woo replies with an apologetic smile that is about as genuine as my attempt to scold her for antagonising Tsunade in the first place.
"Hold that thought," Anko demands, storming toward us. I won't deny, I flinch more at her approach than I did at Tsunade's, which seems to amuse her greatly. She doesn't… look angry?
"What? Ugh, you've had your turn-" Ty Woo starts, going silent at Anko's look before she lets out a squeak and finds somewhere else to be. I swear she volunteered to work on the gardens so she could insult visitors. I shouldn't find it as funny as I do, but I see no reason to stop her.
"Is there something I can help you with, Anko-sensei?" I ask respectfully, unsure what has her looking so intense.
"Bedroom. Clothes off. Now," Anko demands, grabbing my top.
Ah, such a demanding sensei I have.
– Anko Mitarashi –
Lying with her naked body draped over Kyo's, she smirked at his tired panting. What a demanding sensei she was. It amused her that she tired him out more than half a dozen Ty's, but she liked things rather intense, whereas the Ty Sisters basically worshipped him.
"So, uhh, what brought that on?" Kyo asked, silenced by her rough kiss. "And that. Did Kurenai put you under a Genjutsu to make you be nicer? There wasn't even a single surprise kunai this time."
"I still have my snakes," Anko reminded him, circling his finger across his chest. "Your healers are… amazing. I'm almost sorry for implying you only got Kya for a mother-daughter threesome."
"I mean, I kinda did," Kyo admitted, making her snort. "I didn't exactly rush to summon her sons, did I? Wait, were you sick?"
Anko paused at that, sitting up with a serious look on her face.
"You noticed my… tattoo, before? The one that is missing now. or were you too busy staring at my tits to notice it was gone," Anko asked, touching her bare neck.
"...in my defence, they are really nice tits," Kyo defended. "But yeah, I did notice the seal on your neck. I do have Uzumaki blood, even if I'm just a talented amateur when it comes to Fuinjutsu."
"Fuck yeah, they are. And that wasn't Fuinjutsu. It was Juinjutsu, a Cursed Seal. A gift from my asshole sadist of a former master," Anko admitted. "Katara recognised that my 'chi' was infected and suggested using Spirit Water to remove it. I didn't think it would work, but- it's gone. For the first time since I was as young and stupid as you, it's fucking gone."
"How pissed is the snake gonna be?" Kyo asked, getting a genuine laugh from her.
"At his masterpiece being stripped away? At someone having a cure for his fucking cursed seals? Oh, he's going to be fucking homicidal. If he wasn't already going to try and get his slimy hands on your body, I'd say to be concerned but now you're both a chance for him to advance his obsession and a slap to his face," Anko admitted with a snort, picturing his rage at someone removing his masterpiece. Fuck, she was getting horny again. "I keep an ear out, and I've heard rumours of him continuing his Cursed Mark research, and finding out that someone has a counter for it? Oh, he's gonna go mental. He's a perfectionist, and so proud of his work. Nothing is more insulting than someone being able to undo his work."
"I'd better get on that whole army of Uchiha bodyguards, huh?" Kyo asked.
"Yeah. I need to talk to the old man about it because you just got promoted from a tool the cunt wanted to a threat to his plans. Honestly, might have to get the fat-titted drunk to take credit for it because I'm sure he felt it. That 'chi' was his chakra, still lurking inside me after all this time. It was connected to him, and as much as I hate him, you should never underestimate that bastard," Anko explained. "But right now, mama is happy. And by happy, I mean horny. Get back to work."
"Yes, Anko-Sensei!" Kyo saluted, a faux-serious look on his face.
"Good boy," Anko purred, rolling them over so he was on top.
– Sasuki Uchiha –
"I-is this some kind of joke?" Sasuki asked, giving the Hokage a suspicious look. She hadn't known what to think when she was asked to come for a meeting, but it was a break from the endless D-rank missions, so she didn't overly mind missing a day of 'training'. Naruko and Sakura could spend their time chasing that stupid fucking cat.
"I can assure you, it is not," the Hokage responded calmly. "As I said, this is a currently classified development but Kyo has developed a new bloodline ability and has the ability to return people back to life, with some conditions."
"And he brought back my mother?" Sasuki asked, trying hard to keep the hope out of her voice. The Hokage wouldn't invite her up to his office to claim this as a prank, but she just couldn't quite believe it.
"He did, and I have tasked him with restoring the Uchiha clan back to life, but you are effectively the head of the clan at the moment, and as such, I had much to discuss with you regarding your clan's return," the Hokage continued serenely, as if he were talking about the weather. "An… aspect of his power brings those he targets back under his control, with an unshakable loyalty to him as well as an inability to defy his orders."
Sasuki almost shouted in anger at the idea of her mother being effectively a slave before she stopped herself. It… made sense. Almost every bloodline power was used for combat, and just returning people from the dead would seem unbelievable. Returning people as his obedient weapons sounded far more realistic.
"But she's still- well, her? It's still my mother, not some mindless zombie?" Sasuki asked, once again hating how desperate she sounded.
"It is indeed. I have had the Yamanaka clan check her memories, and a renowned medic-nin check her body. Mikoto Uchiha is alive once again, but this does leave us with the current situation. There are laws and rules that would prevent Kyo from restoring the entire Uchiha simply because they'd be under his control, and that is what I wished to discuss with you," the Hokage continued. "My suggestion is simple. I would like you to swear vassalage to the Senju clan, to make the Uchiha clan a vassal clan of the Senju Clan, under Kyo."
Sasuki once more almost shouted in anger, before she calmed herself. If this Kyo was going to be bringing back the rest of her clan anyway, they'd already be under his control. She would just be… legalising matters. Sure, the only person who would be truly affected would be her but was her pride worth leaving her entire clan dead? Of course not. This was a chance to undo the crimes her brother committed.
"Can I- can I see her?" Sasuki asked, watching as the Hokage gave her a gentle smile.
"Of course. She is in the tower as we speak, eager to see you. There is no rush, as any delays simply mean that I'll have Kyo focus his new skills on deceased non-clan ninja first," Hiruzen said, rising. "Come along."
Following behind, she froze as they entered a different room on the same floor. A waiting room, maybe, where a single woman was sitting patiently. As the door opened, her composure faded and the woman shot up, head snapping to the Hokage and then to Sasuki who was half-hidden behind him.
"I'm sure introductions are unnecessary. I shall leave you to your reunion," Hiruzen said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Staring at the all-too-familiar face, Sasuki broke. She'd told herself that she was above such things, having spent her life training to slay her brother, but with a single look, her mother reduced Sasuki to the same crying baby she'd been after the massacre.
She lost track of how long she spoke, cried, hugged and grieved with her mother, but as she confirmed to herself that this was her mother, a thought occurred that hit her like a bucket of icy water. What happened to the people Kyo brought back if he died? It was his technique that brought them back, so what happened if someone, for instance… Itachi killed him?
As the prospect of her clan returning approached, the thought of losing them all over again struck her all too hard. Itachi was bound to return if he heard of his crimes being undone, and this wasn't something that could be hidden. But he wouldn't go for the same people he'd already killed; he'd go for the one who undid his work. And if Kyo died, nobody knew what would happen to the people brought back by his bloodline ability.
If Kyo died, Sasuki would lose everything.
Again.