/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
The morning comes far too early, dragged in by a heavy, insistent pounding at my hatch. I groan, rolling over, every muscle protesting as I crack one eye open. For a split second, I dream I'm back on the Aurora, and it's just someone needing a circuit reset at 6 am. But then I remember—village, metal hut, gravity that doesn't quite feel right.
Another round of pounding. I sigh, push myself up, and peer through the round glass window set in the hatch.
Outside stands a kid—maybe twelve, definitely not a morning person. He's got dark, spiky hair, a sleeveless navy turtleneck, and a Konoha headband pulled low. His face is pure scowl.
He spots me watching and crosses his arms, clearly not going anywhere. With another sigh, I run a hand through my hair, and open the hatch. It slides closed behind me with a quiet hiss, locking us both outside.
The kid shoves a basket into my hands—a surprisingly heavy one, full of fruit.
I blink. "Uh… thanks?"
He just grunts. "Who are you?"
"I'm Ryley." I offer him a tired smile. "Who are you?"
He gives me a long, appraising look before answering. "Sasuke."
I nod, looking him over. He doesn't move, just stares with that intense, unblinking gaze. After a moment, I ask, "So… is there a reason you're here, Sasuke?"
He shrugs. "We're neighbors."
"Oh, that's… nice?" I glance down at the fruit, picking out apples, bananas, and a few things I can't name—one looks like an orange almond, but larger and squishy, another like a green, round melon. "Did your parents send you over to say hi?"
He bristles, jaw tight. "No."
"Right... Well, thanks for the fruit."
For a second, we just stand there, the awkward silence stretching. He doesn't leave. I look down at the apples, and then an idea clicks. Maybe I can make a better impression—maybe even get him to smile.
I set the basket down, walk over to my supply pile, and grab a couple pieces of titanium. Pulling out the habitat builder, I start shaping the metal into a small exterior growbed right there in the dirt. The device hums, blue light flickering as nanites spin and weave the structure together from nothing.
Sasuke jumps a little, staring with wide eyes as the growbed forms in seconds. "How did you do that?"
I give him my best jazz hands. "Magic."
He stares at me, unimpressed, jaw tight. His eyes flick from the growbed to my face, then narrow. "If you're not going to tell me the truth, don't bother answering at all."
Before I can say anything else, he turns on his heel and stalks off, hands shoved in his pockets, looking even grumpier than when he arrived. He doesn't look back.
I stand there for a second, scratching my head. "Tough crowd," I mutter, but at least I have apples now. Probably should've made something that doesn't take up an entire growbed, but whatever. Maybe I'll try grafting or something.
I drag myself back inside, setting the fruit basket down. I throw together a couple of wall lockers with the habitat builder—stashing the extra fruit, some spare batteries, and what little metal I have left. As I watch the titanium tick down, I start to get nervous. If I use much more, I won't have enough left to put together a Seamoth when I finally have to hit the sea again. Which, considering Anko's knack for 'sticking' to me whenever she wants something, could be sooner rather than later.
God, do I love when she sticks.
I wonder how long ninja missions usually take. Do they turn things in next day? Or do they stretch it out? I don't even know where they're actually going to get these minerals. Are they just digging up rocks in the forest? Scaling cliffs?
I realize I've been standing there staring at the lockers for five minutes, not really doing anything. So, I lock up, snug my helmet, and make my way to the village. No sense in waiting—may as well check in at the mission office myself.
Besides, it'll give me an excuse to stretch my legs. And if I'm lucky, I won't run into any more moody preteens before breakfast.
The streets are busy in the morning sun—civilians out shopping, a few ninja in green jackets, even some kids chasing a dog. I keep my helmet on, visor down, watching the world through a layer of blue text and soft light.
I'm a block from the mission office when someone steps out of the shade by a flower cart, perfectly poised.
Spoiler: Haname
She's tall—older than most of the women I've seen in the village, maybe around my age, 25. Black hair flows loose around her shoulders, and a white camellia nestles behind one ear. Her lips are painted almost as dark as her hair, and her eyes are those Hyūga pale silvers, but warmer somehow.
She steps closer, hands folded in front of her, a picture of grace. "Good morning," she says—soft, gentle, but there's something teasing in her tone. "You must be the new arrival everyone's whispering about."
Her voice is low and smooth, she laughs, eyes crinkling. I blink, glancing around, then back at her, suddenly feeling underdressed in my battered suit. "Uh, yeah, I guess that's me. I'm Ryley Robinson." I raise a hand awkwardly in greeting.
She tilts her head, regarding me like I'm a curiosity on display. "Well, Ryley, I'm Haname Hyūga. Just an old flower waiting to be picked, I suppose." She laughs again, softer this time. "Are you just visiting, or planning to make Konoha your home?" she asks, lips curved in that soft, knowing smile.
I shift my weight, not quite sure how to stand under that gaze. "Actually, I just moved in. Got a place in the Uchiha district now." I try to sound casual, but she's got the kind of presence that makes you feel like you should just agree to everything she says.
Haname's expression grows quietly pleased. She leans in, voice dropping to a gentle purr. "Oh? So rare these days, young men making a new start. Most my age are either busy with their spouses or, well… lost to the life of a ninja." She lets the words linger. "It would be a treat to spend time with another 'old soul' like myself. If you don't mind sharing a meal with someone so—" she lowers her eyes demurely "—well, so unexciting."
I can't help but protest awkwardly. "Hey, you're hardly old. Honestly, you look younger than me."
Haname lets out a soft, melodious laugh, eyes shining. "My, my, what a sweetheart you are. I could just eat you up." She says, her tone smooth and soft. "But really, with all the young men off on missions, it does get a little lonely for those of us left behind. If you'd like, perhaps you could join me for a meal at my home? It's not far, and I'd love the company." Her hand brushes a strand of hair behind her ear, movement so practiced and elegant I almost miss how intently she's watching me.
She's pretty, soft in a way that feels rare here. I'm about to accept—Because why not?—when the air shifts behind me, and a presence slides in at my side.
Anko.
She slinks up, coat swirling, eyeing Haname. "Oh, Haname. Didn't expect to see you out and about. Shouldn't you be knitting on a porch somewhere? Can you handle looking for another project?" The tone is friendly enough, but there's an edge to her words—almost a dare.
Haname doesn't flinch, folding her hands and giving Anko a smile that's all silk and steel. "Not at all, dear. I just enjoy meeting new faces." Her gaze flicks to me, soft but certain. "Some of us are searching for something lasting, not a… client."
Anko's grin sharpens. "Oh, is that what you call it these days? I heard you were collecting cats, not men."
Cats? I love cats. Now I really have to visit her house.
Haname's eyes flash for a split second—shockingly cold—and for the first time I see a trace of real steel beneath the soft exterior. "Better to keep cats than play with mice, Anko. You might want to remember that before you stick your nose in clan affairs."
Anko doesn't even blink. "Careful, Haname. Konoha doesn't look kindly on meddling that disrupts its… investments. Even old friends should tread lightly."
The air between them practically crackles. I take a careful half-step back, glancing between the two, suddenly feeling like a kid caught between rival aunts at a family dinner.
Anko recovers first, looping her arm through mine with a possessive little squeeze. "So, what are you doing in town, handsome?"
I blink, a little dazed at the sudden spotlight. "Uh… I was just headed to the mission office. Didn't really get a time frame for the mineral delivery, so I wanted to ask. See how long these missions usually take."
She grins, giving Haname one last, pointed look before steering me away. "Let's go, then. I'll show you the ropes. Besides—" she glances back over her shoulder "—wouldn't want you getting eaten alive on your second day in town."
As we walk off, I risk a glance back. Haname is still there, flower in her hair, lips pressed in a tight line—gaze following me all the way down the street.
Theres a tug on my arm, and I look forward.
Anko wastes no time making it clear who has my attention—her arm wraps tighter around mine, her hip pressing in a little closer than before. Every few steps she leans in, her laugh a little louder, her touch lingering just a little longer than strictly necessary. She doesn't look back, but I can feel her radiating smugness all the way to the mission office.
The doors slide open and she ushers me inside, fingers still tangled in my sleeve. I let her steer, just glad for the company—even if I feel a little like the last pastry at the market stall.
Inside, the mission desk is busy, but the man behind the counter—nervous, with a ponytail and a scar across his nose—spots me right away. He shuffles some papers, looking anxious, then gives me a shaky smile.
"Oh, hello! Uh—Ryley, right?" He glances at Anko, then back at me. "You're here about your mineral request?"
I nod, still a little groggy. "Yeah, just wanted to check on the status. Didn't get a time estimate."
He laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right, about that… Team Guy got a little, uh… overenthusiastic. They brought back double what you asked for. So, um—one hundred kilograms instead of fifty. Would you like to buy the extra? Half price, if that's alright? Please?"
He looks desperate, like he's hoping I'll solve his entire day.
I blink, surprised, then smile. "Sure, I'll take it—if they can deliver it to my place."
He almost sags with relief. "Absolutely, no problem. Thank you, thank you. I really didn't know what we were going to do with all that rock. No one here really… wants it." He scribbles something down, then glances up. "Fifteen thousand ryo for the extra batch?"
"Deal," I say, already calculating all the extra titanium I'll have.
A pair of shinobi in flak jackets emerge from a side room, wrestling a battered old cart. One unseals a scroll, and with a puff of chakra, two huge sacks of mineral-rich ore appear, nearly tipping the cart over.
"Warning: Sealing scroll design matches unknown artifact previously recovered from site: Aurora impact by 97%. Probability of shared function: high."
I blink. Well, only one way to find out. "Huh. That looks just like the scroll I found off that guy…"
Anko's ears prick up, and she tilts her head, giving me a sidelong look. "What guy?"
I hesitate, suddenly feeling awkward. I glance away, rubbing the back of my helmet. "Uh. When my ship crashed… someone found it. And then I found him. He was already dead. I... took a few things." I try to keep it vague, my voice trailing off as I start walking again, leading the delivery crew.
Anko falls in step, pressing even closer, her hand slipping down my back in a way that makes it clear she's not letting this go. "A few things, huh?" Her voice is soft, but there's an edge under it. "Was he the only one there? Did you see how he died?"
I swallow, thinking back. "Yeah. He was wearing this weird black cloak—had red clouds on it. Looked important. He was… just lying at the edge of the wreck. My ship, when it crashed… it was carrying a kind of poison."
She stops walking for a second, gaze sharpening. "Red Clouds...? Wait, why would you be carrying poison?"
I shrug, trying to play it off. "Well, it's not just poison. It's a really powerful fuel if you can keep it contained. But when the ship broke apart, some of it leaked. If you don't have the right suit, you can get hurt just by being close. Or die, if you get too much of it."
Her expression is unreadable, but her grip tightens. "Go on."
I look away, remembering the body. "So, uh… this guy with the clouds on his robe wandered in and must have gotten too close. I found him laid out at the entrance. He had these stitched scars all over him. Kinda freaked me out, honestly."
Anko stops again, stepping in front of me. Her voice is quiet, but there's real steel now. "Did he have… five hearts?"
The words hit me sideways. I almost say yes, remembering the scans. I catch myself just in time. "I didn't check," I lie. "Don't usually do a biopsy on any dead guys I find."
She narrows her eyes. "Do you have any proof?"
I hesitate, then nod, pulling the unfamiliar scroll from my inventory. "I, uh… have his scroll. I don't know how to open it. Just looked valuable, you know?"
Anko stares at the scroll, her lips pressed in a tight line. "You need to bring that in. And you need to be careful. Those red cloud guys are bad news. If one died by your ship, you just got luckier than you'll ever know."
She looks at me, long and hard, then softens, running a finger down my arm in a way that's meant to reassure—but I feel the warning underneath.
"Let's get your minerals home, first. Then we'll talk about who else you need to meet, and what you just dropped in my lap."
I nod, suddenly feeling a little colder, and keep walking, the rattle of the cart loud in the quiet street.
They nod to me, all business. "Just point us to your place, and we'll drop it off."
We reach my plot, the two shinobi hauling the sacks behind us. As we pass the growbed, I pause. A tiny green shoot is already poking out of the soil. Anko notices too.
"When did you put that down?"
I glance at my HUD clock. "This morning."
She arches an eyebrow but doesn't press, instead waving the delivery crew forward. The ninja drop the ore beside my hatch, making the metal ring under the weight. I pop the hatch, directing them to pile it just inside. Then I stuff them in the lockers. My storage is getting crowded—I count about twenty-two inventory slots filled with rutile and ilmenite, plus some odds and ends from the extras.
I frown, staring at the stacks. I thought it'd be more. Guess I overestimated how much I'd be getting—or underestimated how much I'd need for all the blueprints I've got queued up.
I'm about to get started on fabricating the Large Room when Anko hooks an arm through mine again, dragging me toward the street.
"We're not done yet, killer. You've got a meeting."
"Where—?"
"Our leader wants to talk about your... extracurricular activities."
She steers me right back toward the mission office, and I contemplate sending out another mission. Then we go up those familiar stairs to the big paper doors I recognize—The Fire Shadow's office, where the old man sits with his pipes and his scrolls and his endless patience.
The moment we step in, Anko's voice shifts, businesslike. "Old man, we've got a situation."
I blink at her, then at him. "Wait, he's your leader?"
The old man just smiles, setting aside his pipe. "That's right. The third Fire Shadow. Hiruzen Sarutobi. Welcome back, Ryley."
'Fire Shadow' translated as 'Hokage.' Adjusting local reference…
Anko quickly relays everything: the scroll, the red clouds, the poison. Sarutobi listens, gaze sharpening as the details spill out. When she's done, he holds out a hand. I offer up the scroll.
He examines the seal, lips pursed. "Interesting. This belonged to a very dangerous man. Immortal, unless all five of his hearts were destroyed. Akatsuki's treasurer, I believe. Enemy of the village."
That last part was just for my benefit, judging by Anko's rapt attention.
Her eyes go wide. "So the poison actually killed him?"
Sarutobi gives a thoughtful hum. "If he lost all five hearts, then yes. Most curious."
He places the scroll on his desk. The seal pops, and suddenly ryo pours out—paper bills and coins in a steady river, growing to a mountain that spills off the edge. And still it keeps coming. Sarutobi's eyebrows go up, amused. "I'd heard he was in charge of their finances, but this seems… excessive."
He clamps the scroll shut, cutting off the flow, and tucks it beneath the desk.
"Of course, as this is evidence in a serious matter, we will be confiscating it."
The fuck you are.
"Hey! That's mine—I found it! I literally risked my neck out there!"
His expression hardens, all grandfatherly warmth gone. "Unfortunately, this is a matter of great importance. That money belongs to some very dangerous people who will stop at nothing to reclaim it. If it were in your possession, you'd have every missing-nin, bounty hunter, and hired blade from here to the end of the continent at your door by morning. I will not allow that risk, not to you or the village. When Kakazu's death is confirmed, you may claim the bounty. Do not reach for what you may not grasp."
He fixes me with a look that brooks no argument, voice deep and absolute. "Consider it a favor, Ryley. I'm sparing you trouble you can't even imagine."
"Bullshit," I say, giving a sharp glare.
Anko gives me a sympathetic look and tugs me out, her grip gentle but firm. "C'mon, man. It's not worth it."
"I'll fuckin' get you for this old man!"
"You are welcome to try."
She's surprisingly strong.
The doors close behind us.
I'm fuming. "It's just money! After what I apparently did for your village, I get nothing?"
She shrugs, steering me down the stairs. "Welcome to Konoha. Sometimes you do the right thing, and all you get is a headache."
For the first time since I landed, I truly miss Alterra's simple greed. At least when they stole from you, they just called it 'fees.'
I head right back to the mission office and slam another request down at the desk. "Mission for one hundred kilograms rutile and ilmenite, sixty thousand ryo reward. Delivery to my home, metal box, Uchiha district." I hand over the deposit, not even waiting for the nervous attendant to finish nodding.
Anko trails after me as I stomp off to the market, her voice gentle, trying to calm me down. "You did the right thing, you know. Most people would've kept the scroll quiet, then wound up dead in a ditch."
I barely hear her. My jaw aches from grinding my teeth. I spot a furniture shop, walk straight in, and pick out the sturdiest-looking bed in the place. Pay, scan it with my multi-tool, then deconstruct it with my habitat builder.
Anko watches, arms folded, eyebrow raised. "What's that device you use to… check things?"
I just grunt, not in the mood.
I could have retired then and there. Do you know how few people retire in Alterra?
She drops it, sensing she's not going to get much more from me. We walk in silence back to my plot, my mood stormy. I can't help it—the sense of being robbed is hard to swallow.
At home, I dig into the rutile and ilmenite, filling the fabricator with ore. I throw together two plasteel ingots—twenty titanium, four lithium. I'm almost out of lithium now. Still, I want that Large Room, want something to show for my trouble. I build it, attach it to my existing base, then snap the bed together right in the center of the new space.
Anko circles the new room, watching me work. She leans against the wall, eyeing the way my frustration plays out in sharp, mechanical movements. Finally, she steps close, gently catching my wrist as I reach for another tool.
"Hey," she murmurs, sliding in close, her eyes soft. "It's not all bad. You're making something here—something real. This village is a good place for people who want to belong. It's not perfect, but… it grows on you."
Her hand slips up to my mask, fingers curling under the edge. I don't resist as she lifts it, just enough for her lips to find mine—slow, coaxing, distracting. Her kiss is soft at first, then hungry, her hands sliding around my neck, her body pressing against mine, like she's determined to melt the anger right out of me.
She pushes me on the bed, breaking the kiss and pressing close, letting her lips brush my jaw. "There's a reason people stay, Ryley. Konoha takes care of its own. You can have a real life here. Friends. Family."
She kisses me again, deeper, pulling me in—her scent, her heat, her words, all wrapping me up. For a moment, I let myself go, hands moving to her waist, hungry for the comfort she offers.
But just as things start to build, she gently pulls away, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Not so fast," she whispers. "I'm not that easy. You want more, you've gotta earn it. Maybe… try playing nice with the village, hmm?" She gives me one last, lingering kiss, lips soft and slow, then pulls back, straightening her jacket.
She flashes a wink. "Later, Ryley. Don't burn the place down before dinner." With a last little squeeze to my hand, she slips out, leaving me alone in the big new room.
I take a deep breath, shaking off the last of the anger, and flop down.
After a moment, I check my PDA. "You've been quiet. Something up?"
"Analysis: Local ninja have shown heightened awareness and rapid response to environmental and audio cues, suggesting sensitivity beyond baseline human range. As a precaution, limited verbal feedback is utilized unless necessary for user safety or technical alerts."
I sigh, scrubbing a hand over my face. "Guess we're both learning to keep quiet, huh?"
I close my eyes, letting the quiet settle over me for a few seconds. Then the PDA flickers again, text scrolling across my HUD in its careful, measured font.
I'm gonna put itching powder in that old man's coffee.
"Withheld notification: limited scan shows chakra levels rising. Recommend immediate self-scan."
That gets my attention. I sit up, dig through my belt, and pull out my scanner. With a practiced motion, I press it to my forearm and trigger the scan. A soft blue light pulses, tracing up and down my veins, and then the data flashes up in front of my eyes.
Chakra flow detected. Current patterns match a secondary, quasi-nervous system. Energetic pathways align with local biome-specific networks.
I watch the readout, pulse picking up a little. I flip through a couple menus. "So… what does that mean?"
"Chakra integration provides measurable benefits: improved reflexes, increased healing rate, enhanced stamina."
That sounds… good, I guess?
"Warning: Should chakra concentration continue to rise, user's physiology will become dependent on its presence. Leaving the planetary environment may result in severe system shock, up to and including multi-organ failure."
I stare at the ceiling, frustration boiling up. I thrash on the bed for a moment, then throw an arm over my eyes. "Fuuuuuck. Is there any way to stop it? Slow it down? Something?"
"Chakra currently shows no significant response to any external stimulus. Local attempts to block or filter have failed. Suggest further study."
I groan, dragging my hands down my face. "Great. So I'm stuck here unless I want to melt into a puddle of—whatever—when I leave."
The PDA is silent for a moment, then adds:
"Recommendation: Monitor chakra levels regularly. Seek local expertise for alternative approaches if escape becomes necessary."
I flop back again, staring up at the ceiling for a while.
Eventually, I feel the need to move.
Even trapped men have to eat. I push myself up, dust off my suit, and decide I may as well go out for groceries before I spiral into a full existential crisis.
Helmet down, shoulders hunched, I grab my shopping bag and head into the village.
The market is busy, voices rising in a dozen accents, smells of fresh bread and pickled vegetables drifting through the morning air. I'm halfway through picking out some bananas, squinting at them, trying to decide which looks ripe, when I suddenly feel a soft tug on my sleeve.
I turn—and there's Hinata, standing almost too close, blinking up at me with those wide, pale eyes. For a second, I wonder how she got so close without me noticing. Then I remember who I'm dealing with.
"Um… hi," she says, quietly. "I s-saw you, and… I thought maybe you'd want help. S-Shopping, I mean."
There's a tiny, hopeful smile on her face. I can see it in the way she keeps close, glancing at my bag, like she's looking for permission to stick by me.
I nod, the heaviness in my chest lightening just a bit. "Yeah, kiddo. I'd appreciate it. I could use the company."
She beams, walking a half-step ahead as we move down the stalls. She starts pointing out different fruits, explaining what's in season, how to check for bruises, which ones are sweeter. I just let her talk, letting the details wash over me. Her voice is soft but sure, and I can see she takes pride in showing me how it's done.
"S-See? If it smells sweet, and the skin is s-shiny but not waxy, t-that's a good one," she instructs, demonstrating with a pear. I let her pick the best of the bunch, and soon my bag is heavy with produce. She keeps sneaking little glances at me.
"A-Are you alright?" she asks quietly, fidgeting with her sleeves. "You seem… upset."
I sigh, forcing a small smile. "Just got a lot of bad news all at once, that's all. But I'll be okay. Thanks for helping, Hinata. You're sweet."
She looks relieved, ducking her head, and I reach out and give her a gentle pat on the head. She freezes, surprised.
Ah, perhaps that was a little weird. Recovery?
I dig through my bag and hand her one of the pears she picked. "Here. You did the hard work—take it."
Her cheeks go pink, and she takes the pear with both hands like it's a treasure. "Thank you…"
I remember something. "Hey, you wanted to go to that cinnamon roll place, right?"
She lights up, eyes wide. "C-could we?"
"Lead the way, kiddo."
She does, moving with a little bounce in her step. I shove the groceries in my inventory as I walk. She guides me through the crowded main street, to a bakery with a painted sign and warm, yeasty air pouring out the door. I buy a tray of cinnamon rolls—still warm, sticky with glaze—and we sit at a tiny table in the window.
Hinata is polite at first, but the second she takes her first bite, her restraint breaks. She devours one roll, then another, the sugar sticking to her fingers and the corner of her mouth. By the time she's reaching for her third, she suddenly notices how quickly the tray is disappearing, and her cheeks turn scarlet.
She ducks her head, hands in her lap. "S-sorry, I… I didn't mean to eat so much. It's just… they're really good…"
I grin at her, shaking my head. "No, Hinata, don't apologize. I'm glad you like them. Honestly, it's good to see you happy." I watch as she hides her face behind a napkin, but there's a smile in her eyes. "Eat as much as you want."
She scrubs her hands and face with the napkin, still blushing. After a moment she glances up. "U-um… c-can I tell you something?" She's fiddling with her sleeves again, but there's a little confidence in her voice now.
"Of course."
"T-There was… a secret extra test today. For me to be a genin. My team's teacher—Kurenai-sensei—she made us all take it after graduation. S-She told us we had to track her down and find her. W-we're supposed to be a tracking team, so… um… with my eyes, and Kiba's nose, and Shino's bugs, we actually found her really fast. So then… she made us try to tag her, too."
She shrugs a little, frustration lingering in her voice. "It felt unfair. S-She's a jonin, and we're just genin, so… we weren't able to catch her, no matter what we tried. W-We failed. But then she passed us anyway." Hinata folds her napkin, biting her lip. "She said it was to teach us how to deal with failure."
My brow furrows as I listen, nodding along. "But she still passed you all, huh?" I tilt my head. "That doesn't really sound like failure to me. Failure's when you don't get a second chance. You're lucky—sometimes you don't get to deal with it at all." My mind flickers back, briefly, to the wrecks of lifepods scattered across alien sand. "Where I'm from, failure usually means you don't come back."
She blinks at me, uncertain, but nods. "I… I guess that makes sense."
Oops, pushing trauma on a child.
I smile at her, softer now. "Anyway, I'm proud of you, kiddo. Really. You did good."
She freezes, eyes wide, the cinnamon roll halfway to her mouth. Her lower lip trembles. She puts the roll down, pressing her napkin to her eyes, trying to stop the tears but failing as they roll over. "S-sorry—I just… I can't—"
"Hey, did I say something wrong?" I reach over the table, suddenly worried, but she shakes her head hard.
"N-No, it's just… no one's ever… t-told me that." Her voice is thick with emotion, and she tries to fight it off, but tears spill down her cheeks.
I stand up, move around the little table, and crouch next to her chair, suddenly awkward and unsure. "Hey—hey, Hinata, it's okay—"
But before I can finish, she lunges forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and burying her face in my shoulder, shaking with quiet sobs. I freeze for a second, then awkwardly hug her back, one hand gently patting her back as she cries.
That's so much snot. I'm glad this suit is waterproof.
I glance around, unsure what to do, but finally just stay there, letting her hold on as long as she needs.
I wonder for a second if every ninja kid is like this, or if I just stumbled onto the one the world dropped too many times. Not that I'd ever say that out loud.
Hinata's sobs finally start to slow, her breath evening out. She lets go and sits back, dabbing at her eyes, trying to compose herself. I awkwardly wipe at the damp spot she left on my suit. She notices and immediately flushes.
"S-sorry, I got your suit all messy…" She tries to laugh, but it's shaky. "I shouldn't cry. Now that I'm a shinobi, I'm supposed to be an adult."
I shake my head, voice gentle. "I don't think that's the best way to handle it."
She looks up, surprised. "W-what do you mean?"
I lean back, finding the right words. "A lot of really smart people from my homeland learned that if you bottle up your feelings—hide your sadness, your anger, even happiness—it just comes out sideways later. People get sick. Stressed. They snap at the wrong person, or stop caring, or… just feel tired all the time. It's not healthy."
She listens, wide-eyed, hanging on every word. "S-so… what should I do instead?"
I smile a little, rubbing the back of my neck. "Well… if someone's mean to you, it's okay to get mad. If they make you sad, you should let them know. You ever hear the saying, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'? Means sometimes you gotta speak up if you want things to change." I hesitate, not sure if I should offer this, but I do anyway. "And if you ever feel like you need to cry again—well, you can always come find me. I promise I'll listen."
Her lips tremble, but this time it's with a small, grateful smile. She nods and takes a shaky breath, pressing her sleeve to her eyes. "T-thank you."
I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Anytime, kiddo. That's what friends are for, right?"
She smiles through her tears, finally steady.
The sun has dipped low by the time we leave the bakery, the streets glowing gold and lanterns flickering to life along the road. I shoulder the grocery bag and fall into step beside Hinata for the walk home. She's quieter now, still a little pink around the eyes, but calmer.
As we make our way through the gentle evening bustle, I notice her glancing up at me, then quickly looking away. At first I worry something's wrong, but after a minute I realize—she's looking at my hand. She keeps sneaking little peeks, lips pressed together like she's wrestling with a secret.
I hide my smile, slowing just a bit. After a moment, I offer my hand out, palm up. "You know, kiddo, if you want to—"
"N-no!" she blurts, flustered, her cheeks going red. "I-I couldn't… I wouldn't even dare to dream of… I mean—" She cuts herself off, staring determinedly at her shoes.
I feign a wounded look, giving my best dramatic sigh. "Well, that's fine. I understand. I'm just an old man that noooobody loves…" I let my voice trail into a silly groan, shaking my head.
She giggles, her hand flying up to her mouth. "Y-you're silly!" she says, that shy smile peeking through again. She glances at my hand, then back at my face, and finally, very softly, "I… I will, if it's not too much trouble."
Her hand slips into mine—small, a little cold, but holding on tight. We walk the rest of the way like that, and I can feel her relax beside me, head held a little higher than before.
When we reach the grand gate to the Hyūga district, I pause and give her a gentle squeeze. "Alright, Hinata. Home safe. I'll see you around, yeah?"
She nods, then whispers, "Y-yeah. Sooner than you'd think." Her voice is soft and sweet, but there's a quiet promise in her tone.
I just chuckle. "Goodnight, kiddo."
She smiles and waves as I leave, her eyes oddly focused.
I head home, the weight of the day finally catching up as I settle onto my new bed. The room feels bigger, quieter. I drift off to sleep.
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS /
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
I wake up the next morning to pale sunlight spilling through the base window. I stretch out, joints popping, and roll out of bed, tugging on my suit. My hair's a mess, but whatever—nobody ever sees it.
Stepping outside, I dig out my toothbrush and scrub away, using spit and determination since there's still no running water. I spit out behind a bush. The PDA blinks a quiet message onto my HUD:
"Recommendation: Once sufficient titanium is available, constructing a basic water extraction and piping system to the water table is advised. Projected benefit: Improved hygiene and facility utility."
"Yeah, yeah," I mutter, rinsing my mouth with a splash from my canteen. "Let me get through today first."
Breakfast is simple—bread, peanut butter, and a sliced apple from the fruit basket. I eat standing up, staring at the walls, and realize I'm already restless. I can't sit around all day waiting for rocks to show up. I need something to do.
So, into town I go.
I've been meaning to try scanning someone. The PDA's never managed a full read on these chakra-soaked humans, and frankly, I'm curious. Maybe today's the day.
I'm just getting up the nerve to stop a random passerby when Anko falls in at my side like she's been waiting all morning. "Well, good morning, sunshine! Sleep okay? Or did you miss me too much?"
I shoot her a half-smile, considering asking if she wants to volunteer for a scan, when someone barrels into me from behind. Hard. I go down like a sack of potatoes.
I blink, shaking my head. When I look up, there's a small Hyūga woman maybe in her early twenties, spiky hair, sharp little nose, kind of a set to her jaw. She stands over me, hands on her hips.
Spoiler: HAAH?
"HAAAH? Watch where you're walking, you old fuck!" Her voice is loud for her size, pure attitude. "Who the hell just stops in the middle of the road like that?"
I start to get up, dusting off my suit and trying not to react as she keeps ranting. "You blind or just slow? HAAAH? People gotta move in this village!" She plants her feet, glaring up at me—she's petite, but she carries herself like she expects the world to step aside.
I shake my head. "I'm pretty sure it was you who ran into me."
She leans in, ready to keep chewing me out. Her eyes widen, bulging for a split second—her gaze flickers lower and she freezes. I catch the look, but have no idea what's going through her head. Her mouth works silently, eyes flickering between shock, disbelief, and what I can only call a life crisis.
Spoiler: Oh my god.
She goes stiff, stands up straighter, and in a voice that's oddly formal, says, "U-um, s-sorry, sir. That was entirely my fault. I—I, oh god, I apologize for my behavior, please forgive me."
Now she's twirling a strand of hair around her finger, eyes darting everywhere but at me. "I… um, my name is… Suzu Hyūga. I, uh, I don't usually—this is just, you know, busy morning and—"
She keeps interrupting herself, glancing down, looking like she's about to combust. "Um, if you ever—uh, that is, I… I can't really cook but I'm good at cleaning! I-I can learn to cook! If, uh, someone wanted me to. My ma'—my mother's been telling me to practice more anyway…"
I stand there, trying to figure out what's happening, when Anko steps forward, eyes flashing. "Oi! What do you think you're doing, Suzu?"
Suzu snaps right back, the attitude flaring again. "Nobody asked you, grandma! I ain't talkin' to you!" She immediately flips back to sweet, smiling up at me with big, hopeful eyes. "I mean, um, if you ever need someone to—help out around the house, I live just down the street, so…"
Anko looks shocked. "GRANDMA!? I'm barely—I WILL PUT YOU THROUGH THAT FUCKIN' WALL!"
Oh shit.
Suzu pales, but gives Anko a defiant look, sticking out her tongue before grabbing my hand with both of hers— locking eyes with me just for a second—and then bolts, vanishing around the corner.
Anko shakes her head, muttering darkly. "Hyūga girls. All attitude until you raise your voice. You okay, Ryley? Or did she steal your wallet?"
I slap my hands over my pockets, heart jumping. "My wallet—" I start to panic, patting myself down, before I remember. Right. Genetically locked inventory. "No, I've got everything." I tap my hip, letting out a little sigh of relief.
Anko eyes me, one brow raised. Then she smirks. "Still, what is up with you and Hyūga women? Haname, now Suzu—give it a week, and the whole clan'll be waiting for you when you leave the house."
I groan. "I don't know, honestly. Haname was nice, really polite. But Suzu… she was just… I don't even know how to describe it. That was something else."
Anko lets out a hum, glancing sidelong at me, tone unbelieving. "Yeahhh," she drawls, "Just a coincidence...?"
I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off, grabbing my arm and looping it through hers. "Never mind! C'mon—I'm taking you to my favorite place in town." She flashes me a grin, all sharp teeth and playful threat. "You're paying. Obviously."
I sigh, resigned, but play along. "Of course I am."
She drags me through the streets, navigating alleys and winding corners until we reach a cozy little dango shop: Dango-ya. Paper lanterns sway in the breeze, and the sweet, sticky smell of dango fills the air. Anko all but throws herself onto a bench, waving the server over with a big, demanding smile.
She orders a ridiculous amount of dango—different flavors, different glazes. I take two sticks from the pile, but she's already digging in, humming happily as she chews.
She leans forward, mouth still full, eyes glinting. "So, Mr. Big Spender... what's the most fun you've had since coming to Konoha?" Her tone is bright and teasing, but her gaze is searching, measuring—like she's trying to draw out whatever's left of last night's storm.
I think about it for a second, glancing at the dango. "Honestly? Probably just eating cinnamon rolls with Hinata. She gets so happy over the little things. Makes it easy to forget all the stuff I should be worrying about. Though that in itself is a bad habit of mine."
Anko frowns for a moment, but just as quickly, she smirks. "So, you're a sweets guy, huh?" She nudges my foot under the table, slyly. "Means we can come here more often."
I roll my eyes. "With me paying, right?"
She grins, unashamed. "Of course." She pops another dango into her mouth, still watching me.
She keeps up the banter, bumping her foot against mine beneath the table, letting her hand linger on my wrist a second too long as she suggests we check out the local festival stalls next week—"Just the two of us, right? I hear there's a contest for who can eat the most mochi—think you could beat me?"—but her attention starts to wander. Her eyes drift past my shoulder, her posture stiffening.
I notice her glance sharpen. "Speaking of Hinata…" she murmurs, voice dropping. "She looks a little… out of it."
I blink, turning to follow her gaze. At first, I don't see anything unusual—then, just for a split second, I catch a glimpse of Hinata in the far corner. She's sitting all alone, hunched over the table, teeth pulling on the corner of a napkin, her hands tugging it so hard it looks like it's about to rip.
Spoiler: Angry Baby
But as soon as I process the sight, there's a blur, and she's back to her usual, shy posture, napkin gone, hands folded neatly in her lap. Her face is blank, polite, and if I hadn't just seen her, I'd think I imagined it. I shake my head, a little thrown.
Was that? No... she's too sweet for that. Probably just having a bad day.
Still, I wave her over. "Hinata! Over here!"
Anko's smile falters, her eyes narrowing. She leans close, muttering, "You sure you want to invite her? She's not even old enough to buy lunch."
But I ignore her, waving again until Hinata shuffles over. "Don't you have to work with your team today?" I ask, curious.
Anko jumps in, sharper. "Yeah, Hinata, don't you have somewhere to be?"
Hinata flinches at Anko's tone. I shoot Anko a scolding look. "Hey. Don't be mean. She's not bothering anyone."
Anko scowls, sitting back and stabbing her dango with a little too much force.
Hinata straightens, still shy but determined. "O-our team met early this morning. We already finished our team training and D-rank mission for today… Kurenai-sensei said we have to take it slow. We're supposed to do personal training and rest up before we get more assignments." She looks at me, cheeks flushed. "It's nice to have a little break."
I nod. "Sounds smart."
I slide a stick of dango her way, and she accepts it with both hands, eyes brightening. She shoots a tiny, smug look at Anko before taking a big bite, her cheeks puffed out with sweet, sticky rice.
Anko groans under her breath, glaring at her plate, but I can't help but smile. The tension melts just a little.
We finish eating, the mood shifting a little as the dango dwindles. Anko stabs her last skewer a bit too hard, clearly frustrated that she can't keep up the "date" vibe with Hinata sitting between us, her cheeks puffed up with dango and swinging her feet under the table.
When the plates are empty and the last of the tea is gone, I lean back in my seat and stretch. "Well, that hit the spot. But I've got a little research I need to do back at my place. Anko, I could actually use your help for it—if you're not busy?"
Anko pauses, looking at me sharply. For a second, she looks like she might snap at me, but then her lips curl into a slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, I'm never too busy for research, Ryley." There's an edge to her tone—something half teasing, half suspicious.
Hinata perks up instantly. "C-can I come too?" she asks, hopeful, already scooting off her chair before I can answer.
I laugh, softening. "Sure, kiddo. Come on. The more the merrier."
The three of us head out into the afternoon sun, Anko striding a little ahead, Hinata sticking close by my side. It's not far to my plot, and as we round the corner, the nearly-grown apple tree in the growbed comes into view—its leafy crown already stretching past my window.
Hinata stops short. "Wow… Is this your house?" she asks, eyes big as dinner plates. She moves closer, studying the metal walls and the way the tree already throws dappled shade across the hatch.
"Yeah, this is it for now," I say, a little sheepish. "I'll probably upgrade it more once I've got the materials. But for now, it's home."
Anko eyes the tree, then the metal structure, arms folded. "Okay, but what's up with that tree? You just put that in yesterday. Trees don't grow like that."
I shrug. "My people are pretty good at getting things to grow. Trade secret."
Anko narrows her eyes. "So, is this some kind of bloodline technique too? If you're going to be sprouting orchards, we ought to know."
I consider how the permissions on my habitat builder work—technically, only people whose genetic information is in the Alterra system (and their offspring) can use it. Useful for colony ships and useful against space pirates. "I guess you could call it that. Only people in my, uh, 'family' can do it."
Hinata beams, stepping closer to the trunk and brushing her fingers over a leaf. "That's amazing… Most clans only have techniques for fighting. It's nice that yours can make something peaceful," she says, voice gentle.
I smile, looking down at her. "Yeah, but it still costs me a bunch of minerals—ilmenite and rutile, mainly. I can't do much more until I get another shipment."
Well, really it's culturing the mold inside the growbeds, but it doesn't do well when exposed to open ground. So, titanium.
Hinata tries the hatch, but it doesn't budge. She looks over her shoulder, a little confused. "Um… I can't get in."
I tap my helmet, quietly. "PDA, permit Hinata via genetic identification. Rank: Ensign. No other permissions."
Rank: Captain, Temporary. Hinata, Rank: Ensign, Temporary. Assigned.
Then I nod to her. "Try it now."
The hatch hisses open. Hinata gasps, a little excited, and steps inside. Anko—never missing a trick—gives me a sideways glance. "Habitat permissions? What other permissions are there?"
I shrug, feigning innocence. "You know… just, uh… stuff. Security features. Don't want anyone accidentally pressing the wrong button."
Anko narrows her eyes but lets it go—for now.
Inside, Hinata wanders the small space, eyes darting everywhere. She pauses by the humming bioreactor, stares at the smooth face of the fabricator, then steps into the newly built large room, her gaze landing on the bed in the middle. She stands in the doorway, taking it all in.
"It's… kind of empty," she says honestly.
I laugh, running a hand over my helmet. "Yeah, well—I just moved in, you know? Still figuring out how to make it feel like home."
Hinata nods, twirling a finger in her sleeve. "I think it's nice. It's peaceful."
I take a steadying breath, then turn to Anko. "Hey, so… I actually wanted to try something, if you're game." I pull out my scanner.
Anko eyes the device, suspicion already flickering across her face. "What, that little tool of yours? What does it do?"
"It's like… I guess you could call it a diagnostic technique? I just need a baseline for comparison—a real shinobi, so I can figure out what I'm dealing with, biologically." I glance at Hinata. "Someone whose body is already… adapted."
Anko's mouth quirks. "Like what med-nin do...? I don't know if I'm your best test subject." There's something wary in her tone, a flicker of tension under her casual words.
Hinata perks up. "I-I could do it! If it helps, I mean—"
Anko whirls on her, eyes wide. "Absolutely not. You want the Hyūga clan to find out, kid? They'd either kill him or try to marry him into the clan. likely the former. No way."
Hinata goes bright red, hands twisting in her sleeves, but nods. "S-sorry…"
I offer a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay, Hinata. Don't worry. The readings don't have to be perfect—Anko, you'll do fine. I just need something to go off. Otherwise, I'm flying blind here."
Anko eyes the scanner for a long moment, chewing the inside of her cheek. Finally, she sighs. "Alright, but if anything gets weird, I'm breaking that thing."
I try to keep my voice light. "Deal."
She stands, bracing herself, arms crossed, and I step in, passing the scanner up and down her torso, then her arms, neck, and back. The PDA works in silence, running the data across my HUD, giving a detailed breakdown.
Subject: Anko
Chakra reserve: 35,000 units (user: 150 units)
Muscular tissue: Density 168% above local average; enhanced microtearing and repair cycles consistent with chakra-enhanced strength training.
Endurance: Capillaries adapted for oxygen delivery under anaerobic duress; high lactic acid tolerance.
Neurology: Reflexes show anticipated electrical signaling up to 9.4ms faster than baseline human.
Foreign entity detected: Site: left shoulder blade. Area shows cellular modification, unidentified foreign energy. Abnormal cell cycling and signal relays present. Persistant Chakra drain.
Conclusion: Parasitic seal
Estimated removal chance: 20% with high-grade tattoo removal techniques. Risk: high.Click to expand...
The scanner finishes with a gentle beep.
I nod, tucking it away. "Okay, done. Thanks, Anko. That's… actually pretty helpful." I try to keep my expression casual, even as the PDA's details flicker in my periphery.
Does she know about that seal? Should I tell her?
Hinata sidles up, looking between us, and Anko steps back, rolling her shoulder with a faint grimace. "That's all you wanted?" she asks, half wary, half relieved.
"For now. I promise, nothing weird." I grin, trying to put them both at ease. "Just learning."
Anko narrows her eyes but lets out a slow breath, eyeing me for any sign of 'mad scientist.' Hinata tugs my sleeve again. "Um… if you need help again, you can ask me too, okay?"
"Yeah, kiddo. I know who to call." I ruffle her hair, thankful for small mercies.
I mull over the PDA's scan, flicking through the results in the quiet. Chakra reserves… muscle density… that strange, foreign energy tucked away under Anko's shoulder. It's more information than I've ever had about how these people work, but it's also overwhelming. There's so much I don't understand—about chakra, about what's inside Anko, about what's inside me now.
Anko, meanwhile, fidgets, paces, and after a minute finally grabs her jacket and makes for the hatch. "Well, this was fun, but I've got actual work to do," she says, sounding a little too bright. "Don't break anything while I'm gone, all right?" She flashes a wink at me and is gone before I can thank her again.
I look around, thinking maybe now I can get some peace, when a commotion outside draws my attention. I move out just as a group arrives at the hut, hauling a new cart full of ore.
To my surprise, I do know a couple of them. Kakashi gives a trademark lazy wave from the back. "Yo. Long time no see, Ryley." He jerks a thumb at the kids. "These are my cute little genin: Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke."
He's led by three kids, and one I recognize right away: that unimpressed kid from this morning. The other two are a small blond boy with wild hair and big blue eyes, and a pink-haired girl, both carrying themselves with a kind of nervous energy.
They spot Hinata, half-hiding behind me in the hatchway, and the girl—Sakura—calls out first. "Hinata! Hi!" Naruto waves enthusiastically, grinning so wide it looks like it hurts. Hinata squeaks out a quiet, "H-hi, Naruto, Sakura…"
I nod, offering a little wave. "I've met Sasuke. Good to meet you guys."
Sakura bows a little, polite and professional, but glances curiously at the house. Sasuke just gives a tiny nod, but his eyes are glued to the apple tree that. He scowls at it like it insulted his family. Naruto is a little more direct.
"Hey, old man, you got a really weird house!" he blurts out, peering inside the window like he expects to see something explode.
I'm not that old... am I?
What's the average life expectancy here?
Sakura smacks him on the back of the head. hard. "Be polite!"
Naruto yelps, clutching the back of his head and shooting Sakura a wounded glare. "Ow! I was just sayin'!" he protests, he lowers his voice, grumbling under his breath as he stares at the hatch.
Sasuke just huffs, crossing his arms and glancing between me and the apple tree, his eyes narrowed.
Kakashi, on the other hand, seems perfectly content to let his team sort themselves out. He stands there with that easy posture, one eye crinkled up in a smile above his mask.
I sign off on the delivery papers, Naruto still nursing his head. He mutters, "But it is a weird house, doesn't even have a door…" Sakura shoots him a scalding look as they haul sacks of ore inside. I just shake my head, already making a mental note to add a bulkhead entrance. Three titanium, one silicone rubber. Wouldn't hurt to look a little more "normal" on the outside—at least by Konoha standards.
Kakashi slips the clipboard away, eyeing the metal structure. "So, Ryley—how's life in Konoha treating you?"
I shrug, managing a lopsided grin. "Well, when I'm not getting completely screwed over by the Fire Shadow, it's actually pretty alright. Could do with a little less paperwork, but I guess that's everywhere."
He hums, sounding almost sympathetic, though it's hard to tell behind that mask. "Mm. Yeah. He has a way of making things… interesting for newcomers. It'll work itself out." His gaze lingers on me, thoughtful, then drifts over to the empty space where Anko had been. "So… how long has Anko been hanging around?"
I think about it, glancing at the now-empty hatch. "Honestly? She's been with me since the day I got here. Pretty much hasn't let me out of her sight. It's nice... to have someone who cares again." I give a little laugh.
Even if she is a little...
Kakashi's single visible eye narrows, just a fraction. He looks off, like he's calculating something. "That's… good."
He brightens suddenly, shifting the conversation. "Say, a few of us are meeting for drinks tomorrow night—bar on Main Street, just down from the dumpling shop. It's mostly ninja, but with your outfit, nobody's going to give you any trouble. You should come by. Get to know some people."
I grin. "Yeah, I'll be there. I could use a night out."
"Good. First round's on me," he says, then waves the kids onward. "Alright, team, let's move out."
As they start down the road, Naruto throws one last look over his shoulder, still scowling at the hatch like it's the one who hurt him. Sasuke lingers a second longer, eyes darting between the tree, Hinata, and me, then turns and follows. Sakura gives Hinata a little wave, then trots after her team.
Hinata lets out a small breath as they get out of sight.
"Social integration: improving. Minor hostility: ongoing. Recommendation: continue relationship-building protocols."
Yeah...
Hinata hangs around long after the others are gone, sitting cross-legged on my bed in the large room. She doesn't say much—just quietly reads a book she brought and watches the light moving on the wall. I tinker in the multipurpose room, running four titanium ore through the fabricator for the pipes and a sink, checking blueprints, occasionally glancing her way. She seems happy just to exist in the same space, making no move to leave.
After a while, I call out, "You sure you don't want to go home, Hinata? I've got a lot of boring stuff to do—upgrades, research, that kind of thing."
She scooches further back onto the bed. "O-oh, um… no... I-I don't mind. It's… really cool in here. M-my house is rather hot this time of year." She glances at the vents, cheeks pink.
Ah, right. Air-conditioned metal hut beats hot as hell mansion any day.
Score one for Willis Carrier.
I shrug. "Suit yourself, kiddo."
I scroll through the PDA menus, looking at the results from Anko's scan. "PDA. Is there anything I can actually do with the info from the scan?"
"Current knowledge of chakra pathways allows for improved detection and quantification. Range and resolution enhanced. Additionally, display of estimated chakra levels at range possible."
I tap the helmet, thinking. "I wish there was a way to see it. Like, visualize it."
"Adaptation of helmet heads-up display possible. By modifying imaging filters, chakra presence can be rendered as visible color gradients, resembling a fog or glow effect.
I pause, surprised. "Even inside people's bodies?"
"Theoretically plausible. Visualization limited by helmet resolution and ambient light. Internal pathways may be observed through direct line of sight."
"What do I need to make it work?"
Augmented Reality HUD
Requirements:
Radiation suit helmet (1)
Battery (1)
I blink. "That's it? Just a battery?"
Affirmative. Power draw exceeds helmet baseline.
"I thought you couldn't make blueprints?"
"Clarification: AR visor blueprints exist in the archive. Adaptation possible. Simple modifications possible with human authorization on each modification."
I get up and fish a charged battery from the locker, slotting it into the fabricator along with my helmet. The machine hums as it works, glass panel flickering with little arcs of blue energy.
Hinata pokes her head around the corner, watching the fabrication process with wide eyes.
She says something, but I can't understand. I point to my ears and make an X with my arms. She waits patiently, seemingly understanding.
She scoots a little closer, eyes never leaving the fabricator as it finishes and the helmet pops free with a hiss.
I pull it on. The display boots up, overlaying new options. The PDA flickers:
"Chakra Vision: Acquired.
Chakra sources now rendered as visible color gradients. Ambient background and local fields detectable. Use caution: may cause visual fatigue. Power consumption: elevated."
I smile. "Yusss. It worked."
"What's that machine?"
I glance over my shoulder. "It's… kind of like a really advanced tool. Helps me build and take apart stuff. It's good at, uh, separating and putting material back together."
She tilts her head, watching the glowing interface. "Oh. That's nice."
Her her curiosity is obvious. "W-what did it do?"
I grin. "I added a feature to my helmet that lets me see chakra."
Her jaw drops a little, her hand going to her chest. "Y-you can see chakra? Like me?" Her voice is a soft whisper, tinged with worry.
I blink. "Uh, yeah, I guess."
She nods, a little more serious now. "T-that's how all my family's techniques work. We see chakra—and a lot more. If my clan found out you figured out how to do that… they might not like it very much." Her voice is even quieter.
I wave it off, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, Hinata. Nobody else can do it—only people with my… 'bloodline' can use the technique."
She bites her lip, thinking it over. "Oh. O-okay. Then maybe that's fine. S-some other clans can see chakra too. But… please be careful."
I nod, then gesture. "Come on, let's test it out."
Hinata perks up, moving closer. "H-how?"
I touch the side of my helmet. "PDA, chakra vision: on."
For a second, my world vanishes into a flood of colored fog—blue and white and a thousand shades swirling so thick I can't even see my own hands. "What the hell—"
"Ambient chakra density overwhelming visual sensors. Adjusting filtration protocols."
The fog abruptly clears, leaving only faint traces in the air. And Hinata—her body is ringed by a thin, luminous cloud of white chakra. I can see denser blue lines tracing through her form, following her arms and torso like living veins of energy.
I whistle, surprised. "That's… that's wild. I can see it radiating off you, and running through you. It's like looking at a living network."
Hinata beams, delighted. "T-that's how I see it! T-That's wonderful! I wish I could show you how my clan's techniques work… but outsiders aren't allowed to be taught. Especially not the kind I use. S-since I'm… the heir."
I nod, giving her a gentle look. "It's alright, Hinata. I've gotten this far just by figuring things out as I go. I'll manage."
She gives me a shy, grateful smile. The sun is already turning orange through the window, shadows stretching long across the room.
I glance at her. "It's getting late. You want me to walk you home?"
She shakes her head, cheeks faintly pink. "N-no, thank you. You're already home—and Konoha is safe. Besides, I'm s-strong enough to walk myself. But… thank you for offering." She ducks her head, bows politely, and slips out, looking back just once with a warm little smile.
I watch her go, then turn back to my helmet display, fog swirling at the edges of my vision. The world feels a little more mysterious—and a little more dangerous—than it did this morning.
I stand there a while after Hinata leaves, letting the silence and the last gold threads of sunlight settle in the new large room. The base hums softly, the bioreactor's quiet pulse comforting and familiar. For a long moment, I just breathe—watching the chakra vision paint lazy curls of blue and white around the corners of my space, still a little in awe of it all.
I strip off my helmet and set it gently by the bed, feeling the tiredness creep up from my feet and into my bones. It's been a day—hell, it's been a week. Every new skill, every scan, every new person leaves me a little more grounded, but a little more aware that I am far from home.
I run a hand through my hair, pull back the blankets, and stretch out on the bed.
I let the strangeness fade away and sleep.
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS/