/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
I wake to a sound that doesn't belong—metal on metal, a faint hiss, the soft click of my habitat's hatch disengaging. For a moment I think I'm dreaming, but then the mattress shifts and a familiar scent—sweet, sharp, and undeniably trouble—fills the air.
I crack one eye open. "...Anko?"
She's straddling me in the low dawn light, hair mussed. She tilts my helmet up, exposing my face. "Morning, sunshine," she purrs, a wicked little grin curling her lips. "Hope you don't mind—I let myself in."
I blink, trying to force my brain to catch up. "What… time is it?"
She leans down, her face hovering inches above mine. "Too early for questions, but late enough for confessions." Her eyes glitter with mischief. "I think I figured out why every Hyūga girl in this village keeps melting into a puddle around you."
I shift under her, still half-asleep. "Huh?"
She slides her hand down, her touch more than a little bold. "My running theory is that you, my friend, are packing a python." The last word is almost a whisper in my ear, her tone equal parts certainty and challenge. "And I intend on putting that theory to the test."
I watch as Anko strips off her trenchcoat, then her fishnet shirt, revealing her full, perky breasts. She tosses them aside, grinning down at me. She shimmies out of her skirt, and practically rips off her fishnet stockings. She's not wearing pantsies. I can't help but admire her body, my gaze lingering on her bare pussy, glistening with arousal.
"See something you like?" she mocks.
She reaches for my suit, her fingers deftly working the fasteners. I let her, too tired to protest. She pulls the suit off, her eyes widening as she takes in my naked form. When she sees my 12-inch cock, fully erect and straining towards her, she lets out a low whistle.
"Well, well, well," she murmurs, her voice thick with desire. "I love being right."
I give a confused chuckle, shaking my head. "Anko—"
But she's already moving, she flips around and straddles my face, her pussy hovering inches above me. I inhale sharply, the scent of her arousal filling my nostrils. She grins down at me, her eyes dark with lust.
"Too late for thinking," she purrs, smashing her pussy against my mouth. I groan, my tongue instinctively darting out to taste her. She moans, grinding against my face, her fluids coating my lips and chin.
Meanwhile, she's turned her attention to my cock, her small hand wrapping around the thick shaft. She strokes it slowly, her thumb rubbing circles around the head. I can feel her breath on me, hot and heavy, as she leans in closer.
She opens her mouth, her tongue darting out to lick the bead of pre-cum from the tip. She moans again, the sound muffled by my cock as she takes more of it into her mouth. I can feel her struggling, my size too much for her to handle, but she doesn't stop.
She bobs her head, her lips stretched wide around my girth. I can feel her gagging, but she pushes through, determined to take more of me. All the while, she's riding my face, her hips moving in time with her mouth.
I can't see her, can barely breathe with her pussy smothering my face, but I can feel every inch of her. The tightness of her throat, the wetness of her pussy. It's overwhelming.
I reach up, my hands grabbing her ass, pulling her closer. She moans around my cock, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. I can feel my orgasm building, my balls tightening, my cock throbbing.
Just as I'm about to explode, she pulls back, her mouth leaving my cock with a wet pop. She's breathing hard, her face flushed, her eyes wild. She grins down at me, her voice hoarse.
"Not yet," she pants, climbing off me. "I'm not done with you."
Anko flips back around, straddling me properly now. She leans down, her lips finding mine in a deep, needy kiss. I can still taste her juice mixing with her saliva. She breaks the kiss, her eyes dark and wild as she positions herself over my cock.
"Look at you," she purrs, a mocking edge to her voice. "All big and hard, but so weak. So soft." She runs a finger down my chest, her touch light and teasing. "A big bad kunoichi like me could take advantage of you so easily. Don't you think?"
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Anko, I—"
She cuts me off with a sharp bite to my lip, her teeth sinking into the tender flesh. I yelp, the pain sending a jolt of electricity through me. She grins, licking the blood from her lips.
"Shh," she whispers, her voice low and dangerous. "No talking. Just fucking."
She reaches down, her hand wrapping around my cock. She guides the head, pressing it against her entrance.
She looks back down at me, her eyes locked on mine. "Ready or not," she growls, and then she's pushing down, taking me inside her.
I gasp, the sensation overwhelming. She's tight, so tight, her walls clenching around me like a vice. She's wet, but not wet enough. I can feel her stretching, feel her body struggling to accommodate my size.
She cries out, a sound of pain and pleasure mingling together. "Fuck," she hisses, her nails digging into my chest. "It's so fucking big."
She keeps pushing, keep forcing herself down. I can see the pain in her eyes, can feel her body trembling above me. But she doesn't stop, she can't stop. She's too far gone, too consumed by her desire.
"Crazy," she pants, her voice ragged. "Oh god."
She bottoms out, her ass resting against my thighs. She's taken all of me, every inch of my cock buried deep inside her. She sits there for a moment, her body adjusting to the intrusion.
Then she starts to move, her hips rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. She's still tight, still sore, but the pain is fading, replaced by a building pleasure.
The more she moves, the wider her grin gets, her eyes never leaving mine. She grabs my head, pulling me in to lock eyes, foreheads pressed together.
"Who's cock is this?" she demands, her voice low and fierce. "Who does this big, beautiful cock belong to?"
I look up at her, my eyes wide and dazed. "What?"
She glares, her face inches from mine. "Who. Does. This. Cock. Belong. To?" she repeats, her words slow and deliberate.
I swallow hard, my mind struggling to form a coherent thought. "You?"
She grins, a wicked, triumphant smile. "That's right," she purrs. "It's mine."
She speeds up, her hips moving faster, harder. She's riding me now, her body bouncing on mine, her tits swaying with every movement. The sound of our flesh meeting fills the room, a wet, obscene slap that echoes off the metal walls.
She leans back, her hands braced on my thighs, her head tilted back in ecstasy. "Fuck," she moans, her voice echoing in the small space. "Fuck, fuck, fuck."
I can feel my orgasm building, my balls tightening, my cock throbbing inside her. I reach up, my hands finding her hips, pulling her down harder, faster. She cries out, her body convulsing above me.
"Cum inside me. Fill me up!"
Isn't that dangerous?
But I can't hold back any longer. With a groan, I explode, my cock pulsing inside her, my seed filling her up. She screams, her body shaking with the force of her own orgasm, her pussy clenching around me.
"Mine," she murmurs, her eyes closed, her voice soft and deranged.
A few moments pass, our bodies still joined, our breathing slowly returning to normal. Anko's eyes flutter open, a wicked gleam in their depths. She grins, a slow, predatory smile that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Again," she purrs, her voice low and hungry. "I want more."
I blink, still dazed from our last round. "Anko, I don't know if I—"
She cuts me off with a kiss, her tongue invading my mouth, her hands roaming my body. I can feel her arousal building again, her pussy growing wet and slick around my cock.
"Kunoichi stamina," she whispers against my lips, her voice breathless with desire. "And you're my new favorite toy."
She rolls off me, her body moving with a fluid grace. She gets on her hands and knees, her ass in the air, her pussy glistening and ready. She looks back at me over her shoulder, her eyes dark and challenging.
"Come on, big boy," she taunts. "Show me what you've got."
I hesitate for a moment, my body still a bit spent from our earlier activities. But the sight of her, so wanton and wild, is too much to resist. I move behind her, my hands gripping her hips, my cock pressing against her entrance. Slowly, I press in to the hilt. I start to thrust slowly.
She looks over her shoulder and gives a sharp look. "Harder," she demands. "Don't be a pussy."
I oblige, my hips slamming against her ass, the sound of our flesh meeting echoing through the room. She cries out, her body rocking with every thrust, her pussy clenching around me.
"Hit me," she gasps, her voice ragged with pleasure. "Smack my ass. I want it to hurt."
I hesitate for a moment, unsure. But she's insistent, her body writhing beneath me. So I do as she asks, my hand coming down hard on her ass. She screams, the sound a mix of pain and pleasure, her body convulsing around me.
"Again," she demands, her voice hoarse. "Harder."
I smack her again, and again, each time feeling her body tighten around me, feeling her grow wetter, more desperate. She's lost in her pleasure now, more animal than human, her body driven by pure, primal need.
Suddenly, Anko pushes me off her, her ninja strength surprising me. She flips onto her back, her legs spreading wide, her pussy glistening and ready. She grabs my hands, pulling them to her neck.
"Now choke me," she demands, her voice ragged with desire.
I hesitate, my hands trembling against her throat. "Anko, I don't know if I can—"
She cuts me off with a wild, desperate look. "I need it, Ryley. To lose control. To be right on the edge."
I swallow hard, my cock throbbing at her words. I position myself between her legs, my cock pressing back into her entrance.
As I start to thrust, I tighten my grip on her neck, feeling her pulse fluttering beneath my fingers. She moans, her eyes rolling back in her head, her body arching beneath me.
"Harder," she gasps, her voice barely audible. "Harder!"
I do as she asks, my hands tightening around her throat, cutting off her air supply. She convulses beneath me, her body shaking with pleasure, her pussy clenching around my cock.
I can feel her growing limp, her eyes starting to glaze over. I start to pull my hands away, but she holds them in place, her grip surprisingly strong.
"Don't you fucking stop," she rasps, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm so close."
I keep thrusting, keep choking her, feeling my own orgasm building. Her body is limp now, her eyes half lidded, her mouth open, drool leaking from the corner. It's terrifying, but it's also the hottest thing I've ever seen.
With a final thrust, I explode inside her, my cock pulsing, my seed filling her up. She convulses beneath me, her body shaking with the force of her own orgasm, her pussy milking me for every last drop.
I collapse on top of her, my hands falling away from her throat. She gasps for air, her body heaving, her skin flushed and sweaty.
But even as she catches her breath, I can see the hunger in her eyes.
She flips me onto my back, straddling me, her pussy already slick and ready. She grins down at me, a wild, feral smile.
"Again," she purrs, her voice already thick with desire. "This time I'm not slowing down."
/ VITAL SIGNS: STABLE/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS /
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
The afternoon sun catches her hair. Even though I've not left the bed, I feel like I should just go right back to sleep. Anko was relentless. It seems shinobi stamina and my unwillingness to say no to her are a bad pair.
The air in the large room is heavy, the blankets tossed halfway to the floor. Anko is sprawled on her back beside me, hair a wild halo around her face, one hand on her stomach and the other thrown across her eyes. She groans, then laughs—half in pain, half in disbelief. "You… are a menace," she mumbles, voice raw, eyes squeezed shut in blissful exhaustion. "Seriously… that thing should be a war crime to use. My stomach is killing me."
I'm too tired to do more than smile, my own limbs heavy, skin marked by her nails and bruises in places I didn't know could bruise. "I was barely involved in that," I mumble, not sure if I'll ever move again. "It was like you were trying to kill yourself on it."
She laughs, then winces, grabbing her side. "If I can walk straight today, it'll be a miracle. I'll have to hit the hospital before work."
She rolls onto her side, pinning me beneath her arm and nipping at my shoulder—teeth sharp, more playful than angry. She bites again, a little harder, and smirks at the new mark she leaves behind. She lingers, tracing idle shapes across my chest with her fingernail, her eyes flickering up every few seconds as if daring me to move.
After a moment, her hand stills. Her tone shifts, softening at the edges. "You know," she says, "the Hokage—he was baiting you, back then." She watches my reaction, a small, begging look on her face. "That money from Kakuzu's scroll? He knew exactly what he was doing, dangling it in front of you. Said the Akatsuki would come for you, made you sweat a little. It's all strategy. Life's not just about keeping your allies happy, not always—sometimes you have to see how people act when things turn sour. That's how you know who you can trust."
She draws a slow breath, her fingers splayed lightly over my chest. "Of course, he was right about the Akatsuki—if you'd kept that scroll, you'd have had them hunting you down." Her eyes flick to mine, serious for a moment. "But that's not real prize anyway. Once he's satisfied with how you handle yourself, he'll hand over the money from Kakuzu's bounty. And that—" she lets out a soft laugh, "—that's more than enough to keep anyone happy."
Eventually, she drags herself upright, tossing her coat over her shoulders and wincing as she stands. She glances at the bedside clock, then back at me, her expression equal parts satisfied and in pain. She leans in, kisses me fiercely, then pulls back, not quite letting go. "Haname's going to be absolutely livid, you know," she mutters, lips brushing my jaw. "Shame I got here first."
Breakfast is peanut butter toast, made in the fabricator. She seems concerned with the process, but content enough not to ask. Both of us sit on the bed as we eat. She watches me with a gaze that says she's still thinking about dragging me back under the covers—her eyes never leaving my crotch for long. She takes her time with every swallow, and stays budded up to my side.
When she finally stands, it's with obvious reluctance.
"I've gotta go to work, then meet some friends," she says at last, almost pouting. "But I'm coming back tonight. If you disappear on me, I'll hunt you down." She finally lets me go and slips out the doorway, giving me a great view of her as ass she vanishes down the hatch.
I lay there for a while, staring at the ceiling, unable to wipe the grin off my face. The sheets smell like her.
By afternoon, I haul myself up, pulling on my suit. There's still time before drinks with Kakashi—plenty to get something done.
I step out into the yard, pluck a few apples from the now-overloaded tree. The apples will regrow tomorrow; the growbed never fails. Might as well make use of the bounty.
I move to the smaller planter and dig out the single lantern fruit I have—almond-shaped, its orange skin glowing faintly in the afternoon sun. I take a moment to scan it.
"Lantern Fruit: Edible plant. High in water content, moderate nutritional value, trace electrolytes. Seed count: one per fruit."
I press the fruit into the rich soil. Only room for four in this growbed, based on the pda's data. But I only have one seed, so that's fine. I brush off my hands and stand back, admiring the little patch of home.
I glance at the time. Not quite evening. Still, the world feels a lot lighter than it did yesterday.
With the sun high and the air hot, I figure there's no point hanging around my habitat waiting for the next weird thing to happen.
I think about heading down to the ocean—get some more gold and other materials. I still have the diamonds and rubies. But I do need those for some of the higher-level blueprints. And you have to go pretty deep for them. I wonder if there's a closer access point to the ocean. I'd hate to travel all the way back to the Arorua, but I know nothing about the coast here. There could be an ocean half a day away, and I'd never know.
There's probably a map somewhere. The library comes to mind. I never bothered with it, given the scramble to build a roof over my head and integrate with the locals, but now that my house is settled and the growbeds are ticking along, it seems like a good time to start thinking further ahead.
Not that I'm going to sit and read dusty books for hours like some college student. I'll scan the books and let the PDA do the heavy lifting. I can always have it spit out the useful info later.
So, I wander. And wander. Konoha is a maze—streets that twist, alleys that double back, unhelpful signs pointing in vague directions. I find myself distracted, and follow the smell of sweet buns, the sound of running water, the rising voices of market hawkers. I drift to about five different places, but the library remains elusive. I'm starting to think I've walked a full circle twice when a shadow crosses my path.
He looks… average. Plain brown hair, dull brown eyes, clothes neat. His face is stuck somewhere between bored and annoyed, and there's nothing about him that stands out, except the way he appears so suddenly.
He glances me up and down, not even trying to hide his exasperation. "Do you need some help?" he asks, voice flat. "Or are you just planning to keep wandering all day?"
"Chakra signature detected: 75,000 units. Same individual has been within range at altitude for approximately two hours. Probability: high-level surveillance operative."
I grit my teeth. Thanks for the warning, where was it an hour and a half ago?
"Uh, yeah. I'm actually looking for the library. I always forget how big the village is."
He snorts, lips curling into a not-quite-smile. "I'll take you."
I try to wave him off. "Really, you can just point me—"
He shakes his head, already turning. "No trouble at all, sir." There's an edge to his words, a hint that I'm not really being given a choice.
We walk in silence, him setting a brisk pace, only breaking it as we arrive at a long, multi-story building. "This is it, Konoha library. Stay in the front area. Ninja levels are off-limits." He glances at me, flat-eyed. "You'll know if you wander too far."
I nod, not pushing my luck. "Thanks."
I turn back to ask another question, but he's already gone—vanished into thin air. I stand there for a second before stepping inside.
The library is quiet. It's also quite warm. I'm used to air conditioning. Konoha has been sweltering for the few days I've been here. I move past the first row of shelves, my eyes scanning spines for anything that looks like a map or a guide. Nothing. Just scrolls and battered novels, a few cookbooks, a children's section with faded colors.
So, I do what I came here to do—start scanning. I scan shelves at a time, uncaring of what actually exists on them—each one gets a quick pass with my tool, the blue light flickering, the PDA humming quietly as it absorbs the text.
Still no sign of a map.
I glance toward the main desk. Behind it is a girl—young woman, really—with so much black hair hanging over her eyes, her eyes are lost. She has a white jacket, her head propped on one hand as she scribbles something into a ledger. She has that sleepy look I've only ever seen on the truly exhausted or the chronically unbothered.
Spoiler: Librarian
I wander up to the desk. No response.
I clear my throat. "Excuse me, do you have any maps?"
She doesn't even look up, just mutters, "Troublesome…" but after a moment, she reaches under the desk and pulls out a tightly rolled scroll. She slides it across to me, flicking her gaze up just long enough to size me up, then goes back to her writing.
I unroll the map on the counter. My eyes go straight to the big, blue Kanashii Ocean—smack in the middle, like a perfect circle. It really does look like an impact crater. I can see Fire Country, the rivers and forests around Konoha, and the edges of the other major nations. I trace the lines with my finger, memorizing where the closest coastlines are.
Spoiler: MapSource: Ricko
Now comes the tricky part. I want a copy. I glance around—nobody's here except the librarian. I think for a moment, looking for a clever way to hide it, but honestly, people have already seen the scanner. I hesitate for half a second more, then pull out my scanner and run it over the scroll, the tool lighting up for just a moment.
The librarian sits up, watching the movement. "What's that?"
I fumble a little, keeping my voice casual. "Uh, just a reading tool."
She doesn't look convinced, and lets out a sigh. "Troublesome." Her gaze lingers on the scanner.
I roll up the map, hand it back. "Thanks, that's all I needed."
She stops me with a slow, deliberate, "Wait." I turn. She's watching me, eyes sharp despite the lazy act. "What's your name?"
I hesitate, then answer. "Ryley Robinson."
She tilts her head, giving the faintest smile. "Shikako Nara."
We stare at each other for a heartbeat.
She doesn't seem to have anything else to say. "Alright. Thanks again…"
I head for the door, map details scrolling across my HUD, my head already busy with plans for the coast.
Main Street is busier now—sunset paints everything gold, and vendors shout over each other for the dinner crowd. I pass three tea shops, two noodle stands, and what I'm pretty sure is a fortune-teller's tent before realizing I have no idea where this bar actually is.
I pause at a crosswalk. "PDA, do you have anything on the bar Kakashi mentioned?"
"Query: Bars in Konoha. Search parameters: Main Street, ninja clientele.
There are 47 different bars in Konoha. 12 located on Main Street alone. Further specification required."
I groan, rubbing my temples. "Great. Couldn't narrow it down, huh?"
"No further data available. Would you like a list by popularity, price, ninja to civilian ratio, or distance from current location?"
"No, I think I'll just keep looking."
I wander for another half-hour, peering in windows, half-tempted to just walk into the first place with enough headbands in the crowd. By the time my feet start to ache, I'm ready to give up—when a shadow falls across my path.
"Lost?" Kakashi's voice is easy, amused. He stands with his hands in his pockets, one eye curving into that familiar, lazy smile.
I grin, a little sheepish. "Kakashi! I was just… uh, looking for the place."
He shakes his head, eyes sparkling with something between amusement and sympathy. "Directions not your strong suit, huh?"
I shrug, glancing at the sky. "Not really. I mean… I usually had someone telling me where to go." I trail off, not bothering to clarify that 'someone' was usually my PDA, overlaying waypoints right in my field of view.
Kakashi's gaze lingers on me for a moment. "I know how that is."
He gestures and leads me down the street, weaving through crowds. The hum of conversation rises as we turn a corner. Paper lanterns of a bar glow overhead.
But before I can follow him all the way in, Kakashi gently puts an arm out, stopping me just inside the doorway. He nods toward the corner. "Wait a sec."
Through the dim, smoky air, I see Anko—her hair a wild splash of violet, coat thrown over her chair, legs propped up on another. She's laughing with someone else—a woman, short, with red eyes and a quiet, careful way of holding her beer.
I hover just out of sight, half-hidden by the frame of the door as Kakashi stands with me. Anko's voice carries, rough and brash. She's got her feet up, a drink in hand, and there's a sharper glint in her eyes than I'm used to.
"—so then I tell him, right to his face, 'You've gotta earn it,' and he just backed down. Honestly, he's… kind of sweet. Total pushover sometimes." Anko's laugh is loud, but there's a fond edge to it, and she slaps her palm on the table. "But he's loaded. Like, you wouldn't believe it. I could fill a pool with the money he's dumped on this place. And that's not even counting the, uh, other perks. You should see the size of it, it's crazy. Felt like I was dyin' in the best way."
The other woman—sharp, elegant, and a bit more reserved—arches an eyebrow. "So… you're really into this guy?" There's a hint of warning there, a note of concern just under the surface. "You haven't gotten too... invested, have you? Seduction rule one, you can't forget it's just a mission."
I stiffen.
Mission?
For just a second, Anko's mouth tightens, eyes darting away—but it's gone in a blink, replaced with a dismissive snort. She leans back, waving her hand. "Oh, come on, you think I give a damn? Please. The guy's a job. Hokage wants him watched, wring him for cash, keep him busy so he doesn't do anything dangerous. That's it." She laughs, a bit too loud, a bit too sharp. "Like I'd fall for someone like that. Not in a million years."
The other woman doesn't look convinced, but Anko's already talking over her. "He's got this big 'hero complex,' you know? Wants to take care of everybody. Lets the Hyūga heiress stick to him like glue. Kinda adorable. B-but, c'mon—he's just a paycheck, a fun time, and a wallet when I want dango. You think I'd ever go soft for someone like that?"
I turn away before I can hear any more. My throat feels tight, a cold, dull ache settling somewhere behind my ribs. Kakashi watches me for a moment, something sad and tired in his single eye.
"I… don't really feel like drinking tonight," I say, my voice coming out low, rough.
Kakashi just nods, not trying to stop me. "Yeah. Sometimes… it's better to just go home."
I don't trust myself to say anything else. I step out into the street, toggling the PDA's overlay, following the mark back toward my lonely patch of metal and earth. The city's lights blur past as I walk.
Back at the hatch, I step inside, the place so quiet my footsteps echo. I close my eyes, and try to breathe. I force myself not to slam the bioreactor. Not to yell.
"PDA. Strip Anko of her ensign rank. Remove all habitat permissions."
"Order confirmed. Anko Mitarashi: permissions revoked. Habitat access: denied."
I just lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, letting the quiet swallow everything. My thoughts circle back on themselves, replaying all the signs I chose to ignore—her always talking up the Hokage, never letting me get a word in about that damn scroll, her teasing, all those jokes about spending money and "treating her right." Maybe it was the way she sold herself, or maybe it was just the way she looked at me when she wanted something. I wanted to believe, even if part of me knew she was after what I had, that she still liked me, deep down.
Maybe I just let myself fall for the dream—got caught up in the way she smiled, the way her laugh filled the room, the warmth of her body in my bed. Maybe I was just lonely enough to believe it could all be real.
I roll over, pulling the blanket up over my chest, feeling the ache settle deep in my chest. "Stupid," I mumble to the dark. "Should've seen it coming."
Sleep doesn't come. I drift for a while, not quite awake, not quite gone, just floating in the silence.
A while later, a knock rattles the hatch, too soft to be urgent, too familiar to ignore.
"Ryley?" It's Anko's voice, just outside, a little muffled but unmistakable. "Hey, open up. I brought… dessert." She laughs, the same way she always does. "C'mon, I know you're awake. You never sleep this early. Don't make me wait out here, it's cold."
I stay silent. If I open my mouth right now, I'm not sure I'd like what comes out.
She tries again, voice a little more confused. "Seriously, let me in. I've been thinking about you all day... Come on, babe, just open the door." I can hear her shifting, the scrape of her nails against the metal. "You're not still mad about that thing with hinata, right? Or—what was it? The way I got a little rough with you this morning? I can be gentle, I promise." Her laugh is forced, not quite landing.
Minutes pass. She waits, calls my name again, louder, a little desperate. "Ryley, I know you're in there! Don't make me break this thing down, you know I can!"
There's a thud against the hatch, her fist hitting harder now. "What's going on, huh? Did I do something wrong?" Her voice breaks at the edges, turning smaller, more fragile.
She's quiet for a long while. Then comes the scrape as she slides down to sit against the door. There's anger in it now—hot, wild, but even that fades, and finally it's just silence again.
Eventually, I hear her get up, brush herself off, curse under her breath, and then the soft, final crunch of footsteps fading down the path.
I lay there in the stillness, staring up at the shadows on the ceiling, feeling every bit as empty as the space around me. Sleep doesn't come easy, but I close my eyes anyway, and let the dark take me.
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS /
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
I wake late, sunlight already pouring through the porthole, cutting bright lines across the empty large room. My head feels heavy. I roll out of bed and eat a quick breakfast—dried bread, water, one of the apples from yesterday.
For a while, I just drift around the base, picking at small repairs, tidying my already-clean gear. The rooms feel bigger than before, the silence more hollow. Eventually I decide I can't sit in here forever. The air feels too thick, the walls too close.
Outside, the air is sharp and fresh. I fill my lungs, close my eyes for a second, and let the coolness wash some of the ache away. I take a walk around the habitat, picking a handful of apples from the growbed tree. I store them in the lockers, organizing them with mechanical care. The lantern fruit isn't ready—another day, maybe, before it'll bear anything. I crouch to check the soil, brush some dirt off the side of the growbed, and sigh. Maybe I should start more crops. The space is here, the materials… but I ate the rest of Sasuke's fruit basket, and my own supplies are running thin.
So, I warily venture out into the village. "PDA, mark the nearest vegetable vendor."
"Nearest produce vendor marked. Distance: 320 meters."
I follow the HUD's gentle glow through the winding streets, past the same patchwork shops and steaming food stalls as before. At the vegetable cart, I buy a bag of potatoes and a clutch of tomatoes, trading coins for the familiar weight of real food. The vendor barely looks at me, just counts the money and waves me off.
As I turn to go, I pause, drawn by a shout. Across the square, a group of kids play 'ninja,' their sticks clacking, imaginary jutsu flying. They chase each other with wild abandon, laughing and ducking behind barrels, making up rules and breaking them a moment later. I almost smile.
I glance toward the distant tree line, where the green rises and falls in gentle hills—thinking, again, about the ocean. Maybe it's time to go back. Take a break from all the "shinobi village" drama, get some real work done. But Konoha is smack in the middle of Fire Country. The coast is far, and there are forests, bandits, and worse between here and the sea. If I go alone, I might not come back.
Speaking of coming back...
"PDA, give me a rundown on the other major villages in this region. If I wanted to move on, how would it look?"
Comparative summary:
— Hidden Mist (Kirigakure): Political instability, current civil war. High risk of violence.
— Hidden Stone (Iwagakure): Ongoing militarization. Hostile to outsiders.
— Hidden Cloud (Kumogakure): Cautious, isolationist. Limited access for non-natives.
— Hidden Sand (Sunagakure): Resource shortages, strict internal security.
— Smaller villages: Often embroiled in border conflicts or internal unrest.Click to expand...
"Assessment: Konoha currently offers highest overall safety, social stability, and resource availability. Relocation not recommended without significant preparation and escort."
I sigh, shaking my head. "Figures. Stuck in the friendliest cage."
If I really want to get to the ocean—or anywhere, really—I'll need guards.
"PDA, mark the mission office, please."
"Mission office marked. Distance: 640 meters."
I let the glow lead me through the busy streets. By the time I reach the mission office, I'm already dreading the paperwork.
Inside, though, something is off. There's no harried ninja at the desk, no stacks of forms being stamped. Instead, the Hokage himself is manning the desk, sorting through stacks of mission scrolls.
I stop in the doorway, eyeing the Hokage behind the counter. His red and white robes are immaculate, his pipe lit and smoke curling lazily around his head. For all his kindly-grandfather schtick, there's something shrewd behind his eyes now.
I keep my tone neutral, but I don't bother with the fake politeness. "Need a team of guards for a trip to the ocean—northeast coast. There, and back again. I'll need them to hang around for a couple days while I handle some, uh, business."
The Hokage studies me, pipe tapping lightly against the rim of a half-empty tea cup. "A trip that long, with ninja guards on standby? Expensive request, Robinson." His tone is mild as he hands me a form, but he doesn't look away. "May I ask why you'll be away so long?"
I almost roll my eyes, checking the paper and handing over a hundred thousand ryo. "C'mon, old man. You know why. You play these games, have Anko mess with my head—set me up to care, just so you can yank the rug out from under me. That's pretty messed up, even for a village full of assassins."
He gives a small, regretful smile—almost convincing. "Regrettable, but sometimes necessary. I'm sure you understand the need for caution. Outsiders with power…"
"Yeah, yeah." I wave it off, feeling my patience fray. "Look, I just need a break. Some space to clear my head. I'll figure out if I'm staying after I get back. Unless you'd rather I just move on right now."
He hums thoughtfully, tapping his pipe again. "Coincidentally, we have a team heading that way—more east than northeast, but close enough for your needs. Another client's drop-off, nothing too risky. If you travel with them, I can do it for half price. Fifty thousand ryo."
I hesitate, but a discount's a discount. "Fine. Paperwork?"
He slides half the ryo back with a new scroll, pen already waiting. "Standard forms. Fill those out. Meet the team at the front gate, 9am tomorrow. Don't be late."
I scrawl my name, the details, and drop the pen with a huff. "Thanks. I guess."
The Hokage's eyes crinkle as he smiles. "Safe travels, Robinson."
I grumble, heading for the door. My mood's barely lighter than before, but at least I've got something to do—a direction.
I head straight to the market, buying enough food to last at least a few weeks: rice, dried fish, hard bread, some dried fruit. I keep it simple, stashing everything in my inventory as I go. Most of it is just fuel—enough to keep me going. I can hunt fish when I get to the ocean if need be. With all the tech packed away, there's not much space left, but I manage. Gullwing and Seamoth components will take priority, then materials. The rest is just whatever camping gear I can fit.
By the time I'm done, the light is starting to fade. I follow the route home, moving through the quieter streets, bag heavier with every step. My mind's running ahead, planning the trip—what blueprints I'll need, what to build first once I get to the coast.
As I round the corner to my plot, I spot two figures waiting outside my habitat. One's tiny, easy to recognize from a block away—Hinata, shifting nervously from foot to foot, hands clutched behind her back. Beside her is Haname, graceful and poised. There's a softness in her smile.
I brighten up as I walk to them. "Hinata!" I ruffle her hair, earning a bashful little squeak. She tries to duck away, but she's smiling—wide, almost relieved.
She looks up, voice soft. "M-my father found out I was spending time with an outsider. He said I need a proper chaperone, s-so…" She glances sideways, almost apologetic. "Haname-san volunteered to come with me."
Haname steps forward, her perfume drifting on the evening breeze, that same inviting warmth in her eyes. "It's no trouble at all," she says, her voice gentle, her hand settling just above Hinata's shoulder. "If I can help you, I will. And I wouldn't mind spending more time with you both, honestly. It almost feels… like a little family, doesn't it?"
Hinata nods fast, eyes shining.
I chuckle a bit. "Well, if you're both here, might as well come in. Oh, right. PDA, assign Haname: rank ensign, habitat permissions only."
"Acknowledged. Rank: Captain, Temporary. Haname, Rank: Ensign, Temporary. Assigned."
The hatch hisses open, cold air rolling out over the step. Haname lets out a tiny sigh of pleasure, stepping in just ahead of Hinata, fanning herself with her hand. "Mmm, that's nice," she murmurs, her smile sly. She stands close, brushing against my arm as she passes—soft, lingering...
Suspicious.
Hinata heads straight for the big room, settling on the bed, hugging a pillow to her chest. Haname glances around, wandering, soaking in the chill and the clean air, her eyes half-lidded with comfort.
I hesitate, then break the news. "I'm… actually going to be gone for a couple of weeks. Got a job to do—some trade, some… things to take care of out by the ocean. Shouldn't be too dangerous." I lie. "But I have to go."
Hinata's face falls immediately. "N-no! D-do you really have to?" She looks away, hands twisted in her lap.
Haname's smile fades, replaced by a shadow of disappointment. She moves a little closer, her presence warm but heavy. "You'll come back, won't you?" Her tone is soft, but there's a need in it that's hard to miss.
I wonder if it's genuine.
I nod, trying to sound reassuring. "Of course I will. I just need to… sort some things out."
Haname gives a faint smile, eyes meeting mine for a heartbeat too long. "We'll be waiting, then. Won't we, Hinata?"
Hinata nods, but she doesn't look happy about it.
Her face tilts down, shadow falling over her eyes. For once, there's no blush to her—just an odd stillness.
Spoiler: Hinata
"If you didn't come back... I don't know what I'd do," she says quietly. There's a thin edge in her voice. "So… make sure you do. Okay?"
I pretend not to notice the ache in my chest. This village is a trap, but for a moment, I almost wish I didn't have to leave.
"Of course, kiddo." I say, ruffling her hair.
Hinata quickly brightens up. "W-would you… maybe want to go out to eat? Before you leave?" Her voice is soft, hopeful.
Haname instantly perks up. "That's a wonderful idea, Hinata." Haname loops her arm through mine, her touch soft but her grip just firm enough. She leans in a little closer, her eyes half-lidded, voice honeyed and teasing. "You wouldn't mind escorting a poor old woman like me to dinner, would you?" She pouts just slightly, a practiced sort of vulnerability in the turn of her mouth.
She knows what she's doing.
I give her a sidelong look, not pulling away but keeping my posture neutral.
It feels... like how Anko was.
"I keep telling you, you're not old."
Haname smiles, the curve of her lips a little too pleased. "I know. I just like hearing it from you."
Hinata beams, and we head out—her clinging to my right, Haname to my left, a little line of awkward energy. As we walk, Haname steers our pace, casting glances my way. She leans around me, looking at Hinata. "What would you like to eat, dear?"
Hinata perks up. "Ramen? I-If that's okay?" Her eyes dart to me, seeking approval.
Haname hums, looking delighted. "Ramen it is. You have good taste." She gives my arm a gentle squeeze, guiding me as we cut through the evening crowd.
We end up at a place with a faded curtain and a bold red sign:
Ramen is the Best Pleasure.
There's a decent mix of ninjas and civilians, judging from the headbands around us. The old man at the counter glances up as we arrive, a big, welcoming grin on his face. "Hinata! Welcome back, young lady!"
Hinata's cheeks go pink. "H-hello, Teuchi-san…"
I slide onto a barstool, Hinata to my right, Haname to my left—close enough that her perfume is impossible to ignore.
I love vanilla.
I turn to Hinata. "You come here often?"
Before she can answer, Teuchi leans forward, voice carrying. "Are you kidding? She's one of my best customers. Almost takes my entire stock with her each time!"
Hinata shrinks a little, but can't hide a smile. "I-I just… I guess I get carried away sometimes…"
Haname laughs, low and musical. "That's nothing to be ashamed of, Hinata. Enjoying what you love is important." She turns to me, curiosity alive behind that sleepy gaze. "So… what do you like? Any favorite foods? Or drinks?"
I think for a second, surprised to be asked. "Honestly, I've spent so much time eating rations and fish, anything normal tastes like a feast. Pizza is a favorite. And… I'm learning to like ramen."
Haname's eyes glimmer, and she nods approvingly. "I've never heard of pizza, but ramen is always good. You're easy to please, aren't you?" There's something deeper in the way she watches me—probing, weighing my words like she's collecting pieces for a puzzle.
Teuchi pops back, ready for our order. Hinata, predictably, says, "T-Three bowls of shio ramen to start, please."
Haname leans in, smile playful. "One bowl of miso for me, please." Then, turning to me with a tilt of her head, "And what about you? Shoyu? Spicy tonkotsu?"
I shrug, feeling oddly warm between them. "Let's try the spicy tonkotsu. I could use something with a kick."
Haname lets out a pleased hum, as if my answer was exactly what she hoped for. "Good choice." She rests her chin in her hand, half-lidded gaze on me, as Hinata watches us, soaking in every detail.
Steam curls from the first bowls of ramen, and the air is thick with the smell of broth and ginger. Hinata starts eating immediately—chopsticks in one hand, bowl close to her mouth, her eyes fluttering closed in happiness with every bite. She's so focused on her food it takes a gentle nudge from Haname to remind her she's not alone.
"Slow down, Hinata," Haname says with a soft laugh. "You'll get another bowl."
Hinata blushes, but her smile is bright.
Haname leans a little closer to me, voice dropping just enough that it feels private. "She really is so much happier when you're around, you know. Brighter." She lets her hand rest on my arm a second. "It's good for her… having someone kind. Patient."
I try to wave her off, but Haname's gaze doesn't let go. "Not everyone has time for the little things. Or patience for a child's heart." She gives Hinata a soft smile, her fingers tracing circles on the bar. "You'd make a good father. The nurturing type." A tilt of her head that invites me to respond.
I cough, unsure how to answer. "I, uh… always figured I'd end up with a family, eventually. Just… never seemed to work out. Always on the move."
Haname hums thoughtfully, her lashes low. "Exploring is exciting, isn't it? Seeing the world. But sometimes… it's nice to put down roots. Build something that lasts." She glances at Hinata, then back at me. "It's not so bad to stay in one place."
Hinata looks up from her ramen, beaming, her cheeks stuffed. "It's… it's really nice… when everyone's together," she says, voice muffled by noodles.
Haname's smile widens, gentle and coaxing. She's about to say more when the door bangs open, hard enough to rattle the cheap lanterns overhead.
Anko storms in, her coat flaring behind her. Her eyes lock on me—furious, desperate. She doesn't hesitate; she's at my side in seconds, grabbing me by the front of my shirt and hauling me off my stool.
"You little rat," she spits, her breath hot, words biting. "You think you can just walk out on me after what we did? Lock me out? After I finally—" Her voice cracks, but her grip is iron. "Nobody walks out on me."
The whole ramen stand goes quiet. Chopsticks pause mid-air. Even Teuchi's hands freeze above the pot. I feel every set of eyes land on us—on her, on me.
Hinata stares at Anko. "P-please let go of him," she says, her voice shaking. "O-or I'll..." Her fists are balled tight, knuckles white.
Anko barely glances at Hinata, her eyes wild. "Or you'll what, princess?" Her grip tightens.
Haname places a hand on Anko's shoulder—gentle, but there's steel under the softness. "I think you should let him go, Anko," she says, voice velvet but her eyes dark. "You're making a scene. And you're scaring Hinata."
For a second, it feels like every ninja in the stand is weighing their options. Even the younger female worker has edged closer, eyes narrowed, ladle gripped like a weapon.
Anko falters, her bravado slipping. She lowers me back to my feet, her hands trembling just a little. Her voice is raw now, barely a whisper. "Why? I thought…"
I meet her eyes. "I know about your 'mission,' Anko. I know the Hokage had you watching me. Stinging me along. Keeping me on the hook."
A hush settles over the little shop.
Anko's breath stutters, her bravado crumbling. She blinks, mascara smudging just a little. "Who told you?" she whispers, and I can see a flash of real fear.
I shake my head, letting the truth hang between us. "Does it matter? It's not the point." I look away, jaw clenched. "You made me believe you cared."
Anko stands there, her mouth open, words scrambling behind her eyes. Her hand trembles as she tries to reach for me again, but I take a step back.
"I did," she finally says, voice rough. "I do. I—damn it, I care, okay?"
I stare at her, feeling that tired weight pressing down, pressing until it almost hurts. "How am I supposed to believe that, Anko? You lied. And I let myself fall for it."
She tries to say something, but I shake my head, the ache too deep for more words. "I'm leaving, Anko. Tomorrow morning, I'm gone for a couple weeks. I don't want to see you when I get back."
She looks stricken, defiance and panic warring in her eyes. "You don't mean that. You can't. Where else am I going to find—"
"That's not my problem anymore." My voice is flat, final. I leave a few bills and start walking.
The ramen stand is silent, eyes everywhere, but no one says a word.
I walk out into the night, not looking back. Hinata is at my elbow instantly, clutching my sleeve with both hands, her head down. Haname follows on my other side, her touch careful but steady.
We walk together through the quiet, lantern-lit streets, my steps heavy and a little numb. The air is cool, carrying the last scents of food and the faint distant buzz of a village settling down for the night.
At my habitat, I stop at the hatch. Hinata looks up at me, her eyes searching, anxious. Haname's gaze is softer, but there's a steady, knowing weight to it.
Haname leans in just a bit, lowering her voice. "Are you alright?" She brushes a hand along my arm, the contact lingering, gentle but insistent.
I force a smile. "I'm fine. Just… tired, is all."
Haname doesn't let go, not right away. "If you'd like company tonight, I wouldn't mind staying. It's… no trouble." She says it softly, almost inviting, her presence warm and coaxing.
I shake my head, managing to keep it polite. "No, but thank you. I think I just... need a night to myself."
She studies me for a long moment, then finally nods and steps in, arms looping around my shoulders for a gentle hug. There's something about the way she holds on—protective, but not too tight.
She lets go. "Goodnight, Ryley. Sleep well."
Hinata stands back, shuffling her feet, her eyes darting up at me, then away. She doesn't say anything, but it's obvious what she wants. I kneel, arms open, and she steps in, clutching me around the middle, burying her face in my suit.
I ruffle her hair, voice low. "You did good tonight, Hinata. Thank you for being here."
She hugs tighter for a second, then lets go, face red but a tiny smile in her eyes. "Goodnight…"
I watch them both go, their figures fading into the quiet village, before stepping inside. I let the hatch close behind me, the cold air settling in.
It's just me and the echo of my footsteps in the empty large room. I leave the suit on, not bothering with anything else, and fall into bed, staring at the ceiling. The only sound is the faint hum of the habitat, and my own breathing.
Sleep comes.
/ VITAL SIGNS: STABLE/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS /
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
I wake to a faint, persistent chime in my helmet—the unmistakable tone of the PDA's alert.
Notification: Scheduled meeting with assigned ninja team and secondary client at main gate. Departure in 34 minutes.
I blink at the digital clock. Sunlight is already slanting in through the porthole. Groggy, I haul myself up, rub my eyes, and force my brain into gear.
I run through the checklist, hands moving almost automatically. Food—enough for a few weeks, vacuum-packed and stashed in my inventory. Mobile vehicle bay, double-checked. Titanium, glass, lead, lubricant, power cells—everything I need for a Seamoth, plus the Gullwing's modular parts I plan to cannibalize. A spare rebreather, some small tools, a couple of nutrient blocks. You could lose yourself out there if you weren't careful.
Suit sealed, bag slung over my shoulder, I step outside into the chill of early morning. The village is just waking, dew sparkling on rooftops, mist rising from the riverbanks. I head for the main gate.
There, waiting by the huge doors, are four familiar faces—Naruto, bouncing on his toes, wide-eyed and restless; Sakura, arms folded, exasperated already; Sasuke, cool and unreadable as ever; and Kakashi, reading his book with one hand in his pocket.
Naruto spots me first, eyebrows shooting up. "You're the other client?!" He glances at Kakashi, then at me, as if sizing up a secret.
I grin. "Looks like it. Morning, guys."
Naruto snorts. "You're way better than that drunk old man we met. That guy smelled like a sake brewery!" He's almost grinning, but there's honest relief in his voice.
Sakura sighs, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Naruto, be nice. Good morning, Robinson-san."
Sasuke just nods, giving me a quick, appraising glance before looking away.
Before I can reply, an older man staggers up to the group, reeking of alcohol and wrapped in a battered coat. His beard is rough, his eyes sharp behind the haze of drink.
Must be the guy.
He wobbles, squinting at the group. "So, I'm really supposed to trust my life to a bunch of brats?"
Kakashi finally lowers his book, eye crinkling into a lazy smile. "Relax, Tazuna. He's with me. And I'm a jonin. We'll get you where you're going."
Naruto glances around, mouth half-open, eyes huge as he scans the road ahead—the world outside the gates must be a whole new country for him.
We step out onto the road, the huge doors swinging shut behind us. As we walk, the sounds of Konoha fade into birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot. The trees rise up on both sides, sunlight painting long lines across the path.
We march out of the village in a loose line, the morning sun at our backs, the sound of the gates shutting behind us. Naruto is bouncing with energy, peppering Sakura with questions about travel, about bandits, about what real ninja do outside the walls. Sasuke glances over his shoulder every so often, just watching, quiet and sharp. Tazuna mutters into his beard, trudging along with his hands jammed in his pockets.
About a mile out, the trees are thick enough that Konoha's walls are just a memory. I slow down, wave for a stop. "Hold on for a second." Kakashi nods. Naruto groans.
"Seriously?" he whines, flopping down onto a fallen log. "We just started! If we keep taking breaks, we'll be old men before we get anywhere!"
Sakura sighs, but she's already opening her canteen. Sasuke leans against a tree. Kakashi just slips his book away, face easy and unreadable.
I step off the path, pull the mobile vehicle bay from my inventory, and toss it into the clearing. The four blue drones shoot out and hang in the air, humming. I cycle through the menu—Gullwing. The drones spiral, metal and glass forming out of seemingly nothing, fusing into a sleek hoverbike right there on the mossy ground. Storage module, check. power cells, check.
Naruto's not talking anymore. Tazuna makes a strangled noise. Sakura's eyes are wide as saucers. Even Sasuke stops pretending not to care, staring with open curiosity.
Kakashi just chuckles, like he's watching a favorite scene in a rerun.
"Alright, let's go," I say.
Naruto protests immediately. "Hey—HEY! You can't just whip that thing out like it's nothing! What is that? A summon?!"
Sakura leans in, her hair falling forward. "It's… incredible. Is that chakra-powered? Or some kind of jutsu?"
Sasuke, cool as ever, mutters, "Hn,". But his piercing gaze tells me everything.
Tazuna staggers closer, nearly speechless. "Is… is that safe?"
I swing my leg over the Gullwing, checking the displays. "Just a ride, nothing too crazy. Cuts down on all the hiking."
Kakashi looks faintly amused. "Think you can fit Tazuna on the back? Might make the trip smoother."
I grimace. The last thing I want is a drunk old man clinging to my waist for hours. "Really?"
Kakashi just shrugs. "Could shave a few days off the trip. We'd make four days, easy."
Mentally, I file away that Wave Country's ocean access must be closer than my old crash site was. I sigh. "Alright, old man. Hop on. Just… don't throw up on my suit, alright?"
Tazuna gives a wheezy laugh, clambering onto the seat behind me, clutching my back like his life depends on it.
Ew.
Naruto stares, half-incredulous, half-jealous. "This is so unfair…"
I gun the engine—quiet, low, a hum that barely disturbs the birds overhead. "Let's go."
As soon as we get moving, Kakashi gives a lazy wave and vanishes up into the trees. The kids—after a quick glance—scramble to follow. Sasuke moves first, pushing off the ground and landing halfway up a trunk with eerie ease, using momentum to propel him the rest of the way. Sakura goes next, not as graceful but determined, and Naruto bounces off the ground with a whoop, missing his first step and nearly bashing his face before catching a branch.
They leap, swing, and vault from limb to limb—ninja in motion, a blur above the trail. It's honestly kind of mind-blowing. Kids moving through the air like it's the most natural thing in the world.
Down below, Tazuna and I carve a straight path on the trail. Every now and then, a flash of orange, a flick of black hair. Even the hoverbike's smooth ride feels slow compared to their acrobatics.
We travel for about two hours before Kakashi signals a break, dropping down beside the road. "Beaktime. My cute little genin need their rest. " I park the Gullwing, powering it down. The genin are winded—Sakura most of all, slumped on a log, red-faced and sweating, her hair plastered to her forehead. Naruto collapses dramatically onto the grass, limbs spread like a starfish.
"I thought we'd be walking at a civilian's pace!" Naruto moans, rolling over.
Sasuke leans against a tree, arms folded, trying to hide his own heavy breathing. "Maybe you should train harder, idiot."
Naruto bolts upright. "I'll show you training!" He leaps at Sasuke, who dodges, letting Naruto flop on the ground. By the time he recovers, Sasuke is already gone, perched up in a tree above, looking down with that little smirk.
Kakashi sighs. "Now, now, play nice."
Naruto scowls, halfway to the tree. "But Kakashi! That bastard's askin' for it!"
Tazuna watches all this with a weird mix of horror and amazement, and I just sit back, taking a breath, the engine ticking softly as it cools.
Kakashi barely glances up from his book, but there's a sly edge to his voice. "If you've got that much energy, I guess break time's over."
The protests are immediate and loud. Sakura groans, slumping against her pack. "But we just sat down…"
Naruto throws his hands in the air. "No way! You're kidding, right?!"
Even Sasuke huffs, shooting Kakashi a glare. Tazuna just sighs, mumbling something about "crazy kids" and "not paying enough for this."
But Kakashi is already moving, barely bothering to look back. "Let's go. The sooner we move, the sooner we're there."
I climb back on the Gullwing with Tazuna. The genin drag themselves to their feet—Naruto muttering under his breath, Sakura with a look of martyrdom, Sasuke glaring like he's considering mutiny.
This pattern repeats through the day: the kids scramble through the trees, Kakashi setting a punishing pace, then calls a break when they look like they'll drop… only to start up again before they catch their breath. By dusk, the sky is washed in violet and everyone looks half-dead—except Kakashi, who still hasn't lost his lazy smile.
We stop in a little clearing. The kids basically collapse, spread out in a circle around the fire pit Kakashi had them build. Naruto flops down so hard his teeth chatter. Sakura just peels her shoes off and groans. Sasuke sits cross-legged, arms folded, scowling at the embers.
Naruto throws a dramatic glare at Kakashi. "This is torture! You're trying to kill us!"
Kakashi only shrugs, cheerful. "It's called training. You'll thank me later."
I pull a tent and sleeping bag from my inventory, setting them up nearby. The kids watch, wide-eyed. Tazuna slumps down by the fire, cradling his flask.
Sakura turns to Kakashi, half whispering. "How'd he do that?"
Kakashi glances over, one eye curving up. "Ah, well… you see, ninja sometimes use sealing scrolls. Handy little things—we inscribe them with formulas, store objects inside, then release them when needed. You can seal weapons, supplies, even entire structures if you're skilled enough."
Sakura nods slowly, intrigued. "So… he used a sealing scroll? I don't see one."
Kakashi tilts his head, expression thoughtful. "Nope. That's not what he's doing."
"…Then what is he doing?"
He shrugs, unbothered. "No clue."
Sakura stares at him. "You could've just said that!"
Kakashi closes his book with a soft snap. "But where's the fun in that?"
She looks at me like she wants me to explain, but I don't. The real answer would go over their heads, and I don't feel like lying right now.
After a while, as the fire crackles, Sakura tries something else. "Tazuna, sir… Why not just hire ninja from the Land of Waves? Wouldn't it be easier than all this?"
Kakashi answers for him, his voice soft in the growing dark. "There are no ninja in the Land of Waves. Small countries like his don't have their own shinobi villages."
He glances around the circle, making sure they're listening. "In other nations, ninja villages exist—just like ours. Each one is a military force in its own right. That's how nations protect themselves, how they negotiate with their neighbors. Even so, the hidden villages aren't under the country's direct control. They're partners—equals. That balance is what keeps the peace."
He pokes at the fire. "But on a small island like the Land of Waves, where other nations have little influence? No need for a shinobi village. They just… get by. Or try to."
The kids fall silent, the weight of it settling in. The fire crackles, sparks swirling up into the night. For a while, nobody says much, each lost in their own thoughts
Eventually, one by one, we crawl into our tents. The forest settles around us, frogs chirp in the dark, and before I know it, I'm out—dreamless, just the hush of leaves and the lingering ache of the day.
/ VITAL SIGNS: STABLE/
/ RECORDING SUSPENDED — USER UNCONSCIOUS /
/ VITAL SIGNS: ELEVATED/
/ AUDIO / VIDEO / RECORDING RESUMED /
Morning comes with a sharp chill. I pack up the tent, eat a quick ration bar, and watch as the others emerge, bleary-eyed. Kakashi's already up, reading by the ashes of the fire. Tazuna pours a cup from his flask—coffee, maybe, or something a lot stronger.
Naruto's the last up, grumbling as he sits and rips into his breakfast. "When I'm Hokage, there's gonna be a law about how much sleep ninja get, believe it!" he declares, through a mouthful of bread.
Tazuna looks him up and down, unimpressed. "Hokage? You?" He barks a sharp, wheezy laugh. "I don't see how a squirt like you could ever be Hokage."
Naruto bristles, fists clenching on his pack. "Shut up, old man! I'm serious! I'll do whatever it takes, you'll see! Once I'm Hokage, everyone will have to acknowledge me!"
Tazuna grunts, picking his teeth. "Even if you somehow pulled that off, I still wouldn't respect a little brat like you. Hokage or not."
That does it—Naruto's up in a flash, half-lunging at Tazuna, his face flushed with outrage. "WHY YOU—!"
Kakashi grabs him by the back of his collar before he can get three steps, holding him off the ground like a particularly angry housecat. "Now, now, Naruto. Clients are fragile. Don't make me write a mission report about you turning the bridge builder into a pancake."
Naruto squirms, feet windmilling, but Kakashi's grip is iron. "Put me down! He can't just talk to me like that!"
Sakura pinches the bridge of her nose, already exhausted. "Naruto…"
Tazuna just snorts, not the least bit cowed. "If you can't handle a little ribbing, you'll never make it as Hokage, kid."
Sasuke, from his spot at the edge of camp, gives a dismissive "Hn," not bothering to hide his smirk. "You'd be late to your own coronation."
Naruto glares at all of them, face red, but he's not quite angry enough to break Kakashi's hold. "Just you wait! I'll show all of you!"
Kakashi finally sets Naruto down, giving his hair a lazy ruffle. "We're all looking forward to it, Naruto. Now eat up and get your stuff together. We've got ground to cover."
With a last grumble, Naruto flops back to his spot and shovels down the rest of his breakfast. Tazuna drains his cup, dumping the dregs into the bushes. Sakura and Sasuke move quietly, double-checking their gear and sharing a silent, exasperated glance.
Within minutes, camp is broken. Kakashi snaps his book shut, glancing over the group. "Alright, everyone. Ready?"
"Ready!" Sakura calls, trying to sound energetic.
Sasuke gives a postitive "Hn." which I'm starting to think is its own context-heavy language.
Naruto zips up his jacket and stomps over, still mumbling under his breath, but his eyes are stubborn and bright. "Let's go. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can show you how awesome I am, old man."
Kakashi just chuckles. "Alright then. Formation. Let's move."
I fire up the Gullwing, Tazuna climbing on behind me with a grumble. The genin leap up, fanning out through the trees, Kakashi taking point.
The sun's barely above the trees as we head out, dew sparkling on the leaves.Last edited: Jul 28, 2025