The morning sun was spilling over the rooftops of the Hidden Leaf Village, painting the streets gold. Most kids were already running around, chasing each other or running errands. Eli Aburame, six years old, moved quietly through the yard behind his house, slipping down the trapdoor he had spent months carving beneath the floorboards. Beneath the wooden house lay a cramped, dimly lit lab—patched with scrap wood and ingenuity—but to Eli, it was perfect. Charts, diagrams, containers, and a small practice space for chakra control and jutsu were all neatly arranged. Every object had a purpose, every corner planned.
Eli had lived nineteen years in another world, and the memories gave him knowledge far beyond his apparent age. He had memorized jutsu, studied chakra mechanics, and analyzed elemental affinities like a scientist studying a new chemical reaction. Now, he could put that knowledge into practice. He was a loner, precise, and analytical—but with humor sharp enough to cut tension, especially when talking to himself.
A ripple ran under his skin. Black and fluid, alive and aware. His insects paused mid-crawl, antennae flicking. Eli froze for a heartbeat, then grinned. "Well… there you are. Big, scary, alien thing under my skin. Should we skip the awkward staring phase and get to work?"
I'm Calyx. And you are… Eli. Seems we're partners now, the voice said, calm, smooth, and surprisingly casual.
Eli raised an eyebrow. "Partners, huh? Fine. Just a few rules: don't eat the bugs, don't randomly explode, and try not to freak me out too much."
Understood. I'll behave—mostly.
"Mostly? That's reassuring." Eli grinned. "I like a little chaos, but I draw the line at being eaten alive."
Noted. Also… you talk to yourself a lot. Amusing, but inefficient.
"Hey, I'm six. If I don't make jokes at my own expense, who will?" Eli said. "Besides, someone has to keep things interesting while I'm running a symbiote lab under my house."
Flexing his fingers, Eli formed hand signs. Chakra hummed through him like electricity, flowing naturally. Wind swirled around his palms, lightning arced sharply through the air, and water twisted in smooth ribbons. Calyx adjusted beneath his skin, subtle and precise, stabilizing flow and coordinating with the insects.
"Not bad, right?" Eli said. "Wind, water, lightning… and a symbiote that actually talks back. Could be worse."
It's functional. And I do talk back, yes. But you move faster than expected for someone your size. You might actually be fun to work with, Calyx said, a hint of dry humor in the tone.
Eli laughed. "Fun? High praise coming from a walking parasite. I'll take it."
After some elemental practice, Eli picked up a shuriken. Wooden targets lined the floor. He channeled chakra into the weapon, coordinating with the insects, and threw it. The shuriken spiraled perfectly, landing dead center.
"Bullseye," he muttered. "Good job, Calyx. You didn't even bribe the bugs."
I wasn't bribed. I just… added a little help. You're not bad at this. Slightly cocky, though.
Eli snorted. "Slightly cocky? Okay, I'll let that slide. You, on the other hand… are way too calm for someone living under my skin."
Calm is efficient. Humor is optional but tolerated. And don't call me 'living under your skin' again. Dramatic, but inaccurate.
Hours passed with experimentation and note-taking. Eli scribbled diagrams and calculations: elemental combinations, shuriken angles, insect patterns, chakra flow. He considered the challenges the Academy might present, imagining fights and calculating strategies. Calyx contributed observations, offered analysis, and occasionally tossed a sarcastic remark, which Eli found… surprisingly refreshing.
Finally, Eli decided on a break. Emerging from the lab, he spotted a five-yen coin near Ichiraku Ramen. He picked it up, grinning. "Lunch fund. Don't tell me you're allergic to ramen, Calyx."
Not allergic. But noodles do smell… inviting, Calyx replied smoothly, almost conversationally.
Inside the shop, the smell of broth and fried noodles hit him immediately. Eli placed the coin on the counter and slid onto a stool. "One day, we'll be unstoppable. Science, chakra, bugs, shuriken… and a symbiote who doesn't shut up."
I don't shut up? I thought I was giving you useful commentary.
"Useful, sure. But slightly judgmental too. Don't worry—I like it," Eli said, slurping noodles. "Trust me, you'll fit in perfectly."
Calyx's presence rippled beneath his skin, smooth, calm, and surprisingly… friendly. "Good. I think I'll enjoy this partnership."
Eli smiled to himself. Six years old, a secret lab, elemental jutsu at his fingertips, shuriken in hand, and a symbiote friend who had already adapted faster than he expected. The adventure had begun, and he intended to make it clever, chaotic, and absolutely unpredictable.