Kurai

Well, I am on a roll somehow so Chapter 6 is here everyone! This marks the official start of the Demon Country Arc, which I have been wanting to do for sometime now. I hope you all enjoy and please leave reviews!

The sound of kunai flying in the air is overwhelming as I dive under the enemy in front of me. I slash his leg with my tanto, causing him to fall as his Achilles hangs out of the gaping wound. I kick his head hard, causing it to snap before he loses consciousness. 

I look up to see Hana lying in a pool of blood, the brothers laying on top of her as her opponent raises his Katana. Something in me snaps as I lash out with my shadows, piercing him as blood spurts from his wounds. His head turns to me in surprise as he slumps on my shadows, yet I pay him no attention as I dive to Hana. The brother's whimper around me as I hold her gently in my arms. She coughs up blood, pooling out of her mouth as she opens a shaky eye to me. She tries to smile at me as I panic, not sure what to do while her blood pools in my hands. A hand is on my shoulder trying to shake me yet I barely recognize it. I pick her up gently, channeling what little chakra I have left into healing chakra as I place my hands on the back of her wound, trying to close it as we make our way back to Konoha. 

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I sit patiently in one of the chairs outside of the surgery room as my foot taps impatiently. I had tried washing the blood off my hands yet it wouldn’t leave me. 

So this is what happened. My head whirls, looking down the corridor at the black ghost seemingly staring at me. A creepy smile sends a shiver down my neck, yet I simply stare back. 

It’s…. A pleasure to finally meet my chosen container. You probably know me best as Bakemono. My eyebrows raise in surprise. Sure, I had heard the name back when Uncle Shikaku would tell me stories of demonic shadows as a kid. 

You know, you will have to choose one eventually. 

“Choose one?” The words escape my lips before I can even stop them, which sets the demon chuckling. 

You will learn soon enough, I suppose. You're welcome, for keeping you alive again. Try not to need me a third time, would you?The shadow seemingly waves its hands, and my vision gets dizzy as if I am in a hurricane. Then, nothing.

I blink, a bright light blinding me as once again I feel the soft linen of the hospital sheets in my hands. A loud beeping penetrates my ears as something over my mouth clouds my vision somewhat. I realize it’s a breathing mask as I reach for it, unattaching it as I finally take in a deep breath. My throat hitches somewhat, sending the monitor into a frenzy as footsteps come rushing into the room. Upon seeing my eyes open, a kind yet worried smile enters my visage as someone gently takes my hand in. I turn my head to see the red eyes of Hana with her holding my hand in hers gently. 

“You’re…” My voice croaks at the end as she shakes her head, laying her head carefully against my hand. 

“I thought you were dead, you know.” Her mumble is barely audible through the sheets, yet I feel my hand get damp as I look up to see Kakashi enter the room. His face never changes, though I see a flash of worry go through his eye momentarily before he plops down in one of the chairs in the room. 

“You know, when I heard my favorite Kohai was stuck in the hospital, again, I didn’t know what to expect.” He whips out his book, causing me to roll my eyes and for Hana to growl. I feel her grip get a little more possessive, which causes me to turn back to her. I give her a simple nod, which she blushes at before releasing the pressure. 

“I also took the liberty of informing your Genin of your…. Adventure earlier. Told them you probably won’t be seeing them for training tomorrow.” Something lifts off my shoulders as relief floods through me. 

“Anyways, I should get going before more people show up. Toodaloo.” Kakashi puffs out of existence, causing me to blink before shaking my head at the antics of my old Anbu captain. Right as he vanishes, Hiruzen walks through the door, none too pleased. 

“Someone want to tell me what this is about one of my ex-Anbu agents almost dying even though he’s restricted to no chakra usage?” 

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I was let out in a fortnight of having stayed in the hospital. Though bandages and medication were once again going to follow me everywhere, it didn’t matter. I saved her this time. That was the only thing that mattered as my thoughts drifted in my mind. Not paying attention, I nearly jump and spill my tea all over me as Jiraiya slides into the chair across from me in the booth. Most shinobi don’t frequent this little café since it’s on the quiet side of Konoha, but I loved it for the relaxing atmosphere. Seeing Jiraiya, one of the most renowned shinobi to grace Konoha, sitting in here with me. Granted, we have become somewhat acquainted and  he helps me with seals, but not to this level. 

He has the same look in his eye, though, that everyone had lately. That I’m made of glass and can’t take care of myself. Hello, highest kill count in Anbu history and it’s most decorated commander. I can defend myself perfectly well with a pencil if need be. I sip some more of my tea, patiently waiting for Jiraiya-Sama to speak. 

“So, kid I heard you got a Genin team huh? You think you're ready for it?” I nod, placing my cup down gently and eyeing the small pastry next to it. 

“As difficult a challenge as I believe it to be, I have commanded top level Anbu recruits and made some of the greatest captains in history. I believe I am up for it.” He nods, a pleased smile on his face hiding the worry in his eyes. He sighs, waving over a waitress and ordering some peach tea with lemon. 

“You’ll be fine with that mentality. Anyways, I did some research on your… little buddy. I think I found a promising lead. Take your team up to Sensei sometime this week, he will get you situated.” I nod, already planning to go gather the kids when Jiraiya holds up a hand. 

“Can you mold chakra yet?” 

“Yes, Jiraiya-Sama I can mold chakra. Not to the extent I wish, though that will take about a year of training.” He nods, tapping his chin in thought while the waitress places his tea in front of him. He flashes her a pleasant smile, one she returns as she giggles behind her carrying tray. She scurries away, causing him to chuckle. 

“Alright, come with me then really quick.” I nod, leaving my usual yen and tip on the table as I get up with Jiraiya-Sama. We proceed to leave the café, walking through the busy street. Civilians and shinobi alike stare at the bandages peeking out beneath my lavender long sleeve, yet I pay them no heed. Every shinobi has scars. 

Walking out of the busy market, I stay silent merely enjoying the legendary company as we come upon an empty training ground. We enter, my mind racing as Jiraiya-Sama crosses his arms. 

“Ok kid, you ever thought about summons?” I shake my head, confused. 

“Well, there’s a few ways you can get one, which I’m sure you know. Have one passed down, find a contract, kill an enemy shinobi yadda yadda ya. What most people don’t know is that a clan can choose you if you do the hand signs and everything. This is more for my curiosity than anything, so I wanna see if a clan chooses you.” I nod my head, watching as Jiraiya flashes through the signs. 

I mimic him, following his signs before slamming my hand down in the dirt. 

“Summoning Jutsu!” Lines form beneath me, as I pour chakra into the Jutsu beneath me, I feel the ground quiver as if an earthquake is happening. I keep still as the ground moves, shaking and rumbling in various degrees. After a few moments of waiting, nothing happens which causes Jiraiya to sigh. 

“Well, the experiment failed sadly. Though it was kind of expected since most Nara don’t have contracts. I half expected a deer to pop up honestly.” I shrug, getting up off the ground and dusting off my pants. “Anyways kid, go get your team together and go see the old man. I know you all haven’t done any D-ranks or anything, but you're a special little fire spitter so you’ll be fine. Anyways, I must go do some research!” With that, Jiraiya-Sama puffs out of existence via Shunshin and leaves me standing in the middle of the field. The wind slowly drifts through as I stare at the spot, confused and a little bewildered before I hear a slight rustling behind me. 

I turn slowly, moving a hand to my kunai pouch as I let my chakra seep through the air. Not feeling anything, I raise my guard as the bush behind me rustles again. I take a weary step forward, before a tiny armadillo slowly walks out of the bush, blinking wearily at me. I stare at the small animal, watching it slowly open its eyes up towards me. Its beedy brown little orbs peer up at me innocently. I blink, crouching down and sitting on the soft grass as the little ball of carapace slowly waddles over to me, nudging my leg gently. 

“Are you the one who summoned me?” I blink in response. 

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Walking to the Hokage tower with Riku sitting on my shoulder was…strange to say the least. As a Jōnin in the village, I’m bound to get some weird stares every now and then from civilians, so I’m used to them. But when all the other Jōnin is staring at me, well I feel a little out of place. Walking up to the mission command center at the bottom of the tower, A young Chūnin by the name of Irūka smiles at me, the scar on his nose seemingly smiling at me as well. 

“Welcome to the Mission command center, are you sending for a squad or requesting a mission?” 

“Requesting a squad. Please summon Team Renshiro to the tower.” He nods, moving behind him and writing something down before attaching it to one of the carrier pigeon’s feet. 

“They will be arriving here shortly, you’re welcome to wait here until they arrive.” I nod, moving to sit in a chair. Ten minutes later, my three little minions come wandering in, dazed and confused. I smile, walking up to them and startling them. Shino looks at Riku on my shoulder with possible curiosity. 

“I apologize for calling you three here on what was an unplanned day off, but I was informed there is a mission that may pertain to me in a way.” 

“What way is that Sensei?!” Kiba pipes up, with Akamaru yipping from his head. I eye smile at them, before turning on my heel and leaving his question unanswered as we venture up the stairs. 

“Ano, Sensei?” I turn over my head as we continue to wind up the numerous stairs of the tower. From within her jacket, Hinata peers up at me, a slight blush of shyness forming on her cheeks. I nod for her to go on, which she enthusiastically does “Do you know what kind of mission we will be doing? Father said that we would be doing D-rank missions for the next couple of weeks, yet this doesn’t seem like it will be a D-rank?” I smile at her, which causes her to smile back at me with happiness. 

“It will essentially be a D-rank, though will hold the rank of C in all actuality with a small chance of it rising to B rank. Though don’t worry, this is more so having to do with secrecy than any actual danger so I wouldn’t be worried. Also, we will be training during the mission so you all will be fine.” With that, we finally reach the office of the Hokage. I knock, not even bothering to look at the bored secretary at her desk as a cough is my answer. I open the door to Hiruzen filling his pipe, looking up at me and smiling. I almost drop to a knee right away, before resisting the urge and simply walking forward. 

“Ah, Renshiro-Kun and team. I am pleased to see that you passed them, you never managed to make it to the Sensei meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. Anyways, I have a C-rank here for you that will be taking you out of the village. We have a message that needs to be delivered to Miroku-Sama in the land of demons village.” He hands me a scroll, which I immediately seal away. I turn to my team, hand on my hip. 

“Pack for about 3 weeks, and if your parents have any concerns, please direct them to me, I shall assuage their concerns. I will come to gather you all, so just wait at your houses patiently.” They all nod, serious and quiet as they usher out of the room at my beckoning. I grimace, before turning back to Hiruzen.

“Does Jiraiya-Sama truly believe that the priestess might be able to do something about this? Hiruzen lets a puff out from his pipe, the smoke clouding in front of him. He sets his pipe down on his tray, laying his chin gently in the palm of his hand. 

“It’s worth a shot, and this village needs its Shadouburingā back in action soon.” I nod, though confused. 

“Iwa is starting to stir up some trouble along the border again, not to mention Ame and Grass have been restless. We will need to do a power play soon, and you will likely be a part of it somehow. Now go and prepare, we don’t know exactly what will happen in the Demon country, but we need them as a steadfast ally.” I nod, before spinning on my heel and heading out the door. 

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I stop by my apartment first, with Riku sound asleep on my shoulder I grab my pack and seal the rest away. The thing about being from Anbu is that you were always mission ready. We labeled our packs into ‘C’ ‘B’ ‘A’ ‘S’ and ‘SS’ packs with each one of varying contents. ‘C’ packs mainly included some medical supplies, sealing supplies, food and extra clothes. Nodding, I leave my apartment and head towards the Hyuuga compound. 

Might as well get the shy one first, she might have some questions or concerns. Heading to the roof, ignoring the order of the doctor to not use chakra or strenuous activity, I make it to the compound within five minutes. Arriving at the front gate, the guard looks at me warily as I suddenly just land in front of them.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” The statement is probably meant to sound intimidating, but it barely phases me. 

“Renshiro Nara, Jōnin team leader of Hinata Hyuuga. We have a mission and I am here to collect my cute little Gēnin.” I try to keep my voice as cheery as possible, watching as the tension in the guard’s shoulder loosens slightly. 

“Hinata-Sama shall be informed right away.” He dashes inside, leaving me standing there whistling a soft tune as I wait. After a few minutes, Hinata comes out of the gate, with Hiashi just behind her. I nod to him, watching as Hinata ducks behind me cutely. 

“This is unprecedented, I believe you understand this?” I nod, squaring my shoulders a bit as I try to ignore the bandages lying beneath my clothes. 

“I am aware, Hiashi-Sama, but this mission was given by Hokage-Sama directly. There isn’t much I can do. I promise Hinata will be in capable hands.” Hiashi stares at me, seemingly searching for something before nodding. 

“Very well, seeing as how I have heard of your previous exploits, I will not protest this with Hiruzen. Keep her safe.” With that he turns, his robe floating behind him. I look down to Hinata, placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair a bit. 

“Let’s go get your teammates now, shall we?”

Arriving at the Aburame compound was… an experience. I had been there before, of course with Uncle Shikaku a few times. Though that was ages ago, and I barely remembered it. Standing in front of the guard, I smile down at the nervous Hinata holding onto the fabric of my pants, as Shino finally joins us. 

“My apologies, Sensei. Why? For being late in meeting up.” I shake my head, motioning for him to follow. 

“Never specified time kiddo, besides, we will be gone for some time, so spending a little more time with your family won’t kill us. Though I might die depending on how this goes with the Inuzuka.” Hinata taps my leg, causing me to stop in the middle of the road and look down at her quizzically. 

“Why would you possibly die at the Inuzuka?” Crap, she’s adorable. 

“Ah… well, Kiba’s sister is an… old friend you could say. Though he doesn’t know that.” She looks at me innocently, confusion was written on her face yet I absolutely refuse to elaborate. No way in hell was I going to give Hiashi’s daughter a first-hand experience of how awful I am with handling romantic feelings. Nope, don’t feel like dying right this very moment, thank you.

We approach the entrance of the Inuzuka compound, the guard merely motioning me through with a yawn. Obviously, this got some raised looks from my two little minions, but I ignored them as I headed for the back where the clinic was. The clinic was standing tall, a few marks on some wood but other than that perfectly fine. 

Dozens of dogs run around merrily as they work on rehab or just playing. A smile cracks its way through my visage as I open the door, the bell chiming. 

“Welcome to Inuzuka Clan- oh hey Renshiro-Kun what’s up?” Hana comes out from the backroom, box in hand. She sets it down, placing a hand on her hip as Rei comes yipping around the corner. He bounds up to me, diving into my hand as I scratch his ears. 

“Looking for your kid brother, he around?” She nods, turning towards the back. 

“Oi pup, get your ass out here! Your sensei’s here!” 

“Coming Nee-Chan!” Kiba bounds out from the back, before almost tripping on the door frame. He flails, causing Hana to stick out her arm and grab the hem of his shirt like a stray puppy as she sighs, shaking her head in bemusement. 

“Watch yourself little brother. Anyways, why you here to pick up the mutt?” Kiba looks at Hana startled, switching his gaze between the two of us constantly. 

“We’ve got a long-term mission. Did he not tell you?” She narrows her eyes, leveling a stare at Kiba. 

“No, he hasn’t. Nor has he told mum. Come on, we better go and make sure he actually packs.” She drags him out the clinic as we head towards the main house. Walking up the back steps, Hana releases Kiba who sprints upstairs hurriedly. Tsume is sitting at the table, reading a scroll as she looks up. 

“Oh? Look what the lazy cat dragged in. It’s been a while kiddo, how’s life treating you?” Are you still trying to kill yourself in Anbu? 

“Life’s looking better lately, thank you Tsume.” I’m out of Anbu and slowly getting better. 

“Well, that’s good, also thanks for saving Hana the other day. I know you two are close and all, but I can still smell burnt flesh on you. Anyways, why ya here kiddo?” I rub my arm where the largest burn still lays, before sighing. 

“We have a mission. C-rank though it’s somewhat classified I’m afraid. Kiba forgot to mention it.” Her eyes narrow, looking up the stairs as Kiba finally comes walking down. Akamaru shrinks into his jacket as he sees his mom’s level stare. Tsume looks back at me. 

“A C-rank? Without doing any D-ranks?” Never let it be said that Tsume wasn’t territorial. I’d been around long enough she considered me a son, so I could see the rage simmering beneath her calm exterior. 

“Lord Hokage’s orders I’m afraid. Given my past, he believes I can make up for any discrepancies or obstacles we may face…” I catch a glint in Hana’s eye I knew all too well, one that her mother also shared. They knew. 

I motion for the kids to go outside. 

“We will only be a minute you three, so go wait at the gate. Or here, go buy some food.” I throw my wallet at them, one of the few I had with some hard cash lying around, though not too much cash. They nod, dashing out the door to go find some ramen or BBQ most likely as I lean against a wall. Once I’m sure the minions are out of range, I finally let my guard down, showing my tired veneer. 

“I guess you two figured out somehow.” My voice, tired and exhausted, only further causes the two to frown. 

“Of course we found out, you moron! Getting a demon sealed inside you, and you didn’t even think to tell me! Why I oughta-” Tsume cuts her off with a pointed cough, causing Hana to reign it in. 

“While my daughter is right, this doesn’t have to do with the mission. Or does it?” I sigh, closing my eyes and slumping further down the wall into a slouch.

“I can’t say much since this part is the classified part, but Jiraiya-Sama thinks he found a lead.” Tsume nods, sighing as she gets up. She pulls me into a gentle embrace, ruffling my hair like I so often do to my little minions. 

“Just be safe, alright? Hana would likely destroy the world if you died.” With that, she releases me as she shoves me out the door. Hana lingers by the door, before making up her mind and marching up to me. I stare at her as her cheeks turn red, matching her fang marks as she shifts in the dirt timidly. She looks up at me, eyes full of raw emotion as I feel her stare into my shadowy abyss. I stare at her lips, my mind slowly going blank as my body heats up. I can feel my palms get sweaty in my pockets as I feel like my entire being seemingly longs to kiss her full lips. For a minute I pause as she leans close to me, and I swear I could feel my heart beating outside of my body as she tugs on the hem of my sleeve demurely. 

“Ren-Kun you have to come back.” Her voice is raw, something I’m not used to hearing as she leans her head against my chest. I pull her in tight for a moment, listening to her snuggle into my chest as I rest my chin against her hair. 

“I promise on the shadows that I will come back.” She looks up at me, and I can only think of those full, red lips as she leans up to me, kissing me. It’s fleeting, a quick chaste kiss. Nothing was particularly special about the action and yet, my body goes rigid as she looks away from me, turning back and dashing inside quickly. I stand there for a moment, watching her leave and the sway of her hips as she dashes inside. I can still feel the wild taste of flowers on my lips as I raise a finger to them. My mind is a fuzz of white as I turn on my heels instinctually, making for the main gate of Konoha. 

It isn’t until we reach the gate that Hinata tugs on my sleeve innocently. 

“Ano… Sensei are you ok? Your kind of red.” 

“... Huh?” 

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Bonus POV: Hana

Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit- I slam the door shut as I slide down against the frame, totally ignoring my mother’s proud smirk. I can practically feel the smugness radiating off her as I hide my flushing face in my hands. I can feel the back of my neck go hot as the triplets nudge my legs. My hearts beating a thousand miles a minute in my chest as my breaths come in rapidly. 

I just kissed Renshiro Nara!