SHINOBI: The RPG - New Game

[MasterMarx]

(read: splatter them across the continent)

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I... didn't realize the giblets went quite that far, lol-

Real talk, with how hard he punches, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if someone was breathing in microscopic bits a few hundred meters away.

Edit: I can also appreciate how tactical Daisuke was in the fight, taking the time to analyze Neji's technique and stuff. Damn impressive, that.

 

[Fulcon]

Real talk, with how hard he punches, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if someone was breathing in microscopic bits a few hundred meters away.

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Best part? I found a way to make his punches even more dangerous, deadly and worthy of accolades!

In character!

 

[MasterMarx]

Best part? I found a way to make his punches even more dangerous, deadly and worthy of accolades!

In character!

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More ultra-tactical splattering ensues, I guess...? The ninja world should be very afraid.

... My mental image of "more dangerous punches" defaults to some of the crazier Team Ultimates from Ninja Storm 4, admittedly.

 

[Fulcon]

More ultra-tactical splattering ensues, I guess...? The ninja world should be very afraid.

... My mental image of "more dangerous punches" defaults to some of the crazier Team Ultimates from Ninja Storm 4, admittedly.

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I still need to play that game.

That said, when we get there (soonish), I hope it makes sense and is tons of fun!

 

[MasterMarx]

That said, when we get there (soonish), I hope it makes sense and is tons of fun!

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You do good work, man. I figure as long as you have the chance to do it at your own pace and such it'll all work out to make sense and be tons of fun

EDIT: Now, time for a reread.

 

[CmirDarthanna]

I still need to play that game.

That said, when we get there (soonish), I hope it makes sense and is tons of fun!

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Let me guess. Wind Style Nintaijutsu? They don't just go splat but also get shredded on a molecular level.

 

[NightmareWarden]

Fulcon. You haven't lost a step. You are a genius of hard work, beloved author-man. Oh, and I loved your self-reflection on Shimoda Daisuke's fighting style. Thankfully his teammates may be able to fill in the gaps.

This chapter showcases that you have mastered the balancing act of mixing traditional writing and the (traditionally clumsy/synthetic) layout of Gamer mechanics. The latter's integration into the chapter's events was smoother than butter.


Now items to improve on! Spoilers from the story's predecessor:

Spoiler: Notes

Needs more penguins. Otherwise... perhaps you could reference the procedures for village lockdown? Which Jonin do graduated genin report to, who brings civilians to the shelters, what is the difference between full alert and "travel restrictions" lockdown, the legality of no-name ninja using genjutsu/illusions on important civilians... Oh! For this specific chapter, you could have had Neji stare at Daisuke with a conflicted expression on his face followed by a failed Charisma check. This Neji doesn't have to be the Neji of canon- what did this loss mean to him? Hell, I could see a heart to heart between these guys happening in the future if Daisuke nudges Neji away from developing volatile anger. Do that! Steer Neji away from his terminal case of consitpation-face.

 

[Fulcon]

Let me guess. Wind Style Nintaijutsu? They don't just go splat but also get shredded on a molecular level.

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You'll see...

Fulcon. You haven't lost a step. You are a genius of hard work, beloved author-man.

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Thank you very much. The kind words mean a lot to me, yes they do.

Also, contextually appropriate compliment that works on multiple levels! Have a cookie for your brilliance, my friend!

This chapter showcases that you have mastered the balancing act of mixing traditional writing and the (traditionally clumsy/synthetic) layout of Gamer mechanics. The latter's integration into the chapter's events was smoother than butter.

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Thank you again!

Now items to improve on! Spoilers from the story's predecessor:

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*rubs hands together*

Lay it on me.

Spoiler: Item 1

Penguins shall appear. They are still Daisuke's summons and I think I'm going to flesh them out in ways that I originally meant to, but never got around to. It's just not quite time for them to appear yet is all.

Spoiler: Item 2

Lockdown Procedures are a great thing to elaborate on! I can't promise anything concrete since I'd need to think about it more, but given how topical a Lockdown would be at this time of writing, I should give it some thought.

Spoiler: Item 3

Actually, that's a great idea. Neji reacting to Daisuke's failed Charisma check in that way would be a good idea. I felt like I needed to at least pay some measure of tribute to canon since this is the first time we're seeing him in this rewrite but that's still a neat idea. I'll see what I can do!

Have another cookie.

EDIT: Sorry for missing this...

Edit: I can also appreciate how tactical Daisuke was in the fight, taking the time to analyze Neji's technique and stuff. Damn impressive, that.

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Thank you. Honestly, I'm glad that it was as impressive as I thought it was, I was kind of worried that I was overdoing people's reaction to it. Glad everyone seems to have enjoyed it so far.

EDIT AGAIN: I missed this too...

Oh, and I loved your self-reflection on Shimoda Daisuke's fighting style. Thankfully his teammates may be able to fill in the gaps.

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Thank you. It really was the main thing keeping me from writing Daisuke because, well, he wasn't what I wanted. But he is who he is, so...it's fine. Honestly, though, once he's maxxed everything and is just screwing around, he can pantomime being a gunslinger for fun if he wants. Don't think he will because it really would just be a Halloween Costume for him now and I'm okay with that.

 

[Galacticplumber]

Actually.... Now that I think about it what the hell does Daisuke DO if Hiruzen presses the issue on just where the "cypher" came from due to the shared English source? Waffle about it being the same bloodline? Show fear at the possibility of being monitored deeply enough to replicate it? Come clean on the partial truth of being from a previous reality, and that his first language wasn't the native tongue here?

Worst part is Hiruzen doesn't even have to seem aggressive or needlessly authoritarian about it.

"This man, by your translation, is a self-proclaimed hostile infiltrator talking about the end of the world. I will not force information from you, as I wasn't lying when I said I would trust you, but any information you can give me about this only lead we have would help. If nothing else it would offer some peace of mind that we aren't just passively waiting for him to show up again."

It's a very reasonable question. Personal secrets are one thing. Personal secrets with tangible connection to a barely understood enemy of the state are quite another thing for a lack of probing to be policy.

As an added bonus if he's willing to teach English, his team and Konoha as a whole suddenly have access to a form of secret communication no other nation can break for decades without known example communication. It's not a cypher. No combination of rearranging letters or symbols in the local language will yield verifiable translations. Win all the cryptography for life.

 

[Garganator]

Honestly, I'm kind of shocked that you continue this. The last time when you talked about this story, you made it clear how Naruto tired you out as a fandom, and how you disliked it. Not that I complain, to be clear, but I'm surprised nonetheless. But it's good to see this back. I also liked giving my opinions, advice, and suggestions in this story.

To address the pre-chapter conversation, while parenting styles CAN inherit, or inherit with mild differences they can also change wildly in drastic situations. Yes Naruto was neglected, and his social skills are not the strongest due to lack of practice opportunities. On the other hand, Naruto is also lonely, clingy to anyone he can form a bond with, has the ability to literally taste every negative emotion a person has, and has an entire philosophy based on loyalty, and reliability.

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Naruto also dislikes being ignored. It only makes his trauma worse, in a way that people in general, who disliked him, mostly ignored him. So when it happens, it reminds him of the worst parts of his life. So he prefers to be the center of attention, even if it means people laugh at him.

I love bringing in Gai's team early as a sort of early measuring stick for the non-geniuses. I love introducing Neji to not just being an underdog, but being OPENLY TOYED WITH! Shit that boy is going to have a fucking meltdown, and even I can't reasonably predict what you'll do with it with high confidence.

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Yep, it works. Maybe I would personally suggest making Neji a bit more closely matched to Daisuke, but arguments on chosen tactic, and why it worked against Neji make sense, so in the end, it worked out perfectly fine.

And also - perspective. Oh how perspective matters in those types of situations.

Does he slot this into his fate coping mechanism, and just believe he was outclassed? With victory never being an option? Does his raw distaste for his position beat the concept of predetermination coping out of him as he rails against what he can no longer ignore as a shitty hand? Does he retract further into his shell, becoming even shittier than canon at least in the short term to be an even easier to hate antagonist when he bumps up against Naruto? Does he think his current methods are ineffective, and start seeking help from people around him instead of walking the path of loner prodigy?

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In most stories when Neji loses so hard, he returns to his coping mechanism of 'fate' pretty much. I think it makes the most sense, as in the end, people don't drastically change that fast IMO. But I think in this case if Daisuke plays it right, and people around him, he may move faster from his beliefs way before the canon timeline. But again, Daisuke isn't a charisma god called Naruto, and Gai and his team, as clearly canon shows, couldn't really help him.

Could even start offering tips to Lee about how Neji's anger is a weakness, and how to better exploit holes in his form? I say this because while Lee can't do jutsu tricks he could be trained to be a more observant, tactical martial artist.

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I think if Lee receives this kind of advice, I don't think he would follow it. He's too honest of a person IMO. He would want to win on his own skills and merit, and not use any sort of provocation to give himself and edge.

Wait shit. If Daisuke antagonizes Neji but befriends Lee, how does Naruto react? Irrational jealousy of Lee for seemingly taking the place he used to have? Irrational because Naruto was actively trying to get out of that shadow?

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Hmmm... yeah, I think I could see it happen. Naruto gets jealous pretty easily, when he feels like something of his is threatened. We see it in canon when he gets frustrated with Lee dismissing him for challenging Sasuke instead in the middle of the Chuunin Exam.

My head-canon is that Lee, a student of the strong style, doesn't really dodge. He blocks and parries. However, both of those things give Neji exactly what he needs: direct contact with his opponent. In essence, Lee is handing Neji victory after victory simply because he's playing right into Neji's strengths. If Lee were a boss monster, and Neji were an adventurer, Lee's boss fight would be with his glowing, red weak-spot open and in view for the entire fight.

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Hmmm... this is a pretty good observation. Although if his odds are overwhelming, he does dodge, which we see against Gaara.

Also when he uses drunken fist, it also makes him dodge pretty much everything, which we see against Kimmimaro.

But I also think that the Strong Fist style is also very aggressive, which works as an additional advantage for Neji. Because all Neji needs is to slightly move away from the incoming hit, and simply touch Lee, which when he is in the motion of the strong hit, can't really dodge. Strong Fist style is very, very offensive and direct in how it works. So it also makes it meh defensively.

Now, you may point out that dodging counters all the Taijutsu styles, not just Gentle Fist. To which I say, yes. But it's not always a convenient move and a lot of the time there's an opportunity cost to dodging when you could parry and counter attack.

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It's partially true. In martial art, there is a concept of faints after all. Which is all about bluffing what you plan to do, making someone dodge on purpose in a way you know someone will, and take advantage of it. So dodging may in the end turn out to be a mistake, when fighting someone, who knows how you will react.

My read (headcanon) of Neji is that, for all his predestination talk, he believed that he was destined to force his clan to change. How could he not? He was nearly unbeatable, taking Gai's Taijutsu training in perfect stride, even if the eccentricities wear on him sometimes. He was better than the heir-apparent to the clan. He was better than nearly all the Hyuuga out there when they were his age. In my head, I think he saw his future as head of the clan, replacing the 'weak' heirs of his Uncle who clearly should have been branded instead of him and his family. Because that was their fate and clan politics interfered.

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Nod. My headcanon is similar to this. Otherwise, I don't think his confidence in his own skills would be this strong, and then it turned into a straight-up arrogance. For a pretty long while pretty justified as well.

Let me guess. Wind Style Nintaijutsu? They don't just go splat but also get shredded on a molecular level.

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I think it could also be used to assist Daisuke with his preference for dodging. There is also a Fuuton: Reppusho (if I typed it right) wind technique, which is all about repulsing/deflecting an incoming attack with an application of wind. So not all Fuuton techniques in Naruto are about slicing/cutting/disintegrating targets really. The majority of them are, true, but not all of them.

Actually.... Now that I think about it what the hell does Daisuke DO if Hiruzen presses the issue on just where the "cypher" came from due to the shared English source? Waffle about it being the same bloodline? Show fear at the possibility of being monitored deeply enough to replicate it? Come clean on the partial truth of being from a previous reality, and that his first language wasn't the native tongue here?

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If they really press it, I think him admitting that this isn't his first life, may become a necessity. Oh, this would open up a new can of worms, but it may be hard to explain the familiarity with very odd, and new language otherwise. Also, they can verify it via Yamanaka if really needed...

 

[Fulcon]

Honestly, I'm kind of shocked that you continue this. The last time when you talked about this story, you made it clear how Naruto tired you out as a fandom, and how you disliked it. Not that I complain, to be clear, but I'm surprised nonetheless. But it's good to see this back. I also liked giving my opinions, advice, and suggestions in this story.

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I really just needed a break. A long, long break where I could look at things objectively. Daisuke didn't fit my favorite character archetype, instead he fits a different one that I enjoy quite a bit. Once I figured that out, the blocks cleared and I could start this up again.

Yep, it works. Maybe I would personally suggest making Neji a bit more closely matched to Daisuke, but arguments on chosen tactic, and why it worked against Neji make sense, so in the end, it worked out perfectly fine.

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The reason I didn't go for a closer match, even though it maybe should've been, was because Daisuke has an advantage over almost every other Taijutsu practitioner in the setting: His fighting style is completely unique.

Daisuke slips and slides on the battlefield like a penguin on ice. He doesn't require things like leverage and an awkward position is nearly impossible for him to even find. Think weaponized break-dancing, but he can turn and shift his position like he were piloting a lightcycle.

In the chapter itself, Daisuke compares himself to a greased pikachu...and I think it's a valid comparison.

And also - perspective. Oh how perspective matters in those types of situations.

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An interlude chapter would be good, but we just had one. So...perhaps later?

In most stories when Neji loses so hard, he returns to his coping mechanism of 'fate' pretty much. I think it makes the most sense, as in the end, people don't drastically change that fast IMO. But I think in this case if Daisuke plays it right, and people around him, he may move faster from his beliefs way before the canon timeline. But again, Daisuke isn't a charisma god called Naruto, and Gai and his team, as clearly canon shows, couldn't really help him.

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Sadly, this is the case. Daisuke has a charisma of 7 (thanks to equipment), while Naruto has an (effective, not literal) charisma of 11. I do have ideas for some conversations between Neji and Daisuke, but I'm not sure how far along he'd be able to help. Daisuke's speech is 36; enough for human speech and minor negotiations. Not much past that.

Also when he uses drunken fist, it also makes him dodge pretty much everything, which we see against Kimmimaro.

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...you know, I never got any mileage out of drunken fist Lee.

I must repent of my sins.

But I also think that the Strong Fist style is also very aggressive, which works as an additional advantage for Neji. Because all Neji needs is to slightly move away from the incoming hit, and simply touch Lee, which when he is in the motion of the strong hit, can't really dodge. Strong Fist style is very, very offensive and direct in how it works. So it also makes it meh defensively.

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Honestly, I think this dovetails nicely with my point and provides greater justification. Thank you! have a cookie.

It's partially true. In martial art, there is a concept of faints after all. Which is all about bluffing what you plan to do, making someone dodge on purpose in a way you know someone will, and take advantage of it. So dodging may in the end turn out to be a mistake, when fighting someone, who knows how you will react.

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True! But as you've noted, Lee is a fairly honest person and I'm not sure he does a lot of feints (though to say he never uses them would be balderdash).

Nod. My headcanon is similar to this. Otherwise, I don't think his confidence in his own skills would be this strong, and then it turned into a straight-up arrogance. For a pretty long while pretty justified as well.

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This makes me ask a question: How would the Hyuuga have been different if Hizashi were born first instead of Hiashi? Would Hinata have flourished without the weight of being the Clan Heir on her shoulders or would the Caged Bird Seal break her? Would Neji's anger never have sparked, allowing for a more bearable person? Or would his arrogance just get even worse?

If they really press it, I think him admitting that this isn't his first life, may become a necessity. Oh, this would open up a new can of worms, but it may be hard to explain the familiarity with very odd, and new language otherwise. Also, they can verify it via Yamanaka if really needed...

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This is just correct. Though I can't see them pressing it unless it becomes blatantly necessary (which may, or may not, happen for a while).

EDIT: Need to read the thread closer, it seems.

Actually.... Now that I think about it what the hell does Daisuke DO if Hiruzen presses the issue on just where the "cypher" came from due to the shared English source? Waffle about it being the same bloodline? Show fear at the possibility of being monitored deeply enough to replicate it? Come clean on the partial truth of being from a previous reality, and that his first language wasn't the native tongue here?

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In the previous draft, everything, and I mean everything, was shuffled under 'bloodline, don't ask questions and I shall tell you no lies' without very much issue. Now, however, there's a bit of a problem. I think Daisuke may, reluctantly, share some details of his reincarnation. But we'll have to see when it comes up again.

Worst part is Hiruzen doesn't even have to seem aggressive or needlessly authoritarian about it.

"This man, by your translation, is a self-proclaimed hostile infiltrator talking about the end of the world. I will not force information from you, as I wasn't lying when I said I would trust you, but any information you can give me about this only lead we have would help. If nothing else it would offer some peace of mind that we aren't just passively waiting for him to show up again."

It's a very reasonable question. Personal secrets are one thing. Personal secrets with tangible connection to a barely understood enemy of the state are quite another thing for a lack of probing to be policy.

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This is true. The enemy here is someone Daisuke would probably know a thing or two about and Hiruzen would like at least some clarification on what's going on.

As an added bonus if he's willing to teach English, his team and Konoha as a whole suddenly have access to a form of secret communication no other nation can break for decades without known example communication. It's not a cypher. No combination of rearranging letters or symbols in the local language will yield verifiable translations. Win all the cryptography for life.

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*laughs*

I hadn't considered this possibility! Thank you, I appreciate the contribution. Have a cookie, I'll think deeply on this.

 

[Galacticplumber]

Not to mention English is one of the best examples of a language seemingly purposefully DESIGNED to be hard to reverse engineer. We have so many contradictory rules, and exceptions, and exceptions inside the exceptions that we often have trouble actively, and intentionally teaching our young to speak, read, and write it.

Imagine a hidden stone code breaker thinking he has the holy grail of extensive examples of the code, proceeds to work on it for literal months and comparing it to recorded examples of the spoken form, only to burst a fucking blood vessel about C and K both existing, or the different rules for what sound CH can mean, or all the silent letters, or letters that make different sounds contextually with no consistent rule. Fucking imagine it.

Then you get into slang, or cyphered English. What must be understood is that I'm a horrible, hateful person who deliberately chooses to be nice. I actually think about the horrible things most people don't.

 

[Fulcon]

Alright, so as many of you know, I'm a League of Legends player. Not so much as I used to be, but I still enjoy a game here and again. The game has a lot of excellent music attached to it, stuff that I actually use to get me in the mood for writing. Most of this music was composed for the login screens; animated wall papers you'd get to see before logging into the game. I personally was a huge fan, though Riot themselves stopped making them.

So in the interest of sharing, I'm posting a few champion themes that bring some of the characters in my fic to life. In my head. They help inspire me, is what I'm trying to say.

The Boss
The Storm (I've already linked to this one before)
Heart of the Freljord

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The Rogue Assassin
The Desert Rose
Keeper of the Hammer

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The Virtuoso
The Unbreakable Spear
Shield of Valoran

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And, of course, I'd be very remiss if I didn't include the AMV that inspired a great deal of the first draft and allowed me to write the grand majority of it.

Kakashi - My Demons.

---

Not to mention English is one of the best examples of a language seemingly purposefully DESIGNED to be hard to reverse engineer. We have so many contradictory rules, and exceptions, and exceptions inside the exceptions that we often have trouble actively, and intentionally teaching our young to speak, read, and write it.

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I'll be honest with you, I hadn't even thought about this. English is my only language, so I really don't have a lot of, well, context to how difficult English can be to learn. So I really appreciate the time you took to point all this out to help with story fodder because it painted an anticipatory smile on my face if Daisuke ever gets the chance to teach Konoha English.

Imagine a hidden stone code breaker thinking he has the holy grail of extensive examples of the code, proceeds to work on it for literal months and comparing it to recorded examples of the spoken form, only to burst a fucking blood vessel about C and K both existing, or the different rules for what sound CH can mean, or all the silent letters, or letters that make different sounds contextually with no consistent rule. Fucking imagine it.

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Hehehehehehehehehe...

Have a cookie.

 

[Pavalos]

Fantastic. Love your writing. Sorry to hear you struggled so much, but glad you worked through it. Thanks for the update

 

[Galacticplumber]

I've just had a terrifying realization. Humans are just featherless penguins.

We often propose to each other with unusually smooth rocks, we're one of the most aggressive fish predators, we've obsessed over finding ways to travel while laying on our stomachs, and we ARE adapted to multiple days in a row walking if necessary. We even have native adaptation for every form of travel but flying which we're really fucking salty about.

And like all birds we're obsessed with shiny things.

 

[Fulcon]

Fantastic. Love your writing. Sorry to hear you struggled so much, but glad you worked through it. Thanks for the update

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Thank you very much! I've already started work on the next chapter, and I hope to have it out for everyone next week.

I've just had a terrifying realization. Humans are just featherless penguins.

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*arches eyebrow*

Do tell.

We often propose to each other with unusually smooth rocks, we're one of the most aggressive fish predators, we've obsessed over finding ways to travel while laying on our stomachs, and we ARE adapted to multiple days in a row walking if necessary. We even have native adaptation for every form of travel but flying which we're really fucking salty about.

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...wait.

Wait, wait, wait. No. Just...what the heck did you...Plumber, you just cracked my worldview open. I have never looked at Daisuke's summons like that before! He's philosophically one step removed from having humans as his Summon Clan. And yes, I am really salty about not being able to fly unassisted. It's just rude, you know. C'mon, Darwin, couldn't you have given us wings?

And like all birds we're obsessed with shiny things.

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This is just the icing on the cake.

Have a cookie and a slice of cake for the amazing shower-thought.

You know what, screw it. Have a threadmark.

 

[Galacticplumber]

Thank you very much! I've already started work on the next chapter, and I hope to have it out for everyone next week.



*arches eyebrow*

Do tell.



...wait.

Wait, wait, wait. No. Just...what the heck did you...Plumber, you just cracked my worldview open. I have never looked at Daisuke's summons like that before! He's philosophically one step removed from having humans as his Summon Clan. And yes, I am really salty about not being able to fly unassisted. It's just rude, you know. C'mon, Darwin, couldn't you have given us wings?



This is just the icing on the cake.

Have a cookie and a slice of cake for the amazing shower-thought.

You know what, screw it. Have a threadmark.

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Welcome to experiencing what it's like to live in my head. You're choice whether it's blessed or cursed.

Also I want Daisuke to meet fish boy the shark summoner after getting penguins, but before getting so overpowered it's not a fight. The guy hated lies so much that his entire reason for going Akatsuki was a world without lies. If Daisuke learns that AFTER the original penguin sideplot happens.... Lel. Also I don't consider it spoiler worthy as there's absolutely no context to the unintiated.

 

[aj0413]

Hmm. Old reader of the first draft here: I think the writing is tighter this time, but honestly I miss socially inept MC. I really, really enjoyed how much the first draft showcased what living life as a game did to his mentality and what having 1 CHA did to him. The slower pace also helped to let more the slice of life elements be drawn out for that.

This go around it feels like the 1 CHA isn't nearly as much as story device nor is the game system twisting the characters mentality as much.

it feels....less unique with this presentation than it did in the original draft which really seemed to focus on just why life as a gamer would/could be terrible

edit:

that said, glad to see that you've made some resolution for your own mental health and willingness to attempt a rewrite.

 

[Fulcon]

Also I want Daisuke to meet fish boy the shark summoner after getting penguins, but before getting so overpowered it's not a fight.

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I will see what I can do. Due to the vastly decreased power creep of this version, it could certainly happen.

Hmm. Old reader of the first draft here: I think the writing is tighter this time, but honestly I miss socially inept MC. I really, really enjoyed how much the first draft showcased what living life as a game did to his mentality and what having 1 CHA did to him. The slower pace also helped to let more the slice of life elements be drawn out for that.

This go around it feels like the 1 CHA isn't nearly as much as story device nor is the game system twisting the characters mentality as much.

it feels....less unique with this presentation than it did in the original draft which really seemed to focus on just why life as a gamer would/could be terrible

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This is just correct. I can't really fault anything you've written here, this Daisuke is much more mentally and socially put together and thus is a less unique protagonist.

that said, glad to see that you've made some resolution for your own mental health and willingness to attempt a rewrite.

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Thank you for the kind words.

...

There is no need to apologize or qualify your critique. You were simply stating facts.

Have a cookie.

 

[Galacticplumber]

The other side of the unique protag coin is that the story doesn't have to contrive reasons for the problem to still be a big issue, and is overall more comfortable in its own skin as it doesn't rely on the crutch.

I will never say I didn't enjoy reading that draft. I will also never say the change was for anything, but the best.

For the recommended daily dose of speculation, I wonder how Lee reacts to the hypothetical help from Daisuke, and likely subsequent conflict with Naruto.

Does he start with similarly wounded pride, but ultimately see it from the outside looking at Naruto which causes him to reject that emotional state?

Alternatively did Gai effectively raise such a delightful cinnamon bun that the very concept of being anything but grateful for help bewilders him? Like he just looks at Naruto during the conflict, and just.... What?.... Yes What?.... is a verb now.

 

[Fulcon]

The other side of the unique protag coin is that the story doesn't have to contrive reasons for the problem to still be a big issue, and is overall more comfortable in its own skin as it doesn't rely on the crutch.

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There's also the fact that Daisuke effectively used tools available to him to fix the issue - tools that were perfectly available in the first draft of the story. Temporary fixes that would've alleviated most if not all of the social conflict he had to deal with until he got Almost Perfect at level 30.

In other words, I have successfully deconstructed my deconstruction by giving Daisuke actual problem solving ability.

...that realization brings a smile to my face.

 

[R.A.G.]

Anko is thirsty.

Also, once more of his 'bloodline' is revealed, I'm guessing they'll realize that Anime-Glasses isn't trying to kill Daisuke, he's trying to max out his potential/Daisuke is a project.

 

[Fulcon]

Anko is thirsty.

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You're not wrong.

Also, once more of his 'bloodline' is revealed, I'm guessing they'll realize that Anime-Glasses isn't trying to kill Daisuke, he's trying to max out his potential/Daisuke is a project.

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Hm...that's an interesting point of view and they might plausibly take. I'll think about it.

 

[Galacticplumber]

If they do come to that hypothesis, Daisuke responding that he'd really rather get strong on his own terms, as opposed near death traumas, and still seeing this as enemy action is pretty reasonable.

This does not mean he has no intentions for fighting, but would really rather a lower risk threshold when the various enemies only need to win ONCE. This is why D&D parties try to get in fights on their relative level as opposed to taking on the strongest things they have a better than 50% odds of beating.

Naruto, naturally, doesn't get it until meeting Orochimaru in the forest of death. Maybe, MAYBE Haku, but that may be too winnable for the lesson to sink in.

 

[Fulcon]

The Following is a fan based work of fiction: Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are owned by Shueisha, Viz Entertainment and Masashi Kishimoto. Please support the official release.

* * *​

11,300 / 18,000 Until level 8.

A surprisingly good side-effect of Danzo's armed insurrection being so pathetic was that the lock down didn't last very long.

Lock downs were used in case of attack by enemy shinobi. If you couldn't get to a designated civilian shelter, you stuck in your homes. If you were a Genin, it was your duty to fortify your home so that any enemies that came by would lose numbers; an enemy army that swept in would slowly be grated like cheese through the endless sea of traps and hidden attacks.

Once lock down was lifted, you had to report to a Jounin in charge of taking inventory of the damages of your block or district. They weren't going to come find you, because the village would be a minefield. Once that was done, you could return to your every day life.

Since the lock down lifted, we had a surge of D-Rank missions, mostly centered around reconstruction. There were as good a source of EXP as ever, but I was hoping to be level 8 by now. At 1 to 2k a pop, they aren't going to scale well when it takes 50,000 exp to level up.

To my annoyance, though, we weren't even doing a mission today. Instead, we were training.

Or going to train. Kakashi was late, as usual.

We were told to meet at the posts of training ground. Hisako was leaning against one of the wooden posts in the ground, idly twirling her kunai on her fingers out of boredom. Nichiren had the right idea, though, and had used his ninja wire to string up a hammock in between a pair of pine trees. Standing beneath the shade of one of those trees was Anko, who kept watch for threats.

I don't think she's going to be on the payroll for much longer, honestly. S-rank missions are expensive and she's being consistently paid to do nothing.

For me, I was sitting on the ground, going through my little notebook and trying to optimize my late game since I've got my early levels on lock. It occurred to me that I haven't really hit up any civilian bookstores. Sure, I seriously doubted they'd have anything on Chakra Control or Ninjutsu, but Medicine, Survival, Barter? Speech?

I need those skills too.

"Hey, he's here," Nichiren said, pointing across the way from his hammock.

As he got busy disassembling his improvised spiderweb, Hisako and I stood up. Kakashi-sensei at least had the decency to look sheepish. "Hey, sorry everyone. There was a long line at the grocery store and their sale was going to end at noon today."

Hisako growled in annoyance.

"You know, that is actually the most plausible excuse he's given us yet," I said, standing up.

"These dumb excuses," Hisako grit through her teeth. "Should at least send us a clone. If he cares at all!"

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

She's been planning this.

"I don't need to send you a clone," Kakashi replied with an eye-smile. "Thanks to Daisuke, you all know I'm going to be late anyway."

Hey now...

Hisako looked apoplectic, red faced and I could easily picture steam coming out of her ears in frustration. She began sputtering her spicy rebuke. "Us knowing about it, that doesn't make it okay!"

"That one didn't have a kigo," Anko replied with a smirk.

"She says you don't need a third line for it to count," I supplied, impressed that she caught on to Hisako's character tic.

"Ah." Anko nodded.

"Might as well be late," Hisako sarcastically continued, her eye twitching. "Manners are draconian! No harm, no foul, right?"

"Precisely," Kakashi replied, still eye smiling. "But seriously, we should get started before we waste any more time."

Hisako spun on her heels in a huff and walked to join Nichiren and I in our trio.

"Now, this time we're doing something special," Kakashi said, completely unconcerned by Hisako's outburst.

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

Call it a hunch, but he's going to talk it out with her later.

"Now, Nichiren, if you'll demonstrate what you've been working on on your own time?" Kakashi-sensei instructed.

"Sure!" Nichiren said, bringing his hands together in a Ram Seal. Then...he walked up the post.

"Nice!" I said with a grin. "Good job! Where did you learn that?"

"The Genin level of the library had a scroll on it," Nichiren replied, scratching the back of his head with a proud yet bashful smile on his face. "I've been working on it since that fiasco with the house."

"That's awesome!" Hisako said, giving him a thumbs up. "Great job!"

"And that brings us to today's training," Kakashi said with an eye-smile. "Water-walking."

Wait, what?

"Ooh!" Hisako brought her hands together, puppy dog eyes shining brightly.

"That's going to be cool," Nichiren said, eyes also shining.

Water walking.

As in, walking on...lakes?

Lakes with imperceptible depths that might have things living in them?

Large things that can swallow a man whole?

"Now, if you'll all follow me to the shore," Kakashi said, beckoning all of us...to the lake.

Yeah, that lake.

Sure, it's waters gleamed and shined with the light of the sun above, providing a tranquil, picturesque scene that betrayed how terrible the things that might lurk beneath the surface are.

I mentally sighed.

Yes, I knew that neither Cthulhu or his cousin, The Kraken lived in the depths of the lake of Training Ground 3. Intellectually. But I couldn't see to the bottom and that means that the voice that piped up in the back of my head made sure that I was perfectly aware that I couldn't confirm it with my own two eyes.

Plus, I'm a video game character. Might not be true for my game but our kind has a long, storied and exasperatedly stupid history of dying in water. Super drowning skills, they called it in my old world.

So we got to the shore and Hisako hurriedly shed her jacket and shirt, leaving only a black sports bra on her chest and conflicted feelings in me. Shedding her pants and tabi sandals left a pair of sport panties. Nichiren stripped to his boxers and I left my clothes on, thank you very much. I was not getting wet.

"Water surface walking is more difficult than tree walking," Kakashi started, making a Ram Seal with his fingers. "Just because water is a liquid, it makes for a more delicate balance to walk across than a tree. You must maintain a constant repelling force to remain above the surface of the water. If you give too little chakra, you'll sink. If you give too much, you'll sink. Any questions?"

We all shook our heads.

"Begin!"

I mentally sighed, and looked into the depths of the gross water filled with fish droppings, fish and who knows what swimming along the bottom waiting to devour my soul. Hisako and Nichiren took off at a run, channeling chakra and making it all of two steps into the water before sinking below the surface.

Couldn't chicken out, Anko and Hisako were watching. If I did, they'd worry about me and that idea was multiple shades of uncomfortable.

So, I took a breath. Rolling my shoulders, I sent chakra to my feet and did my best to appear nonchalant as I walked across the surface of the water.

Charisma Check Failure: 7 / 8.

Shut up, game.

Chakra Control Check Success: 80 / 25.

Only a twenty five? Really? Well, I guess if Genin are supposed to be able to do this, that makes sense. Figured it'd be higher to prevent a specialist like me from unlocking all the cool toys.

"Hey, Daisuke's already got it!" Nichiren said, stopping his swim to shore to point at me.

"Of course he does!" Hisako said with a grin that made me think that this wasn't really too bad. "He's Daisuke!"

"Well," I began, scratching the back of my head. "I try."

"Nice work, Daisuke-kun!" Kakashi-sensei called from the shore. "Try doing some Taijutsu Kata since you're already out there!"

Man, really? "Yes, Sensei!"

Charisma Check Failure: 7 / 8.

I went through a basic rotation. Hisako and Nichiren charged forward again and found themselves plunging beneath the surface. With a glance, I made sure neither Hisako or Nichiren thought it'd be a good idea to try to pull me beneath the surface to join them. Thankfully, they were both completely professional and swam back to shore to try again.

Need to bring towels, if there's a next time.

When I was finished with my rotation, I called across the shore. "Kakashi-sensei, can I come to shore now?"

Kakashi blinked. "Yes."

I body flickered to shore, causing a massive riptide of water to shoot out like a geyser behind me. Safely back on dry land once again, I sat down with my legs crossed.

Much better.

"Is there a problem, Daisuke-kun?" Kakashi asked, looking down at the lake. I could see Hisako and Nichiren looking at me with confusion.

Well, nothing for it I suppose. "I just...don't like large bodies of water. Can't see the bottom, so anything could be swimming down there, you know?"

Kakashi hummed. "We're going to have to work on that."

I blinked. "I can operate on the water just fine. Apparently. I'd just rather not."

"But if you get a mission to the Land of Water," Kakashi pointed out. "A fear of water would be...problematic, wouldn't you agree?"

I grunted and turned back to the lake, where Hisako and Nichiren were going for another pass. Wasn't sure they'd get water walking today, but Nichiren's already surprised me with tree walking so who knows?
​

* * *​

Bum-bum-bum-Bum!

Level 8!

About time.

I put all 17 points into Fuinjutsu, bringing it up to 65. Then Fuinjutsu Enthusiast for the perk, like I planned. Nice!

Level 9 will bring my seals up to 80 and then that's two points that'll go toward Medicine, bringing it to 29. The sooner I can get to genetic tampering and thus, permanent stat boosts, the better.

Just more D-ranks and more training. Literally nothing of note happened. In a way, I was surprised that Kakashi hadn't pressed me on my fear of water; then again, I think he might have put that on the back burner to focus on Hisako and Nichiren.

Anko was my ever present shadow, something that I realized grated on Hisako's nerves, but she eventually grew tolerant. I realized that her issue is that she has a crush on me and Anko might have been a threat to her romantic interest.

...I'm going to have to think about that issue later. One problem at a time.

Speaking of genetic tampering, I wish I could've asked Anko about it. I'm not going to because I'm mostly sure that Orochimaru and her past with him is probably a sore topic and not something I can ask about without throwing up a bunch of red flags and getting hauled back off to the Hokage's office.

I narrowly escaped death the last time, I'm not going to test my luck twice.

...that means that I'm going to have to actually perform my tampering away from Anko. Either late at night, or outside of the village entirely. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission, eh?

At least, I hope.

"Hey, Anko?" I started, turning from my little black book to face her. "You said you had a few books on Jutsu?"

"I did," Anko said, snapping her fingers and pointing at me. "Actually, it's almost time for lunch, you want to come over to my apartment and I can fix you something? We can pick them up over there."

"That'd be great," I replied with a grin. "Once we're done there, we'll head to the book store."

"Which one?" Anko asked with a light smirk. "Behind you."

I turned in place and circled around a lamppost before turning back to face her. "Thanks. And...actually, I don't know. I want to see if there's some books on Medicine I can buy."

"What, like Medical Jutsu?" Anko asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Nah, just Medicine in general," I said with a shrug. "I need more skills than just Jutsu, you know."

"That is true," Anko replied with a nod.

"Besides, when I'm done with them, I can give them to Nichiren since he wants to be a Field Medic," I said, turning forward to avoid almost running into something.

"I'm on the left," Anko directed.

Anko's apartment was on the second story of a complex, up a set of stairs and directly to the right. Once we got there, Anko flashed a set of silver keys and let us in. She rather insistently gestured for me to go inside first and I obliged.

After all, bodyguard, even if I did want to let the lady in first.

The apartment was small. It let in to a small great room with a kitchen table and mats right off the stove and counter space. Her sitting room had a table with kneeling mats around it, as well as a couch leaning against the right-most wall. Next to it was a three-shelve high book case. Halfway from the entrance was a hallway going left, where I assumed the bathroom bedroom would be placed.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Anko said cheerily, walking past me into the kitchen. "Go ahead and have a seat wherever, I'll have lunch ready shortly. Books are on the shelf, help yourself!"

"Thanks," I said with a grin, making sure to remove my sandals before stepping onto the carpet once I saw that she had removed hers. Over to the book case, I noted that not only were the books inside filling the shelves to the brim, there were books stacked on top of rows because no more room otherwise.

Finer Points: Chakra Control for the Discerning Shinobi.

The Five Elements and You: A Guide to Elemental Chakra Control.

Wait, hold it. These are Chakra control manuals that I haven't read.

I've been sitting at 92 Chakra Control since I graduated, so I am totally borrowing these! I'll have 100 in that skill and then I'm going to throw a party!

Or something.

Look, the point is that I'm going to be perfect at this one thing. As good as I can possibly be. It's definitely worth celebrating.

I was distracted from my ramblings when I heard the stove turn on in the kitchen. That's when I realized that Anko was going to straight up make something. For me.

...huh.

That's really cool of her.

Uh...well...wow.

I blinked owlishly, and stood up, walking over to the kitchen. She was grilling some beef cuts in a pan, as well as cooking some rice on another burner. "May I help at all?"

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

Anko turned to me and blinked owlishly. I noticed that she had shed her coat and was cooking in just her...transparent mesh armor. Wow. "Uh, sure. You can set the table for me. We're just using rice bowls, though."

"Alright," I said, looking around for the bowls.

"That cupboard," Anko helpfully pointed with a small smile. "You don't need to grab the trays if you don't want too."

I opened the cupboard and grabbed the trays anyway. If either of us spilled (by us, I mean me), it'd make the ensuing mess easier to clean up. Fast and efficient.

Setting a table in the Elemental Nations meant trays, which would then house a wide variety of bowls and plates which would contain toppings of various kinds. Such as a plate for that meat that Anko was grilling. "We want plates for the beef?"

She blinked. "You know what, yes. That'd be a great idea. I'm thinking of grilling up some onions with them too, now that I think about it."

"They in the fridge?" I asked, pointing to the white refrigerator against the kitchen wall.

"In the bottom drawer, I think," Anko answered, turning her attention back to the grill.

I opened the fridge and checked the bottom vegetable drawer and, like she said, I found some small, white onions. Nice. I grabbed two and closed the fridge. Placing them on the counter next to the stove, I moved over to the kitchen table, noting that Anko's coat was lying folded next to one of the seats. I placed a mat there, and…

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 6.

A mat right across from her seat so we could look at each other while we talked. It's the little things.

Next came the bowls, then the trays, one in the eleven o'clock position for the beef, the next at twelve o'clock for the onions. Finally, the sets of chopsticks before each bowl.

See, I paid attention in my beginner's infiltration class. High Society is easy to meander with once you know the rules and can tolerate the sheer elitism emanating from the smug, punch-able carcass they call a face.

"Anything else?" I asked with a smile.

Anko blinked and gave an appreciative smile. "No, actually, I think it's almost done. You can have a seat or something and lunch will be ready soon. Thank you so much!"

"You're very welcome," I said with a grin, moving over to the seat.

I could kneel around a table. I didn't prefer it thanks to the Westerner in me growing up, the first time, with chairs. But I could do it. Wasn't even uncomfortable, since I've done it for so long.

After a few minutes of waiting, Anko served lunch. A bowl of rice with beef slices and grilled onions on the side. After a blessing, we started to eat.

"So you graduated from the academy three years early?" Anko asked.

I swallowed the mouthful of rice and beef I had eaten. "That's right. Wasn't put on a team until this year, though. How about you?"

"I graduated after four years like everyone else," Anko replied with a small smile. "I got promoted to Chunin in the same exams as your Sensei, actually."

"No kidding." I gave an intrigued expression, softly nodding. "What was the stunt that got you the promotion? I know they don't just hand it out to anyone."

"Oh, third phase," Anko started, looking wistful. "I was fighting this guy from Grass. He turned the entire arena into a grassy jungle. Blades taller than I am now and they were sharp. It was like a forest of knives."

I hummed in thought, leaning forward while she told her story.

"I could not fight this guy from Grass in the forest of knives, so I tunneled underground and set an army of venomous snakes loose in the arena," Anko replied with a grin. "At the end, he had bite marks all over him and everything was swelling. He looked like a living grapevine."

"You're so smart," I replied with a beaming smile. "Did he die?"

"Nah," Anko shook her head with a grin. "But he sure wanted to!"

We laughed. Anko closed her eyes and stretched her arms out over her head and I...started looking. The way her mesh was transparent around her navel and arms yet became infuriatingly opaque around her sensitive areas was a mystery I demanded to solve. She was athletic, her body flawlessly toned and shapely. She opened her eyes, caught my looking and turned her head with a small smile on her face.

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

With that unspoken permission, my eyes just drank in her body. Her amazing chest, the gap in between her thighs. I could feel my pulse quicken as I thought of what it'd be like to be with her in more intimate circumstances. What it'd be like to have her. Eventually, she turned back toward me and I immediately made eye contact.

"You know you're gorgeous, right?" I asked flatly.

"Well, thank you," Anko said with a wide, toothy grin. "You aren't so bad yourself. Little young, I guess, but you'll grow out of that."

"I'd better," I replied flatly. "If I'm stuck at twelve forever for some reason, I'll go insane."

She chortled. "So, if I could ask..."

"Shoot," I said.

"I read a little bit about your mission inside that mansion," Anko started, looking down at the plate, then at me. "And I was wondering if you'd, well, tell me about it? How you got through it all?"

Leaning forward, I clasped my hands together in front of my mouth. "Well."

I told the story, starting from when I got the text prompt for the named quest. She sputtered in disbelief when Nichiren asked The Forbidden Question and her eyes got wide when I explained the bodies in the attic. She got very quiet as I told about the shifting mansion, the cells and music room. The lab, the tapes. Anko laughed at the name I gave the wallies and then grunted in surprise at the Werecrow being locked in the lab.

Finally, I got to the part where I blew it to pieces. "That was amazing."

"Thank you," I replied with a grin. "Honestly, I was just glad I was able to pull it off. If I hadn't, who knows what would've happened to my teammates."

"I noticed that Hisako likes you," Anko said directly. "Like, really likes you."

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 6.

"She's great, but I'm not really interested in a relationship with her," I immediately stated, hoping to avoid a misunderstanding. "Not right now."

One at a time.

Anko hummed. "Yeah, teammate relationships tend to go down in flames. If you do pursue something there, I'd wait until you're no longer on a team together."

"I'm surprised you aren't trying to dissuade me entirely," I replied with an arched eyebrow.

"Well, you've got a strong new bloodline," Anko pointed out with a shrug. "I assumed you were going to have a harem."

"Ah."

Anko's eyes narrowed with concern. "What's wrong?"

"I haven't quite decided how I feel about that just yet," I answered truthfully.

Look, you don't live in the Elemental Nations long without getting an understanding of harems. Due to the constant Shinobi wars, women outnumbered men four to one, so supply and demand dictated a form of polygyny. A harem works like this; you get your first wife, whose place is assured no matter what and then the rest have to maintain their place by maintaining the Husband and First Wife's good graces. Depending on the Husband and First wife, the Concubines would either be treated as well as the first couple or treated like a stable of harlots.

"Really?" Anko blinked. "What are you conflicted about?"

"Well, I'm not sure I'd be able to keep the girls happy," I replied. "Putting aside all the feelings of envy and jealousy, maintaining a happy relationship takes time. Then you add in the envy and jealousy, political intrigue and it's a recipe for disaster. That's even if you treat them well."

Anko looked taken aback. "Oh."

"I don't know why you wouldn't treat them well, they might as well be members of the family at that point," I said, shrugging. "But then I've read stories about how Concubines poisoned the Husband because of how poorly he treated them."

She hummed in thought.

"So I'm still...thinking about it," I finished lamely. In truth, I wasn't thinking about it at all, because I've got 1 Charisma and being intimate is usually accomplished while naked – meaning I've got no gear on. So at the start I'd be looking like Fabio, she'd close her eyes for a second and then bam! A Weeping Angel's lying on top of her.

It's a funny problem, but a problem nonetheless. "Besides, I got to get my wife first."

"Well," Anko started, looking down. She looked like she was biting her tongue. "I know you'll figure it out. I believe in that large brain of yours."

I felt really warm inside. "Thanks, Anko."

She smiled, happily with her eyes closed.

"Now if I can ask you a question," I asked.

"Yeah, sure." Anko nodded.

"I don't think that body guarding me is the only part of your mission," I began, placing some beef and onions in the rice and using them to stick a clump together. "Otherwise I think your mission would've ended; S-class pay is expensive. So, what else are you supposed to be doing?"

"You're very perceptive, you know that?" Anko rhetorically asked, rubbing her eyes for a brief moment before answering my question. "You're right, guarding you isn't my only mission, I'm supposed to track down and either capture or kill the person who brought you to the village and whoever this 'Man In Green' is."

"And I'm your only lead, so you're sticking to me like glue," I said with a slow nod. "That makes sense."

"I am supposed to keep you safe, though," Anko added quickly, looking worried that she might have offended me in some way. "I'm not lying about that part of my mission. Not that I'd stop guarding you anyway."

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 4.

She's being honest. And I appreciate that.

"Well, if either of them show up, you'd better not think I'm going to stay behind you," I said with a smirk. "We'll take them on together, because I don't want you hurt either."

Anko let out a breath. "I don't think I could stop you, could I?"

"Nope!" I replied with a grin of my own.

She smiled lightly, looking at me with eyes that almost seemed to sparkle. "So...if you aren't thinking about Hisako, is there...I mean, are you seeing anyone right now?"

"You," I replied cheekily.

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

Anko raised her finger to protest, then she got quiet. And pink. "Yeah, I guess we're dating, aren't we?"

"You're absolutely right."

Then we just fell to small talk. Not talking much about anything, but Anko's smile and sparkling eyes told me all I needed to know. As we both finished our bowls, something clicked in her head and she gasped. "I almost forgot! Don't go anywhere, I had something I wanted to give you."

Then she Body Flickered her way down the hall to her room. From the sound of ruffling, she was looking for something. "Now where did I put that thing?"

...you know, while she's doing that, I think I'm going to wash the dishes. Just because she just finished cooking this wonderful meal and I think she'd really appreciate it.

Chakra: 60 / 85.

Chakra strings stacked the dishes, silently, on top of each other and carried them over to the sink. I started the water and grabbed some soap.

Chakra Control Check Success: 92 / 65.

Interesting that my rigid chakra construct took so much control. It was just a dull, spiky chakra glove that could hold onto soap and smear it all over a dirty dish, pulling the leftover food off to wash it down the drain.

Aside from the dishes from our meal, there wasn't any, so my job was over quickly. I placed the last bowl in the drying rack and sent a wave of chakra to push the water from my hands to instantly dry them.

Right as I was unrolling my sleeves, Anko showed up with a book. She looked at the table, then at the dishes in the drying rack, then at me. "Did you just do the dishes?"

"Yup!" I said with a grin. "Figured you'd appreciate it."

"I," She started, blinking rapidly in surprise. "I do appreciate it. Thank you so much! You didn't need to...I mean, thank you. Really."

"You're welcome!" I beamed.

Anko's attention turned to the book in her arms. "This book...was a gift to me from my Sensei. I figured, since you're so interested in learning Fuinjutsu, you might like it. So here. You can have it."

Charisma Check Success: 7 / 7.

This had to have brought up a bunch of bad memories. So I wonder if her giving this to me was also about putting the past behind her? That's fine.

Gingerly, Anko handed me the book. Seals and Tenketsu: A practical look into Chakra-based augmentation.

This book is beyond perfect. I carefully opened it and saw that the margins had been filled with kanji. "You've written all over it."

"Yeah, sorry," Anko said, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. "I used to keep all my notes and stuff in the margins so I wouldn't forget."

"What? No, don't be sorry," I told her, looking up with a massive grin. "Marked up books are the best! They've got all sorts of useful anecdotes and clarifications that make the book that much more useful. You are awesome for this and I'll cherish this book."

Anko smiled wide...and leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek.

My face immediately went beet red, I could tell.
​

* * *
​

"So, today, I thought my cute little Genin would be ready for a surprise," Kakashi-sensei explained with an eye-smile.

If this is the part where he addresses my aquaphobia in detail, I'm going to be upset.

We were standing in the hallway outside the mission desk room. We were the sole occupants of this hallway, save Anko who was leaning against the wall with her hands in her pockets, watching the four of us.

Hisako leaned forward in anticipation. Nichiren adjusted his glasses out of habit.

"We're doing our first C-rank mission," Kakashi announced, producing a mission scroll, helpfully marked with the symbol for C-Rank mission...which was the English letter for C.

...oh, right. English already existed in Naruto. I forgot.

"Ooh!" Hisako bounced up to her feet in excitement.

"Awesome!" Nichiren replied with a grin.

If there ever was a time for something to go horribly wrong in this insane, screwed up world, a Team's first C-Rank is it.

Kakashi's unfurled the scroll and began reading. "Requesting one team of Ninja to escort a wagon for the Soma Shipping Industries. Civilian Supplies will be distributed and gathered at three towns along the way. There will also be a shipment of Kunai and Shuriken that Hidden Grass has purchased from Konoha. We will be guarding the small caravan to the border checkpoint to Hidden Grass, were escort will be taken over by Grass Shinobi. Any questions?"

"How long will we be gone?" Nichiren asked.

"A week, maybe two," Kakashi replied.

"How much survival supplies should we each carry?" Hisako asked. "In case the worst happens?"

"General rule of thumb is three days worth of supplies," Kakashi answered. "You can do more than that, but only carry what you can spare to lose. I've seen Shinobi lose hundreds of thousands of Ryo worth of supplies because their storage scroll got destroyed during a fight or they lost them in a river."

Hisako nodded.

"Any other questions?" Kakashi asked.

I was waiting for the quest notification, so I shook my head.

"Excellent, we'll take the mission," Kakashi said.

Immediately, my team turned to me.

Quest Added: The Eyes Have It!

Rendezvous with the wagon driver.

Optional: Recruit a second Genin Team to provide backup.

I blinked.

"Well?" Kakashi-sensei started, looking at me expectantly.

"It's got a name," I reported, giving them the best translation I could think of for that turn of phrase.

Kakashi repeated the name to himself, then turned to me. "Any objectives?"

"There's meeting with the wagon driver," I continued, going from memory as the quest notification disappeared from my sight. "And an optional objective to recruit a second Genin Team for backup."

"Optional objective?" Nichiren asked, frowning in surprise. "Those are a thing?"

"Those are indeed a thing," I answered.

"Who would be a second Genin team?" Hisako asked rhetorically.

"KAKASHI!"

Speak of the Green Devil, and he shall appear.

Gai-sensei ran up to Kakashi-sensei from down the hall. "Fancy meeting you here, Kakashi!"

"Gai," Kakashi repeated. "It's...nice to see you. I actually need to go talk to the Hokage, so if you could watch my cute little Genin for me, that'd be great."

"Yosh!" Gai gave Kakashi a sparkling thumbs up which still don't understand how it works-

Perception Check Failed: 7 / 8.

Shut up, Game!

...and Kakashi bolted down the hallway.

Gai was slowly followed by his trio of Genin. The first was Tenten, who politely bowed. "Hello, Team 13."

Neji saw me and froze solid for a hot second before bowing himself.

Lee was enthusiastic. "Hello, it is great to see you all! I hope we can have another Tai Jutsu tournament soon to see how we've all improved."

We all returned the bows.

"Yeah, the tournament was fun," I said with a shrug. "Well, fun for me. I don't think Neji appreciated it too much."

Neji froze again, his face going dark.

"Well, I hope that you'll consider training with me," Lee said brightly, giving a thumbs up. "Because the spring time of your youth is the perfect time to hone your edge and be the best that you can be and I know that I can learn a lot from you!"

I blinked and smirked. "As long as we spar without training weights, I'm game."

Lee paused. "W-well, you see, I'm not supposed too…"

Kakashi returned. "Gai, Hokage wants to talk with you too."

Gai looked confused, and his trademark cheer was dampened severely. "Okay. What's this about, Kakashi?"

"I'll explain on the way."

Perception Check Failed: 7 / 10.

The two men pretty much vanished, leaving only a breeze down the hall.

"What is going on?" Neji asked.

"Our first C-rank," Hisako said dourly. "And there's extenuating circumstances that mean it's going to be a problem."

"And you're probably joining us for it," Nichiren replied.

"That would be most youthful!" Lee said with a grin. "But I don't think Gai-sensei believes we're ready for a C-rank just yet."

"We're not even competing in the Chunin exams," Tenten elaborated with a huff. "It's kind of annoying."

"Gai-sensei just wants to make sure he can teach us everything he can before we move on," Lee pointed out with a stern expression. "There is little point to being promoted to Chunin if we're going to compromise a mission because of ignorance."

"I know," Tenten muttered, looking to the side. "I'm just being impatient, I guess."

"It's irrelevant," Neji sniffed. "We will go into the exams when our Sensei says, and not a moment before."

"Of course, Neji-kun," Tenten replied. "You're right."

I shrugged. "A bit of impatience is natural."

"Where are the exams being held this time?" Hisako asked with narrowed eyes.

"Suna," Tenten answered. "Off to compete for clients in the desert heat...maybe it's a good thing we're being held back."

The desert?

Now I've got The Good, The Bad and The Ugly running through my head. Haven't heard that tune in so long.

"Do you think Kakashi-sensei is going to place you three in the exams?" Lee asked brightly.

"Probably," Nichiren said. "He's kind of anxious to be rid of us."

"Well that's rude," Tenten rebuked, placing her hands on her hips.

"No, it makes sense," I added. "Kakashi-sensei's had a full plate since we passed the bell test."

Then Kakashi and Gai reappeared.

"Alright, everyone!" Gai said loudly and brightly. "I've got a surprise for you! Our First C-Rank mission!"

Lee gasped in excitement. "Gai-sensei!"

"Now let's go to Training Ground 3 so we can give you the details," Gai-sensei ordered with great enthusiasm.

…

With the nine of us, Kakashi, Gai, Anko, Hisako, Nichiren, Neji, Lee, Tenten and myself, Training Ground Three felt crowded.

"So! Shimoda-kun here gets premonitions about his missions," Gai said, pointing at me. "Little explanations about what his missions entail. Usually, these missions have boring names. D-Rank, Pull Weeds. C-Rank, Escort Convoy. Etcetera. But today! Today, this C-Rank mission got a special name!"

He recited my translation of the mission name, The Eyes Have It.

"The last time a mission got a name, Team 13 got themselves trapped in a haunted mansion that spit monsters out of the walls," Gai continued, rubbing his chin with his fingers. "So, in the spirit of support, the Hokage has permitted us to share the C-rank!"

Lee was ecstatic.

Hisako fist pumped. "Yes! This is going to be awesome."

"I know!" Tenten replied with a giant grin of her own.

Nichiren adjusted his glasses. Neji simply sat there, emotionless.

"Our goal is simple," Gai continued. "Find out why this mission warranted such a colorful epithet and put a stop to whatever foul machinations would dare trample on the Springtime of our Youth! Any questions!"

Intelligence Check Success: 10 / 6.

I raised my hand.

"Shimoda-kun!" Gai called on me.

"We're stretched too thin to get a proper shinobi team on this, aren't we?" I asked flatly.

Gai immediately looked downcast. "Yes. Yes we are."

"How are we going to explain to the client two Genin teams?" Nichiren piped up. "He only paid for one, didn't he?"

Gai turned to Kakashi.

"We're going to say that the extra protection is courtesy of Konoha," Kakashi explained. "The weapon shipment has to get to where it needs to go and there's been increased bandit traffic on the route. If you can't lie, let the liars talk. Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

"Anyone else?"

No one had any other questions.

"Then that's it," Kakashi said. "Meet us at Konoha's front gate at 0600. Bring three days of traveling supplies, a bedroll and tent. Meeting adjourned.

Quest Updated: The Eyes Have It!

Completed: Optional: Recruit a second Genin Team to provide backup.

Nice.

As the team went off, Anko walked up to me. "Looks like I have the next week or two off."

"Looks like it," I said with a grin. "What're you going to do with all that time?"

"Thinking of purchasing a new tea set," Anko replied. "My old one's starting to break. Maybe when you get back, I can...host a tea ceremony for you?"

"I'd love that," I said, looking into her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you, Daisuke-kun," Anko said with a sad smile.

"I'm going to miss you too," I replied. "Now come on, I gotta go grab some supplies or Kakashi will kill me."

Perception Check Success: 7 / 5.

Hisako had stayed behind to listen, and she was now running back to Konoha at top speed.

...uh oh.

Well, I think I'm going to have to deal with her crush on this mission, aren't I?
​

* * *​

Author's Note: In the previous draft of the story, this quest was called 'The Organ Trail' as I hadn't quite figured out what the main conflict or McGuffin of the quest was supposed to be until the second chapter of that quest. Here, since I know ahead of time what's going on, I can give it a more appropriate name, The Eye's Have It.

Also in the previous draft, I only wrote Lee and Gai once or twice. Writing them here, again, I realized why: I have such a hard time getting Lee and Gai's voice right. They're so eccentric that I have to twist my brain in an uncomfortable fashion just to fathom them. Lee and Gai are difficult for me to write so if they ever come across as OOC, I apologize. I'm trying to avoid turning them into caricatures even though that seems like that's all they are. Sincere caricatures, but caricatures.

Finally, there's the Anko shipping. I realize that Daisuke and Anko are moving somewhat fast. I'm trying to have their relationship grow organically, and I think it would be fairly quick because I feel that Daisuke and Anko have exactly what the other is looking for in a romantic partner. Daisuke is non-judgmental and is willing to hear her. Daisuke needs someone he can bounce ideas off of without being made to feel like he's crazy for having them.

If you're getting sick of the shipping, I plan for her to appear in the next chapter only briefly during the beginning before we have the next few chapters dedicated to Team 13 and Team 9's dynamic.

Thank you all for being so welcoming as I returned to writing. I admit that I was a little nervous people would be throwing my hesitance to write back in my face, but that wasn't the case. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

Until the next time!

~Fulcon
​

 

[Darkarma]

So at the start I'd be looking like Fabio, she'd close her eyes for a second and then bam! A Weeping Angel's lying on top of her.

Click to shrink...

Sounds like a problem to be solved by a very fancy and cool looking tattoo. Something cliche like a dragon twining around your body. Say it only grants charisma equal to its visibility.

Great chapter.

 

[Fulcon]

Sounds like a problem to be solved by a very fancy and cool looking tattoo. Something cliche like a dragon twining around your body. Say it only grants charisma equal to its visibility.

Click to shrink...

A tattoo would be a situational boost, since there are people that love tattoos to death, and those that thing tattoos are grotesque. Me, it depends on the ink.

However, it is a good idea, one that I'll think about.

Have a cookie, thank you for your contribution.

Great chapter.

Click to shrink...

Thank you!

 

[Darkarma]

A tattoo would be a situational boost, since there are people that love tattoos to death, and those that thing tattoos are grotesque. Me, it depends on the ink.

Click to shrink...

Hah! I can see that causing some very confusing result:

"Wow, that guy looks hideous, like someone slapped people colored paint on an amateur's statue."

"Are you blind?! He's the most gorgious man I have ever seen!"

"...are you two listening to yourselves, it just looks like a naked teenager to me... why are we looking a naked teenager anyways... is it a genutsu?!"

"What the hell is with these charisma rolls 1/10 Fail, 10/1 Success 5/5 success? I just want to enjoy the hotsprings damn it."

 

[Chillingbear]

>Harem get

 

[Fulcon]

Hah! I can see that causing some very confusing results. "Wow, that guy looks hideous, like someone slapped people colored paint on a amateurs' statue."

"Are you blind?! He's the most gorgious man I have ever seen!"

"...are you two listening to yourselves, it just looks like a naked teenager to me... why are we looking a naked teenager anyways... is it a genutsu?!"

"What the hell is with these charisma rolls 1/10 Fail, 10/1 Success 5/5 success? I just want to enjoy the hotsprings damn it."

Click to shrink...

*laughs*

Have another cookie and a threadmark. That was hilarious!

>Harem get

Click to shrink...

Working on it.