"Against the grain should be a way of life,
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight.
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try,
So live like you'll never live it twice.
Don't take the free ride in your own life…"
If today was your last day
Nickelback
June 14, 1056.
Kami, I'm so sick of these damn missions. Weeding gardens, babysitting! Like we're not shinobi but janitors! Oh, and the emotions are back. Of course, stuff like fear, envy, disgust—those are far off. But joy, pleasure, irritation? Already feeling 'em. Especially the last—these missions piss me off! Same for my teammates.
Today we had to catch a cat! Kakashi found out I can use clones, but won't let me! Total bullshit. Though I don't give a flying fuck about that rule and used them anyway—just differently. While we messed around, they trained at the training ground and invented new techniques.
Clone memories hit me suddenly, and I realized today's training went too well—they came up with something epic. I smiled faintly at that, adjusted Toru more comfortably, and kept going.
Gorgeous day today, no different from the rest. Summer in full swing, sun baking, but as shinobi, we ignore it. People rushing about or strolling.
We decided to walk to the residence to enjoy and rest en route—after chasing that four-legged devil all morning. Tried everything: catnip, traps, but he dodged. Pro at it already. Would've been faster at full power, but didn't wanna reveal all my skills.
In the end, I'm carrying this warm brown fluffball, petting it lightly. He's purring and mumbling in cat. Sigh, kitties—I love animals, especially soft fluffy ones. But can't keep one; long missions mean no one to care for them. And today we're supposed to get it, per canon. Well, we'll have to beg. If not Naruto, then me. This mission's crucial for the future. Screw it up or change it, and fate shifts—I lose control, no more foreknowledge.
This time, Kakashi showed no interest in training us. Mostly gave pointers then bailed, so we developed ourselves. Even brought Naruto sometimes. Worked for me—no holding back. In this month, learned to extend wakizashi beam by five centimeters—small, but progress. Tough keeping the heat without melting the sword. Sadly, won't use it often. This Jedi sword guzzles chakra like hungry Naruto devours ramen.
Clones going better—almost mastered without seals (bit wonky), and a week ago started on reinforced ones. They need a few extra seals, no biggie. Weird part: it's easier for me. Thought it'd be harder.
"Hello, Hokage-sama," our sensei addressed Naruto's father. The feudal lord's wife had already left, tormenting the poor kitty first. Once she was gone, it got quiet. The room was spacious: two big desks, one small. Hokage and Iruka-sensei at the small one; unknowns at the others—clients paying, money going to village treasury.
Minato sighed heavily, pulling another sheet from the stack. Probably reports and assignments. No way I'd ever be Hokage: so much work, you'd sleep at the office. Who's asking?
"Hello, Kakashi-kun," he eyed us wearily. Minato's face pale as snow, dark circles under eyes. Unhealthy look—not liking it. "Next mission: garden digging," he said quietly.
"What?! Dad! Give us a real mission! I'm a real ninja and want real tasks!" our teammate yelled, waving arms. Thanks, Naruto—I'll back you up.
"No," he monotoned, eyes back on docs.
"Come on, Dad!" Naruto shouted, and Minato, lifting tired eyes to his son, sighed wearily.
"I fully agree with Naruto," I chimed in my five cents; Uchiha tallied thoughts and nodded too. Village head looked at Kakashi, who mumbled like "Knew it'd be this."
"Naruto..." They lectured him, but I tuned out. They're right in principle, but Sasuke and I didn't train that hard to harvest or help old folks' homes. Naruto got his way eventually. Namikaze Sr. wouldn't argue long: knows it's pointless. "...Fine, since you're so insistent, I'll give you a C-rank. Bodyguards. Bring in the client."
A minute after Minato's weary words, something stepped in: small beard, glasses, reeking across Fire Country. Middle-aged man, straw hat, backpack—like a traveler.
"What the hell?! These kids guarding me? Especially the runt with the dumb face," he swigged and pointed at Naruto.
"Runt with dumb face?" The boy sized us up and lunged to kill the architect. Kakashi grabbed him by the collar in time.
"Watch your mouth, Naruto—word ain't a sparrow, flies out, you'll pay," I warned my friend. For future reference.
"Naruto, we gotta guard him," Hatake held him like a kitten; he struggled.
"Name's Tazuna, architect. You'll protect me en route. Hope you ensure my safety even at cost of your lives," he swigged sake, glared dissatisfied, and bailed.
"You're dismissed," Fourth said, buried in papers.
We bolted from the office, home for gear. I remembered what'd happen, so packed first-aid kit, tons of shuriken, kunai, spare clothes. Meet at Konoha gates in an hour and a half. Time to shower, leave clone cleaning endless mess—mostly weapons scattered everywhere, though I know where what is. Look close: nightstand, closet, kitchen by coffee pack, under pillow, even toilet. Sometimes feels like things move themselves. Okay, guilty—mess is my doing. But as Germans say: "Ordnung muss sein" ["Ordnung muss sein" (German for "There must be order")—German proverb, but I prefer "Ordnung ist ordnung" (order is order).], so daily cleaning.
Done everything, stepping out apartment—forgot tekko-kagi. Damn, hate backtracking, but must. Grabbed it, heading out, paused at mirror. Gazed at self, wanted forehead protector on brow, new hairstyle. Let hair down, brushed. Used to the color, but hate red brows/lashes too. Shook off thoughts, eyed reflection. High bun, two long strands framing face. Perfect—now onward!
"Yay!" We stood by gates with sensei and Tazuna; Naruto yelled, looking around. "First time leaving the village!"
"Seems he ain't fit for the job," grumped the old man, pointing at Naruto. When'd he down a bottle and sober up? Impressive and funny.
"Ha-ha, I'm jonin—no worries," Kakashi drawled lazily, hands in pockets. Disagree. This mission'll kick our asses—intuition tingling, but blaming nerves. First real fight, strong foe—worries any rookie ninja. No exception.
"Hey! Old man! Don't underestimate me! I'll be Hokage someday! Remember me!" Naruto jabbed finger at the man, probably on fresh sake.
"Hokage's mighty ninja—you won't make it," he said calmly.
"Whaddya say?!" Naruto lunged, but I grabbed his backpack.
"Naruto, don't worry—you'll achieve your dream," I smiled sweetly, holding him while scanning. Feels like we're not alone...
Sasuke shot confused look; I gestured all clear. Still, stay alert. No proof of attack. Can't refuse mission. Our duty: protect weak. We have power to shield the powerless.
Refuse, they send others. Say, InoShikaCho—they might fail. Can't alter canon more, or those who should live die. Stuck anyway.
Naruto argued with Tazuna about Hokage; I stayed quiet, planning. Got bored, tuned into Kakashi's lecture on our world—which I knew. Well, not fully—one nagging question:
"Sensei, is there a Hidden Whirlpool Village?" Kids and Hatake stared confused; I awaited answer.
"Mmm... was... destroyed in Second Shinobi World War. Uzumaki clan members lived there; few descendants scattered worldwide," he eyed me curiously; I nodded thoughtfully.
"What abilities does the Uzumaki clan have?" Sasuke asked unexpectedly; I jumped.
"Descendants have massive chakra reserves, high stamina, longevity, red hair," damn Kakashi—could've skipped last; seconds later, four scrutinizing eyes on me (Kakashi doesn't count).
"Why stare?" Even intense gazes made me flush a bit.
"Well, not us with red hair..." Sasuke said. Kakashi smiled; I chuckled.
Three hours later, we hit that stupid puddle camouflage I forgot to note in my plot diary. But sensor skills caught foul chakra. Would've anyway—lamest disguise ever. Could've been original. Glanced at Sasuke—he spotted 'em too, like sensei on tree with swap. We nodded, prepped. No warning Dobe: he'd freak, not get it.
Okay, Ariza—ready... three... two... one! Go! They burst from puddle, attacked Hatake with claws/chain.
"Sensei!" terrified Naruto yelled at blood/"corpse." Messed up sight: chains crushed him, flesh chunks hit ground.
I made three clones; we guarded architect. Uchiha freed chain anime-style: pinned to tree with shuriken/kunai, yanked off. Once separated, masked black-clad shinobi went for architect, other for Naruto. First slow—I dropped him two strikes. Chunin? Too weak.
Prepped for second—friend handled, saving Dobe from slicing. Latter too scared to speak. Obvious first fight. Bodies dropped; sensei appeared with sheepish smile. Sneaky bastard. Testing us.
"Good job, Sasuke, Ariza—handled quick," we glared; he scratched head. "Sorry, Naruto—didn't want you hurt, but didn't expect you'd freeze."
Uchiha eyed pensive blond, macho-posed to tease: "You alive, kid?"
"Sasuke!" he gritted teeth. Yeah, they love ribbing. Always compete. Boys.
"Naruto, calm—poison claws, treat wounds," sensei said, grabbing enemy shinobi by scruff. Naruto blankly checked inner palm cut (not outer like manga). "Tazuna-san..."
"Yeah?" man fidgeted.
"We need to talk..."
"Hidden Mist renegades," sensei said, rubbing neck signature-style, eyed me again. He'd been glancing weird whole time. My taijutsu better than expected? What's he thinking?
"How'd you predict attack?" one tree-bound demon brother snarled.
"Puddles," I said curtly, skipping chakra.
"No rain days," Sasuke finished; he right of me, clueless Naruto by him eyeing wound. He's the type: gets nothing, does 90% work.
"Knew ahead—why let attack?" old man asked sensei surprised.
"Wanted to know target: us... or you," he squinted at client slyly. "Application omitted enemy pursuit shinobi—would've sent other team. At least B-rank. You lied," Kakashi eyed Uzumaki/us. "Naruto endangers mission. We return to village."
"No!" Naruto yelled, kunai to arm. Blood oath: trained hard, chase dream, surpass Hokage. Mentioned Sasuke. Impressive speech, but prove in deeds. I know he'll try. That's why I like him. As friend.
"Good, Naruto—but you'll bleed out," Dobe paled, shook arm. Head on straight?
"Why didn't you say?!"
"Naruto," I said calmly, approaching; Kakashi joined. "Lemme see arm."
"O-okay..." Fear/pain shook hand, but didn't stop Kurama healing jinchuriki (unintentionally). Regeneration—amazing. Shinobi three times normal humans; me four (Uzumaki). Naruto's? Healing visibly! No need help—just bandage.
"You'll live, Naruto," I ruled, pulling special bandage/ointment. "But think head first next time emotions lead—might not be around."
"Listen to her. Ariza thinks like real ninja," Hatake wagged finger, smiled; I applied ointment, bandaged.
"Ari-chan..."
"No sweat, Dobe—you're my friend, I'll be there, help for sure..." He gave such childlike innocent eyes, I couldn't resist—smiled, ruffled golden hair.
"Why no medical jutsu?" Sasuke asked post-Naruto.
"No point. Inhuman regen," he eyed Naruto, then me curiously. To dodge, shrugged unknowing. Honestly, not great medic, but could've healed easy. Better not—plot impact.
"Cheater," Sasuke muttered. Ha, picked up my lingo. Though Naruto cheater? I know.
While boating to Land of Waves—islands galore—Tazuna spilled on Gato; I admired water. Thick fog hid beyond boat. Like water-soaked everywhere. Never boated silent like this—past life dull. Why me? Why chosen? Sigh, unanswerable questions. Client detailed shipowner (drug lord), guilt-tripped. Didn't care—feel nothing yet. But temporary.
Nearing shore, checked gear: bandages on, kunai in seals—battle ready.
Docked house, hit shore. Village stunning: greenery, water everywhere, wood homes over water. Clean air, warm breeze. All lifted mood, forgetting ahead.
Farewelled ferryman, headed Tazuna home. Attack soon. Who? Zabuza, I know plan. Stronger? Fuck! What if death mission? Damn, Rikudo—be specific! Think I'm worried...
Focus, Ariza—whoever, stronger than last.
Path through forest; Naruto showboated, suspecting bushes. Kinda right—watched. Felt strong foul chakra in bushes second. Killer's.
Tree crunch snapped thoughts. Turned: Naruto nearly killed white rabbit. Shit, deep in it. Faith all good? Nah, not today.
I heard the sound of slicing wind, followed by the teacher's words: "Watch out." A huge sword flew over our heads and embedded deeply into a tree. And Momochi Zabuza landed on its hilt. He was bare-chested, his face wrapped in bandages that left only his eyes exposed. He was quite tall and muscular, with unnaturally pale-gray skin. Well, nothing new for me.
From his demeanor, it was obvious right away—all shinobi love to show off. Just as much as they love to chatter during battles, announce technique names, and reveal their tactics at the end.
"So, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza."
"Copy Ninja—Kakashi Hatake," we heard an unpleasant voice. Oh yes, no fight starts until strong shinobi introduce themselves to each other. But there's logic to it—shinobi live short lives, in constant struggle, and knowing the name of the one who kills you is a great honor. Especially if you're famous, since everyone knows nicknames are given only to the strongest. I was pulled from my thoughts and analysis by the sound of teeth grinding behind me. It was Naruto, who had already started charging forward if not for sensei's words:
"Protect the client and stay out of the fight. To deal with him, I'll have to use this," Kakashi said, slowly lifting his headband. When we saw the dojutsu in his left eye socket that shouldn't be there, we were surprised.
"Kakashi of the Sharingan... I'm truly sorry, but the old man comes with me," after his words, an impenetrable fog began to thicken.
"Alright, quickly form the 'Manji Formation' position," without delaying a second, we surrounded the client, and I used clones to cover the rear.
"Sharingan—what the hell is that?!" Naruto repeated.
"It's the dojutsu of my clan," Sasuke said and activated his Sharingan, then deactivated it. Naruto was even more surprised, and Sasuke briefly explained its features until the rogue ninja interrupted:
"Hand over your old man... and I won't cut him too badly!" From such statements, the client nearly lost his glasses, while we drew our weapons and prepared. "What? You don't want to? Then we'll start with you, Kakashi, get ready..." The last word sounded like a death sentence, and the enemy vanished from sight. And so our first serious battle began...
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan