Daichi smiled and waved at the academy instructor as if there was nothing wrong. 'Man, such a faker. Makes me wanna kick his teeth in. But I can't let him know that I'm on to him.'
When the Genin saw Mizuki leave the smile fell from his face as if it was never there to begin with.
Shikamaru, who was watching the whole interaction from the corner of his eyes, slowly got up. He had a frown on his face as he recalled his teacher's face. 'There was no doubt about it. That was pure hatred. And the fact that he tried to cover it up… He could be up to something…'
The young Nara's gaze then turned towards his Genin friend. 'Did he know about Mizuki? Is that why he distrusts him?'
His eyes then focused on Naruto. 'Why does everyone hate you so much? It can't be because of the pranks… So why?'
At that moment Daichi spoke looking at Naruto and the others. "Well, since you've learned a chakra control exercise meant for Genin I'd say this calls for celebration. My treat. You pick the place."
"Nice. Thanks Daichi." Kiba and Choji were excited to go out and eat with their friends.
"Awesome. Let's go to Ichiraku Ramen." The blond boy said with a smile.
"Seriously, Ramen?" Ino and Sakura sighed expecting that predictable response.
"Come on. Once you've had a taste you'll never complain about Ramen again. It's the best place. And old man Teuchi and big sis Ayame are really nice too. They make the best Ramen in the village…" Naruto had a wide smile as he tried to convince them of the deliciousness of the food served.
"Hahaha… I figured you'd say that." Daichi smiled. "Alright Ichiraku Ramen it is…"
And so the group of future rookies slowly made their way to the Ramen stand.
As they walked through the streets the more observant ones in the group noticed how the people were looking at them with a smile and then their change in expression when they looked at Naruto.
Shikamaru frowned as he thought about the situation. He looked at Daichi and saw the small frown on his face. 'So he noticed the looks too… And I have a feeling Daichi knows the real reason for all this animosity the villagers are showing Naruto.'
He turned his attention to the blond boy and saw a wide smile on his face. But he had been around his friend long enough to know that it was just a weak facade.
Shikamaru sighed and tried to distract his friend. "So tell us Daichi, are you really treating us just because Naruto learned the technique or is there something else?" The Nara asked his friend, trying to draw attention away from Naruto.
Daichi looked at his friend and he realized what Shikamaru was trying to do. The young gamer chuckled and quickly replied. "Well, I did get some unexpected additional reward for my mission… And it's been a while since I've seen you guys. So I figured why not…"
"Oohh tell us all about your mission Daichi. What was it like?" Ino was excited to hear the details and so was everyone else.
"Well the client came to us with a C Rank mission…" Daichi began the story of how he and his sensei were hired to track down the heirloom and the subsequent events.
They soon made their way to the Ramen stand.
"So wait, you're telling us that you guys found the identity of the Phantom Thief?" Kiba was shocked. He had heard stories of the great thief.
"Yeah… It was tough but the clues were there…"
"Naruto, good to see you. And I see you brought your friends along too…" Teuchi greeted everyone with a smile.
"Yeah. It's Daichi's treat. Hit us up with your best old man." Naruto said as he excitedly got on his seat.
"That sounds like a challenge…" The Ramen chef took everyone's order and quickly got to work.
All of them got settled and focused their attention back on Daichi and listened to his adventure.
Daichi explained how he and his sensei first found the secret room. The students were amazed when Daichi told them how he found the clues hidden in the teapot and finally how the team managed to find the great treasure.
"And when we looked around, everything that was stolen was kept perfectly preserved. We found the Phantom's hidden treasure." Daichi concluded his story with a grin
"Oh man… That's awesome." Naruto and Kiba had stars in their eyes at the end.
"Oh wow. I want to become a Genin and go on exciting missions too. It sounds totally awesome. Believe it!" Naruto said, pumping his fists in the air.
"I assume the reward you mentioned is for finding the treasure…" Sakura asked Daichi.
The boy nodded his head. "Yup. The Hokage figured we deserve it for solving that case."
"Just you wait, Daichi. When I become a Genin I'm gonna go on even more awesome adventures than you."
The Genin chuckled hearing that. "It's not a competition, Naruto. And you have to be a Genin first. Which will only happen if you study and train some more…"
"Do you know the chemical composition of the special invisible ink used? That's a great way to send secret messages." Sakura asked.
"I do. But Lord Hokage told me not to disclose that information."
"I see."
At that moment Teuchi came with everyone's order. "Here you go. Enjoy."
"Thank you for the meal."
Everyone began digging into their food and they were all surprised.
"You know Naruto, I may have misjudged your taste… This ramen is really good…" Ino said as she slowly ate her food.
"See I told you. This is the best food in the world."
"I wouldn't go that far." Ino mumbled with a sweatdrop as she looked at her friend's antics.
"Even though this Ramen is good I say Yakiniku BBQ is still the best." Choji said as he dug into his bowl.
"No way. Ramen is the best!" Naruto wolfed down the remaining food and glared at the Akimichi.
"BBQ!" Choji finished his meal and looked at his friend defending his favorite meal.
"Ramen!"
"BBQ!"
Then as one they both turned towards Daichi who was peacefully eating his ramen and enjoying the taste trying to ignore everything else around him. He suddenly stopped eating and looked up to see two eyes boring holes into his head.
"Ehh…"
"Daichi, which is better? Ramen or BBQ?" Naruto asked.
"Please don't bring me into this…" The young gamer said with a sigh.
"But we have to decide…" Choji spoke up.
"Well, I'll treat you to a BBQ next time and then we'll come to an agreement. Right now, just enjoy the food."
Naruto and Choji looked at each other and then ordered more. Choji ordered more in the name of tasting different flavors while Naruto just loved Teuchi's food.
About an hour later the group finished and left the ramen stand with happy smiles on their faces. They said their goodbyes to Daichi and soon left. Except for two.
Shikamaru and Hinata stayed behind with Daichi.
"Should I be worried about Mizuki sensei?" Shikamaru asked his friend.
Daichi looked at the Nara and sighed. "You saw that huh."
"Um… I saw it too… Mizuki sensei was really angry… But… He pretended not to be when you looked at him." Hinata spoke in a low tone.
"You too?"
"You didn't answer the question. Should we be worried about him? I noticed that he really hates Naruto. Do you know something?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.
"When I first saw him, it was just a gut feeling. But after today's interaction… I have a feeling he's going to be trouble." The Genin replied.
"Should… Should we tell the adults or… or maybe the other teachers?"
Daichi shook his head at Hinata's suggestion. "And tell them what exactly. We don't have any proof that he's doing something wrong. We don't even know if he's doing anything wrong. And as for hating Naruto, half the village does that. No one's going to take us seriously if we tell someone without any proof. And if he finds out that we made baseless accusations about him, then who knows what he'll try…"
"So what are you suggesting we do?" Shikamaru asked, crossing his arms.
"For now, nothing. As far as he knows, you guys didn't see his anger and hate and think nothing more of him than your average teacher. But be careful. If he does something that you think is strange, tell me or Iruka sensei. You can trust him."
The Nara sighed and nodded his head. 'Normally I wouldn't bother with something like this but… Since he has a problem with Naruto, I guess I have no choice.'
Seeing Shikamaru agree, Daichi then turned to Hinata. "You can't tell anyone what you saw. Please keep this a secret."
Hinata reluctantly nodded her head and soon was on her way home. Shikamaru asked one more question before he left.
"Do you know why they hate him so much?"
The Nara didn't specify who, they or why but Daichi knew what he was talking about. "I do. But I can't say." Daichi had a somber expression and when Shikamaru saw that he didn't press any further for information and left.
Daichi sighed and slowly made his way home. 'I wonder how things will turn out? Will things happen like it did in canon or has everything gone to hell already… I suppose only time will tell…'
—-
"Yosh! I'm so pumped. Are you ready Daichi?" Lee was excited at the prospect of sparring with his friend again.
Daichi nodded his head and tossed a stone up in the air. Both of them were in the training field where they first met. Lee had found Daichi meditating and insisted on a spar which Daichi agreed to.
The stone reached its apex height and began to fall down to the earth. The second it touched the ground Lee and Daichi vanished from their spots.
Both Genin met in mid air with Daichi blocking Lee's fist and sending a fast punch aimed at the boy's chest.
Lee was unable to dodge the punch and so decided to attack at the last moment. He sent a swift kick aimed at Daichi's abdomen just as he was hit and both of them fell back on to the ground and skidded several feet.
Daichi didn't take any damage from the attack and was completely fine. He looked at his friend as Lee stood up. 'His battle instincts are getting better and better. I was right. Even with just training you can't improve that fast if you don't have some hidden talent… It's only been a few months. Time to see how far you have come.'
With that thought Daichi made the next move. He rushed at Lee and they began their Taijutsu spar.
Lee was surprised at the initiative Daichi took. 'He usually waits for me to attack but now… He must have been looking forward to this just as much as I have…'
Lee desperately blocked every attack Daichi sent his way but that was the best he could do. 'He's not giving me a chance to counter. His speed is incredible and it's taking everything I have just to parry his strikes. His Taijutsu form is flawless. I can't take any advantage.'
Daichi wasn't going all out but he was fighting with much more intensity than he ever did during their previous spars. 'I need to push him. I need to know where he's at and see if I can get him even stronger than in canon.'
Sweat started to slowly form on Lee's face as he pushed himself to stay in the battle. 'His punches feel a lot more powerful. So he was holding back so much during our previous spars…'
Lee blocked another punch and gripped Daichi's fist that was aimed to take his breath away and sent a high kick towards his opponent's face. The gamer tilted his body to the side to avoid the incoming leg strike. At that moment Daichi felt the grip on his wrist tighten and sensed the weight shift. He saw Lee letting go to attack him with a spin kick.
Lee slightly jumped and sent a spinning kick at his opponent only for Daichi to get under him and sent an attack at his leg intent on taking his mobility away temporarily.
Rock Lee sensed the attack coming and just before Daichi's strike landed he used a leg technique his sensei Guy taught him to avoid the blow and launch a counter strike.
Daichi quickly raised his hands to defend himself. He felt the kick land on his forearm and before he could throw a counter Lee back flipped away and gained some distance.
Daichi looked at his sparring partner who was taking several deep breaths of air. 'There is no way this kind of battle instinct can be obtained with just training. Either he's fighting Guy everyday of the week or he was born with a warrior's battle sense…'
Daichi smiled as he looked at his friend. "You can see that I'm not holding back much. In all our other spars you would have gotten knocked out by now. But look at you now. Even with me upping the intensity you're still standing. You've come a long way since we first met my friend."
Rock Lee smiled hearing the sincere compliment coming from his best friend. It only motivated him to keep going. "But I still have a long way to go before I catch up to you."
Daichi smirked after hearing that response. "If you wanna catch up to me…" the smile on the Gamer ninja's face fell and he became serious again. "You're gonna have to train a lot harder."
Both of them took their respective Taijutsu stances and their next round of battle began…
Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!
Lee took several deep breaths of air as he was sprawled on the ground.
Daichi, who was sitting near him, spoke. "Looks like the training your sensei is putting you through is starting to show. You were able to survive a lot longer and that's even with those weights you have on."
Lee looked at Daichi at that. "So you noticed?"
The young gamer smirked. "Of course I did. You're not the only one training with weighted gear."
Lee slowly sat up and smiled at his friend. He expected something like that.
Daichi got up and went to Lee. He placed his palms on Lee's chest and began using medical ninjutsu.
Lee was fascinated as he watched his friend work. "Is that medical ninjutsu?"
"Yes. I learned it during my time at the capital."
"That's incredible." Lee grinned as he looked at his friend. 'Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu. Now medical jutsu too... It's as if there's no end to his talent and potential. He's amazing.'
Daichi moved his palms to Lee's arms and legs and gave him a quick full body check up. 'In just one year Lee was able to go from being a nobody to a monster in Taijutsu. In canon he did it with nothing but his will and determination. But now I wonder how strong he'll be with me aiding in his growth.'
A few moments later Daichi completed his work. "Done."
Lee got up and looked himself over in wonder. "I feel good as new."
"That's because the tears in your muscles and cells are all healed without impeding your growth. Now you can train again right away without needing to waste time for rest and recovery. Lee, I want you to meet me here every weekend if possible. I'll heal all the wear and tears on your body." Daichi smirked as he replied.
The bowl cut ninja's eyes widened as he understood the implications. "That means I can train much more and become stronger a lot faster."
"That's the idea." Daichi smiled looking at the kid who had stars and tears in his eyes.
"Ohh my great friend Daichi. Thank you!" Lee jumped and tried to hug his friend who quickly dodged him.
"Easy Lee. Not a hugger… And it's not that big a deal. Here. Take these as well…" Daichi took out a small bottle from his pocket and tossed it to his friend. Inside the bottle there were several round pills of the same color.
"What's this?" Lee asked as he examined the glass bottle.
"Those are special nutrient pills I created. The vitamins, proteins and minerals contained in each of those pills will speed up muscle growth and strengthen your bones. They'll be a massive help for your training. Oh! But make sure you only take one every 24 hours. And make sure to only take them when you train. And drink plenty of water after you do."
Lee's eyes widened as he held the precious item. He couldn't believe how much his friend was helping him. He looked at Daichi and had a complicated expression on his face.
"You've given so much help. But I don't have anything to give you…" Lee said in a small voice.
Daichi placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You don't need to give me anything you idiot. You're my friend. Now come on. Let's go get something to eat."
Lee nodded with a wide smile. 'Someday I will definitely repay your kindness.'
—-
Hiruzen was going over the list of few Genins taking part in the Chunin exams happening in the stone village. He thought about the one name he rejected from the list.
'If Daichi and Kakashi hadn't made such a commotion with their previous mission I would have let the boy take the exam. He would have definitely passed and then Kakashi would have been free to take Sasuke and Naruto under him. But now… For the next chunin exam, I need to see how things are with that village before I make a decision... In the meantime I'll have to make other arrangements for Naruto and Sasuke as well. Hmm… If not Kakashi, then perhaps Tenzo could train them… He has experience with the Sharingan, fighting alongside Kakashi. And his wood style will be useful if Naruto ever loses control over the Nine tails.'
He frowned as he looked at a particular name.
'Kabuto Yakushi is taking part in this test as well and based on his previous track record he's going to intentionally fail the exam… He must be attending these exams to either spy on possible targets for Orochimaru or contacting him without drawing attention…. I can't get rid of him at the moment. He is a crucial piece in my plans…'
The Kage then began going over reports his spy in the Root sent.
'Danzo is suspicious. So I won't be able to make contact for a while. Identity of the primary target is still unknown.'
Hiruzen sighed as he leaned back. 'Right now is the calm before the storm. But what is the Linchpin that will set off that storm? When would Orochimaru attack? Would it be an assassination attempt or something else? And with the Reanimation jutsu under his command, I can't predict who all he'll bring… Without the crucial information I cannot make a move on Danzo as well. I need to take them both out at once.'
"Sir, Kensei Yasaji is here to see you." At that moment his secretary came in and informed him. Hiruzen nodded and a few minutes later Daichi's grandfather walked into the room. Hiruzen made a gesture and the hidden guards quickly left the room.
Kensei walked into the middle of the room and Hiruzen could tell that he was not happy. "Why didn't you tell me the Daimyo was aware of our actions?"
The old kage sighed and replied. "He confronted me during my visit to the capital. And I couldn't exactly lie to him."
"That man is more resourceful than I thought. I made sure to keep my movements under wraps and yet he found out…?"
"He is not someone to be trifled with. You should know that… Did he summon you to his court? How did you know?"
Kensei was quiet for a while and then asked. "He summoned me to his chamber and wanted to know what I had found out. He said you told him about Danzo's interference but didn't tell me any details. Since he asked, I couldn't lie or keep the information to myself. He said he will look into the matter himself and told me to stop."
Hiruzen nodded his head. "I see…" 'So it went better than I assumed.'
"What I want to know is how much you told him and how he took the news?"
"He was angry. Understandably so. But he said he'll deal with Danzo's men in the capital and there won't be any interference from his people. And with the information he has now, I doubt it would be a difficult task."
"He will want something in return when all this is finished. He isn't someone who does anything without playing an angle."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and spoke. "Yes I'm well aware. It's always a headache when dealing with him."
"Will this interfere with the plans put in place?" Kensei was concerned that now with the Daimyo involved things would get out of hand.
"No. This actually works better for us. We can focus on the internal matters of the village now that Ryuga is keeping an eye on things in the capital."
Kensei nodded and they both sat in silence. They discussed their plans and a short while later the old man got up and bid the kage farewell, and left for home.
—-
Hidden Stone Village
Onoki went through the names of the candidates that came from the Leaf village and he was somewhat disappointed. 'So Hiruzen didn't send him after all. This would have been an excellent venue to see just how strong Tsunade's student is. Well, next time...'
At that second a Jonin came in and kneeled. "Lord Tsuchikage, all the participants have arrived and are waiting in the hall."
The kage of the Stone village nodded and soon the Chunin exams would begin.
It wasn't just the stone ninjas who were looking for Daichi. Several Genins looked closely at the handful of ninjas from the Leaf village and frowned.
A Genin with the headband of the Mist village frowned as he didn't find his target. 'So he didn't show up huh. Either his teacher didn't recommend him or he pussed out like a bitch. Either way I can't get the information needed. And Lord Mizukage told me to test his strength during the exam… Oh well…'
A Genin with sunglasses and green hair looked around and sighed in annoyance. 'Great. That kid from the Leaf is a no show. Guess there's nothing to do except tell the Raikage that the kid didn't come. Something tells me he won't be happy.'
During all this a certain Genin with the Leaf village headband was sitting quietly in the room trying not to draw any attention to himself. But that didn't mean he was unaware of the eyes lingering on him and his teammates. 'For some reason the Genins from the other great villages are keeping an eye on everyone from the Leaf village. But based on their dismissal of us, I'm sure we're not their targets… Hmm… They must have been looking for Daichi. After the Treasure incident at the capital, and his relationship to a Sannin, it's no surprise.'
As the Genin was in thought his teammate called out to him as the proctor for the exam entered the room. "Hey Kabuto, look alive. The exams are starting."
"Right." Kabuto Yakushi replied as he focused his attention on the Jonin. There was also something else that required his attention but he sent someone just as capable in his place.
As the tests were taking place, two people were meeting in secret in one of the houses in the village.
"Here are the reports you wanted…" A man with ash grey hair and black circular glasses said as he handed over a scroll to his colleague.
A snake crawled out of the sleeve from the man and swallowed the scroll before disappearing back into the shadow.
"Tell me, Kabuto, how are things going in the Leaf?"
"You know you can always come and check it out for yourself…" The bespectacled Genin replied.
"Kukuku… It's not time yet for my return."
"I'm sure the Third Hokage would have the surprise of his life when he sees what you have in store for him, Lord Orochimaru."
The man now identified as one of the Sannin chuckled hearing those words. "My return all depends on him. I need to see what his potential is…"
"Based on my observations Sasuke Uchiha is head and shoulders above his peers and his talent is incredible. He is quite skilled in the ninja arts. It seems he has indeed inherited his brother's potential. Maybe not on the same level as Itachi but he is talented nonetheless."
Orochimaru nodded his head and became quiet. "But he is not the strongest in that generation is he…?" Even though the Sannin phrased it like a question he already knew the answer.
"No. The most talented one in that generation is Daichi Hekima… I was surprised to learn that he studied under your former teammate. Based on what you told me, I didn't think Lady Tsunade would have accepted another apprentice." Kabuto replied as Daichi's picture came to his mind. He was curious to test his medical skills against one trained by another Sannin.
"Yes. It was a surprise to me as well. And what shocked me more is that he only studied under her for two years. Tsunade wouldn't half ass anything. That includes teaching someone her skills. So if that boy returned to the village after just two years-"
"Then that would mean he only needed that much time to learn everything he could from her." Kabuto finished.
"Yes. I'm eager to meet him. Someone who's trained by Tsunade and currently under Kakashi Hatake's tutelage. He's bound to show promise. I was hoping he'd be here. But it seems that's not the case."
Kabuto narrowed his eyes and looked at his master. "Are you planning on giving him the curse seal Lord Orochimaru?"
The snake Sannin looked at his subordinate with a menacing grin. "Kukuku… Is that a problem Kabuto?"
Kabuto shook his head and spoke. "Not at all… But as I'm sure you know, if you attack Daichi then I have a feeling Lady Tsunade won't just sit back and do nothing. And then there is also his grandfather."
"Kensei Yasaji. An old feeble man just like Sarutobi sensei. Both far past their prime. They are of no concern… It seems Daichi will get to enjoy his carefree life for a few more months. I'll meet him in the Chunin exams. And if he shows as much talent as the rumors say, then I'll see if I can't sway him my way." Orochimaru gave a small laugh as he imagined the look on the boy's face when they would eventually meet.
"Well then, I'll keep you updated. My chakra is running low. So I'll be going now…"
"If you find any interesting specimen, do collect some samples for me won't you Kabuto, Kukuku…"
The Genin smiled and slightly bowed. "Of course my Lord." The next second he vanished in a puff of smoke indicating that he was a shadow clone.
Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!