Chapter 7 - Ekyt X Sakura: The Village Reacts!

Ekyt and Sakura walked to Ichiraku. They both immediately ordered. Wasabi Vegetable for Ekyt, beef for Sakura. Their conversation were somewhat pleasant, if a little forced. Ekyt’s shyness was really glaring, something Sakura seemed to think of fondly. But their little outing wasn’t going to last long.


“Well, what do we have here? Finally given up Sakura?”
Ekyt didn’t turn around, but he held his chopsticks tighter. He chanced a glance at Sakura. She looked…scared. Ekyt shifted into “boyfriend mode.”

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it Sasuke?” Ekyt said over his shoulder.
Sasuke looked bored. “Oh, you. Still a genin?”
Ekyt nodded. “Afraid so. And you?”
“Genin.”
“Well, good luck on the chunin exams. Don’t let us keep you…” Ekyt said dismissively.
“I’m curious Sakura…why pick him? Did you give up on me?”
Sakura started to shake, but said nothing. Ekyt started to feel anger welling up, but his voice was working just fine.
“Back off.”

Everyone in Ichiraku ground to a halt. A stare down, with the promise of a fight, really got everyone’s attention.

Sasuke smirked nastily. “Really? You’ll make me?”
“If I have to,” Ekyt replied, sounding almost like Kakashi.
Sasuke ignored Ekyt again, focusing on Sakura.
“I’ve never been more powerful Sakura…more alive…you should be happy for me…if you really love me.”
The chopsticks left Ekyt’s hands like senbon. They sped toward Sasuke, who knocked them down with a kunai. Ekyt threw four more, then leapt closer and tossed his piping-hot ramen. The boiling soup and noodles struck Sasuke’s face, blinding him temporarily. That gave Ekyt an opportunity to use a body replacement technique, switching places with Sakura.


Asuma was walking by, lighting a cigarette. He had just taken his first puff and exhaled when he saw the trouble. He sprinted over to Ichiraku, hoping that his eye were deceiving him.
“What’s going on here?” he demanded.
“He was torturing Sakura, so we, er, exchanged pleasantries,” Ekyt explained.
“Sasuke Uchiha…You must be here for the chunin exams.” Asuma’s voice held tones of displeasure.
“That’s right,” Sasuke replied with a sarcastic grin.
“Well, then you shouldn’t be here pestering them. Scram.” Asuma jerked his thumb toward the exit.
Sasuke stalked toward the exit, but turned sharply before he left. “You’ve just signed your own death warrant. You Ekyt, and Sakura too.”
Ekyt stared back, but said nothing. That had been enough trouble. He needed to help Sakura, that was more important right now.
“Sakura…”
It was no good, she was really out of it. Then it hit Ekyt. Genjutsu!
“Release!” Ekyt called, adding the proper hand sign.
Sakura perked up instantly. She looked up, fear etched on her face.

“It’s alright Sakura. He’s gone.” Ekyt hoped he sounded assuring.
Sakura’s breathing was still heavy. Ekyt gulped, then took the plunge.
“It’s okay Sakura-chan,” Ekyt said, pulling the scared kunoichi close to him. She, either consciously or unconsciously, let him do so. Ekyt put his arm around her shoulders. She could feel her bare skin, and it was goose-bump filled and shaking. After a few moments, he felt her relax a little. She curled up against him, her head on his vest. Ekyt stroked her hair with his free hand. After a little while, she wrapped her arms around his slim waist, pulling herself in tighter. The shaking was almost gone. Still, she didn’t seem to want to move just yet.
After a few more minutes of silent cuddling, Sakura broke the silence.
“I-I should go home…”
Ekyt helped her up. Sakura stumbled, but regained her footing quickly.
“I’ll walk you home…if that’s alright…” Ekyt’s instinct to protect had overcome his shyness…well, almost.
“T-thanks. I’d…I’d like that,” Sakura answered. Her beautiful green eyes were shimmering with silent tears. That genjutsu had been powerful, and she was ashamed she hadn’t seen it coming.
Why did HE have to show up…just when things were starting to work…


Ekyt walked Sakura home. He even walked her inside and made sure every window was secure. He remembered how to make tea, so he busied himself with that while Sakura pulled on her pajamas in the bathroom. That was really the only treatment for such a brutal genjutsu attack, once it had been broken. Rest and green tea.


Sakura walked out of the bathroom, thanking God her pajamas were modest. Well, to her. If she had been feeling better, she would have toyed with Ekyt. With that in mind, she crawled into bed, flopping down. She felt her face redden in shame.
Both of us…the first date, ruined! Why aren’t I stronger?! I didn’t even see the genjutsu coming! And Ekyt…he was willing to fight Sasuke…I’m going to be stronger. I’m a chunin, and I’m not going to be pushed around anymore! CHA! Hell yeah!
Ekyt placed the cup of tea near her bed.
“Feeling better?”
Sakura indicated for him to sit. “I am, thanks to you. But…could you…could you tell me something?” Sakura asked, blushing shyly.
“Sure.”
Sakura stood up and ran her hands through her hair, smiling shyly.
“Are these pajamas too revealing?” They were a two-piece deal, red shorts and a red top. The top ended just below where her chest met her stomach, and her shorts started just below her navel, leaving a few inches of skin exposed. The shorts ended just before the knees.
Ekyt, apparently, couldn’t answer. This is a trick question…there’s no right answer…I either come across as a pervert (oh, don’t wanna go down that road again, kunoichi are violent) or like I don’t care about how she looks.
Sakura continued to stare innocently at him, milking the tension. Finally, she couldn’t take it. She HAD to laugh.
“I didn’t believe you could be as innocent as you came across. But you must be! Ekyt-kun, you don’t have to answer that…”
Ekyt breathed again.
“…if you pay a toll. Kiss me on the cheek, and I let you off the hook.”
Ekyt did. He felt his lips meet her smooth face. Despite his nervousness…this felt…comforting. When he heard Sakura sigh, he knew she felt the same way.
“Do you need anything else?” Ekyt asked, still trying to figure out what he had just done.
“D-do you think Sasuke will come back?” Sakura replied. She was feeling nervous again.

Fate can’t be that cruel! H-how is happening? And why? I just figure out that I’m in love with this boy, when the guy I USED to be in love with comes along…


Ekyt looked down and away. “He might. It might be better…if we found you a more secure place to live…until this is over.”
Sakura nodded her approval. “Let’s talk to Lady Tsunade. She’ll know what to do.”


On the way, Ekyt and Sakura ran into Lee, Guy, and Kakashi.
“So it’s true. You were right Lee,” Guy told him, patting him on the shoulder.
“It’s the power of youth, Guy-sensei! It is just like I said!”
Kakashi looked up from his book. “Well, look at this. (Big, fake, joking voice) The love between a man and a woman…is there anything stronger?!”
Sakura and Ekyt exchanged glances.
“I’m going to take a wild guess…Umisu told you, right?” Ekyt asked Kakashi.
“Sure. After all, Sakura IS still my student.” Kakashi reached into his pouch and handed Ekyt a small green book.
“This’ll come in handy,” Kakashi told him with a wink.
The book was titled “Make-Out Tactics.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter Kakashi-sensei!” Sakura exclaimed.
“Right, right, sorry. So, the chunin exams. It looks like you’re going to be one of my students for now Ekyt. You’ll be training with me, to learn some special tactics, worthy of your Junior Black Ops status.”

Sakura seemed surprised. She knew Ekyt was an interrogator, but ANBU material? Was he THAT powerful? And only a genin?
It’s like me…I’m the top medic, behind Lady Tsunade…it looks like my new boyfriend is the top genin…who knew either of us would pull that off?
“Kakashi-sensei, I’m not sure if you’ve heard…well, this isn’t a conversation for here. Do you have the time to come to Lady Tsunade’s office?” Ekyt asked, looking around quickly.
“If it’s that important, sure. Lead the way,” Kakashi answered. If it’s got him AND Sakura worked up…It can’t be a good thing.



“WHAT?!” Tsunade exclaimed, her chair flying backward as she leapt to her feet.
Kakashi’s visible eye showed surprise
Ekyt nodded. “It’s true…he’s back. And he’s out to get Sakura…and possibly Naruto. If Asuma hadn’t come along…Things could have been much worse.”
“Damnit! First the chunin exams, now THIS?! Damn the council, letting the Sound Village participate…I don’t like the thought of those bastards walking freely in the village…especially Orochimaru…”
“Lady Tsunade…maybe it’s time I tracked him down…”
“You mean…” Tsunade began.
“Yes. Him. The third legendary sanin.”
Tsuande’s face switched to a thoughtful expression.
“Yes…yes, that’s a good idea Kakashi. You can set out whenever you’re ready. But I want you to have at least two days with Ekyt first. Because he’s drawing his first ANBU assignment. Right now, in fact.”
Tsunade shifted to face Ekyt, who was doing his best to contain his excitement and, admittedly, his nervousness.
“ANBU draws assignments that are potentially fatal…missions that require loyalty…you are one of the youngest members of ANBU, the youngest ever being Kakashi here. I will not assign you to missions that are assassination, because I know you aren’t a killer. Your mission is to protect Sakura. I’ll assume that’s your mission as her (snickers to annoy Ekyt) boyfriend anyway, but she is also the top medic in Konohagakure, and she needs protection.”
Ekyt looked excited, then his face dropped. “Lady Tsunade…do you really think I can handle it…I could never forgive myself if I let anything happen to Sakura…”
Tsunade gave him a wide grin, then put a hand under his chin, forcing him to look her in the eyes.
“I KNOW you can. And I don’t think Sakura doubts you either.” Tsunade let go of his face, smiled briefly, then leaned forward again, back to business. “I’ll assign someone to her when you’re in the exams, training, or when you need a rest. No need for me to kill you…not on your first ANBU mission anyway.”


Sakura grabbed Ekyt’s hand.
“You can handle it Ekyt-kun.”
“There IS one more thing…Ekyt, you’re going to have to wear the mask again. One like Kakashi’s will do the trick. I can’t have my ANBU agents at risk for inhaling poison.”



While Lee took a turn guarding Sakura, Kakashi and Ekyt found a field to practice in. It was the same field where Kakashi had first trained with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
“So, let’s start with you telling me all the jutsus you know.” Kakashi put his book away and settled in to listen.
“Alright. Here they are:

Ninjutsu:
Dragon’s Ember Jutsu (D rank, Offensive, Unique to Ekyt) Fire shot from the fist
Shadow Clone Jutsu (D rank, Offensive Unique to Ekyt)
Dragon’s Ember Jutsu: Clone Instigation (C rank, Offensive Unique to Ekyt) Clone performs the Dragon’s Ember jutsu
Dragon’s Path Jutsu (C rank, N/A Unique to Ekyt) User “Surfs” along the path of the fire created by the Dragon’s Ember jutsu
Fire Style: Dragon’s Ember Encampment Wall Jutsu (C rank, Defensive Unique to Ekyt) A wall of fire that protects the user
Body Replacement Jutsu (E rank, N/A)
Body Flicker Jutsu (E rank, N/A)
Disappearing Jutsu (E rank, N/A)
Rope Escape Jutsu (E rank, N/A)
Hidden Shadow Snake Hand (C rank, Offensive)
Drawing Blade’s Course (Not ranked, Offensive, unique to Ekyt) The user can elongate any weapon by transferring chakra into it.
Summoning Jutsu (C-rank, N/A)
Twin Summoning Jutsu (A rank, N/A)
Remote Detonation Jutsu (E rank, N/A)

Ekyt can summon a Keeshonden dog (“Holly”) and a Bearded Dragon (“Umisu”) Umisu is mostly used for delivering messages, while Holly is used for tracking and surveillance. Holly can speak (In a Rouge the Bat-esque voice), while Umisu has body language that Ekyt can decipher.



Medical:

Chakra Scalpel- (A rank, medical)
Poison Extraction- (A rank, medical)


Genjutsu:

Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique (C rank, N/A)
Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique (D rank, N/A)
Sly Mind Affect Technique (Crank, N/A)
Demonic Illusion: Mind Barring Technique (S rank, N/A unique to Ekyt) By attacking the nervous system and brain simultaneously, the user stops the brain’s messages from reaching the body, causing paralysis. This is done over a period of five minutes, so it uses a negligible amount of chakra.
Demonic Illusion: Mind Barring Technique: Speed Break (S-rank, N/A Unique to Ekyt) A faster version of it’s namesake. The faster the attack is performed, the more likely brain damage becomes to the enemy.

Taijutsu: (NOTE: This does not include standard stuff. Punches, kicks, etc)

Dynamic Entry (D rank, offensive) Flying Side Kick
Forced Exit (D rank, defensive Unique to Ekyt) Heel Push Kick to the chest, knocks the target backward, out of range of attack for both user and target.
Goken (AKA Strong Fist) (Style)
VERY LITTLE Jyuuken(Gentle Palm) (Style)
Leaf Whirlwind (C rank, Offensive) Spinning Heel Kick
Konoha Strong Wind (D rank, Offensive) Sweep Kick
Konoha Hurricane (D rank, Offensive) Kick that launches the opponent into the air. Peformed from a crouching position.
Backward Konoha Snapdragon (C-rank, Offensive Unique to Ekyt) The user grabs the oppoenet around the neck and one leg, then leaps high into the air, driving the enemy back-first into the ground.
Backward Konoha Snapdragon: Modified (C-rank, offensive Unique to Ekyt) Starts the same as the regular Snapdragon, but the user shifts and grabs the enemy’s arms while standing on the enemy’s back. This drives the opponent chest-first into the ground
Seven Gates of Chakra (N/A, N/A)


Kekkai Genkai (Blue Flame Chakra, Transparent Hand Chakra) NOTE: This is Ekyt’s Kekkai Genkai abilities, they are all unique to him

All the following Jutsus begin with Ekyt feeling a particularly strong emotion: Love, Hate, or (The final one he has yet to feel, and you only feel it once) Death. The emotion builds up in his chest and is painful. Ekyt puts a hand to his chest. When he removes it, a blue flame springs up around his hand. His hand becomes transparent.

Transparent Hand Jutsu: Blue Flame Protection Seal (N/A, Sealing) A sealing jutsu shown to be effective against most curse marks, including Orochimaru’s.

Blue Flame Chakra: Swallow Strike Finality Jutsu (N/A, Offensive) Ekyt throws a punch as a distraction, then uses an advanced version of the body flicker jutsu to “disappear” and reappear at the enemy’s feet. He uses a backfist to hit the enemy under the chin. When the strike lands, all the emotional and physical pain Ekyt has ever endured is put into the enemy. The enemy’s blood vessels start to rupture, turning their skin red. They vomit violently and bleed from the mouth due to internal injuries. This jutsu is capable of crippling, but not killing.

Blue Flame Chakra: Seven Gates Unlocked Finality Jutsu (N/A, Offensive)
Seven gates of chakra are opened, making this the most powerful strike in Ekyt’s repoitore. With this power, he can easily kill with a single punch. He has never killed, although he is aware of this ability.
The speed of this jutsu is such that Ekyt’s molecules vibrate at a speed that allows him to put any part of his body into another. For example, he could put his hand inside someone’s chest and crush their heart.
The jutsu is potentially deadly to Ekyt, although with proper chakra control, it will do no lasting harm.


Blue Flame Chakra: Focused Hardening (N/A, Defensive) Ekyt can focus any amount of his Blue Flame chakra to any part of his body, hardening it against attacks, even from weapons and some jutsus.”


Kakashi looked mildly surprised. “That’s a lot of jutsus for someone so young…especially since you weren’t raised in a Shinobi home…And you’ve pioneered quite a few jutsu…of course, there’s always more to learn. Let me pass on a couple to you…”
Five hours later, Ekyt was dripping with sweat. He was on all fours, panting in exhaustion.
“Ready to quit?” Kakashi asked midly.
“Not yet. I’m going to get this one right…”
Ekyt made a series of handsigns, each time with increasing speed.
“Water Clone Jutsu!” he called out. Beside him, the puddle he had been working with formed into a clone of him.
“Well done! You learned that quick! You’ll make a great ANBU agent. But, let me ask you this: What else do you have in mind for your life?”
Ekyt sat down, letting the water clone splash down on top of him. That felt great, what a relief!
“I’d like to teach some day. And…well, maybe even have a squad of my own.”
Kakashi appeared to smile. He picked up his book again.
“How about a wife and kids? I’ll bet my little Sakura would be happy to oblige…” Kakashi said, tapping Ekyt on the back.
Ekyt rolled his good eye. “Kakashi-sensei, with all due respect…get bent.”
Kakashi chuckled good naturedely.
“It’s good to know that you have your priorities in order. Well, it’s time for you to head back to the village, and it’s time for me to find the Toad Sage.”
“Good luck Kakashi-sensei,” Ekyt said, bowing politely.
“You too…one more thing…don’t hesitate to use the book if your relationship get’s stale.”
Kakashi leapt off, chuckling to himself.
“Bastard…” Ekyt muttered, but he couldn’t help grinning himself.


Ekyt walked by Hayate on the way back. They were occasionally paired up on missions. Hayate had sort of a brother complex when it came to Ekyt.
“(koff) Ekyt, you have a minute?” the Tokubetsu Jonin asked.
“Sure Hayate-sensei,” Ekyt replied, wondering why Hayate had decided to talk so much, for him. He’s as nervous as I am…
“Well, you showed me that sword work. (koff) Since you’re ANBU, I can show you a jutsu that’s been great for me. (koff) Because you’re part samurai, you’ll have no trouble with it.”
An hour later, Ekyt had learned the “Dance of the Crescent Moon”. It was an attack in which three shadow clones joined Ekyt with swords matching his. They attacked in unison, making it next to impossible to defend against.
“Thank you Hayate-sensei.”
“(koff) No problem. Besides (Rare grin by Hayate)…you’ve got a girl to take care of.”
Ekyt (With huge sweatdrop) just stared. Coming from Hayate, that was the equivalent of Jiraiya going a week without doing “research”.


On his way back to Sakura, Ekyt ran into Lee and Guy. He should have known right away that something was up.
“Ekyt-san!” Lee called. Ekyt turned around.
“Yes Lee?”
“Ekyt-san, Guy-sensei and I were wondering…What does Sakura-san taste like?”
Lee and Guy took off running, both laughing hysterically. Ekyt made a series of rapid hand signs.
“Dragon’s ember jutsu!”
Two small flames shot from his fist, igniting Lee and Guy’s matching spandex suits.
“How does it feel to have your @$$ literally burning?” Ekyt replied dryly. Damn, I had known I was going to get ribbed…but these people are insatiable!
“Ekyt-kun…what DO I taste like?” Sakura asked, a finger over her lips and her eyes wide.
“Whoa! Where did you come from?!” Ekyt wondered aloud.
“Oh, I was just coming to greet you. Apparently, we’re both being moved to some hotel under false names.”
“That’s a relief, neither of our houses are safe.”
Sakura gave Ekyt a nod, and then a cute smile.
“I saw what you did to Guy and Lee…”
“They deserved it,” Ekyt muttered, smiling despite his dark tone.
“They’re lucky you got to them first…” Sakura too was smiling.


“HEY BILLBOARD BROW!”

Sakura’s head snapped in the direction of the voice.
“Oh damn, it WOULD have to be Ino…”


NEXT TIME: WHAT DOES INO HAVE TO SAY? THEN, A ONE-MONTH TIME SKIP- THE FIRST TWO TESTS OF THE CHUNIN EXAMS!



BONUS: SOME SCRAPPED CONTENT! (WARNING- IT’S MILDLY SUGGESTIVE)
“Iruka-sensei! And you Naruto!” Ekyt was surprised to see them. He hadn’t seen either of them for quite some time.
Iruka smiled kindly. “Would you like to join us? I mean, if Ichiraku will let you back in. I heard you caused quite the disturbance the other day.”
Ekyt nodded his agreement. He didn’t see it, but behind him, Sakura nodded to Naruto.
“So, I hear you’re with Sakura now. I can’t say I’m surprised,” Iruka said innocently.
“Really? Why is that sensei?” Ekyt wanted to know. (You think that, by now, he would know this was a trap!)
“Well, both of you are shy, kind, caring, and don’t have any common sense,” Iruka said with a laugh. “Besides, the way you defended her…that wasn’t just friendship. So, now that you’re together…What doe she taste l-”
“Please don’t finish that sentence sensei. I’d rather keep on liking you just as you are- alive,” Ekyt said, mockingly angry.


“Now Naruto!” Sakura whispered.
“Right! Ninja Harem Jutsu!” he whispered.

“Irukaaaaaaaa-kuuunnnnn…”
“Ekyt-kunnnnnnn….”

Ekyt and Iruka turned around.
“Not again!” They exclaimed in unison.
One hundred naked, posing, kiss-blowing Naruto girls. The two Shinobi never stood a chance.
Two nosebleeds with the power of rocket fuel later, Naruto high-fived Sakura.
“Again! Iruka-sensei and Ekyt are closet pervs!” Naruto declared.
Sakura looked at Ekyt, her hands on her hips.
“Is that true Ekyt-kun? If you wanted a look, all you had to do was ask, you bad boy!”
Ekyt: 00’

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