Chapter 6 - Adventure 6- Legendary Error

Ryouko wandered to the Third Hokage’s office, thinking about all that had happened.

Azami-chan comes back into my life, and I don’t have a team…but what does that mean? I’d just like to know why I don’t have a team, and I’d like to know how I get one.

The Third Hokage was easy to talk to, but Ryouko was still hesitant to bother him. It was such a trivial matter when compared to making sure the Hidden Leaf Village was functioning as it should. But that sensei, Kakashi, had said to talk to the Third Hokage, and so had Iruka-sensei. So Ryouko’s nearly twelve year old mind put two and two together and decided that he would try talking to him. It wasn’t like he bothered the Third Hokage every day. It had been more than a year since he had last talked to the Hokage in person.

Still…someone so important…it’s scary to bother someone like that. But…But he made time for me when I first came here, maybe he’ll do the same now. I’m not supposed to hesitate, I’m just supposed to come to him with problems I can’t solve on my own. And everyone else got a team, it couldn’t hurt to give me an explanation! I won’t bother him for long, then, I’ll keep it short.

Taking a deep breathe, Ryouko knocked on the Third Hokage’s door.

“Come in!” came the familiar voice on the other side. Ryouko gulped, then pushed the door open.

-

The Third Hokage made another stroke on his painting. It was a fine hobby, and a good way to keep your mind fresh and active. At his age, it was also a way to prevent memory loss. Not to mention it was calming. Even though they weren’t in a time of war, the Hidden Leaf had it’s own emergencies. Such as Naruto’s demon, Naruto’s pranks, Naruto’s peeping on women, Naruto’s disrespect…and then there was the increasingly anti-social Uchiha boy who had been heard saying that he was going to kill someone and restore his clan.

Even in a time of peace, war is breeding… The Third Hokage exhaled rich smoke from his pipe, which was when he heard the knock on the door.

“Come in!” he called, putting his brush down, wondering what the latest crisis was. Part of his sighed when Ryouko came in.

I was wondering when he would come…The poor boy looks terrified. I guess I still intimidate him. Or perhaps my position does. Either way, I know why he’s here, perhaps I can spare him the pain of having to break the ice.

“You must be here about your team and sensei…no doubt you’ve questions…”

“Yes, sir…I’m just not sure I should be asking them…” Ryouko mumbled his reply, looking at the suddenly fascinating floor. It had occurred to him that not many others seemed to question orders or requests- they just did things, or took things in stride. But Ryouko was a curious creature, and he wanted to know what made him so different.

The Third Hokage laughed richly. “Polite as always. I’ve heard a lot of good about you. Iruka says you graduated second in the class. Congratulations…”

“Thank you, sir…”

Lord Hokage noted a small trace of disappointment in Ryouko’s voice. He didn’t even need to guess that it came from being in second place. Couple that with not getting a team or sensei, and you had your explanation for Ryouko’s somber demeanor, and also the reason for his visit.

“Well then, to your other question. Simply put Ryouko, I had to give others a team before you simply because they’ve lived here longer. You will be getting a team with the next set of graduates. Time to test what Iruka said… I hear there’s a girl that’s new to the village who’s very promising… Masamitsu Azami, I believe it was…” The Third Hokage also noted that Ryouko’s face paled, and his eyes darkened. So Iruka was correct… “Then again, it doesn’t seem right to make you wait a year until the next graduating class…perhaps we can work something out…”

The Third Hokage strode over to his window, appreciating the small breeze wafting in. Some tiny things like this really made life worth living.

“Hayate, Genma, and Raido were all in here, telling me that you’re quite the warrior for someone so young. If you’ve impressed three jonin, then I’ve every reason to believe you’re something special. I can understand your frustration about graduating behind Hyuuga Neji, but in some ways you’ve become a better person. He bears the weight of a terrible frustration himself, but how you both choose to deal with it is very different. He chooses arrogance, you choose humbleness. The best warrior is not the one speaking of his own glory, Ryouko.” This was a truth the Third Hokage had discovered long ago, and had since passed on to almost everyone he had spoken to. The number who chose to listen was decidedly small, however.

“But enough about that. I can appreciate why you’re here. So maybe we can make a deal. You see, I’m quite old, Ryouko! (laughs) I can’t do what I used to. I could use a young set of arms and legs to help me with my work. And I’m certain that the head attached to those young arms and legs would benefit from the advice this old man has!”

Ryouko’s heart skipped a beat. Does he mean…?

“I would like you to work with me, as my aide. But I also ask a small a favor of you…”

“Anything, Lord Hokage!” Ryouko spouted, sounding like a suck-up. Really, he was just grateful for such an opportunity that he hadn’t considered what he sounded like. Lord Hokage was old enough to understand the youthful exuberance Ryouko was showing.

“I ask you to stay in class for another year’s time. We’ve never had a situation in which someone new to our way of life graduated so quickly, so I daresay we were caught by surprise. But I believe that you could benefit from Iruka’s teaching a little more. Not to mention what you learn as my aide may suddenly make Iruka’s lessons seem more practical. After that year’s time, I’ll take you as a full student.”

Ryouko’s heart was currently residing in the middle of his throat. Ryouko gulped hard, and it splashed downward towards his stomach. He bowed.

“I would be honored!”

Lord Hokage patted Ryouko’s head. “Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Once the academy is done with it’s two-week break, please come after class.”

Ryouko bowed again, then practically ran from the room, trying to compose himself while half-jumping for joy. It made the Third Hokage smile again. Had he once had so much energy?

Perhaps this will partly satisfy his voracious appetite for learning…and maybe even satisfy some of his hunger for acceptance. Truthfully, I had a feeling that this was how things would work out. I wish I could have told him the whole truth…it’s not likely he’ll get a team or a sensei, not even next year. Family roots count for a lot, and he’s new here. Our world is dangerous, and it’s the Hokage’s job to give everyone the best chance at survival possible. His best chance will come as my aid. That, and perhaps prompting other senseis to take him along on missions, or give him special training. It’s important that he learn teamwork as well. Jutsus alone do not make a great Shinobi…
…
If only YOU had listened, Orochimaru. Such talent comes along only once every few generations…if only you had this boy’s loyalty…or perhaps it would have been better if he had your talent…the evil I tried to wash out of your soul doesn’t exist in his…

I must stop thinking as though training this boy will atone for my mistakes with Orochimaru. But all the same, this feeling…it’s as though their destinies are shared in some way…

--

Azami muttered furiously. Sitting in the beautiful park dotted with cherry trees and decorated with a large pond, she was sitting by herself on a bench, her own thoughts driving her nuts.

“How could HE be here?! Ryouko…no, no, no, I’ll drive him away, just like I did before!” Azami’s muttering had grown loud enough to the point where a girl who was passing by heard her.

“Ryouko-san, hmm? Seems you know him already?”

Azami’s head whipped around, seeing a girl with straight, jet-black hair smiling kindly at her. The girl was a year older than Azami, making her twelve. The girl was taller than she was, and seemed to be proportioned perfectly, her frame already braced by swells of flat female muscle. It didn’t make her look any less feminine at the same time.

“I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t disturb you!” Azami only lost her manners where Ryouko was concerned, she really hadn’t meant to offend anyone else. “Please accept my apologies!” Azami almost yelled, bowing to show her sincerity.

“Oh, of course! I’m just surprised to hear talk about any boy other than Uchiha Sasuke, that’s all. Please accept MY apologies for not introducing myself. My name is Yoshimura Nami,” the tall girl with the straight black hair said with a small introductory bow.

“My name is Masamitsu Azami. I’m still really sorry for muttering like that. It’s just that…Ugh! That boy irritates me! I don’t know why, but he just does! We’ve been in competition as long as I can remember! I’ve always beaten him, but he’s never quit, until he left our dojo to come here! Gah, everything about him irritates me! The bags under his eyes, that dark bushy hair, that serious expression!”

Nami nodded, following the conversation. “Hmm…well, Azami-san, I think I know why he irritates you. It’s pretty obvious, actually, given what I can gather of your personality.”

“What’s that, Nami-san?” Azami wasn’t sure how sharp Nami was, but still- any pearls of wisdom about that irritating little punk would have been great! Maybe she’s irritated by him, too! That’s gotta be it! This girl seems smart! Any girl with a brain would hate this guy!

Nami sat down, nodding confidently. “Seems to me that you’re in love with him.”

(Doooom.)

“WHAT?! WITH HIM?! IN LOVE?! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!!! I HATE HIM! EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM!” Azami shouted, so shocked by what Nami had said that she lost her composure.

“Opposites attack, Azami-san,” Nami pointed out. “hehe, my, you must really care for him, then! My little bit of teasing got you pretty worked up! Well, it could be worse. At least you like a cute, hard-working guy! And he’s mysterious, too! And you’ve known him longer, so you’ve got the inside track to get him, don’t you!”

Azami was baffled by this- she wasn’t in love- was she? Nami seemed to know just how to find out.

“Well, maybe I’ll just take him for myself if you’re not interested then!”

“HOLD ON!” Azami blurted out. She blushed- she had just proven Nami’s words.

“I thought so. Well then, maybe when he grows up a little bit, we’ll be rivals for him! Even if you have the advantage, I’m not going to quit!” Nami gave a peace sign, plus a smile.

“Oh please! You can HAVE the little jerk, I don’t want anything to do with him! Besides, he won’t stay here long. Once I beat him, just like I always do, he’ll leave the village and go somewhere else, just you see!” Azami crossed her arms and set her face into a defiant expression, mouth twisted wryly.

Nami smirked, leaning toward Azami. “I don’t know…I’ve seen him, he’s pretty talented. He graduated near the top of the class, and the rumor is…the Hokage himself took Ryouko-san on as an apprentice.”

Azami’s eyes went completely white. “W-HAAA?! He’s THAT far ahead of me? Damn it, I’ll beat him! I’ll find a way to beat him! I’ll ruin him! I’ll destroy him!”

“Are you going to tell him you love him?” Nami weedled.

“AND YOU CAN STOP THAT!” Azami shot back. All the same, despite the shouting, Azami knew she had made her first friend and second rival in the Leaf Village. I don’t like him, and he doesn’t like me! Those are facts! But wait…

“Nami-san, why do you know so much about Ryouko-kun?” Azami had a sneaking suspicion that, despite Nami’s assurance that she was only teasing, she might have some interest in Ryouko. But Nami’s answer again sent Azami reeling.

“It’s not like it’s a secret. Ryouko-kun himself has been quiet, but his unique qualities have stood out. His past, not having a team or sensei, winning his first battle at age eight…our village is very close, like a family. When something happens, we all know about it. We’re a large village with a small-town closeness. So, of course, I’ll know if you confess your love to Ryouko-san! And you’ll know if I win his heart the same way!”

Nami ran away, laughing at the sputtering Azami. Azami took the time to think about her feelings now. But she couldn’t find love among them. A small corner of her mind reminded her that she’d never been in love before, so maybe she couldn’t recognize it.

Even if I DID like him, he definitely doesn’t like me! Besides, I’ve already seen someone else. I’d NEVER have a chance with him, though. (sigh) Too bad. But I’ll try sometime anyway, maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll like me! Sigh…man, that silver hair, that mystery! I haven’t even seen his face and I can already tell that he’s hot stuff!

--

Ryouko sat in the front row of the class, near the door. His headband was tied around his head, and he was wearing what looked like a small exam proctor’s uniform. The uniform was a simple, drab-gray colored two-piece jumpsuit. As Lord Hokage’s apprentice, Ryouko had to dress the part. That, and this type of clothing was easy to move around in, whether ‘moving’ was moving boxes and books or learning jutsus. Ryouko liked looking professional, so he was just fine with it. He had never been sure what to wear before, and hated getting up in the morning and having to decide. A uniform was just easier.

Iruka smiled at him, handing him a test that was longer than the others kids. Ryouko was already used to this- his knowledge was tested at a high genin level, as opposed to an academy student level. Ryouko was doing well, despite the fact that Azami was one seat over. Well, there was also Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in the same class. Naruto would invariably annoy Sakura. Sakura would weedle Sasuke. Sasuke would ignore them both, except for tossing a dry ‘loser’ comment over his shoulder, followed by grandly ignoring Naruto’s outburst.
Kiba, Shikamaru, Ino…it seemed like everyone Ryouko had met was in this class. Neji, Lee, and Tenten were missing, but that was it.

“Hehehe, catch you suckers later!”

Naruto zipped past Ryouko and out the window.

“NARUTO! Agh!” Iruka fumed, getting ready to chase him. He looked around, then pointed to Ryouko. “You’re in charge until I come back! All of you listen to him, or it’s after school for a month! NARUTOOOOO!”

Ryouko had stood up, but didn’t know what to do. So he walked down to the center of the classroom, looking up at everyone. He looked at Iruka’s notes, and noticed he was at a history lecture. No way Ryouko could do that. Time for some new curriculum. But before he could do that, Kiba, Choji, and Shikamaru skipped out the window. Ryouko didn’t stop them, and he wasn’t going to rat them out.

“O-okay. Who knows the original use for kunoichi?” Ryouko blurted out. Silence greeted his question. That surprised Ryouko (Shouldn’t this be common knowledge? I mean, it’s part of their culture! Okay, guess I’ll say it.)

“Kunoichi were used to seduce enemies, usually samurai, and get them to give up information. In the end, the samurai usually died. The kunoichi were known to be able to change their appearance quickly, seduce anyone, and leave quickly, leaving her target dead.”

…

“Hey, is that from personal experience or something?” Azami snickered. “You were a samurai. Not a good one, but you were.”

Ryouko ignored her. “Also, it’s a trend that kunoichi are the medics in the three-man cell system. As Tsunade-hime brought this to the attention of the Hokage and his council during the last great war…”

--

Iruka returned, dragging Naruto back, along with the other escapees.

“Transformation Jutsus! Line up, let’s go!”

The class groaned. They had JUST done this! Why did they have to suffer for other people’s stupid mistakes. Before the class got started, Iruka thanked Ryouko.

“They’re all still here, so you did well. You’re free to go, I don’t want to make you late for Lord Hokage. Besides, you’re familiar with transformations, as you proved to me a couple years ago. Oh, that reminds me- please give this note to Lord Hokage. I can’t believe Naruto did that…”

Ryouko bowed to Iruka, leaving the room quietly. He didn’t want to be late getting to the Hokage mansion, or he would have stayed and practiced the jutsus with the others. Ryouko didn’t want special treatment, but even he admitted that he knew the Transformation Jutsu well enough.

--

When Ryouko got to Lord Hokage’s mansion, he found the old man staring at a couple of faded pictures. The Third was always in a pensive mood, but Ryouko hadn’t seen him look at pictures before. Not these anyway. Ryouko wasn’t sure they were for him to see, so he waited quietly by the door. Lord Hokage sensed his presence and waved him in.

“Ryouko, no doubt Iruka has done a good job of teaching you history…but there is a darker history to our village. And part of it falls on me for letting it happen. If you become a sensei to someone some day, you must not ever overlook the good or evil on your students. As you know, my last three students were the Legendary Sannin. That’s them on the right.

Ryouko studied the picture. There was a cute blonde girl with two pigtails. Ryouko could tell somehow that she had a mean temper.
The next one in the picture was a big kid with a jolly look on his face and long white hair. On the jolly face were red lines and a mischievious smirk. That smirk seemed to have something to do with the blonde girl.
Lastly, Ryouko saw a boy with jet black hair, almost purely white skin, and a placid look on his face. Just looking at this ghostly child made Ryouko shiver- something not lost on the Third Hokage.

“Frightening, isn’t he? Ryouko, that boy was talented beyond almost anyone…but he was also just as evil. I tried to deal with his evil- all the potential in the world at his disposal. In the end, I was left with the choice- let him go and risk the lives of many, or kill him and end this threat.

I let him live, and I’ve never stopped regretting it.”

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