30 Chapter 30 : Temptation (2/2)
”AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” Kenji rubbed his hair furiously. ”STOP TRYING TO DO THAT!”
Kurama laughed. ”Fine, but when it happens again, you'll be back.” He backed away into the darkness.
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Kenji came to. Rei acted on her own. She had Kenji around the neck, rubbing the back of his head. He sat there for a moment. No voices, nothing. Just a warm feeling. He backed away slowly, still thinking about the Nine-tail's offer. He was ashamed to consider it, but he stored it in the cellar for a rainy day. If it came to it, he would do what was necessary.
Minato stepped forward and cleared his voice. ”Kenji, Rei, Sasuke, I want to send you three on a mission, but it'll be one for yourselves.”
Rei took her eyes from Kenji and eyed Minato. ”What do you mean dad?”
I want you three to grow as quick as possible. We still aren't sure what is being planned in the underworld, but I'm sure we'll need all the help we can get. ”Sasuke, I heard you'd like to take up swordsmanship. Am I right?” Sasuke nodded.
”Alright, Aya, would you be willing to travel with Sasuke and teach him?”
Aya hesitated. ”Um... If you insist Lord Hokage. May I ask were we'll be going?”
”That's up to you. Travel the land of Fire, train, complete missions.” Minato leaned into her ear. ”Show him what it means to be a ninja. Like when you saved Kakashi. I know you have the will of fire.” He smiled.
Aya nodded. ”Yes sir.”
Minato was satisfied. Without turning, ”Kakashi, can you do the same with Rei?”
”WHAT!?! I don't wanna leave the village!!!” Rei blurted out.
”It'll be fine.” Minato became solemn. ”The bird has to leave the nest eventually.” He rubbed Rei's shoulder. Then, leaned into Kakashi's ear.
”Help her gain control.”
Kakashi nodded.
”I was planning to split you three onto your own paths for a little bit now. So, Kenji, I have called a certain man back to the village. You'll travel with him for a while, learn as much as you can. Later, He'll bring you to another man. He'll be your real teacher.”
Kenji just nodded. Hearing faint screams, he didn't really hear much.
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The next morning, Hugs all around. Kenji hugged everyone. It was one moment where the voices would fade. He didn't get any rest in that hospital bed, so he looked pitiful. Enriched with his leaf headband and attire, Rei and Aya were the final ones. Aya engulfed him.
”Make sure you come back, You understand?”
”Yes ma'am.” The attentive salute was a thing of the past.
Aya didn't want to let go, but it was time.
Kenji approached Rei. They stood, staring at each other. Both didn't know what to say.
Kenji just grabbed her back and fell into it.
”D..Don't die.” Rei said.
”You too.”
A man treaded the dirt road headed toward the Leaf gate. The giant mop of hair and the clank of wooden sandals prompted everyone's gaze.
”Hmmmm. Well, I'm ready. How about you?”
Kenji nodded.
”Nice to meet you.” A smug face appeared. ”I'm JIRAIYA. THE LEGENDARY TOAD SAGE!”
Kenji grumbled. ”Great, another one of these.”
Everyone exchanged some small talk. Kenji had the most secretive mission, where Minato wouldn't tell him anything. He would try and pry some info from Jiraiya when they left. Minato wished everyone the best of luck. After one last goodbye, Team 7 went their separate ways. Not knowing what lies ahead.
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Rei followed Kakashi, thinking to herself. ”Don't die?” She thought to herself. ”Stupid.” She cringed at herself.
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Note : So...this was a little dark. My thoughts were a little jumbled, so I don't really know if this chapter is.....up to snuff. I'm too hard on myself. Alright, I'm tired. Mondays. I wanted to get this out though. I'm gonna dedicate a chapter, maybe a few to each group. I like stories that do this. Every member will go through some kind of change, so it'll be interesting. Hope this clears up that Kenji isn't fine. I used that sleepover as a distraction from his real problems. What i was going for was in his mind, he'd been in the state of ice cold since Hansuke. Then he had a small night of joy. After a little bit of happiness, the sleepover, he was thrust back into that state, so it jarred him a little bit. Who knows. I'm making this too complicated. I'm out. YERRR!