NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: Chapter 3: The Great Fire
"Chapter 3 picks up where Chapter 2 left off.
It was lunchtime, so I decided to take out my family's book to learn more about them and to pass the time.
They possess two similar abilities to the Sharingan: Genjutsu through eye contact and have great clarity and perception.
(A/N: I know that the Ketsuryugan cannot perceive. But I felt like Kishimoto should have made that one of its abilities.)
I was so engrossed in learning more about my clan that I forgot to eat my lunch; I also didn't notice the redhead in front of me.
Mito looked at me slightly flustered and said, "Chinoike-San." She held a bento in her right hand and an extra one in her left.
"Yes, Namikaze-San?" I stuttered, looking back at the redhead beauty. She smiled and handed me an extra bento.
"What's this?" I asked.
She giggled. And it made her look even cuter.
"You're funny, Chinoike-san... It's for you," said Mito, who was still smiling. Her face was red; perhaps she was sick. Anyway, someone like me couldn't accept this. I'm a nobody.
Plus, all the kids, especially Kiba and Naruto, were glaring at me. The only person not paying attention to us was Kikyo, who was calmly and gracefully eating her lunch.
"You see, Namikaze-san, I already brought my lunch." But before I could finish speaking, I was cut off.
"Yes, I know, and that is the reason why I made this for you. You must be tired of eating instant ramen for lunch every day. So, please take it," said Mito with a wide smile on her face.
My heart began to race, and despite my reluctance, I couldn't bring myself to refuse her offer.
I might receive another beating from Naruto, Kiba, and their friends. But so be it. Smiling, I took the bento that was wrapped in blue cloth and said. "Thank you Namikaze-san"
Mito blushed. And gave me a warm smile before saying. " Please call me Mito... Ok, Chinoike-san.
"Oh, okay, Mito-san. And if you want, you can call me Saigo," I said, returning a smile of my own. Mito turned red, and she began to blush.
"O-Okay. Saigo~kun," said Mito shyly.
I was about to open up the bento but stopped when I saw Mito-san still standing there.
"Is everything ok, Mito-San?" I asked worriedly.
"Well, I was wondering if I could have lunch with you," said Mito with a nervous smile on her face.
"O-Oh sure," I said.
This was the first time someone had wanted to have lunch with me. Sitting beside me, Mito gave me a warm and cute smile, causing my heart to skip a beat.
"Saigo~kun go ahead in open up your bento, said Mito.
Nodding, I unwrapped the blue fabric covering the contents. Opening the bento box, a delicious aroma filled the air. Inside were sushi, fried rice, orange chicken, Tuna Onigiri, and small sandwiches. And for dessert were some sweet dumplings.
My mouth starts to water. I turn to Mito and praise her cooking.
"This looks amazing, Mito-San! Did you make this?" I asked with excitement in my voice. It was so much food. The bento had five layers, and I didn't know if I would finish it all.
Mito shyly played with her fingers, something she does when she is flustered or nervous, before saying, "Yes! I've been preparing this meal since yesterday evening," blushed Mito.
Grabbing the extra pair of chopsticks from the bento, I smile at Mito, grateful for her hospitality.
"Thank you, Mito-San! I will make sure to eat every last bite of food. Thank you for always treating me kindly. I wish I could repay you somehow," I said with a sad smile on my face.
Mito starts blushing and then turns away. "Well, you can start by having lunch with me every day," said Mito, her face completely red.
"Is that all you want, Mito-san...? But why hang out with someone like me?" I asked.
Mito turned around to face me. "Because you seem like you need a friend, Saigo, and I was tired of seeing you alone... Don't you want friends?" asked Mito with a smile on her face.
I was wondering if she knew why I didn't have any friends. Did she even notice that her brother constantly bullied and harassed me every single day for the past seven years we've been in the academy? Didn't she realize the shocked and disgusted looks from the other children in our class when she talked to me? Or was she pretending to be ignorant to deceive me?
My pale brown hair covered my eyes. As I stood up, I put my books in my bag. No, I wouldn't be tricked. I won't fall into her little web. She is no different from her brother and everyone else in this village.
Mito was utterly distressed when seeing I was about to leave. "Saigo-Kun! Where are you going? Aren't you going to eat your lunch-"
Sorry, Mito-san. I don't think we should talk anymore. Sorry, I need to go," I said, rushing out of the classroom. I bumped into Iruku, who gave me a harsh glare, but I ignored it.
"W-Wait, Saigo-kun! Don't go-"
"Enough Mito! I'm tired of seeing you always trying to befriend that loser!" Said an arrogant and cocky voice. Mito glared at the person walking up to her. Her older twin brother, Naruto Namikaze, was there, and behind him were Kiba Inuzuka and Sasuke Uchiha.
"Yeah, Mito-chan! Naruto-kun is right. It would be best if you didn't get involved with that monster," exclaimed Hinata, who was worried about her best friend. Everyone except Kikiyo and Shino agreed that Mito shouldn't get involved with Saigo.
"Everyone is correct, Mito. You shouldn't hang out with Saigo anymore. That boy only brings trouble and ruin wherever he goes," stated Iruka. Seeing all her friends speak ill of Saigo made Mito feel upset. But perhaps they are right. Maybe Saigo isn't the good person he seems to be.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba were planning to put Saigo in his place for good.
I decided to leave the academy early today. I hated that place, so I decided to do something productive by training in one of the vacant training grounds. My Taijutsu skills at the academy were average at best. I needed something good, something that would put me on par with the clan heads.
So, I returned home to delve into my clan's history, hoping to uncover any unique specialized combat techniques, akin to the Uchiha Interceptor Fist.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon a scroll, but it didn't focus on taijutsu; it was about Kenjutsu. The Chinoke clan were masters of the sword and considered to be among the strongest swordsmen in the entire five great shinobi nations. The only other clan that rivaled them was the now-extinct Uzumaki clan, who were also skilled in sword combat. Not even the seven swordsmen of the mist could rival them.
This piqued my interest... Maybe I should devote more time to Kenjutsu. However, there is a problem: I have never handled a sword before, and I don't have a teacher who is willing to train me.
I've been practicing the basic Academy Katas in front of my house. It's a requirement to become a genin, so I need to focus more on it. After training for an hour or two, I was satisfied with the progress I had made.
I froze as a familiar voice uttered, "So... This is where you live, loser." I was about to head in for a shower, but that familiar voice caused me to freeze in place.
Behind me was Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba... How did they even find my home?
"N-Naruto, S-Sasuke, and K-ki-"
Before I could finish saying Kiba's name, the future heir of the Inuzuka clan clenched his fist, then landed a clean punch on my jaw, causing me to skid across the grass.
"Shut the fuck up, trash! Don't you dare utter my name so casually," said Kiba who glared at me.
I was frozen in fear. I clenched my aching and swollen cheek. I just stared at my abusers. Naruto was the first one to walk up to me. His expression was cold and ruthless... And he takes pleasure when seeing me in pain.
I tried to open my mouth and say something, but I was paralyzed with fear. Finally finding the strength to do so, I was quickly silenced by Naruto, who put his finger over my lip and gestured for me to keep quiet.
"How many times must we go over this, Saigo? All you have to do is be a good pet and know your place. Instead, you keep defying me... So, I need to punish you... But, I think beating your ass won't get my point across, so, Said Naruto while snapping his fingers. Sasuke shook his head before approaching Saigo's house.
"I heard this was your deceased mother's house—oh, I'm sorry, I mean this, whore's house. And your den. You fucking beast! How dare you get close to my sister, let alone speak to her. But it's all fine because I have a great punishment for you! Sasuke do it! spat Naruto.
My eyes widened before I saw Sasuke performing a familiar hand sign. I quickly grabbed Naruto's leg, begging for his mercy. "P-Please Namikaze-Sama! This was the only thing I had left of my mother-
*SLAM!*
My entire face felt like a hard Iron hit it. Above my face was Naruto's foot. He gave me a look of disgust *Slam* *Slam* * Slam*
The blond stomped my face like I was some insect beneath him. My nose was broken, and my entire face was swollen.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" A large fireball was hurled at my house, causing it to erupt in flames.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I shouted before pushing Naruto's foot off of me and rushing into my house. Naruto, Kiba, and Sasuke just laughed at me.
End of Pov Saigo
"Ha, Look at the idiot! He is going to get himself killed!" Said Kiba. Naruto just chuckled before saying. "Let him! It's best for everyone if he dies," stated Naruto. The three boys didn't even keep watch on the house or care if Saigo survived.
Their deed was done, and the three were going to celebrate. Meanwhile, Saigo rushed into the now burning house. There was smoke and fire everywhere, causing Saigo to suffocate, but he didn't care. He began to grab everything important to him, including money, the only picture of his mother, and the things that were gifted to him by his clan.
As he was about to descend the stairs, they gave way, burying him in rubble. He tried to move, but he couldn't budge. His lower body felt wet. When he looked down, he saw his own blood. Passing out from the shock of the incoming pain, Saigo closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep, unsure if he would ever wake up.
2 weeks later.
In a hospital bed, we see Saigo sleeping peacefully. He was attached to wires in other machinery. He was in the darkroom; alone, with no other patients, and no nurse watching over him.
It was just him alone.
Outside, by Saigo's hospital room, was Danzo Shimura. In his hand was a white snake, with glowing golden eyes. The snake began to gag and something started coming out of its mouth. The snake was gagging over a jar filled with liquid. Attached to the lid; was a slip of paper, a message from a certain snake.
Reading the letter, the old warhawk frowned, before burning the message. Gesturing some hand signs, a root member appeared out of the shadows. Bowing, the emotionless soldier waited for his master's orders.
"Were you spotted," said Danzo, who wasn't even looking at his subordinate.
"No, Danzo-sama, the mission was a success. We found evidence that Lord Third covered up the incident involving the fire. The kitchen fire did not start accidentally; someone caused it on purpose. We also detected lingering chakra in the air, confirming our suspicions. It appears that someone used a Katon Jutsu to burn down the child's home." stated the root Anbu.
Danzo stood with an emotionless expression, peacefully gazing at the sleeping form of Saigo. After reading the message, he sighed before incinerating it.
"Eagle, make sure no one comes into this room," commanded Danzo. "Even though I highly doubt anyone here will check on this boy due to their malice and incompetence towards the Jinchuriki." He proceeded to enter the plain and dark room. It was gray, cold, and emotionless, reflecting the boy's own hardship in his current life.
Danzo loomed over Saigo's sleeping form, noticing that the boy's bandaged legs were still bleeding. The injuries were severe and poorly treated, which could lead to infections. As a result, the boy had most likely lost his ability to walk. If it was treated sooner, then maybe the boy's legs might have been saved...
"Hiruzen, it seems we are not so different after all; however, your favoritism and your bonds will be the death of you. You polish your tools; and display them for all to see, however, I sharpen my tools, and make sure they are at their full potential. And that is your downfall, my old friend. Eventually, the whole village and nation will see the true wickedness of the kind of grandfathered figure you are. And when they do, I will step up and take the mantle as Hokage," said Danzo as he pulled a syringe out of his robe pocket.
He took the lid off the jar he received from the strange and mysterious white snakes. Sticking the Syringe in the strange liquid, he draws the peculiar substance into the needle.
Grabbing one of Saigo's vacant arms, Danzo injects the strange liquid into his wrist. Saigo's facial expression showed pain, sweat beaded on his brow, and he began to shake fiercely. Green and purple visible chakra begin to form on the boy's legs; slowly bending back the boy's crushed and bent bones and killing any infections. However, these were not the only changes. Saigo's body was also becoming stronger. His chakra capacity, at the level of a low Chunin, rose to that of a Jonin.
A smile appeared on Danzo's face before he said, "And this boy will be my secret weapon. He comes from the Chinokie clan, with eyes that rival the Byakugan and Sharingan in terms of prowess. With my supervision and training, this child would be unstoppable—my heir," said Danzo, who still had a smirk on his face.