Shinobi:The RPG

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I'll take care of that later.

Because now I needed to figure out how to get Naruto to learn the Shadow Clone.

Quest Added: Chasing Shadows

Learn the Kage-Bunshin before Naruto graduates.

(Optional: Learn the Tajuu Kage Bunshin).

…that worked. Okay. I'll need to raise my Ninjutsu as fast as possible. Which shouldn't be too hard, I can just max out Ninjutsu and use my 10 Int to be good for something for once. Or I could max out stealth and steal from the scroll directly. Either way, I'll get there before the end of the year easy.

Well, that made me feel better. Okay, now I just need to ask Kakashi if I can take D-Ranks on my own time and if yes, I'll feel a lot better about myself. Not entirely better, but close.

So, I ran out the window and down toward the Academy, since we actually had a mission today, which helped, actually. Hard work had a way of calming a person down in my experience.

"Hey, look who's not early today!" Nichiren called with a smile at my approach.

"Yeah," I replied. "Imagine that."

Hisako's gaze narrowed. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, I don't really want to talk about it," I said, letting my head hang. "Stuff happened, that's all."

"A-are you sure?" Nichiren asked, sounding worried.

Inhale. Exhale. No snapping at my teammate for prying. "Yes, I'm sure."

They both looked at each other.

"Alright," Hisako frowned with concern. "But if you need to talk about it, we're here. That's what teams are for."

No. I really can't talk to you about it, can I? "Thanks Hisako."

I sat down in my usual spot and…didn't wait. I needed the time before the mission. Wallowing in the misery of my mistakes.

"And he's gone to dream land," Hisako sounded annoyed. "I wish he'd tell us how he does it."

I didn't move to dispel the illusion. Because I'm actually curious.

"Maybe it's another thing tied to his bloodline?" Nichiren said. "I mean, sleeps a part of it, so maybe it's a…lesser type of sleep? Maybe?"

Remarkably perceptive of him.

"Perfect chakra control, total recovery with a good night's sleep," Hisako listed, snark dripping from her every word. "What else does his bloodline cover, shooting fire from his eyes? The only thing he seems to be bad at is throwing, and I think that's because he doesn't really practice that."

"What makes you say that?" Nichiren asked, nervously.

"Because he's as good as he was at it when we all started the academy," She scathingly replied. "He hasn't improved at all."

Hey. I got better at it by two whole points, thank you very much!

I mean, she's right, but still!

"Whatever, it doesn't matter," Hisako said, leaning against the wall. "We shouldn't be talking about him behind his back anyway."

Oh. Thanks, Hisako.

…I'm not sure I want to wait, now. That…huh. They react to the game mechanics. I wasn't expecting that for some reason. I mean, I knew the game didn't pause when I whipped out the pip-book but I didn't think they'd react to simply sitting motionless. For reasons unknown.

"I kind of wish he'd actually talk to us, though," Hisako grumbled.

"Do you think he'd stop meditating if he knew it made us uncomfortable?" Nichiren asked.

Ah, screw it.

"I might stop now that I know, actually," I said, looking up at them. "Sorry, I didn't realize how awkward that was."

They both looked at me in horror. Or embarrassment. Something in the middle.

"Did…did you hear all of that?" Hisako asked quietly.

"Afraid I did," I admitted. "I needed some time before the mission. Something waiting like that doesn't really give you."

"I'm sorry," She said. "I shouldn't have been talking about you behind your back."

"Don't worry about it," I waved it off. "I shouldn't have been checking out of reality like that to begin with. And you're right, by the way. I don't work on it."

"Why not?" Hisako asked with a frown.

"Honestly, slugging chunks of sharpened metal doesn't interest me that much," I shrugged. "No offense, I know that's something you're good at, but…it doesn't interest me. Punching people in the face does, so that's what I work on."

"That's…kind of dumb," Hisako's frown was joined by a frustrated glare.

"I know," I answered. "Kakashi-sensei gave me a lecture about it and I'll try to…practice and get better. I don't know if it'll help, though."

"It will," Hisako answered. "As long as you're actually training instead of goofing off, anyway."

That's what you think.

About an hour and a half later, Kakashi showed up.

"What's your excuse this time?" Hisako asked with a sigh.

"There was a traffic jam not too far from here," Kakashi eye-smiled sheepishly. "People packed from one end of the street to the other. Maneuvering through them was a pain."

He's a Jounin. But we don't care.

"Kakashi-sensei," I asked, standing up.

"Yes my cute little Genin?" He asked, still cheerful.

"Is it okay if I do d-ranks on my own?" I asked. "Like, when I have free-time, I mean?"

"Hmmm…and why do you want to do that?" Kakashi inquired, his hand cupped on his chin.

"Because I need to move out of the orphanage," I replied with a grim look. "To many new kids there."

"Ah well," Kakashi nodded, "I can see that. I'll have to get you authorized to take D-ranks on your own, but I believe you can do so. As long as it doesn't get in the way of your training."

Training doesn't help me anyway. "Yes, Kakashi-sensei."

---

Quest Completed: D-rank…

Quest Completed: D-rank…

Quest Completed: D-rank…

Quest Completed: D-rank…

Quest Completed: D-rank…

+750 EXP.

1140 EXP until level.

Well, doing D-ranks has been exciting. Well, the rewards were. I was now sitting on 100,500 Ryo and with that, instead of doing another D-rank when we broke up, it was time for some shopping.

So, I went into a shop named 'Higurashi Weapons and Armory'. Before I graduated, I had the privilege of looking inside from the windows, and they seemed to have everything. So, when I actually went inside, it was everything I thought it was and more.

Oh, everything seemed to glow in glorious awesome. If I let my mouth hang out, I would've been salivating. As I passed the tables and wall-mounted shelves loaded with armor, little notifications popped up, letting me know the various articles stats as well as their prices.

"Can I help you?" I looked up and at the counter was Tenten.

Alright, I'm giving this place my business. Anyone who uses that many weapons clearly knew their stuff.

"I'm just browsing," I replied with a cheerful nod. "You've got quite the selection here."

"Thank you," She said with a polite smile. "Let me know if you need anything."

"I most certainly will," I went back to browsing.

I found a pair of gloves that give a Damage Reduction of 5 when worn together. They were made of blue fabric and were plated both on the forearms and on the back of the hand. The thing that attracted me to them, however, was the Strength Bonus of 2. They also cost 11,000 RYO but I had more than enough. Not really needing to rest allowed for that.

So, I put them in a basket, having noted the please put all items in one of our complementary basket while shopping sign that was out. I wonder if they dealt with thieves often. It was a village of Ninja, so…probably, if I had to be honest.

Next, I went through the Pants. I found something that gave a Damage Reduction of 10 and an Endurance Bonus of 1. It was a pair with kneepads woven into the fabric. I'll take it. Cost 22,000 Ryo. Again, had more than enough. 67.5k, to be specific, though I did need to be careful.

I found a pair of boots, plated with shin and toe-guards. Damage Reduction of 5 once again, but they also came with an Agility Bonus of 2. 11,500 for those. Bought.

With those in my basket, I noticed on the far wall they had a rack dedicated to goggles. Not glasses, goggles. Which made sense, since glasses would be in a civilian store. So, I walked over and checked over the various goggles.

I found a pair, 'specially padded for comfort' it said. They were separate lenses and looked fairly good. The thing that grabbed my attention? No DR but they did have a Perception Bonus of 3. Bought. Need perception. Badly. It was also the most expensive set of goggles in the store, clocking in at 20,000 Ryo.

Bought.

Then, I walked around and…well, I needed a wire-mesh shirt. They provided a lot of protection and flexibility for what they were. So, I looked around and found one that was my size. 10 DR. 25,500 Ryo. Could be worn under my other stuff. Bought.

Now…was there an over piece I could buy right now? Looking at how much they were, the least expensive being 25,000 Ryo, the answer was no. That was okay, I had plenty now, and the rest could hopefully serve as rent and a security deposit so I could finally stop mooching off of Kumiko-Obasan.

Perfect plan.

I walked up to the counter and presented my basket.

Tenten looked at it with care. "Is that all? You're not restocking any Kunai?"

"I have some kunai," I replied with a shrug. "I don't need to restock just yet. I'll come here when I need to, though."

"Alright then," Tenten nodded and began ringing me up. "That'll be 78,500 Ryo."

...Barter might be a more useful skill than I thought...

I dug deep into my wallet and pulled out the appropriate funds: Seven 10k notes, Eight 1k notes and 5 One-hundred notes. "Here you go."

She took the money, rung me up with a nod and handed me my stuff in a couple bags. "There you go."

"Thank you," I said with a smile. "By the way, what was your name?"

"Higurashi Tenten," She replied with a small bow. "My parents own the store. Yours?"

"Shimoda Daisuke," I introduced myself with my own little bow. I contemplated telling her I was on Kakashi's team. Then decided against it. "It was nice to meet you."

"You as well," She said as I turned to leave. "Have a good day."

---

Looking for an apartment was actually pretty simple, because Kakashi-sensei actually gave me a recommendation on a complex and it was hard to turn down that kind of endorsement.

The agreement was signed, the first month's rent and security deposit were 21,000 Ryo combined and I suddenly had my own apartment. It was a nice, spacious one, actually. Had a living room and kitchen in one room, fold up Futon in the bedroom and a separate bathroom. I got a good deal. Rent was going to be 10,000 a month, which I think is actually rather generous, thinking back to my old life.

So, I had 1000 Ryo which to play around with and the last thing to do was to say goodbye to Obaasan. So, I headed back to the Orphanage.

You know, I suddenly feel terrible for not telling her sooner. But…I have made decisions and now I must live with the consequences.

I found the Matron back in the kitchen, making a large pot of ramen and…geeze, I feel awkward, now. Okay, just play it cool. You're just telling the one person who raised you and protected you in a whole new world that you're finally leaving the roost. No pressure.

"Obaasan?" I inquired nervously.

"Hmmm?" She turned around. When she saw me, her eyes lit up. "Ah, Daisuke. Good evening, take a seat."

"I…uh, I have something to tell you," I said.

"You can tell me from the chair," She quipped. "Now sit."

I sat down. "I…I've decided that it's time that I move out."

She stopped in her tracks, and turned back around. "Well. I can't say I'm surprised. A Shinobi needs his own home, after all. Have you decided where you're going to live?"

"My Sensei recommended a complex," I explained, drumming my fingers on the table. "The rent and security deposit have already been paid for."

She smiled kindly. "My, my. You've still got that wonderful initiative. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you Obaasan," I said, feeling a weight come off my chest. "I thought you'd have been mad I decided this without talking to you."

"Mad? No," She said. "A little sad, but I'm not mad. Or even that surprised. You were never really comfortable here."

I gave a confused hum.

"The other kids, except for Uzumaki, usually avoided you," The Matron shook her head as she stirred the pot. I winced at the mention of Naruto. "I couldn't understand it. Sure, you looked a little…odd, but you were a very nice child. Remarkably easy to raise too, I might add."

"Thank you?"

"But don't worry," She said, still smiling. "No matter what happens, you still have a home here. We still owe you for killing those rats."

"Thank you," Repeating myself. "For raising all of us. You know, I saw how you…tried, to show Naruto the same kindness you showed all of us. Even while everyone else wished he didn't exist for some reason."

"I wish I could've done more for him," She shook her head again. "But it's a good thing he left when he did. Things might've reached a boiling point."

"What do you mean?" I asked with tilted head.

"Oh, it doesn't matter anymore," She said with a smile and a laugh. "Listen to an old woman doddle. This deserves celebration! What would you like? Dango? Mochi?"

"Yes. Yes to all of that."

---

The next day, I was in a phenomenally good mood. I was walking from my new apartment to the area right outside the Academy where we waited for D-Rank missions. I was wearing my new boots and pants. A long-sleeved blue shirt that went over the mesh, going really well with the accessories that I bought yesterday.

I'm feeling good, even counting that I have to ignore the quest sitting in the pip-book in order to do so. Anyway, I'm humming a tune quite happily as I just avoided skipping to the meeting place. I was the first one there, as usual.

Boy, having my own place felt good. I felt like an adult now, even though I'm technically twelve.

I just kept humming and whistling tunes as they came.

"You seem awfully happy," Hisako awkwardly smiled at me with a half wave. She examined my new gear-pieces with interest "Where did you get all of that gear?"

"I got this at Higurashi Weapons and Armor," I said, spreading my arms to allow for a better look. "And I got my own apartment yesterday. So I think I might be the happiest Genin in Konoha right now."

"The gear looks functional," Hisako nodded with approval. "And it looks good on you. I like it."

"Thank you!"

"Wow, that gear makes you look different," Nichiren said as he walked up. "In a good way, but still."

"Yeah, I guess it might take some getting used to," I scratched the back of my head. "It's good though. I felt like I might need the extra protection, so I should get used to wearing this as fast as possible."

"You seem happier," Nichiren noted. "Something good happen?"

"I got my own apartment yesterday," I answered with a grin. "Moving out of the orphanage was fulfilling."

"Ah, that's awesome!" Nichiren said with a fairly large smile for him. "Congrats!"

"Congratulations," Hisako offered.

After an hour, Kakashi-sensei walked up the path. "You look different."

"Like the gear?" I asked with a grin.

"Meh, it looks functional enough," He shrugged. I felt like a bucket of ice water washed over me. "It looks useful for when you start doing C-ranks."

"Which will be?" Hisako asked eagerly.

"Eh, soon. I don't think you're quite ready yet," Kakashi replied.

Hisako's head drooped in despair.

Normally, I would be bored myself with the constant D-ranks, but I'm just happy I have a steady source of EXP now.

"Besides, I think Daisuke's heart might be broken if we stopped doing D-ranks," Kakashi eye-smiled, ruffling my hair as he walked past.

"Hey!" I mock-pouted at the barb. "It's not like we'll be able to keep doing D-ranks forever! Might as well savor it while we can, right?"

Kakashi actually stopped mid-step. "Too true, Daisuke. Too true."

He led us into the mission office and collected a mission scroll from an Iruka who spared an odd glance at me behind Kakashi's back. I shrugged in response, to Nichiren and Hisako's confusion.

Kakashi pocketed the scroll. We followed him out of the office.

"This mission's a little different than anything we've done in the past," Kakashi told us when we got outside. "It's still a D-rank, though."

"How's it different?" Nichiren asked, curiosity shining behind his glasses.

"As long as I'm not pulling weeds or painting anything, I don't really care," Hisako said, twirling a kunai by the ring at the end.

"Well, the mission involves an old house by the village wall," Kakashi explained. "It's owned by a fairly wealthy merchant, who is selling it back to Konoha and leaving the village to live elsewhere. He's hired us to give the house a deep cleaning."

I nodded. Alright, this is a pretty good change in the routine. "What kind of deep cleaning? Pest control or washing the windows?"

"A little bit of both," Kakashi said. "Apparently, he's got this rat problem in the basement and a lot of the rooms haven't been used since his family have moved out. So that's our mission. We'll go more over plans when we get there. Are we clear?"

"You got it!" Nichiren said cheerfully.

"Understood," Hisako replied, her sounding somewhat enthusiastic.

"I can handle a rat problem," I smirked, remembering those 'roided-up rats like it was yesterday.

Quest Accepted: Upon a Midnight Darkly

Go to the Merchant's House.

…what?

That's not a D-rank Radiant quest.

That's its own quest. That carries the horrific implication that for the first time in Naruto history, a D-rank might be the thing that goes horribly, horribly wrong. It has an ominous name and everything! But…it's in Konoha's walls, right? Right! So it can't go that badly, can it?

I mean, it could mean anything. More 'roided-up rats, other types of animals…it could be a haunted house or infiltrated by enemy Nin, there is probably a dark secret, it could be a surprise crossover with H.P Lovecraft…

"Daisuke?" Kakashi asked. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah!" I said, my voice cracking with nerves. "Why do you ask?"

"You look like you've just seen a ghost," Kakashi answered, seemingly totally calm.

"No, no," I said laughing it off. "I didn't see a ghost. I just got really nervous for some reason. Hehehe…"

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kakashi asked with a neutral tone. "You don't need to worry. It's just an old house. I'm sure whatever haunted house stories you might have heard are complete fiction."

"Yeah," I nodded vigorously. "Yeah, you're right. There's no such things as ghosts. Besides, we're in Konoha's walls."

I was not dumb enough to ask what could go wrong. Because there were thousands of things that could go wrong.

"Yeah, we'll be fine," Nichiren nodded with a smile. "Nothing could go wrong."

…

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