Later that Night - Rooftop of New Eridu Flats
[ X ]
Naruto's eyes sharpened and narrowed, gnashing his teeth as he concentrated on the balloon in his right palm.
It had been a long day. Most of his idle thoughts kept coming back to what Ellen had texted him about what had happened to her.
That was frustrating enough alone. His friend had her personal space violated by some unknown individual who knew what she had told her friends was a lie. He wanted to do something about it! He was gonna do everything he could about it!
...But if it was that man...
...
And why wouldn't this damn balloon pop!
Naruto understood the principle of the technique! He had more than enough power! But for some reason, he just couldn't get it to explode! Was his technique in emitting his chakra flawed? Could it be because he wasn't coiling his chakra properly?
Ugh! He was about ready to crush this balloon in his fist and call it a day!
"That's enough," Kakashi called a halt to training, setting the rubber ball in his hip pouch. With a knowing sigh, he pocketed his hands into his pockets, yet his expression was stoic as ever. "All the power you are generating is aimless and unfocused. Despite clearly having the power necessary to do so, your chakra is fluctuating too erratically. You're too in your own head."
"Well, you'd be too in my position!" Naruto snarled, snapping at Kakashi. "You might not think much of me, but dammit, I've been busting my ass for years. Training with Kurenai-sensei and Uncle Lycaon, learning how the art of being a gentleman and how to properly be a butler like Uncle Lycaon is... on top of having to go to school! Now this asshole shows up..."
"Mah, I didn't ask for a life synopsis." Kakashi interrupted, shaking his head, understanding why Naruto was so vocally agitated. "But I'm not gonna sit here and say you are in the wrong for being distracted. I know how it feels when someone... close... is threatened and you can't do anything." Kakashi's voice wavered and the luster in his visible eye lessened. Naruto could see Kakashi's fist clench for a brief moment.
Naruto scowled, his agitation flaring at Kakashi's quip, before he felt his spine tingle at the tone drop in Kakashi's voice. He felt that. Despite what little he could see of Kakashi's expression, he could see the lines of his expression faltering.
It seemed like Kakashi could at least empathize with Naruto, if not relate a previous experience with what Naruto was currently going through.
However, upon listening, Naruto noticed the subtle shift in Kakashi's lax stance that stiffened. It almost felt he was... Combat-ready.
Naruto frowned, checking his surroundings, but he could see that Kakashi's intent was focused solely on him. His hand beckoned for Naruto to approach. "And I know precisely how that feels, and I have a good idea of what is on your mind. So come, let's work this out, and I'll teach you precisely what you are up against."
"Ya sure you wanna do this?" Naruto tossed the balloon in his hand aside, his lips quivering, but he repressed the urge to smile. "Not sure if I can hold back after everything that has happened. Honestly, I've been thinking I just need to hop into a Hollow and thrash some Ethereals."
Oh, he needed to release some of this pent-up frustration.
"You needn't worry. If Kurenai and Lycaon can vouch for your skill, I'll take you seriously." Kakashi responded with composed confidence, bringing a hand to his tilted headband and lifting it off his eye to reveal a very familiar eye he was all too familiar with.
The same type of eye as that man.
"We can put learning Sensei's technique on hold for now, given the circumstances. You can practice in your free time." Kakashi responded, intently analyzing every detail and subtle movement in his revealed Sharingan eye. "It'd be a disservice not to prepare you for what Obito is capable of and what you need to expect."
"It is only a matter of time before confrontation is inevitable. Before that happens, you need to understand the basics of how to face someone with a Sharingan."
[ X ]
Police Station, Next Morning
[ X ]
How monotonous this job had become. Filing report after report. Listening to his subordinates' concerns and responding accordingly. Having to cordially deal with the annoyance of civilians and criminals, having to stay civil with them unless he smeared his outstanding reputation.
And he put too much effort into getting this far to allow that to happen.
Earlier in his career, he was out on the field more often, directly helping people. He was hailed as the Hollow Hero and renowned for his bravery. How he missed those days. How much had he changed over the years since he was out in the field, helping rescue people caught in Hollows as a first responder?
All of that for this...
But, in the end, it was all worth it for Justin Bringer. He would continue to rise through the ranks and make new friends in high places. He was so close to becoming Mayor that he could taste it.
All he had to do...
"Chief," The voice of his captain of the Criminal Investigator Special Response team drew his attention from the reports on his desk.
"Zhu Yuan?" Her name left Justin's lips. There was a hint of confusion when he saw Zhu Yuan standing with the rest of her unit gathered in his office early in the morning. That typically only happened when something serious occurred... "Oh, right. You took the case that dealt with a masked man who was stalking the annoying pain in the as..."
"I will have you know Naruto isn't quite as rebellious as he once was. In fact, he has become a refined gentleman who has turned it around and is currently working for Victoria Housekeeping." Qingyin glowered.
"First good bit of news I've heard all morning," Justin rolled his eyes, having dealt with the aftermath of some of his wondrous pranks in the past. The kids' talents would, at the very least, be put to good use by working there. Shaking his head, his expression turned to stone as his eyes narrowed. "If you are here, you've run into an unexpected problem. What do you have for me?"
"Our perpetrator is known as Obito Uchiha. He was a former member of the Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf before the Hollow incident twelve years ago, which left them stranded in New Eridu. He is someone they rate as a highly dangerous threat that only their elite may pursue." Zhu Yuan reported.
"That's... Concerning." Justin's eyes sharpened upon that tidbit of information. The shinobi were considered a very powerful group of individuals. If they considered him a danger...
"From the information gathered directly before the incident, he had successfully kidnapped Naruto in their boss's presence. He only escaped due to Ethereal interference and the Hollow's distortions preventing him from tracking." Justin listened to Zhu Yuan continue her report. "He had disappeared after that without so much of a trace despite efforts to locate him by the Hidden Leaf, only resurfacing recently to send threatening messages to those close to Naruto in Victoria Housekeeping's headquarters and even in school. I'm unsure whether the latter incident was him directly or if he has someone working for him. I have to consider all possibilities when dealing with an unknown quantity."
"Obito, huh?" Justin's face darkened, muttering the name under his breath, almost familiarly. His facial features stiffened, and his gaze undauntingly met Zhu Yuan's. "Typically, when it comes to the Hidden Leaf refugees, we allow them to settle their issues within reasonable expectations of our laws. However, if he is threatening citizens of New Eridu, in school no less, it becomes our problem. I assume you wish to establish a perimeter around places the victim frequents and keep Naruto under surveillance?"
"Yes," Zhu Yuan nodded, her resolve unwavering.
"Permission... Granted." Justin straightened in his chair, stonily gazing upon his response team. "I will move forward in pressing charges and gathering the necessary warrants. And if the opportunity presents itself..."
"You are to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice."
[ X ]
Same Day, Afterschool - Sixth Street
[ X ]
"Gah!" Naruto grunted in frustration, massaging his temple, slowly passing through the familiar path he made his way through Sixth Street toward the Ballet Twins on his way to work.
This situation wasn't bad enough on its own. No. He had to worry about midterm exams.
Naruto knew he flunked. Thankfully, New Eridu Flats High was lenient, and he could take remedial courses over the break to keep his grade up. He knew he didn't need to graduate to pursue his profession, but at this point, it was sheer stubbornness that kept him at it.
...He'd show all those teachers and administrators who thought he'd flunk out by now...
"Didn't do well either, I take it?" Ellen sighed, shaking her head. Smoothing the sleeves of her uniform, she closed her eyes and scoffed. "Can't say it feels good to be joining you. I'd rather spend our break leisurely or earn extra Denni while school's on break. Ruby really wanted to go to the beach over the break. Looks like I won't be joining them..."
"That's a shame." Naruto sighed, allowing the levity of the moment to put him more at ease. A broad grin, he gave Ellen a once-over glance. "I was looking forward to seeing photos of you in a swimsuit... My ribs!"
"Pervert," Ellen muttered after driving her elbow into Naruto's side. As he grunted and groaned, she simply rolled her eyes while she crossed her arms over her chest. "Guess we're gonna have to find something else to do during the time we have over the break."
"What do you mean, we?" Naruto scowled, narrowing his eyes at the shark Thiren.
Why was she including him in her plans? She typically spent time with her friends when they had time off. It had been that way for quite some time. It was odd, but she had been actively spending more time with him ever since she applied to work at Victoria Housekeeping... It reminded him of when they were younger and closer friends...
Naruto abruptly stopped. His eyes sharpened, and his spine tingled. Something felt off.
"Naruto? Why did you..." Ellen worriedly addressed Naruto's sudden action before her eyes sharpened and focused on the nearby alley. In the alley, there were two men and a young woman awkwardly fidgeting about, messing with her maid uniform. "Is that... Corin?"
"Uh, could you please leave me alone? I have to get to work." Corin timidly asked as two men in suits cornered her.
"Hey, come on, babe! Don't be that way." The business-dressed thug placed his hand beside Corin's head.
"We can give you a well-paying job." The other's grin caused his skin to crawl.
Sharing a look with Ellen, Naruto's hand sank into his hip pouch as they swiftly approached.
"You are alright, Corin?" Ellen gave her coworker a faint smile. The thug who had put her arm beside Corin quickly snapped away as Ellen stepped between them, his hand being slapped away by the fin of tail.
"I... Could be better," Corin meekly returned Ellen's smile, grimacing at the two gentlemen who stopped her.
Turning her attention to the two men, Ellen sneered, visibly displaying her sharp, shark-like teeth in an obvious attempt to intimidate them and make them flinch. "Are these guys giving you trouble?"
"Hey, it's not like that!" The man reflexively held out his hands in a defensive manner, recoiling from Ellen.
"Sir, it very much seems like you are accosting my lovely coworker." Naruto slowly walked toward them, straightening the right cuff of his suit after rolling and stretching his right shoulder.
"And what are you going to do about it, punk?" The second business-like thug glowered, unaware of the danger they were in.
"Punk?" Naruto refrained from scowling, his features remaining cool and stoic. However, as he brought his arm down, his fingers twitched. Several faint shimmers of light glinted in the air before him, almost coiling around the two. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. Butler of the Victoria Housekeeping Company."
"Hey, what are you... Ahk!" The first thug cried, feeling steel wire snap and tightly catch his and his buddy's bodies, almost cutting into their flesh as it held them still.
"And as a butler, one of my duties happens to be taking out the trash." Naruto coldly responded as Ellen withdrew her W-Engine and her scissor blade materialized into her grasp, nudging Corin to follow their example. Her buzzsaw materialized, and as the engine revved, the fear in the two men's eyes became evident.
Naruto finally displayed a distasteful scowl as he glared at the two. "And as a butler and maids of Victoria Housekeeping..."
"We excel at our jobs."
[ X ]
A Little Later
[ X ]
"Whew, they did a number on you guys," A Lynx Thiren whistled, coming upon two shaking trash cans. Containing his laughter as their legs thrashed and twitched on the outside, Seth Lowell shook his head, clicking his radio. "All clear over here. Targets were just some sleazy thugs that've been dealt with. Likely just a random coincidence."
"Rodger that. Bring them in regardless. As innocuous as it seems, they might be involved. I'll pick up the perimeter." Zhu Yuan's voice echoed over the radio.
"Copy that," Seth nodded, giving the two a pitying look as they struggled to free themselves from their containers. "Man, I didn't think I was gonna have to go digging in the trash today."
"Why did they have to throw you into the grimiest trash cans out here?"
[ X ]
Later - Victoria Housekeeping Company HQ
[ X ]
"I hate desk work," Ellen complained, squinting as she sat at the front desk. Her top half was propped up, her cheeks held in her palms as she leaned over the desk, trying not to fall asleep.
"Thought you'd enjoy doing nothing," Naruto exhaled, finishing his polishing of the front office wooden furniture, his posture slumping as he incredulously looked over at Ellen after fixing his cuff on his right hand.
There were still gross smudges he hadn't been able to remove! Ugh! He was gonna have to get this uniform dry-cleaned again! That was so expensive!
...He really didn't want to have to tap into Gama-chan and his savings just for that...
"Shut up!" Ellen sneered and glared at Naruto, having hit a nerve about her typical laziness.
"Sounds like someone hit a nerve," Rina gave an endearing smile, carrying a tray of cookies she had been baking in the back. "Would you dears care to try my new creation.
"Uh, no thanks. I'm still full from lunch," Naruto blanched at the tray and the peculiar scent that lingered in his nostrils.
It smelled like some sort of seafood wafted in the air along with the typically sweet scent of cookies. It made for an unpleasant sensory overload.
"Uh, no, thank you. I'm not very hungry." Corin timidly leaned away, fearful of Rina's creation.
"I'll take one," Ellen languidly reached out, took one from the cookie sheet, and plopped it into her mouth. Ellen balked and made several dissatisfied expressions, but she continued to chomp through the cookie and swallow, refusing to waste food. "That is... Something else."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, darling," Rina thinly smiled, appreciative that someone didn't mind her cooking. And as the bell to the front door opened, her smile widened as Lycaon entered. "Good afternoon. Would you like to try my new cookies? I call them Kalamari Delights."
"Ahem, I'm still full from lunch. However, I am sure they are... Wonderful." Lycaon attempted to delicately decline the polite offer, covering his mouth as he faked a cough in an attempt to cover his nose scrunching from the smell.
"Oh, 'tis a shame. I think they turned out wonderfully." Rina bemoaned, lowering the tray and holding it for Ellen. "Here, take as many as you like."
"I guess..." Ellen sighed, taking one of the Kalamari Delights at a time and painfully chewing through them.
"My apologies for being late. I had some important meetings I had to attend." Lycaon held his arm before him as he lightly bowed. "It is as business-like as usual. Simple tasks will be assigned for the day with one exception... Naruto, you have been directly requested."
"Me?" Naruto racked his brain, thinking of the clients who would request him before frowning. "Mah, you think, given what's been going on, that might not be the best idea..."
"I'm aware." Lycaon frowned, but nodded, acknowledging the escalation of the past few days. "I am highly hesitant about sending anyone alone, given that it seems we have all been made targets. However, considering it was Ms. Miyabi Hoshimi that requested your services..."
"No!" Ellen snapped, pushing herself off the desk after spitting out the cookie she had been chewing on. Everyone's attention was swiftly drawn to her and her out-of-character outburst. Ellen did not care. She simply growled as she met Lycaon's gaze. "Whatever it is she wants, I'll take care of it. Give Naruto my tasks."
"I apologize, but Ms. Miyabi personally requested Naruto to assist her. Her Deputy Chief will be taking the next two weeks off to visit family. She requested someone whom she trusts to help her with reports and someone she can rely on to assist with scouting in Hollow Zero." Lycaon bowed once more, understanding Ellen's agitation before sighing, turning his attention to Naruto. "She's been made aware of the situation and has offered a deal I could not refuse. If our dear friend thinks of making a move, he'll have to deal with Section Six. And as someone who was stranded here because of a Hollow, H.A.N.D. does have jurisdiction to step in if they deem he is a threat."
"They are the frontline defense for New Eridu with anything related to and caused by the Hollows."
[ X ]
Later on that Night, Alley in Lumina Square
[ X ]
"Ugh, my back..." A grimy thug in a suit grunted, grimacing at the smell that permeated around him.
"Gonna take weeks to get this smell off." His friend gagged, repulsed, and repressed the urge to vomit. Glancing around his surroundings, he swallowed the bile in his throat. "Hope the dame shows up with our payment... That wasn't worth it!"
"Oh, don't you worry your smelly little heads," a smug voice from directly behind them snickered.
The two nearly jumped out of their skins. Rapidly turning around, they saw a young lady with a sinister smile, holding her arms before her in a peculiar manner that mimicked T-Rex arms.
"Seems like you two had a fun day. Hope it wasn't too eventful," The rat Thiren grinned, giving the two a thorough glance and snickering once more.
"Gah, just give us our pay and we'll be out of here!" The first thug snarled, wanting nothing more than this day to be over with.
"I suppose I shall. You two did your jobs admirably." The rat's grin only magnified. A second later, a loud thud clanged against the cement. The two thugs glanced to their feet to see a small burlap sack spilling out with Denni lying at their feet. They snatched it up without hesitation, almost fighting over it.
"I threw in some extra for your troubles. I imagine you'll need it to clean up after today." The Thiren giggled at their appearance. The two men blandly glared, but she waved the two away, her head turning and glancing at the figure approaching in the alley. "Now be off with you. The adults need to talk."
The men froze, recognizing the uniform and that they had been followed. With a glance at one another, they bolted but were not pursued.
Instead, stepping out of the shadows, Seth confronted the mysterious rat Thiren. "Thought I would find something if I followed them... The question is, who are you?"
"That's a... difficult question to answer." The rat Thiren pursed her lips and mused to herself. "To tell you the truth, there really isn't an answer to that. I've been doing this so long that I have long since forgotten my real name. I guess for now, you may call me Jane Doe."
"Jane Doe? Seriously?" Seth blandly squinted at the rat Thiren, confidently standing before him.
Not only did her fake name give him pause, but her demeanor left him wary. She seemed arrogant and unafraid of him. It almost felt as if she was sure of herself and the outcome. It left him uneasy.
Perhaps calling for backup would be wise...
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but that is really what I've been going by." Jane closed her eyes and smiled. "I guess you want answers. Too bad for you, neither my boss nor I has the intention of giving you any information. You're tough out of luck, sweety."
"Then I'm going to have to ask you to come with me," Seth bit back a hiss, reaching for his W-Engine to withdraw his baton and shield...
Only to feel a firm, gloved hand grasp his wrist. His head snapped back before the world turned dark. The last thing he remembered seeing...
Was the swirling tomoe of a crimson eye underneath a spiral orange mask.