Kugutsu no Shinigami

| 7 | Saving Wave Country

"Where have you been?"

I turn to respond to the voice. "Training."

"Yeah, no wonder. Go sleep, will you? You look exhausted," Kakashi told me. 

That was to be expected. I hadn't slept all night. It had been the time where I had started a wildfire around Orochimaru's base and buried... Aki, my now deceased clan member.

I lay, staring at the plain ceiling, just reflecting until I drifted to sleep. It wasn't so much reflecting, but mere doubt clouding my mind.

How do I beat Orochimaru? When will I get the opportunity? Will I be strong enough, then?

My only consolidation was that the project was underway, and would be done by the time I return from this mission, but with things as they are, I'll probably enhance each component, every puppet with opposing chakra.

I drift off to the serene void.

...

...

...

And I awake to a maze of tunnels, dark as can be, shadows obscuring every corner, like an omniscient veil that protected one's darkest secrets and desires.

How did I get here? Where is here?

I walk down the seemingly endless maze, in random patterns without any clear strategy. Just endless wandering, well, that was, until I see a blinding light of sorts. I walk towards it. 

Immediately, I enter a domain that's a far contrast to the cryptic hallways of before. It's a massive cave, the stalactites' height not even distinguishable. The cave is made of blinding flames, just surrounding it. 

Abruptly, a giant figure moves. I hadn't noticed it due to the natural camouflage from the background to its bright orange fur. It was a giant fox, about the height of the sky, towering over anything else. Its eyes snapped open, showing slitted pupils and a black iris. The Kyuubi. In contrast to the villagers of Konoha, I was not afraid of the fox.

"What do you want, human?"

"Lend me your power," I speak, no, demand. "I intend to teach this world life's greatest lessons."

"And what would this lesson be?" The entity asks, seemingly interested.

"Just by living, people hurt others without realizing it. So long as humanity exists, hate will also exist. There is no peace in this cursed world. War is just a crime paid for the pain of the defeated. Life's greatest lessons are learnt through pain," I surprise even myself by how dead my voice sounded, but also the conviction with which it was spoken.

The gargantuan fox remains silent, before letting out a booming chuckle. "I like you, brat."

I have no clue what to say next, so I just remain silent. Patient.

"You aren't like the brash, uncivilised humans that I have seen so far. I will lend you my power."

"Then, how will I access it?"

"I will teach you that when you call on my demonic chakra. But for now, wake up."

~~~

My eyes snap open to a loud, blaring sound. It would seem that it could be heard only by me, as no others were rushing about, attempting to discern its meaning. The proximity seals had been triggered, most likely by bandits, for the possibility of a hired shinobi capturing a mere civilian was infinitesimal. 

I sneak downstairs, my ears alert for any sign of distress. There was none, there was nobody inside the house. I step outside, and immediately, my eyes widen, as I see Tsunami being led elsewhere by two thugs, Inari in tow.