The Aburame of the Cloud: Nagisa's Tale

[Hikaro_rin]

Shinobi Met

Allies
Arcus Aburame
Sora Hikari
Sarukin Genkaku
Ukiyo Sumizome
Sosay Uchiha
Aoi Reiki
Haruka Tsukai
Raiden Uchiha
Katashi Masaro (inactive)

Enemies
Genzai Saisei [aka Ukiyo Sumizome]
Ryuji Hanshin [aka Sarukin Genkaku]

Middle Ground
Murasaki Burakku [aka Aoi Reiki]
Yoarashi Chiroku
Ken Raite
ZetsubouChiroku
Sin Blackwitch

 

[Hikaro_rin]

Ch 1: Friends Lost

My name is Nagisa Aburame, and I am a freak, at least to most other people. I was born into the Aburame clan, and like my parents before me I was offered as a host to the Kikaichuu insects of the Aburame clan. The live in my body, feeding off my chakra, and in return they do my bidding. Well, they will once I learn to control them. I am a shinobi in training from the village of Konoha. Unfortunately bugs creep most people out, so I don't have many friends. In fact, I really only have one friend. Jeremy Nara of the Nara clan. His family is made up of shadow manipulators. I always wished I was a Nara myself, it is a far more useful skill, plus people wouldnt avoid me so much. My parents are rarely around, and most of the Aburame clan keeps to themselves, so Jeremy is pretty much the only person in my life. That will change soon though, I think. Tomorrow I will take my test and graduate to genin. Then I can have a full team of my own. I have never met or heard of a team that didnt eventually become close friends. My favorite things to do are

Nagisa was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door. She put her journal away and went to the door. She didnt bother asking who it was, only one person ever came around who felt the need to knock. “Coming Jeremy!” she shouted as she crossed the room. She opened the door to see the grin she had learned to dread. “Oh no, not another plan...” she grumbled.
Jeremy was older than her. Taller too, but that was only natural. Still, he had yet to graduate to genin because he didnt take any of his studies seriously. He was terrible at taijutsu, but excelled in gen and ninjutsu. But the Academy focused on strategy and writing and stuff. Although he understood the information he never did his work, so he got held back twice. “I made it! All I have to do is pass the Genin jutsu exam and I graduate with you!” The genin graduation exam that year was experimental. All would be genin would have to learn the perscribed jutsus, and then perform a jutsu that they learned on their own. Nagisa had already learned hers, Raikou Bunshin no Jutsu,
“So you learned your jutsu yet?”
“Not yet. I need your help.” He pulled out a scroll with a familiar marking on it. The Nara crest. “I'm not supposed to look in this one, but it has some really good jutsu in it. A-ranked even! We need to learn where we wont get caught though. I know a way out of the village walls, well be back before anyone notices were gone.”
“Jeremy no, we aren't allowed to leave the village grounds. Besides, there is some sort of killer out there!”
“Come on, If I fail another year of exams, I'll never be able to become a shinobi!”
That struck a chord. Nagisa really wanted him on her team...”Fine, but only one ok?”
“We need your bugs to scout the area before we can go through. We dont want to get caught.”
When they got there Nagisa did so. She released a bug through the hole Jeremy had discovered, and found noone on the other side. She signalled him that it was clear, and the snuck through. After a couple yards, they found a clearing in the forest, and this was where Jeremy decided to work. “Okay, I'll try and trap you with my jutsu, and you need to struggle as much as you can!” He looked through the scroll, and after a moment performed the Nara seal. His shadow crept over and grabbed Nagisa's and she found herself unable to move no matter how she tried. Jeremy smiled. Yes, he was a genius at learning jutsus. Nagisa was never sure quite what happened next. She had been released and turned to get something from her bag, when she turned back Jeremy Nara, her very best friend, was on the business end of a sword. A cloaked man had run her friend through. This was the event that changed her whole life. She hated herself more than anything, because instead of trying to avenge him she turned and ran. She ran until her legs were sore then she ran some more, untill finally she had reached her home.  

[Hikaro_rin]

Ch 2: Rebirth

Nagisa, stumbled into the kumogakure training field. Her mind still wrapping itself around the new surroundings. As soon as her parents learned of Jeremy's demise they decided to move out. They offered their services to Sosay, and were accepted. Did that mean they were rogue? Did it mean Nagisa was a rogue? She saw a boy about her age wander through the grounds casually. He was wearing an almost skin tight tan shirt, semi baggy pants, armored boots, and a bandana around his neck. As soon as he saw her, he made a beeline towards her.
Having problems miss?" he said in a curious manner as he sat on the ground, a kunai spinning around his finger.
"Not unless you are a shinobi able to train me. I'm new to Kumo, and want to continue training to become a genin"
“I'm looking for a teacher myself." the boy muttered with a sad tone.
He looked at her face, then to her eyes. "Katmas" he said, nodding,
Nagisa thought about all the strange people she had met in this village since she arrived. This was definitely not Konoha. Why had her parents come here? It didn't make any sense...what is he so proud of? “Nagisa Aburame, from Konoha." She reached out her hand with an odd smile to counter his.
"No sweat Miss. I've always lived here. It's my home. So an Aburame ehhh? I've heard some about your people. So Miss Aburame, why are you a shinobi?"
"I guess I just never thought anything of it..." She sat in the grass and considered the question. She couldn't really come up with anything, so she decided to return the question. "How about you?"
"The reason I'm a Ninja is to make a name for myself, one that proceeds me when I walk into rooms. One my children will be proud to have. And their children as well. A legacy fit for a King." he said full-heartedly. He was dead serious. "But only if the way I get there is through honor. Kinda hard for a ninja to be honorable though"
"You want to make a name for yourself as a ninja? that is a contradiction. A ninja is not Supposedto be well known. That is the whole point, noone is supposed to know about you..." Nagisa had finally found a reason not to like this kid.
"Are you saying you don't know any legends about famous ninja? Sannin are famous across the land, are they not? Our Raikage is famous, is she not?" he said, again in a kind voice. "The Aburame are famous, aren't they? The Uchiha too are famous. I want to be known for my Taijutsu. I want to learn everything I can. I want to make my name honored for it's fierce Taijutsu techniques. Maybe one day, I'll make some of my own. But until then, I'll learn what I can." He said proudly.
“i think the best shinobi are those you have never heard of." She smirked. "If you are doing a stealth operation, then you should not be noticed. If you are doing an asassination, then noone should survive to tell the tale. If you are protectiing someone, then you take out the enemy before anyone gets a chance to learn of your existence. The kage's can't really help it merely because they are the leaders of the villages.” She knew she was insulting the kid, but someone like him would probably be one of the first in a team to die. Still, she couldn't help but be impressed by his resolve...
"But you have to think of the benefit of being known. People know not to come after you. They know what you can do. That instills fear. And fear keeps people away." he said coldly, standing up.
Suddenly, Three giant Iron Sand hands rose from the ground and grabbed Nagisa, Katmas, and another girl who was sitting in a nearby tree. A hard faced man smoking a cigarette appeared before them. This man Nagisa never learned the name of, but he was her first sensei. He was the man who taught her the jutsu she needed to graduate to genin. She later learned the other girl was named Sora, and she was rather friendly.
After her training Nagisa was told to report to the raikage directly for her genin test. She met Sosay Uchiha for the first time, and found instant respect for the raikage. There was another Aburame there, who was also looking to take his genin exam. His name was Arcus, and he was too loyal for his own good. She didn't like him much from the get go, and Sosay's next words were the final spark to set them against each other. “Now. Your genin test is to show me the things that were needed to take this test, in a fight. Aburame against Aburame“ Arcus frowned at the Riakage's words and his shoulders sagged. He was no happier about the situation than Nagisa.
Still, he was faithful, and began the fight without hesitation. He performed a series of seals and declared “Doton: Bunshin no Jutsu!”A clone formed beside him and they both drew a kunai “My first fight...” The clone said. “Ok, I think I can live with that. Good luck.” He seemed to have lost whatever concerns he had about the fight. The clone grinned and charged at Nagisa.
Nagisa was startled not only by the Raikage's choice, but Arcus' willingness to attack. He would probably would use his bugs as well, while she was hesitant to sacrifice them. Plus he uses Doton, which means my Raiton is at a disadvantage... She turned and ran from the two rivals, and ducked behind a tree briefly. Silently she performed a series of seals and whispered “Raiku bunshin no jutsu” a clone of her own appeared beside her, this one made of her raiton chakra. The bunshin continued running and hid behind a large rock, after throwing a shuriken to attract his attention. If it hit, it would probably only cut him, but it would be enough to dispel a normal bunshin. Meanwhile, she silently climbed the tree, and sat for a moment to think. none of my skills are really offensive. so i need to find a way to get close and force him to surrender...
Arcus' bunshin deflected a random shuriken with his kunai and after the clone. ”running? during a test?” The real Arcus began to walk over towards where he'd seen his bunshin run. He got there in time to see the the clone stop short of the rock. He threw a kunai with an explosive tag. It stuck directly into the rock. The explosion that resulted sent rock fragments flying everywhere.
She had thought through various ways to use his distraction to her advantage but nothing really came to mind. There just wasn't any way to tell between the bunshin and the real thing... if she made a mistake, it could be her end. He probably didn't have a cold heart, so perhaps she could make him emotional? In that case, it would be very likely that the real thing would react before the bunshin did...Nagisa crawled towards the rock staying just out of sight of Arcus. By time she got behind it, the smoke had already begun to clear, and her bunshin was destroyed by the explosion. “ikamono chishio” Using her new genjutsu. Wounds seemed to spread across her body, giving an effective illusion that the hit had succeeded. she then "stumbled" to her hands and knees. she let out a cough just loud enough that he should hear it. She palmed a small smoke grenade for backup, and prepared a kunai in her right sleeve. She then crossed her arms over her stomach, and looked as pitiful as she could.
Arcus' eyes widened behind his glasses. She'd almost been blown to bits! He ran over to her, stopping short when he saw that she was still conscious. “If its worth doing, its worth doing right. Bouzenjishitsu no Jutsu!” He shouted, catching Nagisa off guard. She saw him pull his glasses down, and caught his eye. damn! He got me! The smoke grenade rolled out of her limp hand, and the kunai slipped from her sleeve. Her bugs trickled down her coat and attacked the smoke bomb with all their might. It exploded, and as soon as her eye contact was broken she ran off and hid. He's really going to try and kill me? Nagisa felt betrayed in so many ways. Her own clan member and fellow villager was trying to kill her without hesitation.
“Enough!” Sosay shouted, bringing an end to the test. “Come back here!” Nagisa and Arcus both walked back to Sosay. Nagisa made sure to stand away from Arcus. She handed them both headbands and smiled. “Congratulations, you are now officially Genin of Kumogakure”
“um..I'm sorry about the way I acted. No, I'm not heartless, and attacking you was really the last thing I wanted to do especially in the state I 'thought” Arcus began “A shinobi completes his tasks. Thats what he does. So thats what I did. It wasn't personal” Nagisa didnt listen to the rest. He was making excuses, he must have seen her glare at him. She couldnt trust someone who would try and kill a fellow clan-member at the drop of a hat.
That wasn't the last time Arcus had attacked her either. Later on they managed to patch things up, but it took some doing.  

[Hikaro_rin]

Ch 3: Shadows

Nagisa managed to go a while without any harsh reminders due to her new home. Until she was part of a diplomatic mission to Konoha that is. She had intended to pay her respects to the KIA memorial stone, where she had hope Jeremy's name would be engraved. They had put academy students there before so she was certain she would find it. However, the name never did show up. Directly after that trip, Nagisa had returned to Kumo to report to an emergency. That was the day the demon Ukiyo had attacked Sosay, and left the village. That was the day that a shady figure with interest in Kumo's survival recruited Nagisa for her special training to become the village jounin. Of course, they weren't able to do anything for a few days, Ukiyo had left Kumo in a state of chaos, the southern mountain of his unleashed dark doppelgangers of all who got near. Here is how Nagisa got pulled into that mess...Nagisa had been asked to investigate the mountain. This is her fight against herself.

NAgisa reached out to climb the mountain, that was obviously designed to deter outsiders. it's rocks were jagged, the slope steep, and no trail to speak of. without a doubt, the perfect example of inhospitable. Nagisa's hand slipped on the slick jagged rocks, as she felt something push her. The fall was not more than a couple feet, and she managed to roll back onto her feet as if she fell on purpose. What the hell? Nagisa's bugs flowed lazily out, as she brushed the dust off of herself. Her gaze drifted up, and locked with the dark cloaked figure standing an arms length from her. Her cloak was an obvious giveaway. "an Aburame? What the hell are you doing here?" Nagisa stepped backwards to get out of range, while she eyed the newcomer suspiciously. Her spine turned to ice, and her blood to lead, something about this person was soo familiar... Nagisa stared for a moment, as the mysterious Aburame removed her cloak. To Nagisa's horror, she was staring at a pale version of herself. Shadows seemed to work backwards, and what wasn't shrouded in black, was almost glowing. There were no mid-tones. Genjutsu? She had studied genjutsu, and though something like this were possible, it seemed impractical. This had something else to it, a hidden purpose.
"Whats happening, Na-Na? Hows Jeremy?" Her voice was demonic. She had ceased laughing, but still couldn't hide her smirk from her face.
"So i guess you wont let me climb the-" Her words were lost, and replaced with a harsh gasp as her heart dropped and tears came to her eyes. DN's anti-bugs had clustered together and In a matter of seconds, the beautiful face and body of Jeremy Nara was standing before her, his expression motionless. He suddenly sprung, running towards Nagisa his face still absent, though his intent was clear. Nagisa was frozen in place, but her bugs knew better, and pushed her out of the way just in time. Hatred poured through her veins, and she turned her glare back at the dark creature. "You b***h!" hardly even realizing what other osbscenities she shouted, Nagisa launched herself at top speed and drew her kunai.
DN also pulled out a kunai and charged at Nagisa. Their Kunai met and clashed for an instant, sending sparks flying over the arena. The anti-bugs, now noticing that the jutsu wasn't working, surrounded the Dark Nagisa, awaiting for a command from their master. "Damn bugs. Worthless, aren't they Na-Na? They almost never do things right. Isn't that right, Na-Na? Well, you can't do things right either. I mean, you couldn't save Jeremy. You couldn't stop the Raikage from getting hurt. What the hell are you doing with the jutsus that Sarukin taught you? Worthless, just like your bugs." Grinning, the Dark Nagisa took the distraction as a chance to attack and aimed a kick towards Nagisa's chest, using all her strength in the attack.
Dark Nagisa didnt seem to be much stronger than the real one. that was a good sign... She disrespected her bugs, which made her Aburame skills weak. Still... she did strike a good point... Nagisa had never succeeded in anything... always too late, or too weak...Of course, she was going to change that... but when? Kumo seemed to be incredibly unstable as of late... Nagisa, realizing she had been wide open, performed a set of seals at her top speed (which had gotten much, much faster since she first became genin) "Atama Kusari No Jutsu!"
Dark Nagisa sucker her teeth as Nagisa caught her in a genjutsu. Being unable to move was a bother, especially since her good for nothing bugs couldn't figure out a way to save her. Still, now she could talk to Nagisa all alone, giving her time to work her plan. "Man, its weird, isn't it? Seems wherever you go, destruction follows.I mean, how many close calls to death have numerous people faced because you weren't strong enough to protect them. Too many to be a coincidence, I think. But...." DN grinned, looking at Nagisa's eyes, staring deep into her soul. "There is a way to get stronger. There is a way where you can actually do something and not be a worthless punk. All you need to do is let the darkness surround you." The last words came out maliciously, having a different tone and voice to it.
Nagisa was pleased that the jutsu worked, although she was starting to lose interest in this copy. "let the darkness surround me? erm..." a chuckle slipped out of Nagisa's lips, before she continued. "Assuming you aren't talking literally, that probably means give into my baser emotions?" That makes as much sense to a stealth ninja as fighting yourself...scratch that, that makes as much sense as cooking ice cream."If I did such a thing i would probably just jump head-first into every situation, trying to get what i wanted as soon as i could get it. that seems kind of reckless to me"
"Meh, can't say I didn't try." DN melted into the shadows, and Nagisa decided she was exactly where she didnt want to be. Her enemy obviously wasn't very happy with what she had said. She turned to look for the clone, and caught a kunai in the arm, as another cut her cheek, and a third whizzed past her ear. A cloud of bugs began to form around Nagisa, and she could guess that they weren't going to play nice. Nagisa needed to get help... but how? She paused a moment to think, and came up with an insane plan. She knew a jutsu that would bring bugs to her...that would bring any bugs...right? She called her own bugs and called her own bugs to form a smaller shield in the larger shell of bugs. She purposely left a small hole Away from where the kunai came from. She focused a small amount of chakra into her hands, and let it snap to the ground as if by magnet. A web of chakra reached out towards the dark-bugs. the demon bugs crawled slowly, and then stopped, leaving a small hole to escape from. Nagisa crawled through it and looked for an escape route.
As she turned to run away, a cloud of dust surrounded her. When it cleared, she saw Jeremy's face... this time, it wasnt the false face from before. The face of the clone, that was so desperately trying to match her memory...
Nose to Nose with Nagisa, it was indeed his face, but... Half of his face was covered in a blanket of blood. The other half showed an expression of extreme shock. Nagisa's hands were still clutching the kodachi, in front of her. However, her hands were covered in a hot fluid,her thumb was resting against what felt like flesh... A Kodachi was still long enough to go through a human if it went up to the hilt... A single tear on his face matched the flood that was rushing down her own. "no..."
"N-Nagisa.....? Why didn't you save me? Why did you let me die....? Y-y-you could have saved me. This is your fault. My death was your fault. Why, Nagisa? Why? Why? Why?"
Nagisa's unconscious noticed the illusion, and Nagisa felt a slight tugging. Like a kid trying to get the parent's attention, reason was trying to overcome emotion. It was a futile attempt. Her eyes werent big enough to shed all of her tears. She just stood there, motionless. Her body shook, as if 1000 volts of lightning were pulsing through her body. "I...I didn't...I couldn't...I was just...I needed you..." and then dropped the kodachi, hands flying to her throat. Something foul seemed to be dumped down her throat, and she felt her skin turn to fire as it spread. A dark voice bubbled out and snarled. "But like everyone else, You left me!" Her mind was pulled forcefully towards all the people who had never quite become her friends. "My weakness, was i always looked for friends like you!" Her hands reached down and grabbed the kodachi once more, this time she yanked it out and watched the body drop. Nagisa somehow managed to cry even harder, and between shaking sobs the voice droned. "You are soo weak!" it Snarled.
A new voice, a kind, familiar, soothing voice chimed in. "You aren't weak... you can fight this!" It was a liar, and Nagisa was only able to make it back to her apartment and rest.  

[Hikaro_rin]

Ch 4: Dreams

Two figures stood onto a large platform floating through the sky. The edge of the platform appeared broken, as if there was once a lot more here. Remains of a small building hung over one edge, as if clinging for dear life. The ground, was mostly grass, although it had begun to wither... This was Nagisa's broken dream-world.
Nagisa was already present when Dark Nagisa appeared. She gave Nagisa a smile. "This is all you. Look around, and you will see what has come of your emotion. Every time you were taunted, every time you were weak, every time that you lost something dear, it withered away at this inner you." she made a broad gesture at the fragmented world. "I can rebuild it for you! if you let me!" her face turned serious, as she let Nagisa think it over.
"I'm sorry, but i already told you. You have no strength to offer me!" Nagisa said quietly, still shaken from earlier.
"Dammit, dont you see? I have everything to offer you!" DN frowned, and shook her head in dissapointment. "you said earlier that if i was in control you would just madly run into battle. That is very wrong. What i am here to offer you is an escape from your emotions, and a strength beyond imagining!"
Nagisa shook her head, and stood up, bracing herself against the building. "You don't get it. There isn't any point if i cast aside emotion. With pain comes love and-"
"Love?!?!?! Don't kid yourself. who loves you?" DN shouted. "Jeremy thought you were a nuisance, your parents cant even be bothered to live with you, that weak Sosay Uchiha didnt even listen to your plea of help! The only person who showed any hint of 'Love' was that Arcus kid who betrayed you so many times. He probably would have raped you if you hadnt been called for a mission!"
"That is not true!" Nagisa yelled, uncertainty hanging on every word. Jeremy had loved her hadn't he? but Nagisa had betrayed him.. she knew someone was coming after him, and she ran home and hid...
"Even if he did love you once, he couldnt possibly live you now!" DN explained, she knew Nagisa thought the Jeremy in her head was just a piece of memory. And she needed every weapon she could get to win this battle.
"I couldnt do anything, I didnt even know how to throw a proper punch, How could i have-"
"You were weak then as you are now. That's the point. You have never been able to fight for anything, because you were always weak!" her smile reappeared, and Nagisa couldnt help but feel bothered by it. "Let me tell you a secret. The thing that makes me stronger than you. No, what makes me 1000 times stronger than you. Is that I have what it takes. To become stronger you must seek out battle, you who cares about every pathetic insect="She reached over and crushed one of her own without a scond's thought "-Will never become as strong as I. What you need to become stronger is the ability to act without remorse. Who can cut with their blade in it's sheath?"
Staring at the demonic smile Nagisa regained some of her resolve. "Give me three days!" she shouted.
"three days?" DN said, mocking.
"Give me three days for training! If I can't defeat you in that time, I will do as you wish!"
"If I win, you will step aside. I will control this body, until i deem you fit to take over again."
"Then if i win, you will step aside, and let me live as i choose!"
DN seemed troubled by this, but the smile only wavered momentarilly. "Fine, I will give you three days! but if the mountain calls i must obey it." She let it sink in for a moment before continuing. "and you must also understand that if you show weakness, i will step in and take care of things myself. This, is also non-negotiable"
Nagisa knew it was a gamble, but she needed to get control and this was the only way she could think of to do it.  

[Hikaro_rin]

Ch 5: Learning

Nagisa had been waiting to talk to the raikage. She wanted to know what she could do to help the village, but before she made it to her office a masked ninja appeared in a puff of smoke. The Kumo symbol was engraved in the forehead of a hawk-mask, which resembled that of the Anbu special forces. "Do i have the pleasure of addressing Nagisa Aburame?" Nagisa nodded, slightly startled by his sudden appearance. "Due to the weakened state of Kumogakure I will be giving you special training. Hopefully, I can bring you up to Jounin ability." Nagisa's face became featureless, as she struggled to decide on an emotion. She was so excited that she would finally become stronger, but if he was taking her away the village would become even weaker.
"How long will this training take?" she stammered, worry creeping into her voice.
"We will be training in a special place, a world of one of the shinobi world's most powerful summons. They are no more, but their world has a different scale of time. You should be back here in no time, but your training will seem endless..."
Nagisa nodded cautiously. She couldnt help but trust him, but the whole idea sounded a little too bizarre... She followed him out of view as he rolled a scroll out on the ground. He asked Nagisa to drop some blood on it. After doing the same, he pulled out another scroll and threw it on top of the other. Nagisa found herself engulfed in a cloud of smoke, and when it cleared the whole area had changed. She was now standing in the aftermath of a warzone.
"This is the land of a summon long forgotten. It will forever be barren like it is today. They were killed off by something terrible, a bijuu had found his way here. This is what is left behind." The dark ninja explained quietly. All around them was a sea of ash. Charred branches popped through the ashes in places, and there was a large skeleton of something to their east. The eye had been blackened. Nagisa stood for a minute trying to understand the other thing that was bothering her. Where was the light coming from? She took a closer look and realized the ashes themselves were glowing a pale grey. She could taste the ash, and soon lost her eagerness for training.
"We will train here, and you will learn to overcome the urge to quit. That urge that is so strong in your stomach right now." The man looked at her through his mask. " You will call me Yamamoto, I will be your trainer."
And he was. Although this world no longer had any concept of time, Nagisa counted the days by how many times she slept. She knew this was inconsistent, since some "days" they trained harder and longer than others. Her body was caked with ash, despite her best efforts to be free of it, and she could barely eat any of their food. This world... I can't let my world become this. Nagisa kept telling herself, and it helped her push through. She would protect Kumo from any and all threats, no matter the cost. She also decided that she would do everything in power to prevent an all out war. Nagisa was able to hold off her challenge with DN because there were no real days and nights in this world. She would eventually have to face her, but the stronger she was when it happened the easier she could finish the monster inside her.