Late at Night, Around Curfew - Treeline Around Tracen Academy
Naruto's Perspective
[ X ]
The brisk night air was cool to the touch. Dew drops had begun to settle on the blades of grass as he sat in the middle of the bushels of trees that lined and surrounded Tracen Academy as a whole. Luckily for Naruto, there was a mildly larger area where he could meditate and be left undisturbed while the few ladies still awake were running the track.
…Or doing something stupid and hoping not to get caught.
Naruto gave them a pass. There wasn't a fear that they were going to do something so catastrophic that it would cause severe harm to themselves or permanently damage Tracen's name. They were just goofing off like other teenagers typically did. It was what Naruto would have been doing if he hadn't had more important matters in his life.
Unfortunately, Naruto's life was full of important matters to deal with. He was always busy and didn't have much time for fun…
It was funny, for the first time in quite a while, he wasn't as busy as he typically was. While he was seeking information on possible alternative routes to return home, mostly through his clones, all he really had to do was learn about his team, what their goals were, help develop training routines, train them, and…
Then he could train himself.
His desire to better himself had not waned. He still needed to be stronger. From Madara to Kaguya to Toneri, powerful individuals with unbelievable power continued to rise out of the ether and wreak havoc. And from the intel Sasuke had gathered, they wouldn't be the last…
Yet, it was the strangest thing. Most normal training methods yielded very little gain now. There were still some, but far less productivity than the effort put in. Most of what Naruto was getting from physical training was how to perfect his movements to waste less energy.
It was something Sasuke had noticed as well. They both realized that their physical strength had a peak…
However, their chakra control and manipulation could always be improved. The finer control they had, the less they wasted. And given their large reservoirs…
Naruto exhaled, his eyes thinly opened as he scanned the immediate area around him. He swiftly located the presence he had felt. She wasn't well hidden.
Anyone wearing a lab coat would struggle to be stealthy.
The peculiar thing Naruto noted was that she wasn't trying to be. She was simply observing him with her piercing red eyes and intense expression, her lips pursed as if she was mulling over her thoughts. Naruto felt that she was studying him.
And he recognized her. Agnes Tachyon. The Mad Scientist.
It was curious. Why had he caught her attention? What had he done to garner her attention?
…
Naruto blinked several times before exhaling, refraining from palming his face. There were a multitude of reasons he could name on both hands. He was a self-admitted ninja to his talkative team, who had an infinity bag he could stuff anything into and could keep up with Uma on the track on a medium course, regardless of whether it was with Haru, who was struggling her tail off to keep up with the others.
She was still going faster than any human could, and he kept up and technically finished a step in front of her… On accident. He had meant for her to finish ahead of him…
Naruto shook his head. He stuck out like a sore thumb. No wonder he caught her attention. And given what he read in her file, there were plenty of reasons why she was studying him.
Given her medical history, maybe he should approach her…
"Hm?" Naruto's brow raised as, without warning, Tachyon turned and left, heading toward the dorms. Curiously staring at her as she retreated and left his sight, Naruto mused to himself. "Maybe she saw what she wanted?"
"Mah, I dunno know. Her type always confuses me."
[ X ]
The Next Morning - Naruto and Hinata's Apartment
[ X ]
Sitting at the dining table, Naruto scanned over the notes he had, his foot incessantly tapping the wood tiles beneath. Many others would have complained about the noise, given how silent the apartment was, but thankfully, his wife was not among them.
Mostly because she was humming a beautiful tune as the steam rose from the kettle. And as it whistled, Hinata took it off the stove and poured it into the peculiar pot for their morning coffee, operating the plunger to make a French Press variant. Naruto was quite curious as to how it would taste after Hinata finished preparing it and added several sweet ingredients to make it delicious.
Naruto chuckled in his throat. It was funny that his younger self despised the drink, and now he loved it. He was thankful his lovely wife knew how to make delicate brews, even if it was not her preferred drink.
"Thanks," Naruto inhaled, taking a deep breath of the rich, nutty scent billowing off the coffee mug. He watched as Hinata took her seat beside him, gazing at him with endearment. Carefully clasping the handle of his mug, Naruto brought it to his lips and, with a simple sip, he let searing hot liquid settle on his tongue, savoring the taste before swallowing. "Mhm. This style of making coffee makes it smooth. I like it."
"Then I guess we should find a way to bring it home," Hinata giggled, taking a sip of her coffee as well before pleasantly raising her brow at the taste. "Oh? I see what you mean. I might get used to this."
"Right?" Naruto grinned, setting his coffee down and shaking his head at his notes. "Is this what being a teacher was like for Iruka? For our senseis?"
"Finding it a challenge, are we?" Hinata quipped, her lips faintly twisting into an amused smirk.
"Mah, I ain't met a challenge I can't best," Naruto glowered at his giggling wife. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "It's just different, but in a way similar? In some ways, it is like how we were trained after we left the academy, and our regimes were individualized. The big difference is there isn't very much team training outside of preparing for events."
"Their training became more like ours after we became Chunin…" Hinata responded, pausing as her husband arched his brow at her momentarily. She squinted before exhaling, having a lapse in memory that her husband was promoted straight to Jonin after the war. "Or how your training was when you returned."
"Ah, starting generically early before specializing later in life," Naruto nodded, following his wife's point, glancing down at his notes. "There are certain things each of them does well, and I would like to focus on them… But there are a few things they could work on to round out their skills…"
"Skills are the last thing you should be worrying about for your team. Your team has enough talent that Hana took notice, stating she might have some competition this year." Hinata snorted, shaking her head.
"Eh, she did? Neat." Naruto smiled, sheepishly rubbing his head. That smile slowly faded as the rest of Hinata's statement settled, and he narrowed his eyes as his wife took another sip of coffee. "Mah, what do you mean by that's the last thing I need to be worrying about?"
Hinata, taking a deep sip of her coffee, exhaled after her drink and set her cup back down. Then, with a piercing, yet exasperated glance, she sighed at her husband. "Did you forget that they are idols and that performing songs and dancing after the race is a part of their job?"
"I… Uh…" Naruto visibly paled as that specific detail had indeed slipped his mind.
"And, from their reports, the team you have assembled may be very talented and can race with the best of them… But you have the three worst-graded students in singing and dancing, albeit one was for lack of effort, and I imagine she could if she tried. You were simply lucky to have two of the best performers gifted to you by Director Akikawa and the student council." Hinata smugly remarked, feeling a hint of satisfaction at her husband's horrified expression.
"…" Naruto remained silent as the realization set in. Then, as it did, the slow fact that he only knew how to dance because of Hinata followed. And with the grin she was wearing, Naruto didn't feel like she was going to be so willing to help him on this endeavor.
He did what anyone in his position would have done. Naruto swiftly cursed.
"Shit."
His wife was still sore that Tamamo was the only member of her team to finish in the top five in yesterday's scrimmage, barely edging out McQueen and finishing behind Oguri, Suzuka, and Teio. Add in that Vodka came in right before Scarlet, and that Naruto had five members of his team finish ahead of the majority of her team.
The only member of his team that didn't finish well, who tried, was Special Week, and she got boxed in by Super Creek and Meisha Doto! If Gold Ship had tried, who knew what the results might have looked like!
Hinata had a reason to be salty. Their teams were meant to be rivals.
And his team stomped hers in a friendly scrimmage.
"Guess I got my work cut out for me," Naruto grumbled, lying back in his chair while his wife took another sip of her coffee.
"Yes, you do. Good luck, you're gonna need it," she put down her cup, and with what felt like a sinister smile, she gleamed at her husband. "For they'll need to be ready for their Maiden races you signed them up for and then take part in the victor's song regardless of how they place."
"Don't want to embarrass Tracen Academy. Not after that whole speech Ms. Rudolf gave everyone yesterday, now would you?"
[ X ]
Lunchtime - Tracen Cafeteria
Teio's Perspective
[ X ]
Today was such a great day. With a strut in every step all morning, everyone had likely noticed the pep in her step.
Teio didn't care! After yesterday's scrimmage and how she performed, Teio felt better than ever! The unease in her step and the phantom pains she felt coursing through her calf vanished! It didn't matter how she placed, only that she performed well on the track. That her leg stood firm and didn't give way!
Even during their team jog this morning, she didn't feel a wince of pain as she had the previous day! Perhaps all she needed was that boost of confidence to get on the track again and race without fear!
With a vivid smile on her face and a song in her heart, Teio almost danced her way through the cafeteria line with Oguri Cap trailing directly behind her. After picking up her tray, she made her way to the table her idol sat at with a fellow member of the student council, Narita Brian, unaware of the metallic click of the slide to the cafeteria shuttered behind her.
"It seems you are having a good morning." Rudolf gently smiled as Teio joined her at the table before her expression turned to one of more worry. "How are you feeling after yesterday?"
"I feel amazing!" Teio beamed after setting her plate and taking a seat. Her bright smile faded slightly but remained. "It feels as if a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I know the doctors were hesitant to release me back to full activities, but after Naruto-san examined my leg and told me I was good to go, all the pressure I felt vanished. That I could run freely again."
"I see…" Rudolf gingerly frowned, but quickly hid it with a smile. "Whatever the cause may have been, it was a relief to see you out racing again…" Rudolf was unable to finish her statement as their table shook and a literal mountain of food Oguri had piled upon a plate, the dish looking as if it was ready to crack as it was set on their table.
And Oguri Cap joined the table.
Rudolf and Narita jumped while Teio's eyes went wide. "Whoa? Are you going to eat all of that? Right now?!"
"I will finish it and then go for seconds. My mother would make this much for me every day for lunch, maybe a little more." Oguri stated, her eyes gleaming at the mountain before her.
"Oh, that poor woman… I think I understand why she sent you here." Narita responded, gobsmacked.
That look turned into terror as the mountain of curry began to swiftly disappear until only crumbs rested on her plate. Oguri sighed in content, hand on her bloated stomach, before frowning, noticing the shuttered counter. "Did they close? I wanted more…"
"Interesting…" A cold, calculated voice resonated from behind Oguri Cap. Oguri's dazed gaze sharpened, and with an intense gaze, she turned to meet Agnes Tachyon's equally intent crimson gaze.
"Uh? Yes? Who are you?" Oguri asked before she leaned away as Tachyon began to take notes.
"Hm, curious. Despite the amount of food you have devoured, your reflexes are only marginally diminished. Could it be because you possess some kind of hyperactive metabolism?" Tachyon mused, tapping her pen on her notes several times before sighing. "Questions for later after further rigorous studies."
"Tachyon, what can we help you with?" Rudolf frowned as even Oguri stepped back from the peculiar student.
"Nothing for now. I simply came here to observe something that interests me. I'll be going now." Tachyon flashed a sinister smile while her eyes gleamed, her attention focused solely on Teio.
Teio shivered under her scrutinizing glance. Why was she looking at her with such interest? It was a little unnerving. She couldn't have been happier when she turned around and started to walk away…
"Oh, there is one thing. Ms. Teio," Tachyon stopped in her tracks, her head turning at an awkward angle as she twisted her head around to glance back at Teio. "You said your new trainer examined your leg, yes? Did you happen to notice anything odd?"
"Something odd?" Teio withered under Tachyon's intense scrutiny.
"Ah, allow me to elaborate further," Tachyon no longer contorted her body, turning her body to Teio as she relaxed her stance, crossing her arms over her chest. "I have noticed some peculiar things when it comes to our new trainers, the Director has hired, and in particular, your trainer. What I wish to know is, did you notice anything odd happen when he examined you? Did you feel something that felt like, let's say, when Ms. Rudolf accessed the Zone during your scrimmage yesterday?"
"N-no?" Teio uncomfortably leaned away, unsure what Tachyon was asking about.
Yes, she had noticed a few odd peculiarities about Naruto. His infinite storage bag, being able to keep up with the team during a long jog, let him suddenly disappear and reappear halfway across the room, like he was a superhero…
Teio's expression faltered. His hand did feel warm when he held her calf and checked her…
"Tachyon…" Rudolf growled, her gaze sharpening on her fellow Uma.
"I will take my leave. I received the answer I want," Tachyon thinly smirked, her eyes twinkling intently upon seeing the person she questioned approach. With a smile and a wave, she turned away and took her leave.
Teio shuddered as Naruto approached. What did Tachyon even want? Questions for her answers?
"Ah, Naruto-san. Is there something you need?" Rudolf attempted to redirect the conversation and lift the dour mood.
"I actually came to see Teio. I need to ask her about something." Naruto frowned, his gaze trailing after Tachyon as she left the cafeteria.
That gaze further worried Teio. Was something happening between Tachyon and Naruto that she didn't know?
"Oh, they reopened? Excuse me," Oguri's eyes sparkled with hearts as the shutters to the kitchen opened once more, quickly jumping to her feet and rushing past Naruto to procure her second plate.
"You can't be serious! Oh, our budget is going to be destroyed if she eats like this on a regular basis!" Narita hopped out of her seat and gave chase, vainly attempting to stop Oguri.
"Yeah, gonna need a healthy food budget to keep up with her hunger," Naruto chuckled, watching Narita fruitlessly halt the unstoppable force known as Oguri's stomach.
Turning his attention to Teio, she fidgeted before trying to put on a brave face. "So Trainer-san, what did you come to see me for?"
"I was informed of something very important this morning." Naruto nervously chuckled, running his hand through his spiky locks. "You see, a particular few members of the team might not know how to do the victory dance…"
"And are very bad at it." Rudolf snorted, her gaze shifting to a laughing duo attempting to do something no doubt nefarious with a burlap sack as they left the cafeteria, taking Special week with them.
"What are they…" Teio frowned, unsure what they were planning.
"Failing spectacularly at my instructions." Naruto palmed his face and shook his head. "I just said I wanted to talk to her…" Naruto muttered, returning his focus to Teio. "I've already asked McQueen to help teach 'em how to perform after the race. I wanted to know if you wanted to help. McQueen said something about you being one of the best…"
"You want me to help teach everyone? Of course I'll do it!" Teio's eyes joyously shimmered, her inner entertainer bursting forth from within. But with a sly grin, she snickered. "But it's gonna cost you!"
"There is something I've had my eye on for a while, and I would like you to get it for me!"
[ X ]
Later that Afternoon - Dance Studio, Tracen Academy
Naruto's Perspective
[ X ]
There was a sense of confusion amongst the majority of his team. Most of them didn't know why they were here, although the astute amongst them had a clue as to why.
Those few didn't need to be here! There was no worry about McQueen or Teio since they had already done their Maiden race the year before and could perform! And Suzuka had a year to practice on Team Rigil. He might not know Hana well, but she did not seem to be someone who would allow anyone on her team to underperform. And considering Rudolf was the ace of her team, he was certain Suzuka knew how to perform after a race.
"Huh? Teio, Trainer? Why are we here? Shouldn't we be on the track?" Oguri asked, with a vacant, clueless expression.
"Why indeed," Naruto glowered with his arms crossed over his chest as he looked over four particular members of his team.
And the one he expected to realize what this was about quickly recognized the situation. She wasn't dumb. She was just rebellious.
"Oh no… I think I know." Vodka groaned, looking quite displeased before palming her face, failing to hide her embarrassment.
"Yes, yes you do." Naruto stared at her for a moment, expecting better, before exhaling and gesturing toward Oguri and Special Week. "But allow me to explain it better for our clueless country girl still adjusting to the big city and Ms. One Track Mind."
"Huh? Am I missing something?" Special Week frowned, unsure of what she was forgetting before frowning at Naruto. "And aren't you from a small country town?"
"That's besides the point. I am aware of my slip-up." Naruto deflected, also having forgotten that they were idols and singing and dancing were a part of the job description.
…Something that his wife wouldn't let him live down for a while.
"His wife explained it to him," Gold Ship whispered into Vodka's ears, causing them both to snicker.
Only to wince at the scornful glare Naruto threw in their direction.
Oguri continued to stare absentmindedly, with a peculiar expression, as if her brain cells had fried and she was unable to generate a thought.
"Hey! Focus!" Naruto snapped his fingers, failing to snap Oguri out of her trance. His eyebrow twitched several times before he pulled out his trump card, a bag of chips, which he opened. It was immediately snatched out of his grasp, and Oguri began to snack upon them intently, aware of her surroundings once more.
"Hey? Where's my incentive?" Gold Ship scowled, put off by Oguri getting a treat. "This is unfair! I demand equal compensation, or I'll start a strike!"
"I null and void your strike. Snacks are only given to those who put in effort and do their best." Naruto glowered; his response caused Gold Ship to shrink and to say no more. His expression softened, and with a loud sigh, he gave Gold Ship a half-hearted glare. "Meet me halfway and at least try, and we'll talk. Got it?"
"I guess…" Gold Ship sulked, tapping the floor several times with her foot in mild agitation.
"Good… Now, before this conversation gets derailed any further, the reason we're here." Naruto paused, taking stock of his team before speaking again. "Allow me to pose a simple question to you all. Anyone can answer, even those who know. What is it that an Uma does for a living?" Naruto asked, glancing amongst his team.
"We are racers, aren't we?" Special Week apprehensively answered before her eyes went wide, recalling a memory.
"That's only part of what we as Uma do." McQueen shook her head at Special Week.
"We are idols. We sing the song of victory after every race, regardless of our placement." Suzuka continued for McQueen before Teio pranced and strutted forward, spinning beside Naruto and giving a victory symbol.
"Huh? We sing… After every race?" Oguri blinked, astonished by this development.
"Precisely! Just as we are racers, we are entertainers! We sing and perform before our adoring crowd and show everyone how brilliantly our spirit burns!" Teio cheered, moving with a carefree grace Naruto hadn't seen since his arrival. Putting her hands on her hips, her gaze became laser-focused as she trotted over to a brand new karaoke set and took the mike. "And Trainer-san has pulled out all the stops and asked for McQueen and my help to assist each of you so you can perform the victory song after your Maiden Debuts! I'll be teaching each of you how to sing while McQueen will show you a thing or two on the floor!"
"Eh?! But that's only two months from now!" Special Week alarmingly shouted and recoiled.
"Indeed, it is." McQueen stepped forward alongside Teio, shifting her head to avoid a spitball, and glowered specifically at a sheepish Gold Ship. "It's why we're going to spend one day a week dedicated to dancing and singing lessons. These lessons are mandatory, and there will be no goofing off."
"Mah, you are no fun," Gold Ship muttered while Vodka simply nodded in agreement.
"And in return, I'll treat everyone to a free lesson on how to make perfect noodle dough for yourself. I happened to have learned a secret recipe from one of the greatest ramen makers of all time and might be willing to pass on that knowledge." Naruto grinned as the attention of two particular Uma snapped to him.
"Seriously?! Yosh! I'm in! I'll be here on time and ready to go!" Gold Ship bounced excitedly while Oguri furiously nodded at her side. Gold Ship's attention rapidly shifted to McQueen, and with a clench of her fist, she was rearing to go. "McQueen! Teio! Bring it on! I'll show just how much better I am than either of you, even on the dance floor!"
"That's what it takes to motivate you?" McQueen gave an exasperated sigh while Teio beamed brightly.
"Oh? Do I see a challenger? I accept! Show me what you got!" Teio eagerly trotted in place, the music beginning to play, tossing the mike to Gold Ship as she jumped at the chance.
Naruto refrained from laughing while he hid his faint smile at the scene. While it was humorous seeing Teio moving so freely, there was a sense of relief. There was no hesitation in her movements any longer. She looked so free compared to what she did only a day ago. And she was none the wiser of what he had done.
However, it seemed someone else had noticed. Naruto's gaze shifted over to where Tachyon sat, carefully observing them. No, this time it wasn't him. She was observing Teio, scribbling detailed notes into her notebook.
Still, she had willingly come to them after Gold Ship, Vodka, and Special Week had disastrously failed to capture her earlier. The fact they came back with Special Week in the bag again was humorous though…
He was gonna have to teach them how to properly bag someone if they were going to continue with this bit. They were his team and he was gonna make sure they were the best at what they did!
…Even if a little mischief was involved.
[ X ]
After Practice - Dusk
[ X ]
"I can't keep going…" Gold Ship lay in a heap on the dance floor, desperately reaching out for the exit, glancing over at an exhausted Vodka, panting and gingerly rubbing her calves. "Go on without me… Save yourself."
"What are you going on about? Practice is over." Vodka grunted, raising her brow at Gold Ship's theatrics.
"Oh, it is?" Gold Ship suddenly hopped to her feet, a wide grin on her face, and waved as she walked off. "See ya! I'm out of here, suckers!"
"How?!" Special Week gazed in utter shock and awe, unable to process the mystery that was Gold Ship.
"I still don't think she was putting in her all…" Naruto muttered, rubbing his temple at the enigma known as Gold Ship.
"It's an improvement," McQueen rolled her eyes, wiping the sweat from her brow. However, Naruto could see a thin, proud smile.
Which led him to wonder why she would feel that way… Ugh! He really wished he had read more of that book than the title! Naruto wanted to know more about these girls since he was staying here!
There was a lot of important information in there! If he were to help them reach greater heights, he needed it! Or at least Naruto could know more about this mad scientist who was obsessed with him!
"Finally decided to join us after watching us all day?" Naruto flatly stated as Tachyon approached, notebook in hand, while Teio tensed, nervously eyeing the strange Uma.
Naruto had suspected she would eventually, and left Tachyon to her own devices while he dug up information about her. If she wanted to know more, she would have to come to him, and he would be ready.
He had all day to prepare for this encounter.
"I find physical exertion too taxing on the body. I prefer to observe and incorporate what I learned the next time I race and perform." Tachyon responded aloofly yet retained a crooked grin.
Most would have found her unsettling. For Naruto, her peculiarities were a far cry from the worst he dealt with. He had to start playing nice with Orochimaru, and that man was unsettling. Still, it wasn't a compliment when that man was the first example Naruto could come up with to describe Agnes Tachyon.
"Afraid you'll tweak an old injury or sustain a new one if you push yourself too hard?" Naruto responded with a coy smirk.
"Oh? You did your research and made a thesis about me, I see." Tachyon eyes twinkled with amusement. With a sly smile, Tachyon nodded as she covered her mouth with her long-sleeved lab coat. "I would say fear is too strong a word, but your notion is, for the most part, correct. I recognize the limitations of what I can do. I find that I am oft injured after strenuous exercise and tend to avoid it if at all possible."
"If I may," Suzuka, much to everyone's surprise but Tachyon, spoke. Tachyon simply looked amused and nodded. "Are you here to join our team?"
"Maybe I am? Maybe I'm not? Whose to say?" Tachyon playfully taunted Suzuka and the others.
"Gah, stop that! It's really irritating! Just tell us why you've been watching us all practice! Better yet, why you have been stalking Trainer-san and Teio all day!" Vodka narrowed her eyes and snarled in frustration.
"Is it not obvious? I want answers." Tachyon smoothly replied, undeterred by Vodka's aggression. Smiling at Vodka's growl, Tachyon gestured toward Teio. "Have none of you noticed her sudden improvement? Just yesterday, she had a hitch in her step when she walked and jogged. Her mobility was hampered, and anyone with a keen eye could see Ms. Teio was not alright."
Naruto let out a weary sigh as he heard Teio's breath hitch. He had suspected others would notice. He had seen the way Rudolf had given him a disapproving glance before the scrimmage and then a look of wonder after Teio's performance.
Tachyon, being as observant and studious as she was, noticing such a detail was not surprising. She had been in the stands observing and taking notes of everyone on the track yesterday.
"You wish to know if I had something to do with Teio's sudden progress?" Naruto asked, knowing what Tachyon wanted to know. He knew it would draw more attention to him…
But Naruto was willing to shoulder that burden if it meant his team succeeded and the girls' dreams came to fruition.
"The answer to that is yes, I do have something to do with it." Naruto followed without hesitation.
One could hear a pin drop after his response.
The looks of surprise everyone had did not surprise him. Teio was utterly shocked, unsure how to respond as she looked Naruto over and unable to find the words she sought. None of that surprised him.
It was Tachyon's satisfied reaction and smug smirk that did.
"Oh? And just how was such a feat accomplished?" Tachyon inquired, her curiosity burning intently.
"Mah, I'm not gonna come out and spill my secrets to you, ya know? If you want the answers you seek, you're gonna have to join the team and discover them yourself." Naruto grinned, being equally coy and playful.
Naruto could see the shimmer in Tachyon's eyes intensify. Her lips twitched before a chilling laughter escaped her lips. "Is that so? Very well, I accept your terms, Trainer-san."
"Or should I call you my new guinea pig."