"No, not really, I'm just working for 'em for now," said the boy. "They did something for me, I'm doing the occasional work for them. This gives me the chance to learn some of your ninja stuff I don't already have. If there IS any, that is."
"You're not from Mid-Childa?" asked the Hokage, wanting that clarified.
"Well, kind of," said the boy. "Actually I'm from a world called 'Earth' and I understand you'd probably call me a 'taijutsu' expert. I got lots of chi, not so much of what you call 'spirit energy' so I ain't got a lot of chakra. I'm not a mage though. I understand I'll be working with this 'Naruto' guy - he's apparently a pretty powerful mage."
"Ah," said the Hokage. "Well, you apparently made an impression on a few people in Mid-Childa for them to trust you with a diplomatic mission."
"No," said the boy. "I don't think they trusted me AT ALL on a diplomatic mission. They're counting on me in another way. Like Signum said 'If there's any trouble to be found - Ranma Saotome will not only find it but kick it up a notch.'"
"Oh," said the Hokage. "Well, I've sent for the jonin, Kurenai Yuhi. She should be along shortly. There will be a brief test before you get to missions."
"No problem," said Ranma, "thing is - this is actually a lot more peaceful than I'm used to."
"I still think that I would have been a better choice," said Signum as she walked back to their shared barracks.
"Actually I think it was Saotome's tendency to find trouble that was the selling point," pointed out Shamal as she walked alongside her fellow member of the Wolkenritter.
"With what I've reviewed of Saotome's history, he's quite capable of manufacturing problems if none exist," said Signum. "I understand they're intrigued by the male-dominance of magic-use on Naruto's homeworld. Especially because it is so much the opposite of what it is elsewhere."
Shamal was quiet for a moment. "If Ranma Saotome can build up his spiritual energy to match his chi, he will become quite formidable himself."
"Oh, he's already formidable," said Signum. "Also arrogant, loudmouthed, abrasive, and capable of devouring an entire month's food allowance in a single setting."
"Perhaps," said Shamal.
"What do we know of this team he's going to be put on?" asked Signum.
"Team leader is Kurenai Yuhi, an illusion specialist. Graduated their version of a magic academy at age 9, became a journeyman at age 13, recently achieved master rank at age 26. She's 27 now. She's completed hundreds of missions and only been injured severely twice."
Signum frowned, not having a lot of respect for illusionists. Just as well that I myself was not picked. I prefer my fights to be straightforward and honorable.
"Naruto Uzumaki, whom we've met," said Shamal. "Combat veteran. Survivor of that world whose World War II went so badly when one of the groups opened a Type IV Rift."
Signum shuddered. "I heard about that. No wonder the boy seemed to be hardened beyond his years."
"Finally there's Hinata Hyuga," continued Shamal. "That was Naruto's girlfriend. At least Hayate seemed to think so."
"If that is the case, why was she talking about fixing Naruto up with Nanoha AND Fate?" Signum shook her head.
"Apparently she thought it was amusing," said Shamal, sounding a little amused herself. "She was also speculating about a relationship between YOU and him."
Signum came to such a complete and sudden halt that her boots almost left skid marks. "Wha? That kid?"
"Oh yes," said Shamal, pausing until her associate could get her feet moving again. "Though she's also speculated about a 'three-way' - I think she was mainly doing that to get a reaction out of me."
"I love Hayate, but sometimes she can be a little scary," confessed Signum.
"In any case, I have less information about Hinata than about the others, apparently she's very inexperienced. Also, unlike Vita, she looks her age."
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(Posted Sun, 06 Jun 2010 07:45)
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