21 Everyone's Problem
(A/N: Curious to read ahead? Get early access to chapters by visiting my Patreon. You'll find 5 chapters ahead of what's posted on Patreōn: door_kun )
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"If I'm not wrong, they said the snake had tried to kill the Hokage."
Kakashi was wearing a black robe, seemingly decorated with red clouds. It had been seven years since he left Konoha and infiltrated the Akatsuki.
And now he was having a meal with his partner, a Hidden Mist rogue ninja named Kisame.
"Maa, orders are still orders. We still need to check the Nine-Tails as the leader told us," Kakashi said.
Kisame was tall and built, boasting a shark-like appearance with pale blue-grey skin, small white eyes, three sets of facial markings, shoulder gills, and triangular teeth – a common trait among the Seven Swordsmen. His signature touch was the shark fin-shaped hairstyle.
He carried an enormous sword that appeared tightly wrapped and excessively bound with bandages.
"You've got a point... But could you quit fiddling with that thing? It's not showing anything. What are you even tapping on that blank surface?" Kisame questioned Kakashi, raising his eyebrow at the scarecrow who was playing with a shiny rectangular object.
"Ah, it's just my way of training... Or would you prefer I pull out this book instead?" With a deadpan look, Kakashi displayed a book with an orange cover—none other than the one written by the renowned sennin, Jiraiya the Toad Sage.
The Icha Icha Paradise book possessed a vibrant cover adorned with vivid and sensual imagery. Its pages were filled with bold and passionate illustrations that vividly depicted romantic encounters and alluring scenes. The book's design and layout reflected its content, with a sense of sensuality and intrigue evident in its visual presentation.
"Ugh, do what you want," Kisame rolled his eyes, while Kakashi responded with a calm smile.
"Well then, I'll do both!"
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[Name: Amethyst Hoshino]
[Age: 13 years old]
[Lv: 10]
[EP: 1154/1154]
[Strength: 184.2]
[Wisdom: 2230]
[Dexterity: 30]
[Defense: 184.2 ]
[Luck: 40 (+0.1)]
[Points: 0]
(A/N: Remember that she has only killed Hikaru. That's why her levels are low. Of course, the jump from level 1 – 10 is considered high itself.)
My Strength and Defense have significantly improved, thanks to my consistent bone conditioning regimen. While my Dexterity could use some enhancement, my grasp of chakra partially offsets this weakness.
Interestingly enough, I allocated all my points into luck, thinking it would be beneficial.
Considering I'll eventually need to defeat an animal or a similar challenge, skill points become redundant unless invested in areas that are hard to enhance.
With that said, there's only one remaining task to accomplish...
*Ding*
Taking on Itachi's role, Kakashi became a part of the Akatsuki. He diligently reported his discoveries to the Third Hokage. Over the past five years, he undertook numerous missions after his entry. He frequently inquired about various matters, such as...
[Copy Ninja: I still have doubts about that Madara... Strangely, his way of speaking rings a bell...]
Kakashi displayed keen interest when I brought up a man adorned with an orange spiral mask.
[Copy Ninja: Approaching him was quite a challenge, you see? I devised an elaborate approach to communicate my grievances against Konoha.]
[Copy Ninja: Orochimaru attempted an attack on me a few months after I became a member of the Akatsuki, and now I've been assigned to obtain the Nine-Tails from Konoha.]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): What about Team Seven? Who is in charge of them? Are the Genin members the same? Who is their teacher?]
[Copy Ninja: Well, that would be Shisui.]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): That's good. The whole thing is still predictable.]
In the Naruto universe, the main characters (excluding Kakashi) should have reached the juncture where they came across Zabuza in the Land of Waves.
Now would be the moment when Itachi is introduced, or more precisely, this marks the return of Kakashi.
Kakashi isn't the sole exception; Riko's demise is imminent.
[Star Plasma Vessel: Just to let you know, I haven't come across that "eccentric individual with white hair and sunglasses who tends to haul you around like a sack" anywhere. @Ex-Veteran]
After several years, we're able to engage Riko in conversation without excluding her from the overarching "rescuing our storyline" master plan.
I elaborated to her that I exchanged information and abilities with Kakashi, reciprocating skills and techniques. This dynamic has persisted for a minimum of five years. By the time she reached the age of ten, she grasped much of our conversations and had an enlightening realization.
Furthermore, I informed her that a group of "baddies" would endeavor to eliminate her before fulfilling her duty as the Star Plasma Vessel. Naturally, she couldn't disregard that once she comprehended the implications behind my words.
It's starting... The canon events of everyone else are beginning to become evident.
(A/N: Insert Miguel's theme here)
A few among us have altered the destinies of others, yet one among us remains in the uncertain realm of fate, awaiting its inevitable course.
Kakashi prevented Shisui's death and halted Itachi's defection, though Riko remains uncertain about what lies ahead for her.
[Copy Ninja: Well, surprisingly, the admin's words are accurate. Pay him with skills, and you'll have our consultation. @StarPlasmaVessel]
[StarPlasmaVessel: But I don't possess that many... The only skill I had, I gave to Ame-san when I was 5. You're definitely exploiting me! @ExVeteran]
[ExVeteran (Admin): I've also provided you with information that you'll be eliminated prior to merging with Tengen. Doesn't that suffice?]
[StarPlasmaVessel: 💩]
[Copy Ninja: Let's calm down, How about this...]
[Attachment: Scroll - Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique (Item)]
[Copy Ninja: One piece of info for StarPlasmaVessel, please! @Ex-Veteran]
[StarPlasmaVessel: ✨Kakashi-san! 🥹]
Well, well... It's not as straightforward as that... I don't even require those techniques; universal affinity makes water manipulation easy...
Nonetheless, rescuing her is on my agenda as well...
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): It's not that simple... I genuinely want to assist, but there's something I need to verify.]
I need to proceed cautiously. Assisting her might trigger unexpected consequences. What if her decision about merging remains unchanged?
That's clearly not a favorable situation. So... it seems there's no other way,
*Ring*
I chose to initiate a voice call. After a brief pause, a young girl's voice answered.
"Whoa, this is the first time you're calling! What's up? Do you need some—"
Her line was interrupted by my voice. "First, I want to ask you. Do you truly understand what it means to be a Star Plasma Vessel?"
She stopped talking for a while, and...
"HOLY CRAP? YOUR VOICE IS CUTE. HOW OLD ARE YOU!?"
E-eeh... "Um... Technically, I'm 13 right now but—"
"13 years old!???" Her voice was loud.
Uh... I can't do this anymore...
"ARE YOU TELLING ME WE'RE THE SAME AGE THIS WHOLE TIME!?"
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-Please Stand by-
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"Enough of this. Now, respond to my previous questions!"
"Alright, alright! Geez... You're still harping on that? Didn't I already explain? I won't die. I am Tengen-sama, and Tengen-sama is—"
At last, I interject. "Then why did she display such empathy toward you?"
"...huh?"
I reiterate, "Why did Tengen-sama grant you so much time? They could have kept you confined, raised you themselves, denying you the chance to attend school, make friends, or have any fun. Considering you're a valuable vessel, they wouldn't risk the possibility of your demise before merging."
"W-well, obviously they informed me that I needed to experience the world before—"
Cutting her off once more, I ask, "And did you ever desire to live as your own person instead of merging?"
The truth was disheartening. It was unfortunate that their perspective held validity. Forcing someone into a vessel role wasn't ethically sound. As a result, she was granted time to ponder her decision. If she chose not to proceed, she had that option.
However, the dilemma was that she likely wouldn't cease the process due to her conviction that "Tengen-sama" is inherently a "good person," as she put it.
"You may later 'become' Tengen-sama... But, Tengen-sama will not become You. That's simply it, Riko. None of your memories will stay with you." I stated.
"...even if you say it like that... I don't want to be selfish." Riko came across as a spirited and determined young woman, wholeheartedly embracing her identity as the Star Plasma Vessel.
Occasionally, she maintained a forceful front, yet deep down, she was essentially an ordinary teenager abruptly plunged into the world of jujutsu.
Despite taking pride in her role as a vessel, she was a social girl who cared about her personal relationships a lot.
I can't accept that.
"Riko... Why did you think we were in this group in the first place?" I asked with a cold tone.
"Huh?"
She says she doesn't want to be selfish?
That's hilarious...
I refer to myself as selfish, but this aligns precisely with my intended definition of selfishness. While others tend to criticize "Greed," they often overlook that "Pride" also ranks among the seven deadly sins.
Does this imply that labeling oneself as "Selfish" carries a negative connotation? Not necessarily.
Human selfishness originates from various deadly sins. Selfish acts can manifest as a display of pride, pursuit of greed, indulgence in gluttony, succumbing to lust, burning with wrath, or giving in to envy.
It's okay to prioritize your own feelings by not wanting others to pass away before you. You have the right to decline someone who has confessed their love to you, and you're justified in seeking your own happiness.
What matters next is whether someone else's well-being is sacrificed in the process.
"Fortunately, I am much more selfish than you are... So let me help you out, Riko."
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I know the perfect way to help her.
[Copy Ninja: Hey, Why aren't you guys saying anything?]
[Star Plasma Vessel: Ame-san called me through the voice call. No need to worry, Kakashi-san.]
[Copy Ninja: Ah, I see...]
*Ding*
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): Download this, Riko]
[Attachment: Universal Affinity (Skill Core)]
[Attachment: Shadow Replication (Skill Core)]
[Ex-Veteran: Theoretically, the Shadow Replication technique can serve as your stand-in. However, it's crucial to clarify this with your counterparts. Above all, avoiding entanglement in the world of jujutsu is paramount. Stay vigilant.]
This mostly resolves our issues.
Now that I'm 13, I have greater freedom, making it an opportune time to activate the multiversal mission.
To do so, I'll have to recruit a new member.
Yet, in anime, villains are integral to the narrative.
Selecting which information to purchase poses a challenge. But my approach is straightforward—I won't dwell on it.
[Would you like to purchase "Tensei Shittara Slime Datta Ken"?]
Initially, there wasn't a rule against causing harm to a member. Although this is speculative, if we manage to include Kakashi and Riko as members, the others could potentially have held supporting roles in their anime/manga as well.
Of course, this is merely speculation based on pattern recognition. Nonetheless, I possess information that could keep me in an advantageous position.
Yes...
[Would you like to invite someone from "Tensei Shittara Slime Datta Ken"?]
... Yes.
Pleaseberimuru, Pleaseberimuru, Pleaseberimuru, Pleaseberimuru, Pleaseberimuru, Pleaseberimuru
*Ding*
Here it comes!!!!
[Good Slime has joined the server]
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To be continued.
