Arc II: Adaptation. Chapter 1 - Joining Imsulu.
November 15, 2023 at 3:47 AM
The news about the veracity of the strangers' words was like a bolt from the blue! Panferova was in shock prostration when Bridge, in high spirits, as always, galloped up to her. For about five minutes she had been looking at Indra’s indicators, drinking a sedative — cognac. Sanya couldn’t believe a single word she wrote. For people to come from another world — isn’t it nonsense?! I repeated it to myself in every possible way, but in reality everything was different. Alive. Aliens. With abilities. Or has she already been overcome by delirium tremens?
-Well, what are we going to do?
“No. Still not a squirrel…” — she abandoned this thought when Stan asked his question.
“They don’t know anything, San.” Okay with the speech — we helped them, but what about everything else? I saw it myself. Madara didn’t even move when you almost shot him. What can we say about the rest… No home, no data, no money. Nothing!
He listed the main problems of the aliens on his fingers. Leaving them to fend for themselves is the worst thing you can do. Especially when Horizons are prowling all over the country.
Sanya drained the glass of cognac in one gulp. The mind, dulled by alcohol, still refused to believe in all this.
-And what do you suggest?
She asked, reaching for the bottle, but her hand only grabbed air. Alexandra glared unkindly at Bridge for taking the bottle of alcohol.
- Stop it, San. Of course, I understand the Russian soul, but don’t overdo it.
The girl grinned. He himself is always away from his friends, but he asks her to stop.
-Let’s take them into the clan.
Panferova was about to object, but Stan motioned for her to be silent and not interrupt.
“We still don’t have enough people.” So, at least somehow, they will be able to repay us for our help. Let’s teach them how to live in our world. Namida and Carter will add them to the database and none of them will stand out from the locals. What do you say?
Sanya thought, looking at the black oak surface of the table. A lot of time has passed since Sam’s death, and the clan only got smaller when Sanya replaced him as leader. And when Kayero appeared, everything went downhill. Crossways and Montula are much larger than Imsula. It seems that the once deadly clan will fade into oblivion in the history of nomads…
-OK…
She broke the silence, leaning back in her chair. The clan doesn’t have much time left. Will return to their homeland — Horizons will not reach them. Everyone will be able to start life from scratch, just like these… aliens.
-High stay. While we are in this city, let them settle in. But when we leave, I won’t take them with me.
- Lada!
He stated by clapping his hands. We managed to persuade the fury, only a little remained.
“I’ll go and make them happy.” Surely they are already waiting for your verdict.
As soon as Bridge disappeared behind the door, Panferova sighed doomedly, looking at the bottom of the glass. There are only nine people in the clan, not counting friends and acquaintances. And everyone has their own worries. So there were also seven more foreign kindergarteners…
Even after Nigel’s results, doubts plagued her. Especially this one… Madara. Obviously he is hiding something, and so is Indra the Energizer…
-Problems cannot be avoided…
***
Chippin In — Kerry Eurodyne (Cyberpunk 2077) [For those interested].
Humming the lines of one of his favorite songs under his breath, Bridge walked towards the aliens. Sanya gave the go-ahead for their temporary stay. Now we need to tell them about it. But who will teach them everything? There is a huge burden on one person, both physically and mentally. You’ll have to break them into groups. But how exactly?
With such thoughts, he reached the rest room, where Apache was discussing with Ashura and Shisui in full swing. The rest listened to her attentively, or pretended that it was unlikely for them.
-What are you talking about?
He attracted attention by placing his hands on Namida’s shoulders. It so happened that because of the prosthesis, she could not sit like a normal person. The design itself replaced a chair, an armchair and a sofa. Max initially doubted this idea, but Apache was able to persuade him. And now — Namida blooms and smells, but does not grow…
- Yes, about everything.
She answered.
-What do you have?
Bridge pulled away from Apache, laughing slightly. The Uchihas and Ōtsutsuki turned their attention to him. This man’s gaiety left much to be desired…
—In general, Sanya gave the go-ahead for your temporary residence in the clan.
Notified them. Some shinobi did not hide the fact that they were happy about this news. However, some decided to ignore it, so to speak, remaining just as unperturbed.
- I doubt that for no reason.
The naive joy of the clanmates and one of the ancestors of the shinobi, along the lines of Senju and Uzumaki, Madara, was detachedly interrupted.
Stan nodded his head in agreement. That’s right, not for nothing. The aliens must also give, roughly speaking, something in return — an equal exchange.
-Yes. Not for nothing, but get into the position…
-And what do you need from us?
Indra interrupted him.
-Nothing supernatural.
Bridge replied, holding out his hands in a conciliatory gesture. I wouldn’t want to get electrocuted.
—Just help with clan affairs until you can all go free around the world.
-One good turn deserves another?
Shisui asked, to which Apache and Stan nodded.
—As for me, everything is fair. Right, Itachi?
— Reasonable exchange.
The Uchiha answered briefly.
-Well, sir…
Stan clapped his hands and attracted attention.
—As I understand, you are satisfied with everything. I just have one question…
-Who will sit with you…
Namida finished. The man spread his arms and nodded. The girl also became thoughtful, placing her elbow on the prosthetic structure and resting her head. But it’s true… Everyone has enough of their own things to do. Doing two things at the same time is quite difficult.
“I was thinking about this while I was walking here.”
He broke the short silence.
—Can we divide them into interest groups? What do you think?
—Like some for information and some for mechanics?
-Exactly.
Namida understood him correctly. This will make it much easier for everyone. They will explore the world and find a job that suits them. But there is one big BUT!
— Guys, what are you interested in — technology, mechanics, or are you someone who likes to cut people?
At the last sentence, Obito and Madara chuckled. Lovers? No. They are professionals at this. Tens of thousands of victims are trailing behind them all.
“We’ve been killing people all our lives.” We are shinobi, that’s our job. Although without chakra our capabilities are limited.
-Shut up, Obito. Locals don’t need to know about our world.
Uchiha no Borei barked at his pawn. Even after death, his brains did not increase.
-And after the demonstration of the raiton, you’re telling me this?
False Madara laughed.
—The Rinnegan gives you away!
Madara was already trying not to contain his bloodlust. Now he had an extremely good opportunity to kill him with his own hands. Thank Kami, there is no chakra here — it will not disappear in Kamui! Noticing the ghost of the past walking towards him, Obito was ready to punch his head.
Once the distance between them was dangerous, Izuna stopped Obito from getting up by placing his hand on his shoulder. He rose himself, becoming a barrier between them.
Madara looked questioningly at his younger brother. Izuna didn’t even change his face. He looked at the one in whom his father believed, with a detached gaze from under his brows. Father always said that Madara would lead the clan to better times. And he brought — there was only one living representative of the great Uchiha clan.
-Sit down and calm down. Both.
Having forced Madara to sit down next to him, Izuna sat back down. Clasping his hands, he closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Something needs to be resolved with these two. They are now without chakra, but when will it return to them? Then this world will end. It wasn’t so easy for his brother to be considered the strongest shinobi after Hashirama Senju.
Namida and Stan watched this performance in silence. Obviously, these two need to be kept as far away from each other as possible. Better yet, try them on. There is only one logical question — how?
-I. Hmm…
Bridge broke the tense silence.
—I was thinking while we were talking, at times, of course. Your personalities make it easier to divide into groups. Here you three…
He pointed at Obito, Shisui and Ashura.
-You three have the same natures.
-Don’t say that you want to take them underground…
I asked my question to Apache. This is how he recruited people. Nigel, Max and many before, worked and are working with him — and not only…
Stan chuckled at the comparison. Underground. And this is only because they like to sit in the evening and have a heart-to-heart talk with a glass of alcohol.
-What kind of underground are we talking about?
Obito asked confusedly. He, like the others, did not understand and did not understand anything. No, he understood what the underground was, it’s just… It’s just that the concepts may differ from those that he knows.
“That’s what she calls our garage.”
Bridge answered with a grin.
“We work there with wheelbarrows, well, cars.” We repair, paint, disassemble, improve. We are entrusted with the responsibility of moving the clan from one place to another, in short.
Obito nodded his head understandingly. From the sound of things, everything seems quite easy, but reality can be deceiving. Just remember a recent trip… My brain is already boiling from this data.
-Well? What do you say, friends in misfortune?
-Well, as for misfortune, I would argue…
I did not agree with the phrase of clanmate Shisui. It seems to him that everything turned out quite well. We found a temporary shelter, some work, and over time, much more!
- Well, I don’t mind.
-I like this idea too.
I agreed with Uchiha Ashura. He liked the trip, and it should be interesting to find out how it all happens from the inside!
“Once we’ve decided on three, we need to decide on the rest.”
Having said this, Apache turned her gaze to the remaining four. They, in turn, looked at her in response.
—I’ll say right away: We, the numbers, won’t take more than two people. We can’t be distracted.
-So why are you here and not with Carter?
Stan interrupted her. She says one thing and does another.
-Doesn’t matter. The drone will report to me if anything happens.
She answered his claim without turning her head. Always find something to complain about.
-One is with me, and the other will study with Carter.
—What is the essence of the work… numbers?
Indra asked with slight interest. What Nigel was doing intrigued him, so to speak. Previously, this only happened when he read his father’s scrolls and when he created ninjutsu.
— In short, you sit on your computer and surf the net. Indra, you must have seen a similar process in your analysis. I won’t tell you everything — only for those who decide.
- To be honest… This interested me.
The elder Ōtsutsuki interrupted the brief silence, in which Apache allowed the remaining aliens to think about what she had said.
—By the way, I also became curious.
—Have you decided to change your activities, Itachi?
Shisui asked his old friend with a smile. In that life — this word is applicable here — he was a wonderful shinobi. Both were geniuses of their clan. Now they will have to radically change their occupation.
“I think that for a new life this is a worthy replacement for our skills. As I understand it, the numbers are somewhat reminiscent of how sensors work — tracking targets. I’m right?
He turned to Stan and Namida, who became thoughtful. Itachi thinks correctly, but skills, shinobi, sensors… There is so much to learn about them, and there is only a month of time.
-Not only tracking, but, in general, you think correctly.
-OK…
Clapping his hands, Bridge decided to interrupt this conversation. Everything will still work out. Moreover, the aliens must already be tired, if not physically, then mentally.
- We’ve dealt with you. There are only you two left.
Everyone’s gaze was focused on the brothers of the Warring Clans era. They didn’t even raise an eyebrow — they weren’t the first to be the center of attention. In fact, both were the leaders of Uchiha Ichizoku. So, they were not deprived of attention, but this is a trifle.
—Namida, I suggest leaving them with Sanya. She herself will determine where they will go — reconnaissance or attack aircraft…
-By whom?
Interrupted Brij Ashur. These incomprehensible words… The last time he heard so much was when Indra spoke about techniques, seals and the like. Now there will be a lot more of them. And not just words…
Bridge tiredly rubbed his face. It will be an unforgettable time! “It’s like explaining to a child…” — he compared them to children, for whom everything new arouses unprecedented interest and curiosity. Namida completely shared Stan’s condition. If he collected drinking buddies for himself, then she, it seems, got adequate and silent personalities.
Putting his hands forward, Bridge silently asked not to ask questions. My head began to pound from this.
- Let’s go without… without questions. You will find out all this later, over time…
Madara no longer listened to what the local was saying, as Izuna pushed him in the side.
“It looks like you can’t escape this girl’s company, brother.” Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.
At the younger man’s statement, Borey snorted and turned away from him. Izuna grinned — you need to be able to tease Madara!
-…In general, something like that.
Bridge finished his explanation. The aliens, of course not all, listened to him attentively. In fact, they are returning to the times when they were still genin on their teams. Eh, those were glorious times… for the time being…
-Sorry for interrupting you, but the leader is calling you two.
Everyone turned towards the voice. A three-meter lizard-like man… a mutant stood in the doorway. The door was not big enough, so he had to bend over to get inside.
-Max, meet me, this is…
-Later.
The lizard-like one interrupted him, putting his hand forward.
“She said it was urgent, nothing personal.”
Having said this, Max left them. Although he looks creepy in appearance, he himself is a real “angel”.
-And… who was it?
The younger Ōtsutsuki asked cautiously. Okay, toads speaking from his world, but this is beyond his understanding.
—Max Ritrace is our “attending physician” and stormtrooper.
The girl answered with a smile on her face. The shinobi had no words. A doctor, a stormtrooper, and this three-meter-tall lizard. Although, for what it’s worth, Zetsu and Kisame were similar to him… they were.
- Nami, I’ll be late. We actually have some free places. I will identify them and come. You’ll warn Sanya, okay?
-No problem.
Apache “rose to her feet” and headed towards the exit of the break room.
-See you tomorrow, boys.
She said goodbye in a slightly flirtatious manner. You can only understand her if you know her long enough, like everyone else in the clan. This is her typical manner — part of her character.
Some, more specifically Shisui and Ashura, said goodbye in a similar manner. Others limited themselves to a nod or a smile; a couple of individuals remained indifferent. And you don’t even need to say who — it’s so clear.
As soon as Apache left, Stan exhaled, remembering all the rooms that were free. Fortunately, there were enough of them. “Now we need to distribute them so that the base is not destroyed.” With this thought, Bridge turned to the aliens, who were waiting for him to say his word.
- Well, please follow me. We will allocate rooms for you.
***
Almost the entire Imsula gathered in Panferova’s office. Since these aliens were a serious topic, it was decided to wait for the remaining Bridge. The rest will be sent a message if anything happens. In the meantime, we can talk about clan affairs.
-…and therefore only at the end of the week we will take the remaining spare parts from May.
-Well, don’t forget about the Crosses, Rit. After tomorrow we will take away their weapons.
Max nodded in agreement at Wallace’s addition. On Wednesday they will receive goods from the desert, or rather Mexico. Rooks and Crossways have been working together for a long time. They act as couriers, she acts as an employer. She orders and they deliver. Everything is fair. Moreover, the goods have been paid for. The Crosses will not abandon them as long as Richard is in power. And who is after — they don’t care. By then they will have left the continent.
Sanya nodded her head. It’s good that this delay won’t stop them from leaving. Everything fits right in on time.
-What do you have, Di? How’s Kayero?
She turned to a girl of about seventeen sitting opposite her. Dakota Diaz (1) was her name. Dakota looked up at her, looking up from the tablet.
-Nothing interesting. Everything is the same. And Kayero… She’ll be back next week.
Panferova nodded. There was nothing more to ask them about, and Bridge never returned. “Maybe they’ve already broken his neck while we’re sitting here…” With this thought, she already wanted to say to take up weapons and go in search of them, but this was no longer necessary. Stan quickly ran into the office as if he was running from a pack of wild Krays.
-Sorry for delay. I scattered these newcomers into rooms.
Bridge made excuses for his lateness, sitting down opposite Nigel next to Max. Looking around and not noticing Namida and Carter, he put his hands out to the sides in confusion.
—Where are our digital special agents?
Panferova raised her index finger up. Stan looked up — an Apache drone was flying above the ceiling (2). All his questions disappeared.
- Well… Now that everything is assembled, let’s move on to important matters. Stan, what’s with these, God forgive me, aliens?
At the last sentence, Sanya made a washing motion with her hands over her face. How much time passed, but she still could not bring herself to believe that this was reality.
Bridge leaned back in his chair. It’s already evening outside and I haven’t done anything, but I’m tired as a dog.
-Everything is fine with them. Ordinary people with abilities.
— They say unusual things about such people.
Diaz corrected him, without taking her eyes off the screen.
- So far, only two have them, so for now, they are ordinary people.
—Namida sent us a brief description of them: names, manner of speech. What do you have? How can you add to our little knowledge about shinobi?
Ritrace asked, turning to him half a turn. While he was walking back and forth, Apache sent them all their incomplete dossier. Names with photos, speech, what they said about their world. In short, everything that I could record with my implant.
-Yeah,… yeah… Basically… everything is the same…
At the same time, he spoke, looking at the message of an Apache Indian woman with Korean roots. Having disconnected, he continued the conversation.
—In principle, as it is written, so in reality. Madara and Obito are dogging each other, and Izuna plays the role of what’s his name… This… Fuck, I forgot…
-Peacemaker?
-Yes! Peacemaker! Thank you, Max. Indra and Itachi are silent, but this trio gets along like no other.
-What about peace?
Sanya intervened. Bridge shook his head.
-I thought so…
She said, slapping the table. Of course, they won’t say anything about their world. And does it matter? They themselves say — a new life, a second chance… It is obvious that the road back is closed to them. Now they are full-fledged inhabitants of this world, almost. We came here not as babies, but as adults. This complicates adaptation, but Apache and Carter will carry out some manipulations. So, here everything is in vain. All that remains is to teach them…
- What sins did they come to us for?
Panferova whispered quietly, but everyone heard her perfectly.
-To bring the clan back to life…
Nigel put forward his hypothesis.
-Probably… Or laugh at us before breaking up.
Some agreed with this assumption with a quiet laugh. They never dreamed of such a gift from fate.
-San, we divided them into groups, but only two remained — Izuna and… Madara. Where to place the brothers?
The mention of the middle name made her shudder. He evokes such a strange feeling in her. She doesn’t even know what it is. This is the first time in twenty-two years of life.
After thinking a little, weighing all the pros and cons, Sanya decided to interrupt the silent pause.
- To hell with them! Dee, take them under your wing.
Dakota looked up from her tablet. Diaz is involved in intelligence and espionage. The past, although it was quite problematic, gave me enough skills for this work.
As soon as the girl nodded, Panferova began to discuss the further journey to San Francisco, and then to Russia. However, the baggage in the form of otherworldly shinobi will still come back to haunt them during their stay in the clan… And before, and after, and now.