Path [p]

[☆ F ☆]

Though I had been unsuccessful in finding the one that was responsible for the loss of my last few catches, I had indeed discovered one unintended morsel which I chose to seek out now. No longer had I cared for 'HK', the one responsible for the theft of my theft. I had bigger things on my mind; much, much bigger things.

Daimao....

...Kuppa?

My clan's original home, Hi no Kuni, held many secrets regarding our blood within its bosom, and after some searching, I had come across a rather interesting find. Clan manuscripts spoke of certain powers available only to the ones able to wield Sharingan proudly. Although some methods seemed unrealistic, a few had caught my eye due to their practicality. I had come to terms that my sieges required more power than a currently had; this then, was an attempt to better myself, and ultimately, my goals.

"Kuchiyose..."

A clan only Animal Familiar? Not so far-fetched after all. Now, as I stood no more than 50 meters away from the entrance to Flare, an "abandoned" village which the manuscript said would contain more information on these creatures, I finally made my decision. The afternoon sun, soon to set, would mark my choice, a bold one indeed given this place's infamy.

It was time for the Uchiha to conquest once more.

[☆ F ☆]

The residents of Heiwakoku never took their existence for granted, nor did they ever deny their good luck and graces to those in need. On the contrary, they were people of good spirit and will and wished only to help. However, for as long as they could remember, they were always birthed within this unique mountainous structure, a unique feature in Hi no Kuni few had ever conquered. While the area in which their forefathers had settled has safe, everything else around was not; hence, they were never truly visited, nor bothered.

Mt. Jinmiraisai was a rather treacherous climb, some five thousand or more feet of steep, jagged rocky constructs which offered little footing, if nay. Safety was far from what one would think when encountering such a natural creation. However, it was as the God's wanted, and how the first settles of Heiwakoku intended it to be. You see, the land among these mountains is not normal land...

Chakra, the driver of life. All organic existences within nature have it, and humans have learned to harness it in such advances ways that they create something from nothing. This is why this place was so special. Rumor had it a special type of chakra flowed through this place, giving it extra life, spreading across their crops and into their lives. Unbeknownst to its origins, they welcomed it happily, blessed the heavens, and continued their simple existence.

It was no one's guess that this was all the doing of a turtle.

[☆ F ☆]

We were drawing closer, and while my mind was clear, a brief flash-back of our initial encounter can by - how amusing!

---

Mt. Jinmiraisai certainly lived up to its name, erupting from the earth and looming deep into the sky, further than even my eye could see. At the base of it I was, investigating the claim of a potential relic await those of my blood who managed to outlive the "hike." Noon had well passed, though my trek through Hi no Kuni and my search for these hidden parts meant I had lost track of specific time. Still, it seemed like I had a few hours until sunset.

Well, the sooner I start this, the sooner I can get this over with...

The area I was in was rather clear, soil devoid of vegetation all around the mountain's base. Thirty meters all around me consisted of this bare dirt, before large boulders and jagged edges crowded the area, forcing incoming travels to tread lightly - as I had. I had seen no one around for quite some time, but one could never be too cautious. Instinctively I looked over my shoulder for a few seconds, panning my head left and right. I had no target in mind; I simply needed to regroup myself before this climb.

I am hoping this tip is correct...

...otherwise, there will be hell to pay.

My grimace would explain it all. Though I said nothing, my body language revealed my current mood. Still, if I were to rule anything, I'd certainly have to walk the line of death a few times. Let it be then. The chakra within would prepare for the climb to come.

[Fumito]

[/u]

The history of the large and famous Hi no Kuni was a interesting one. There were so many secrets and stories, some of which the elders wished would vanish. Fumito was looking for answers, he knew he couldn't find all of them, but this young Uchiha was determined to try, and that's what made this adventure even more exciting. Today he would find himself looking for answers on top of the mysterious mt. Jinmiraisai, a large and dangerous mountain in the heart of Hi no Kuni. Fumito hadn't even heard of the mountain until recently. Spying on the Uchiha Elders seemed to be paying off. It seemed that atop of this mountain lied secrets only those with his eyes could see. What this 'secret' could be almost drove the Uchiha mad with anxiousness.

Fumito gripped the side of the mountain, looking towards the sky he looked for any sign of trouble. He had scaled the mountain and it seemed safe enough to climb. There were lots of branches peeking from the mountain, birds sang as he began to make he way up the side of the mountain.

Higher, higher, and higher he pushed as he continued up the mountain. The trees below him grew smaller and smaller, now so small they hardly looked like trees anymore. It was then he caught a glimpse of the man. In the distance roughly 60 meters ahead of him he could see him. A man climbing to what seemed to be the same location of himself. Fumito didn't know what to think of the man at first, but he soon realized he was searching for something just as himself. For what he wasn't sure, but with his eyes shifting from black red instantly he intended to find out.

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[☆ F ☆]

I had not noticed him at first, the lesser child whose blood was akin to mine. I had not known this yet of course, my self still drunk on the idea of my lone conquest. The weather in these parts had not provided the ideal visibility, but as he drew closer, a unique power would emanate from him. I felt my skin prickle as if a cold breeze had just entered the area I was in, my body naked and warm taken all of a sudden by the temperature change. And then, a blink later, I was back to reality.

Who is that...

...and what is that?!

Only when he grew closer would I know to understand the nature of my curiosity. Only because I possessed the power would I respond to it, but where others fell under its power, I rose above it; I was referring, of course, to my Sharingan. And, judging from his eyes, his as well. Discerning the specific level of his eyes was still hard, but I was confidence in the experience twin crimson had lived through. These eyes...they had seen much throughout my young life.

“Who goes there...”

I was stoic in my response, saying only what was necessary without adding any personal touch to it. I remained still, though the chakra within was always active. Our distance would be cut down to no more than 20 meters. Until he spoke, I needed to say nothing more. For now, I'd give this stranger my time; but, for how long...?

And what then, when I grew bored...? What then?

[/font]

[Fumito]

[/i]

Looking proudly towards the man he responded. "My name is Uchiha Fumito and I'm a shinobi fro--", but before he could finish he sentence he stopped himself. There was no need to tell him of his allegiance, he held no allegiance to no one but himself, for now anyway. Slowly running his fingers through his hair he waited for a answer from the stranger that stood before him.

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[☆ F ☆]

My eyes narrowed onto the unknown Uchiha's figure before me, the brief stupor induced by the commonality shared by our blood no longer taking a restricting effect upon me. Yes, it was interesting to find another of my clan, one that has been persecuted and reduced to almost nothing throughout history. However, my path was not one of kinship. I was a wolf striding towards his prey, growing stronger and stronger with each step. So why then, could I just not turn away...?

Why do something yourself...

...when you can get another to do it for you?

Legacy? Hardly. Tutelage? Only as much as was needed to get him in my favor. No...if I were to build this empire, I'd need a few hands to clear the debris so that I may march to glory. And what better than those of my blood? I was weary of the idea still, but given my endeavors, the opportunity was too good to pass up. It was as if wicked fate had set this all up. My eyes, they burned now.

"Fumiko? Hpmh. Welcome..."

"...welcome to my conglomerate. You, my brother, shall henceforth be named the First Disciple."

Sharingan would aid me in imparting my will, my trio of tomoe superior to his immature state. Shisu (Hypnosis) layered the proclamation, and as I remained still and eager, sealed the will and intention behind my words. It would be clear to him that a great unknown awaited should he walk my side. Now, to wait.

[/font]

[Fumito]

[/i]

There he stood, listening. The air was heavy. He knew he was no longer alone, his search for a teacher had stopped it seemed. The man voice was calm but powerful his words were to resonate to fumito like no others. It would was as if there were no choice in any of his decisions at that moment, was this what power felt like? 

"...welcome to my conglomerate. You, my brother, shall henceforth be named the First Disciple."

Looking into the mans eyes as he spoke, it happened. The man revealed his own sharingan, it was far more mature than his own. It was clear he could learn a lot from this stranger. "First disciple", he thought as a inevitable smile ran across his face. Still looking towards the man his knees couldn't help but begin to buckle. Landing on his knees, he knew this would be the best way to show his respect and willingness to his offer. 

"From this day my life and soul become yours brother. I will live to serve you will". His head now bowed to ground, his forehead nearly touching the dirt. It would seem he had sold his soul, but to whom would be the ultimate question... 

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[☆ F ☆]

His pledge, though enthralling, was unbecoming - royalty never bows.

"Rise, brother, for you are an Uchiha..."

"...WE are the ones to be bowed to."

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[/blockquote]

---

I mused at the ending of the small flashback, reality setting in once more as we treked through the village quietly. But what's this - nighttime? Had I missed it all in the blink of an eye, when my mind soared through past times? Impossible; this had to be part of this place's trickery...

The few inhabitants remaining treated us as if we were thin air, unacknowledged and as silent as broody self. Though I preferred things this way, there as a tinge of uncertainty that oozed from their existence, one that made me wonder. The world was normal, so it was I that had become the anomaly; why then, did everything around us feel so common...?

No, this was not right. We stopped walking somewhere in the middle of the village, a path which bore no edifices, only dirt. Being a mountainous village, the edge was always in play, though at least 20 meters away After a hard squint, I could see an cave-like orifice up ahead, the same distance as the cliff's edge, it's mouth an unwelcoming site in the darkness of the night. Though I didn't turn completely to look at Fumito, my head swiveled enough for him to understand my intent.

My tone, stoic as always, set the mood for what was to come.

"Prepare yourself..."

[/right]
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[☆ F ☆]

Silence.

I stood out there for what seemed like an eternity, my body still and my voice nonresistant. I was captivated, you see, held outside this great and odd structure seemingly through sheer power alone. But whose power....? My stint would continue yet it seemed time did not – and neither did anyone else. If there were but a few souls roaming when we first arrived, then now, it seems like there was no one.

“...”

And then at once I'd be released. In my frozen state I had focused my vision in the heart of the cave's darkness, staring down the essence of the entrance and appearing to find...something. Now free, my feet would slowly but surely bring me closer to the essence of the unknown. My eyes; Sharingan; they were the ones suddenly coming alive. Fire danced across my pupils, a sensation elicited at the sudden prompting of a newfound power. It was odd, and although initially unwelcome, would soon serve as the testament to my correctness.

“Daimao...”

“...Kuppa.”

It felt like an earthquake had suddenly birthed itself within the core of the village, appearing in full form near-instantly. It happened in the blink of an eye, and by the time my twin crimson attempted to discern the source of such sudden chaos, it was simply too late. The mountain; all of a sudden, it ROARED.

[☆ F ☆]

The shaking did not show signs of letting up, instead growing more and more, having no mercy on the lost souls that had been caught up in such turmoil. Everything around me shook, shook some more, and shook again; yet my resolve never did. My shell, vibrating to the core, would still remain erect as I faced this colossal danger. Finally I understood what it meant to walk the line. Here I was...at the lion's den; it felt invigorating.

Take me...

Though I could not understand the nature of the voice and its message, I could feel its intent. It compelled me to come forth – no, it commanded me – and though I was one that did not accept the control of others, the powers within begged me to not let go. And so it began. The steps I took were not measurable due to the haze of my stupor, but after a few moments, I was sure of my proximity to the system. My arm stretched forth, and with an open palm, I “touched” the darkness that owned this mystery. For a moment, nothing.

“...!?”

The rumbling had never stopped, but in the moment of my attraction, I had lost sight of it all. The unknown essence which called me had nearly taken all of my conscious; all that was left was my shell, whose existence outside of Daimao Kuppa's residence would soon begone as well. What little was discernible of me would be gone in the blink of an eye, my essence swirling away and sucked into the darkness of the cave.

Forever? Only time could tell.

[☆ F ☆]

The cave was dark and quiet, much like I expected, though at the same time, mysterious and powerful in its own right. A strange power resided within it, though despite the inklings my Sharingan exposed, nothing I attempted to extract came to me. I saw and sought, yet what I found was less than attractive. And even when I tried to curse at the existence of the one that had brought me here, I could here nothing. Amazing; for once, I was not in control...

I've never been able to...

...just let go...

But the darkness would not last for long. At least, not with my soul and nothing more in it. The feeling of weightlessness was lost as I suddenly descended, and without warning, found a hard surface at my feet. I had not slammed nor injured myself, to the point it seemed as if I was destined to “arrive” rather than land; if that was the case, then who exactly was behind the control...? I needed to know; my raging soul needed to know.

I will overcome...I will overcome...

I will...

Thus, if I could not speak, then I'd let my chakra do the talking. In a near instant I'd focus all my energy at once, knowing that while this darkness prevented me from hearing or seeing anything, my landing earlier proved I was STILL corporeal. What then, prevented me from unleashing fury? Nothing; nothing at all. It wasn't much of a decision, but once it was made, all remaining chakra was sent to one place and one place only.

"...OVERCOME!!!"

My claws.

[☆ F ☆]

Though I could not see the familiar deep blue that adorned my weapons when enraged and under the influence of my powerful chakra, I would assume the deepness of its essence merely by my current emotional state. I was livid, taken almost completely by the idea that I was under the direct control of another. To I, a being that strives solely for the purpose of attaining higher power through knowledge, the idea of such a powerful other made me sick. As such, if I couldn't comprehend it, I'd destroy it. And if that didn't work, then I'd rather die.

No one can hold me...

No one.

I was sure of the scream I attempted to let out, but that sound – was that sudden scream me!? Impossible! It sounded like a beast, and just when I doubted my ears, the familiar rumbling from before had returned. Just like when I stood from outside the cave, the earthquakes made their way over once more, rumbling widly and letting me known once more I was no where near a shred of control over all this. My emotions were gushing now, a duality of fear and awe, of excitement and of panic; I was ready to die, but I was ready to live!

“COME OUT DAMNIT!!!”

And so it would be. But was I careful? No; my wish was one of desperation, one made when my human logic and reason no longer allowed me to feel comfortable with what I had just gone through. When my psyche, once strong as steel due to the infamy I had gathered, breaks down. When I could no longer feel like everything around me was mine. And just as I had requested, the owner of the voice would come forth. Darkness lit up, if just for once, and my new field would be revealed.

“...!?”

I was standing on a sliver of earth, ten meters in diameter allowing me to walk straight before a plunging into a seemingly eternal chasm of darkness awaited. Soon, another flash of light shot through.

And then I saw it.

[☆ F ☆]

GYYYYYYYYYYYAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

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A mighty yell was shot my way from the deep chasms of the cave, where I could see nothing yet feel everything. The force of the yell swept through the whole area, making the once seemingly eternal cave seem like a miniature version of its formal self. I could feel an unnatural wind push at my soul as the anger of the unknown beast was let forth with great potential, the long locks that draped over my armor now dancing a wild dance with a most anxious partner.

"..."

But I? I would not budge. I was still, arms crossed before me as I continued to stare the beast back down. I did not care whether I could or could not see it; all that mattered is that it could see me. Which would make it aware of the great danger it was suddenly in. Yes...everything and everyone around me was in danger. The power that flowed through me now, raiton chakra at its finest, would prove this within the next few moments.

Enough.

...I came here to tame the beast, and so I shall.

Now, time for action. Both arms cocked to their opposing side, the darkness around me momentarily illuminated by a sudden surge of deep blue. It extended only for a few feet around me before the darkness swallowed it all whole, but were this particular beast perceptive, it'd catch a glimpse of that tool that would end him. Now, onto the real question - would it dodge?

"COME OUT, DAIMO!!!"

My currently swinging arms, letting forth ten cutters of electric fury, would soon give me an answer.




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[☆ F ☆]

For a brief moment I would see the true beast I challenge, and for a brief moment, I felt a sudden lull in my soul. But as my lightning crashed and disappeared, the darkness would rule once more, and along with it, a deafening scream that signaled whatever it was that existed did not like my most recent greeting. I smiled, but not just for the pain I incurred; no, I smiled because the darkness had hidden the surreal beast that lie before, the one that had made me feel like an ant. The darkness...it saved me.

Impossible...

'Struggling' was an appropriate word to describe the current state of my psyche as in as it processed the monstrosities it had just witnessed, but I knew my eyes had not fooled me; they never did. Why then, had it not come into destroy me already? With but a swing of its arm, this merchant of death before me could erase my existence. Why, then...?

Impossible...

But I had no time to react, the pressure of the impact carrying me back several feet. Though I had not been drug all the way to the edge of this cliff-island, I knew I was close; what had hit me so? Chakra immediately rushed to my gauntlets as I charged them, and although the image was faint, I made out a rather small, figure about ten meters away. Though not humanoid, it could move, and was instead hulking and round.

IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Though my armor was intact, the pain surging through my body would let me know of my assailant's rough exterior. I grimaced its way when I heard unnatural sounds coming from it, but unlike the great beast within the darkness, this one had more of a...childlike voice. Was such a thing possible? I did not want to wait to find out. I would let the power at my appendages charge, and in a moment, this little shit would feel my pain.