crossing paths. [private]

[luneth]

[private]

---

It was very early in the day, Haru was sitting on the roof of a building in the Hyūga district; his eyes exploring through the endless amount of clouds drifting by, Haru loved days like these. He could just relax, but in the back of his mind he knew he had to do things; training, missions, etc. For now he would just chill, he’d been working extra hard as of late, and - though he wasn’t right now - the young Hyūga knew he’d get right back on it later.

Moving his watch from the sky, Haru would now focus on his fellow clan members walking about. The smaller ones always reminded him of the days before he was in the academy, he’d eye them as they ran around. Did he miss those days? It was hard for him to decide, as then he didn’t have any responsibility. Making up his mind, the boy decided he didn’t; his life was just too interesting now. He was experiencing new things, people, places, etc. every day.

"Huh?"

A raucous noise in the very near vicinity startled the young Genin. He jumped up, instinctively stepping into his Jūken stance, while simultaneously activating his Byakugan. As he stood, Haru could be seen wearing his traditional Hyūga robes, armed with katana, and Konohagakure hitae-ate strapped to his left upper arm. After a few more moments of surveying the area, he'd decide to calm back down. False alarm..?

[shinobu]

Shinobu stumbled through the Hyuuga complex, completely oblivious to the stares that were cast in the teen's direction. Or, perhaps not oblivious, but rather, the Konoha-nin chose to ignore them. Hardly able to walk straight, Shinobu's form wobbled from side to side, and then would crash to the floor as knees buckled. The noise was loud enough to alert many nearby, but none offered to help the young shinobi...

Injuries were obvious, Shinobu's sleeves rolled up, bandaged from elbow to fingertips. Pants, too, followed a similar pattern, with the bandages going up to the Hyuuga's knees, and beyond. Shinobu's face, as well, was not masked, for once, but was adorned completely with material, so that only one eye was even visible. It would appear to be work of the Konoha hospital... but there were some that knew better...

With the recent fight against the snow girl, Shinobu had been sapped of strength. Of course, being from the branch family, the teen was treated with less than respect. Not only that, but Shinobu's history did not offer any sympathy from those of the branch family... Shinobu was pushed, and pushed, until the limits were pushed, and then pushed some more. Without being proper time to heal, Shinobu was already off on some errand delivering scrolls for the elders.

So it was that Shinobu would pass through the corridor (Just below Haru, in fact), and legs would again weaken. Shinobu tripped, and dropped like a log, once more creating a very loud noise. Grunting in pain, the teen would attempt to stand, unwilling to give in to the pain that overwhelmed the mortal body. Rest was a luxury that, apparently, Shinobu did not deserve.

[luneth]

Haru would stand still for a few more moments, happy with how immediate his reaction had been. Finally, after letting out a slight chuckle, the Sōke Hyūga would lower his head and begin to sit down. He hadn’t de-activated his Byakugan yet, therefore he was able to view through the roof as someone passed directly under him. The boy looked to be in poor condition, with his swaying, unsteady walk, and the bandages wrapped all over.

“What happened to him..?”

His gaze wouldn’t leave the boy as his legs buckled from under him. So that’s where that sound had came from.. What made things worse was the fact that there were Hyūga walking by, but not even giving the time to glance his way. His ordinary, impassive expression was distorted into one of shock. This didn’t sit well with Haru at all, he had to go help. As he got up and made his way down from the rooftop, he’d take time to contemplate on who this person was.

There weren’t many that were simply allowed in the Hyūga Compounds just to roam; so he guessed that this boy was either a Shinobi fulfilling some sort of task, or a Hyūga. Probably the latter, as he didn’t believe someone could be forced to work in that condition - but you could never be too sure. And if he was a Hyūga, what was he doing out. Haru knew if he himself had been wrapped up from head to toe, he’d be in bed.

It was an odd situation, either way. He’d quit the pondering as he arrived near the scene. It'd take him a few moments to find him, as he'd deactivated his Byakugan due to the fact that it didn't look very friendly. The boy had fought his way back up by now, nonetheless Haru still ran to his side. He’d begin speaking in a quiet tone, but would pick up as he carried on.

“Hey.. erm, can I help you? I watched what happened, are you okay...? Well of course not.. but I mean, you shouldn’t be out like this!”

[shinobu]

(OOC: Shinobu doesn't look quite like a boy, or a girl, btw. ;P They are... genderless, atm.)

The sound of another falling nearby had gone right past Shinobu as the teen had struggled to get up. Even after standing, Shinobu would lightly dust off the bandages that surrounded their body. No sense in giving life an extra chance to have a laugh at Shinobu of the Hyuuga. Even getting a horrible infection or a disease likely wouldn't keep the elders from sending the Kono-nin out on patrols. Not even close to likely...

“Hey.. erm, can I help you? I watched what happened, are you okay...? Well of course not.. but I mean, you shouldn’t be out like this!” Shinobu looked up, visible eye turning upon the boy who had spoken. From what expression could be determined, it could possibly be interpreted as curiosity. What person could possibly be wandering around the Hyuuga complex... and asking if they could help Shinobu?

Scanning the boy, Shinobu noted that his forehead was visible, and that it lacked the scar of a branch member. So clearly, this person was 'above' Shinobu. Surely, they must have made a mistake. The boy was young... young enough that he might not know of the trivialities that the elders seemed to have. A sigh would issue from Shinobu's mouth as they slipped into the role of a branch house member, over the rebellious teen that resided within the bruised and broken body.

"I am doing fine, head family-sama. I must carry out my duties no matter what," the Konoha-nin spoke, clearly not speaking from the heart, but with a rather balanced tone, one that did not display Shinobu's true gender... almost as if they didn't care. This was, of course, because Shinobu knew better than to show disrespect, but could not muster the stomach to spit such words cheerfully. The mysterious teen offered a small bow, if only a slight shift in their torso.

[luneth]

[OOC - oh, my fault D:]

---

Now that he was a bit closer, the young Genin seriously began to wonder what had happened. What would someone have to have done to become as enveloped in bandage as this Shinobi was? It wasn’t every day that the 11-year old met people like this, so he took the time to study this mystery carefully. It was peculiar, but also made him laugh inside. The face was almost entirely covered, that couldn’t be comfortable. It was probably some sort of fight.. maybe his face had been burned or something.. hmm.

Haru continued observing the Shinobi, now wondering what was hidden behind all of those wrappings. He wouldn’t dare try pulling them off, but deep down he wanted to. His imagination flowed with the possibilities of what it could be, crazy ideas began popping in his head. Stop! He wrestled with it, and was finally able to relinquish that train of thought. He’d have to save it for later, for they were only a few feet away from each other. Now wasn’t the time for him to be messing around; therefore, he’d pay close attention as the ninja spoke.

'I am doing fine, head family-sama. I must carry out my duties no matter what.'

What really knocked him off guard was the sound of the voice - it wasn’t a male’s, but neither was it a female’s. What is going on here? He’d keep eyeing the Shinobi, while also pondering on the subject of what it was. There had also been mentioning of Haru being a part of the Hyūga clan's main house. Anyone with the right knowledge could tell, by the seal, whether or not someone was main or branch; still, Haru began to think this hidden person may be a Hyūga. And if the ninja was branch, then the fact that it was working under these conditions might have made sense.

He knew what the seal was about, and how the branch were, at times, treated a bit unfairly. However, he wasn't the type of person to even want to be able to control the fate of so many. It wasn't fair to them, to be born under the control of someone. On the other hand, he wouldn't protest against it; because, in certain situations, it was very useful.. Not much time passed before Haru remembered he hadn’t properly introduced himself. Throwing those thoughts away, the young Shinobi would begin his introduction.

“I am Hyūga Haru, by the way. Sōke member, and Genin. What’s your name?”

[shinobu]

(OOC: No biggy. ^^ Just wanted to mention it~)

The strange look that overcame Haru's face was not unfamiliar to Shinobu. It was a look of curiosity, signifying one's lack of knowledge for the unknown. Shinobu received such looks commonly, and... the teen could not blame people. Wrapped like a christmas present, Shinobu was covered head to toe about ninety-nine percent of the time. Even now, with the normal mask removed from Shinobu's person, only an eye remained... that grey, lifeless eye of the Hyuuga...

'Tch,' Shinobu would think silently, never voicing the displeasure that built up within. Not displeasure in the individual, no, but the fact that the delivery was being held up. From what Shinobu could tell, this boy wasn't trying to deliberately be a nuisance... He wasn't being a jerk, or anything, it would seem. Just an innocent attempt at kindness, with no harm intended.

“I am Hyūga Haru, by the way. Sōke member, and Genin. What’s your name?” Again, Shinobu would find the situation exceedingly odd. When addressing a head family member with such respect, it would be clear that one was a branch member... Not only that, but by hinting at performing a task, those from the branch would normally be turned away, not given a second thought. This boy, on the other hand, seemed interested.... and even friendly.

"I am Hyuuga Kaede, more commonly referred to as 'Shinobu', Haru-sama. I am also a Genin in service of Konoha." There was no fluctuation in Shinobu's voice, hinting that this was, indeed, their natural voice, and not likely a rouge to hide their gender. Not that it was likely that Shinobu would be hiding much of anything, really, for the teen had in fact revealed their true name. 'Kaede' was not a name that normally passed by Shinobu's lips...

[luneth]

Conversation with this Shinobi was an adjustment for the young boy, as he couldn’t view any sort of expression after either of them finished speaking; this due to the covering of his face, except for that one eye. Following Haru’s introduction, he searched for any sign of emotion - there were none visible. Yet, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing; it intrigued the 11 year old as he guessed what the ninja was feeling. A few moments passed, Haru’s mind wandering the entirety of it, before this mysterious person spoke again.

‘I am Hyūga Kaede, more commonly referred to as ‘Shinobu’, Haru-sama. I am also a Genin in service of Konoha.’

His voice was the same as before, though he’d revealed two separate names this time, as well as stating he was a Genin. The gender was still a mystery, but it wasn’t really something that mattered. It took the young Hyūga a little bit longer, but he finally decided he’d try to learn some more about this unexplained ninja. There wasn’t anything better to do, and this mystery had already piqued Haru’s curiosity. The only thing was, Shinobu was busy working; he’d have to devise a way to get him out of it if he planned on learning any more.

“Do you want to take a break, maybe go get something to eat? Even though I’m young, as a Sōke member I know alot of the elders.. I think I can buy you some time.”

He let out a grin after voicing his question, hoping that Shinobu would agree. He'd been wanting to meet some new Hyūga, especially branch members, for quite some time now. While he did live around them, after becoming a Genin he'd always made it a point to keep to himself. There were too many that acted like snobs - but not to get him mistaken - Haru did take an enormous amount of pride in being a Hyūga. It was just the fact that there were too many distractions involved with mingling, and he wanted to start off his Shinobi Career strong.

He loved his clan dearly, just not those certain aspects of it; thus, he was visibly different than most of his fellow members. He couldn’t be seen wearing his Hyūga clothing constantly, and hated the feeling of being identical to everyone; it was the main reason his hair was a different shade than the other main house members. He still fit in with the 'noble' Hyūga crowd, but wasn't as similar as most. In this way, he felt that he related to the Bunke, as most of them weren’t ones to be considered normal, either.

[/blockquote]

[shinobu]

“Do you want to take a break, maybe go get something to eat? Even though I’m young, as a Sōke member I know alot of the elders.. I think I can buy you some time.” Despite how genuine this boy seemed, Shinobu could not help but feel a twinge of distrust. Even beyond that, it might not have been the boy's intention at all.... Was he put up to this by the elders as a test of Shinobu's intentions? It was slightly irritating to think of those old geezers stooping so low as to try and play a trick on the teen.

"That would be irresponsible of us, Haru-sama. I am greatly honored by your offer, but afraid I must decline on account of my duties." Shinobu couldn't truly claim to be that hungry, either. As mistreated as the teen was, Shinobu did eat regularly, even if it was generally a small amount. The best thing would be to rest...

Shinobu would frown underneath the bandages, the slight shift hardly noticeable. In a normal meeting like this one could simply say 'Perhaps another time,' or something like that. However, when dealing with a head family member, it was quite different. It would have even been disrespectful to ask for Haru to wait for Shinobu's errand to be over, if Shinobu would even have free time afterwards...

Again, the thought of a test entered Shinobu's mind. The Konoha-nin could only wonder if the elders were trying to break the teen mentally now, in order to hasten the death of the 'nuisance'. Or if this boy was being genuine.... Not every head family member could be completely rotten to the core, Shinobu imagined. They just... hadn't met any yet, as far as they knew.

[luneth]

It wasn’t much of a surprise when Shinobu spoke in rejection; he had, to some extent, expected the Genin to decline. Primarily because you didn’t just hang out with someone after talking with them for a few seconds, or the fact that the Bunke Hyūga may not have trusted Haru. However, the boy didn’t go by the same rules as most - he really didn’t care whether they’d just met, or had known each other for years. And as for trust, it would be foolish, as a Shinobi, to count on someone after the brief encounter they’d just had.

Either way, Haru still didn’t have anything worthwhile to do today, and he’d already made up his mind that this would fill in that void; for those reasons, he would begin to silently formulate a plan. His facial expression would betray what was working on the inside, as he looked at the older ninja with a face portraying slight disappointment. His mind raced, there was no time to wait, Shinobu would soon walk off. After a few moments of silence, he decided the simplest solution would be to do just that, wait.

He believed Shinobu had said no because of the reasons that were spoken, the reasons Haru had thought of, or both. It didn’t really matter though, because this would likely solve everything. If it was the because of the motives he himself had considered, waiting would do the trick; Kaede would just not show back up, and likely avoid Haru in the future. And if the rejection was due to Shinobu’s duties, waiting would again be the answer; they’d simply meet up afterward and go do something.

He was hoping for the latter, as it would be nice to finally get insight on the happenings of a Bunke member. This too was a great opportunity for him to atleast try and build friendships with some other Genin. And if things didn’t work out, it’d still be alright; anything was better than lying around on rooftops all day. A couple seconds passed before he'd snap back into reality; upon arrival, Haru noticed that his fellow clan member was about to continue on with his job. He decided now was the time to voice his thoughts.

“If that’s the case… then I’ll just wait here! Hehe, I promise I’ve got nothing better to do today.”

[shinobu]

“If that’s the case… then I’ll just wait here! Hehe, I promise I’ve got nothing better to do today.” Shinobu blinked, just a single time, while considering Haru's proposal. It seemed very direct, and out of the usual for people. Especially when considering Shinobu's interactions with other Hyuuga. Still, while quirky, and odd, Shinobu didn't really have anything against it...

"Umm... Err... That is... if that is what you wish, Haru-sama..." Shinobu trailed off, feeling very.... weirded out. Unusued to this kind of treatment, Shinobu really wasn't sure how to respond. Sure, at first Shinobu had felt suspicious, but the more Haru pressed the less and less confident Shinobu felt. Again, a flicker of thought about it being a trap to mentally break the shinobi would surface, but was quickly pushed down. Shinobu hadn't completely let their guard down... not yet.

It didn't seem that allowing the head family member to do what he wanted would go against what the branch family stood for. Not only that, but Shinobu would likely get in trouble for going either way. For following the rules, or not following the rules, punishment was always the same. Just... directly going against a head family member meant instant death. Though again, Shinobu had to wonder if that was somehow better than leading a slave's life.

"Then... if you'll excuse me, Haru-sama," Shinobu would conclude, again giving the boy a small bow. Provided that Haru had nothing else pressing to say, or stopped Shinobu, the orange-clad shinobi would turn and begin to stride away, body still wobbling dangerously from side to side. Shinobu still kept at a good pace, and would be on their way.

(OOC: Feel free to time-skip in your post, if you'd like.)

[luneth]

After he himself had spoken, Haru would observe Shinobu during the brief time in which they had to contemplate on what he said. All he caught was the blinking of the ninja’s only visible eye, which wasn’t really an indication of anything. He continued watching, for any sign that would give even a slight perspective on what the Bunke Hyūga was thinking. Anticipation rose as he stood there waiting, though it’d only been a second or two; the boy wanted to hear an answer, hopefully a decent one. Therefore, he’d let out a broad grin as the ninja spoke.

“Umm… Err… That is… if that is what you wish, Haru-sama….. Then if you’ll excuse me.”

Subsequent to saying this, he’d walk off to complete his task, leaving Haru there to wait. It was now time to see whether or not the Hyūga would come back. He’d watch as his fellow clan member trekked down the corridor; at that moment he remembered that he’d forgot to ask why the Genin was bandaged up like that in the first place. Given that they’d soon meet back up, he would get his chance shortly. For now, Haru sat patiently on the far wall. It wasn’t that bad, as his mind was occupied forming the various questions he might ask the mysterious ninja.

~

Eventually Shinobu would return, which came as a surprise to Haru. He’d given up on the possibility, deciding the Genin had only said that to make a quick getaway. However, he was wrong, Kaede stood right before him ready to head on out. He’d get up, deciding quickly on where to go; it struck him that he hadn’t given his acquaintance any say so. Maybe they don’t want to go eat. It came as a surprise to Haru, on how selfish he’d been. Swiftly, he’d pick his head up from the constant swarm of thoughts, and speak.

“So, are you even hungry? There are a ton of other things to do besides eat in Konoha. Since I’ve sort of dragged you into coming on this trip, the least I can do is let you pick what we do.”

[shinobu]

Shinobu would eventually return to the place where Haru had confronted the teen in the first place. After all, Haru was a head family member. Lying to him would all but condemn Shinobu to death. The painful agony of enduring the cursed marking upon one's forehead. No, dealing with Haru was the better course of action.

“So, are you even hungry? There are a ton of other things to do besides eat in Konoha. Since I’ve sort of dragged you into coming on this trip, the least I can do is let you pick what we do.” Haru spoke as he approached, Shinobu having come to a stop in the corridor. The teen would give a bow in greeting, but otherwise remained still. Again, Shinobu would become frazzled by Haru's behavior, and could not truly decide how to respond... other than the simplest, obvious choice.

"Whatever it is you wish to do, Haru-sama," the Konoha-nin would say, a slight baffled tone added to the statement. Shinobu did not truly know Konoha, despite living there for fifteen years. The Hyuuga complex was Shinobu's domain, only truly knowing it because of all the errands the teen had run in the past. But most of the village was but a mystery to the young Hyuuga.

"I... do not have much experience with the village," Shinobu would then admit, the casual, emotionless tone once more returning. Shinobu had to wonder... wouldn't it embarrass a head family member to be seen with a branch member? Even more so with one that looked as Shinobu did? The teen did not ask, though they would feel the need to.

[luneth]

Haru listened attentively as the Bunke Hyūga spoke. He had thought Shinobu was making a joke by saying ‘I didn’t have much experience with the village’, but the silence that followed enlightened Haru on the fact that he was serious. It was surprising, to say the least, and added to the mysteriousness of this Genin. After a few moments of, once again, observing the ninja, he'd continue where they'd left off. Though, he’d begin to wonder how old Kaede was, and how it was possible one could not know their way around their own home-town.

He hoped to get to the bottom of it all soon, but for now he’d have to decide where to go. While he had stayed in the Hyūga Compounds for the majority of his eleven years, from time to time he would venture out through the village. Back when his district was all he knew, going into Konoha was almost like traveling into a new world. Was this how his fellow clan member was feeling? If so, then the Haru would have to show him around. He didn’t know the village’s ins and outs, but he knew the key places, and the overall layout of it.

“Erm... ok. Well let’s just walk around for a little; if we find something that looks fun we’ll go do it. Sound good?”

He’d then set off, signaling for Shinobu to join him. Konoha was a vast place, so this stroll would likely take them some time. In which, Haru had a plethora of questions he’d planned on asking, mainly just to get to know Shinobu better, and understand a little more about the branch family. However, he did understand people didn’t like being interrogated; as a result, he’d narrowed the list down to a few, and wouldn’t hesitate - asking the first one before they’d even left the compounds.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened to you? I mean, what are all the bandages for?”

He’d say this in a considerate, non-intrusive tone, making it sound like the question came from him caring, or curiosity, more than anything else.

[Comatose]

+65 Haru
+45 Shinobu

[shinobu]

“Erm... ok. Well let’s just walk around for a little; if we find something that looks fun we’ll go do it. Sound good?”

"As you wish, Haru-sama," Shinobu would reply. The teen would fall in stride behind Haru, keeping a few steps behind the boy, and to the side. In this world, they were not considered equals. If anything, Shinobu would be considered Haru's attendant. Thinking that way, Shinobu realized it likely wouldn't be that embarrassing for Haru. He just had a servant in tow...

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened to you? I mean, what are all the bandages for?” Haru would question after a short while. Shinobu would glance down at bandaged hands, brow rising for just a moment. Shinobu wondered why it mattered, but would answer the question, regardless.

"Injuries, I suspect, Haru-sama." Shinobu wasn't trying to sound like a smart-ass. The teen had just been bandaged for... as far back as they could remember. The newest layer, however, was likely due to the encounter with the snow-using girl. Shinobu didn't remember being bound in the hospital, so... they really couldn't be too sure.

"I was attacked by some girl while on patrol. I woke up in the hospital with new bandages..." Shinobu trailed off.