House of Masks.

[★ tohaku]

U Z U M A K I



H O U S E O F M A S K S

The House of Masks, since the dawn of the First Shinobi World War, has been in complete and utter ruin. Nearly a decade has passed since it was last occupied by the Uzumaki, a legendary clan with roots in the faraway land of Uzu no Kuni, and it's remained virtually abandoned since then. Despite the fact that the House of Masks hugs the border of Konohagakure no Sato closely, it is located in a region where seldom of its citizens go. This shrine-like structure, as its name would imply, is filled with antique masks once used in festivals and theatrical plays. Many of them depict characters such as horned demons, grouchy old men, and painted geishas. 

Upon entering the House of Masks, one will find themselves within the main chamber. This is, clearly, the largest room in the building, and its northern wall displays all the aforementioned masks. There are a few other rooms in the House of Masks, but several of them are inaccessible due to the extent of the ruin. The few rooms intact appear to have once been living quarters for the Uzumaki priests that lived there. Other intact rooms include a cooking area, and a dark basement.

-- This thread, and locale, is private.
-- PM for entry.

[★ tohaku]

Several Weeks Earlier.

Garbed in a midnight black, and hooded, cloak, I stood before the wall of masks this shrine had been hiding for the last decade. They were impressive, to say the least. But something about them sent a sharp chill up the length of my spine. They were ghastly, and ominous in appearance, but that wasn't it. What perturbed me more was the fact that they belonged to a people that had long since died. A people that had once represented the strength and values of the country to which I once belonged. A country that was, just like this House of Masks, now in ruin.

Due to the connection this cultural landmark had to my people, I'd come here seeking answers. The House of Masks, as an informant of mine had informed me back in Kumogakure no Sato, had once served as a safe-house for travelers from Uzu no Kuni. During the First World War, however, it had become packed with wartime refugees and immigrants. If there was any chance of me finding any trace of my parents,  or any other relatives that may or may not have perished, I figured this was the place to unearth it.

I had left my headband behind, back in Kumogakure no Sato. There was no point in starting a ruckus with any Konohagakure no Sato shinobi who were wandering around these parts, and I definitely wasn't looking for violence. But I highly doubted that anyone would be "wandering" around this heavily secluded area. So, issuing a relaxed sigh, I crossed my arms, and continued to gaze at the masks with my dark blue eyes. I'd go looking for clues about my origins soon... but for now, I wanted to unwind. Something about these masks compelled me to lose myself in thought.

As if, on that wall, a riddle remained.

[Naiya]

<sub>It had been quite sometime since she had last came to this area. Reading upon this land within book's and knowing of the history that attached themselves to Konoha. It was a fascinating place to go and just look at to really see how the village had once prospered and the way their buildings had once been built. It was certainly something that attracted her to this place. It was such a shame that this village had been destroyed, but certainly there was still some mysteries that could still be uncovered in this ruin. It wasn't just a place for her to visit and think, but it was also a place to search and discover. Secrets around every corner one could never know what would pop up next.

Currently though she was traveling through the ruin's her eyes seeming to spark with adventure. It was one of very few moments that one person would see such an emotion on her face. She dawned her typical outfit, which consisted of black spandex top that hugged her frame pretty well and black spandex pants with holes upon the thighs, around her waist she had her equipment tied around it on a belt. Over that to keep it hidden from sight, she wore a black haori, which upon the back is a red floral design of scattered petals and an embroidered gold 'XXIII' upon it, tied together by a black belt. Upon her hands, which were also covered by the long sleeves of the haori, she had some of her equipment attached.

She wasn't all to far from the House of Mask. That building in particular was one of the few places that was mostly still intact enough to actually get inside without much problems. She jumped from building to building with swiftness and precision not wasting a single effort in her movements. She would soon land outside the building, landing pretty quietly and with a quick pivot she turned and faced the building and gazed upon it's dilapidated appearance. A smirk shyly crossing her cheeks.</sub> 

[★ tohaku]

The masks seemed to be taunting me, but I knew that was just a trick of the mind. Their eyes weren't following me. Their faces weren't contorted into expressions of malice simply because I'd arrived. And that feeling running up the length of my spine, that frosty chill, was nothing more than a mere coincidence. There was nothing watching me here. It was just my subconscious fears, manifesting themselves into feelings of suspicion, possessing any and all of my surroundings. But I had absolute control over these fears. Or, at the very least, I believed I did.

Turning my attention away from the masks for a brief moment, I would wander around the edges of the semi-destroyed room, dark blue eyes examining the rubble from within the shadow of my hood. There were pieces of shattered furniture, splinters of wood in various sizes intermingled with dusty rubble. Broken urns, and shattered vases, and ripped tapestries were scattered among the debris. But nothing that deserved my attention. Nothing that would aid me in my current quest for answers. A part of me regretted not bringing my informant along. Surely he knew these ruins like the back of his hand.

After briefly inspecting all of the junk, however, I soon came to realize that finding something of importance here-- in the main chamber-- was very unlikely. Any explorers who might have come through these parts before would have searched this main chamber thoroughly, and possibly even set up a campfire here, depending on the extent of their stay. No-- what I was looking for, what could potentially be here, would most likely reside in an unexplored part of this shrine of masks. My mind immediately went to the basement. But wouldn't others have thought the same thing? There had to be another secret here.

I turned to the rucksack I had brought along for my travels, currently positioned upon an old wooden chair at the eastern wall. Beside it, my shortbow was placed. There were no quiver of arrows beside it to suggest it was an armed and dangerous weapon, but I didn't need it to be. I'd only brought the shortbow as a precaution against bandits, and otherwise devious, individuals. But it didn't seem as though I'd need it any further. Turning back to the masks, I wondered where I should start. Then, as though some sixth sense triggered within my mind, I sharply turned my dark blue gaze towards the exit.

[Naiya]

That swirl that was at the top of the dilapidated building was found also in Konoha. It was even on a lot of the shinobi's outfits. She did read in the books that this swirl while it was this villages symbol and their representation, the reason they allowed konoha to even bear that mark it was to show their ties to one another, their everlasting bond. Her eyes examined the entranced for a second longer before she took careful steps insides. Her fingers slide along the old wooden boards that somehow to this day kept this building standing in the manner that it did. the wood was aged, but it was still strong even in it's broken state. 

She took her steps cautiously, because the building was old, she didn't want to step on a plank and fall through. It was pretty dark for the most part in there, but there was some light being shone through the gaps in the ceiling and breaks in the wall. As she edged further inside, she began to hear noises, and stopped. Her head tilted and her eyes narrowed. It sounded like someone was here like they were fumbling through something. Though soon that noise stopped as well, Naiya's eyes shifted towards the entrance she just came into and pondered about leaving.

she couldn't just leave though she came far enough that she may as well check it out, though she had to be cautious about how she went about this. She took in a quiet deep breath and focused her composure. A stoic face formed on her as she edged further carefully. This place was an abandoned ruin, noises could so easily echo. She was cautious about her steps and even as she moved she listened carefully to see if she could hear anything else. 

Further and further she edged, down the short hallway, until she arrived near the door that lead into the room of masks. She didn't step out from it and turned near the doors edge and peeked to look within the room. 

[★ tohaku]

A single, amber eye rounded the corner.

I was being watched by someone taking cover on the other side of the exit and, at first, I froze. On one hand, I couldn't believe that I'd actually run into somebody here. On the other, I didn't want to be perceived as a threat or immediate danger. This was solely an academic expedition, after all. So, tentatively, I'd turn my body towards the stranger, raising my gloved hands halfway up. "... Hello?" I spoke, hoping the hood that was cast over my head wasn't too menacing. I shifted in place, a little uncomfortable with the thought of being observed. "I'm sorry... am I trespassing? I honestly didn't think anyone would be here."

A pause, my dark blue eyes watching for any sign of movement. "My name is Tohaku." I waited for a response then, keeping my hands up, the wall of masks behind me creating a near surreal backdrop. I didn't know why I had decided to use my real name, instead of my alias, Hanzo. It had been a split-second decision, and one that I feared would bring me more trouble in the future, should this encounter go awry. But I didn't foresee it going that way. At least, not on my behalf. And not unless this stranger wanted me to leave before I searched for the knowledge I needed.

[Naiya]

Naiya watched with care and she soon edged out from around the corner to reveal herself. she in all honestly didn't look menacing, unless people were afraid of a large bust short girl, but that aside she did carry herself well and held a stoic, but mean looking, gaze. That aside she also wore her headband around her forehead. She looked him over and took in as much of her surrounding's as she could through her peripherals. she didn't spot anything odd, well aside from the fact how he was robed, in the area. she didn't see any traps either and she hadn't fallen into any, so far so good. 

Naiya kept her eyes upon him, she wasn't a foolish one to simply let her eyes leave someone who could potentially be an enemy depending on how things turn out. "What is your purpose here?" Her voice was firm and held strength, but it was gentle like a woman's voice should be. She'd at least figure out this person's intention and possibly keep him from finding out anything that could be a secret, unless she herself gotten curious, but she really should, as a shinobi of Konoha, keep him from looking into whatever secrets could be in this village which use to be an ally to Konoha. 

[★ tohaku]

The stranger stepped out, and I was, quite frankly, in immediate awe at her beauty. I'd been told that the girls from Konohagakure no Sato were the loveliest this continent had to offer. A land bathed in a near-constant shower of spring time sunlight, and blanketed by flowers, was bound to produce quite the lovely ensemble of women. But this dark-skinned girl, with eyes as amber as a beachside sunrise, was unlike anyone I had ever seen before. While her beauty, and rather attractive assets, were something to behold, I could tell that she was still very wary of my presence here. So, without further ado, I'd proceed to answering her inquiry. My somewhat anti-social habits, including my near absent interactions with people of the female variety, didn't make things easier for me, however. "I'm here strictly for academic reasons." I answered sincerely, lowering my hands. I gave her a small smile, taking off my hood to reveal the youthful features of my face. 

Half-turning to the wall of masks, I'd continue. "My people... they once owned this temple. I came to find answers about my origins." Eyeing the masks for a moment, captured in brief thought, I'd turn back to the dark-skinned belle, eyes examining her body, then shifting upwards towards the gleam of silver I caught off of her headband. She was a kunoichi, that much was clear. And from the very village this temple bordered! I could definitely see why she was suspicious of me. And, as I pondered what I could say to make her believe that I meant absolutely no harm, I realized something. Not only had I told her my real name, but I'd even gone as far as mentioning that this temple belonged to my ancestors! It wouldn't be too hard for her to find that this temple belonged to the people of Uzu no Kuni. And I was one of the very few who hailed from there.

Regardless, I didn't necessarily worry as much as I had done so before. My dark blue eyes, focused on her beautiful orbs of golden amber, spotted a sense of... something, there. And I didn't quite know what. But I had the strangest feeling that I could trust this girl. "... What's your name?" I inquired, eyes piqued with interest. I crossed my arms, standing perfectly straight, as I anxiously awaited her answer. Like always, the butterflies in my stomach fluttered around the presence of a girl. But I had an image to upkeep, didn't I? The boys from Kaminari no Kuni, after all, were often considered to be the coolest. And I definitely didn't want to be considered the weak link in that chain. So I tried my best not to make a fool of myself.

[Naiya]

It had taken him a moment for his response to come and in this time she looked him over, she couldn't see much of him since he was dressed in this robe that covered over his features. The possibilities of things that could be hidden underneath that was practically endless, but she just had to keep on her guard and she would be fine. For academic purposes? This person was a scholar? Well...that was a bit unexpected to be honest. She listened as he spoke and took care into paying attention of his words. He half-turned towards the wall of mask's and she glanced over as well to see them. It was rather amazing how all those mask's were intact and not a single speck of damage was on them. 

After that brief moment of gazing at the mask's she looked back towards this person, who according to his words, was a person descended from the people of this village. That is quite the statement to say that you descended from such people so far and few, but not impossible. Though she herself wouldn't know how to prove if he is of these people, except taking a leap of faith and believing his words. She sucked at her teeth a moment before she would move her hands to her hips and responded back to him. "My name is Kaguya, Naiya."  She didn't know what to make of the situation, but it would be interesting to find out if this person really was of these people. "It's rather difficult to prove that you are of these people. How do I know that you speak the truth?"

[★ tohaku]

"Kaguya... Naiya, huh?" I answered, a single brow raised in curiosity. I'd heard the surname before, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I took a moment to speculate, my arms remaining crossed, as my pensive gaze narrowed. Kaguya-- I could have sworn I'd seen that surname listed in a history book somewhere. But, with yet another inquiry from the amber-eyed gal, I'd turn my attention back to her in an instant. Sure enough, she wanted proof. Proof that I was a part of this clan, proof that I had a valid reason to be here. How could she know that I was speaking the truth? "I guess you can't." I smiled, dark blue eyes brightening with cheer. "You'd just have to trust me, I suppose. Or find another Uzu no Kuni native willing to confirm it."

I looked her over once more, the silence between us raw, then I tossed a nod towards the masks behind me. "I could also give you one hell of a history lesson, if you'd like. Unless that sounds too boring." I continued with a doubtful gleam. My people were long gone, but they had not left behind a "boring" legacy. Caught between the wars and skirmishes of other countries, Uzu no Kuni had always been a recluse ripe with legends, exploits, miracles, and story. Their history was not known by many, and I was particularly proud to be one of the few to know of it. So, if Naiya had an interest in the ancient, I was more than happy to indulge her. After all, I was in her country. And it'd be rude not to offer her some insight on this otherwise mysterious shrine.

Standing, remaining to see whether she took me up on my offer, I'd wait.

[Naiya]

She figured as much that he was going to respond in such a manner, though what she didn't expect was him offering her a history lesson on this village. That in itself was interesting though it didn't mean anything as to whether he was of those people or not, but that didn't matter now. It's not like she was required to kick him out or anything, so long as he didn't destroy anything here thing's would be fine. "Yeeeaaaahhh....no, I don't know my trust around so easily, though I must say this. I am quite curious as to what knowledge you hold of this village."  Naiya responded in a calm tone that held it's strength. 

What sort of knowledge did he have on this village? She figured she could at least hear him out, there might be something that she could even bring back to the Hokage if it was interesting enough. There's even a small possibility that this person knew secrets of the village that weren't recorded in the books. so she would lend him an ear and listen to his words. "I would like to hear what you have to say of these people." 

[★ tohaku]

There was something about her distrust that I found rather peculiar, yet strangely amusing. For such a trivial piece of information to be taken with such severity-- what more was I to expect from another cog in the machine that was the shinobi government? What amusement I found in this was the similarities we shared in that aspect. I would have pried into the matters of a stranger, too, if I'd come across such a person near the boundaries of my village. So seeing Naiya was like looking into a proverbial mirror. Eerie, in one manner or another.

There was no shame in being a disciplined shinobi agent. No shame in protecting one's home, or people. What shame this profession brought us was solely our fault, for making decisions we wouldn't normally make. Decisions that stood against our moral codes. But Master Atlas had taught me to be something more than just that. I wasn't just another cog, another pawn on a chessboard played over by sadistic old men with grudges. I kept an open mind, and I followed my own creed, without remorse.

So, naturally, I had a sense that Naiya did, too.

"Do you now?" I answered in reply to her latest statement, my eyes filled with their own interest. Dropping my arms to my sides, I'd think it over for a moment before continuing. "I didn't think you'd actually be interested." I lightheartedly remark. "Not much people are. But I suppose that's because most people who did know, or care, died along with the Great Flash." With a rather expressionless countenance, I looked around the room, contemplating the fact that hardly anyone knew about its origins, and the people who created it. 

Besides Master Atlas, who had a vast web of intelligence at his disposal (due to his status as the Nidaime Raikage), there was no one else I knew who had this sort of information. Needless to say, sharing such information with Naiya was a big step for me. But, despite my shortcomings, I had always strived to maintain the idea of keeping an open mind. That didn't exactly mean trusting everyone I met... but giving them a chance to earn that trust. "My people were once part of a grand nation, a village known as Uzushiogakure." I started, turning my attention back to Naiya. "We were the best practitioners of Fuuinjutsu this world ever had to offer."

[Naiya]

Naiya would listen intently not batting an eye lash as she looked at him while he spoke. He spoke about the Great Flash, which according to what he said was a catastrophic event. She herself had done research, but only so much is available to her as just a simple Genin. So listening to what he may say could possibly prove to be something worth while. Though what she already did know was the name of this village and what they would be most known for. She kept her position and listened to him. she was quite respectful in letting him talk and she casually glanced off towards the mask's as he did spoke and would drift her eye sight back and forth from the masks to him.

Certainly some secrets today would be unveiled and it would most likely be beneficial to listen up today.

[★ tohaku]

She appeared to be content with the information I'd given her so far-- or, at the very least, didn't seem bored by it. Although, truth be told, I was getting a little tired of repeating this once forgotten piece of history myself. That wasn't to say that the legend of my people didn't hold a special place in my heart-- because it most certainly did. But, after years of stories from the homeland passed down to me by the one I considered a father, these wondrous tales lacked the luster they had in my dreams. I couldn't do them justice with just spoken word. Not like Master Atlas could.

But regardless, I continued.

"We were a proud people. We were strong, and loyal to our friends and family. Our civilization treasured the arts, and valued peace over violent conflict." My dark blue gaze shifted towards her, a gleam of sorrow shining for but a moment. "But we were strong... and the rest of the world feared us for it." A pause. I gathered my thoughts, and formed the next words I would utter carefully. "So, during the early years of the First World War, Uzushiogakure was destroyed."

Silence came between us, my face relatively nonchalant at the declaration of my people's genocide. I didn't feel anything the day I'd first learned about it-- strangely. And I didn't feel anything now. Despite the fact that it had happened in my lifetime, despite the fact that such a tragedy had taken away my biological family, my childhood... I didn't feel anything profound. No need to cry. No need to grow angry. Just... a very mute, and small, sadness. Barely noticeable. And, to me, I didn't feel like it even belonged.

As though I were being sad... for someone who didn't even exist anymore. Sad for nothing.

Upon realizing the length of time that had passed since my last sentence (nearly half a minute), I snapped out of it. Returning my eyes back to Naiya's own, I offered her a weak smile. "I lived there as a boy... but I don't remember it so well. Like a dream... you know?" My voice had lowered to a near-whisper towards the end, my mind trying desperately to recall anything vivid about the village I once called home. But it only caught brief, blurred glimpses of places and people. A fountain. A merchant woman. The smell of rock after rainfall.

[Naiya]

This was rather disappointing. Naiya's face didn't alter though. She listened patiently and respectfully. She was expecting much more in all honesty, but she was disappointed by his tale. The silence had soon occurred and he made the excuse about him only living there as a boy and that he doesn't remember it so well. She dropped her hands down at her sides and looked back over to the mask and then pointed at them.

"Very well, then could you tell me something about those masks? I find it particularly odd that it's the only thing in here that still looks to be in pristine condition."

It was an odd thing for her, maybe he knew, it could possibly be the one thing that he remembered well.