Retribution [C]

[Apple]

ENTER [Timeframe – Post meeting with Leaf nin!]

By now- a light rainfall had covered the entirety o Hi no kuni, blankeing it in its humidity. Of course; it reminded me somewhat of home and given that I’d spend too much time in Hi no Kuni already I needed to make my way back. And as such, I began my way back home. With the rain making the tree branches slick and hazardous to run on, I was took my travel to the ground. Memories of Akira and the insufferable pain that I’d been dealt flashed through my mind, and the meeting with the Raikage in regards to both of our villages. I had so much to do when I came back home- although I was intent on protecting my village against threats, I already had some degree of a vendetta against its leader, which I was sure would effect any possibility of us allying. I’d never paticularily trusted the counry as a whole, even before he had become Mizukage. So many rumours erupted from there but now it was my turn to create them, from my own country. This was my game, and I but little time to make my move before it was too late. Pushing through the trees, weary eyes still evident as I made my way through, hair, despite its size, would almost magically prevent itself from becoming tangled within the various trees of the grand forestry that created hi no kuni. Much alike Kusa it had beautiful plants spanning its entire country, but I much preferred my own. The gallant sea of blonde hair rushing through the land as I broke through the forestry wildly, it would only be an hour or so before I'd hit my home soil now, and I waited with bated breath for that switch of region to occur. Musing over what the Raikage had said as I ran, I kept moving. Time was of the essence.

..And I had none of it to waste.

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[NARRATOR]

Of course, Blanche was never alone. From her dramatic bought with the Mizukage to her rather bland, uninteresting meeting with the Raikage, he was watching her. Though he kept his distance, her masked accomplice was nevertheless close; like a haunting shadow he lingered, never more than several feet behind her. Did she truly believe it was Akira's elite shinobi that had kept her safe and sound while comatose on the isles of Mizu no Kuni?

The truth was that they'd never even found her.

Finally alone, he saw no reason to keep his presence a secret any longer. Comfortably situated on the road ahead of the fast-paced Kusakage, he showed no indication of stopping her gait. Instead, something told him that she would bring herself to a sudden halt. It was a creeping suspicion that clawed at the back of his mind, sinking its bitter, cold fangs into his mind.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. My dear, dear Blanche. What am I going to do with you?" The tone in his voice was dripping with admirable mockery, knowing that there were very few that could content with the Mizukage's power. His chakra was... astounding, to say the least. It was more impressive, however, that his intervention was necessary -- Blanche had survived, all on her own. "Had I know you were going to lose Samehada, I wouldn't have edged you on as much as I had."

He stepped closer. "A minor upset, but one that could most certainly have been avoided. You're much more valuable than you realize -- you can't simply run around accepting every challenge that's thrown your way like some street fighter." His voice lowered, ripe with the taunt that followed.

"You were wrong to underestimate that man."

[Apple]

Comfortably situated on the road ahead of the fast-paced Kusakage, he showed no indication of stopping her gait.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. My dear, dear Blanche. What am I going to do with you?"

I’d had enough- enough of visiting foreign countries. Enough of speaking to people and enough of wasting my time. As I ran through the forestry, through the delicate light that seemed to pour on the ground soon came not a clearing- but a defined area where there lay a clear track in the road, no doubt a path to a smaller village within the country or towards some point of interest. However, it wasn’t the road itself that interested me but instead the feature that was on it. There; standing as if merely a fraction of my imagination stood the same Uchiha who had kidnapped me from my hearing merely.. a day or two ago had it been? Over course, I’d lost all sense of time. Coming to a stop at a distance of roughly six meters away, I stood, my blue eyes taking his appearance in- I was sure that I wasn’t hallucinating, I’d come a long way from that point – and even as he spoke I narrowed my eyes slightly, wondering if it had been merely a trick of the sunlight. However- much to my digress as I hoped to continue on my journey, it seemed that I’d now be stalled by the form before me. He’d had all the time in the world to appear at any other time- why now? Allowing him to speak, I took in his sarcastic, almost unfeeling words with little to no care. Over time I’d at several times expressed my distaste of being guarded and watched, and although I figured that Kouketsu had been doing less of the former and more of the latter, I felt unsure of how to react. Whilst I kept the same stance on the matter, at the same time I writhed in the wave of adrenaline that possessed me, causing the hair on my very skin to stand on end. It was thrilling, in its own way, and yet at the same time, disturbing, and I had intense difficulty differentiating the two of them.

Even in these early hours, it was so strange seeing his form in more clarity than I had back then. Most noticeable of which was the mask that be bore across his face, which protected two of his unique eyes- I’d seen both of them myself from others who had too bore similar traits, one bearing several circles and the other the more recognizable sharingan. How he’d managed to get the secondary eye I was unsure, had he had it transplanted? Or perhaps had he unlocked it at some point during the second shinobi war? Given that he proved to be a man of several surprises, I couldn’t be too sure of anything that he did or showed any more. Moving my hands and placing them on either hip after pushing an ample amount of blonde hair back from the side of my face, I’d keep a watch of him, preparing to reply to his sudden scolding.

You're much more valuable than you realize -- you can't simply run around accepting every challenge that's thrown your way like some street fighter.

..You were wrong to underestimate that man."



I smirked, the onslaught of a soft laugh coming to my pale cheeks.

”..You expected me to hand it over to him?..Ahaha!

Kouketsu, it sounds like you don’t know well enough of me to pass judgement.”

Even in the short space of time that I had gotten to know the Uchiha personally, I already knew what he’d reply with, gauging by our last meeting and his response to my words. He’d surely say that he knew more about myself than I did, that my actions were unjust and reckless, that if I was to die and risk my life over a sword that I’d never tower over the legacy that my brother had personally helped to forge in to the world itself. And with such a casual state of mind washing over me at this moment, I couldn’t care less as I admitted that I too had mused those remarks myself before the man had even made himself evident once more. I had to fight on- I couldn’t let myself fall back behind his name. Whilst I'd been in a daze back then which had added to my inclination to fight, I found myself in a lucid state, floating on top of.. nothing but my own elevated self confidence. And I happily lay upon it even now as I gazed at perhaps one of the most infamous men in the entire shinobi world with not a care in the world.

"My battles are my own to fight..

..And my own to choose."

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Truth be told I'd lost the blade- But I didn't choose to surrender. I'd fought until I couldn't give much longer and I paid through so much pain, but a small part of me was happy. Not that I'd lost the blade, but instead that I'd survived. I could easily return to collect the blade whenever I saw fit and tear it from Akira's hands, but - a life couldn't be easily replaced. Such notions reminded myself of what he's said about Ue, although I was quick to ignore such thoughts. With the same smirk returning to my face, having noticed the man stepping forwards, I'd too do the same, shortening the distance between the both of us as I uttered a question that I'd wondered since I saw his figure appear on the track before me. I could only assume he'd been audience to the fight between Akira and I- and as he'd managed to track me down, it made me wonder to what extent exactly this stretched.

"..You've been following me I take it?

Perhaps that legitimizes my worth."

The same smirk creeped slyly to my mouth and so did that strange, playful tone. What I said more of a remark rather than an actual question.

But all in all; I preferred to get straight to the point.

Looking towards him and his obscure mask, I waited for his reply- His part to play.

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[NARRATOR]

"Ah, but that's where your wrong. Your battles stopped being yours to choose the moment you decided to bear the weight of the title Kage." There was still a reasonable distance between them, and Blanche's masked accomplice showed no sign in shortening it any further. "What's more, you further cemented that by involving yourself with me, Blanche. You have a greater role to play in this-- elaborate tapestry of life than some mere warmongering tyrant. Likewise, there is much more to lose should you meet an unfortunate end due to a careless mistake."

The masked slightly tilted to the side. "Like your fight with the Mizukage, for example. I know very well that you wouldn't simply hand the blade over to him, but engaging him by yourself-- when he clearly outclassed you --was ignorant. Declining a fight you can't win isn't cowardice... it's smart, and sometimes, the right thing to do. You can't accomplish your goals if you're dead, Blanche."

A chuckle escaped from the creases of the mask. "But alas, that is neither here nor there. I just want you to think about everything before you go acting so reckless. Our plans demand your presence, and I refuse to suffer another setback, like when I lost Uekyuuchi. So, you see, Blanche, you really have no say in the matter. I don't need to legitimize your worth, being as how I already know it in full."

Extending his hand, the distance between the two of them literally vanished. Blanche would find her cheek being sensually caressed by a thumb as the curve of her face fit neatly into the crescent of his palm. "And soon, I will show you the same."

[Apple]

The mentioning of my title as being a kage and that being ample reason not to throw myself in to fights was understandable, as depending on who I chose to brawl with, the repercussions could easily resonate to Kusagakure itself. However- at the end of my own with Akira, although I had distaste for the man for taking the blade, at the same time I didn’t take it too personally, and from how he’d reacted I figured he felt the same, if not a similar sentiment. Although deep down I admitted that I enjoyed working out differences by words, through speaking with actions did I get the buzz that I seeked. I could remember- even back then in the early moments of the fight itself, how riled up I’d become simply because of the concept of fighting, how excited I’d been as I deployed my chakra, and finally, even past the agonizing pain, how content I had been, even if only for a moment. And nothing, not even Uchiha, Kouketsu could take that away. Ingrained deep in me, it was a truth that I wasn’t as perhaps careful as my brother had been, or as collected. I’d never been. Whilst we shared a strikingly similar appearance and perhaps some other aspects, my fiery temper was a defining trait of mine which I had only rarely seen him display himself.

”Had I handed it over to him, I’d doubt you’d have been happy with that, either.
So in hindsight; any option I’d chosen would have resulted in you lecturing me."



"..Just what will it take to impress you?”

Whilst I spoke truthfully of my deduction, my right hand dropped from my hip, and instead chose to twist before my miniscule waist and interlock with my left, still positioned on my side. I merely teasing to some degree with my last statement- but he spoke so much of my cooperation that I wondered to myself whether or not I was actually kidding. I’d pushed myself through the battle with Akira and I’d survived, although, even with the damage dealt to the man I was sure that if he wished he could have potentially killed me. However when I found myself in situations as those I found it so hard to even simply think as Kouketsu had requested me to do. But his words were understandable- and perhaps I’d take what he said on board. Even though I’d guessed his response and checked each box, it.. was true that all of my goals would be unreachable if I was rendered but a corpse on a bloody battlefield. But I’d escaped the clutches of death so many times in the past- and now, even just bordering on its confines or even the risk itself sent me wild. A grin again appearing, I'd face him with the same icy cool blue eyes that my brother had surely done countless of times in the past. ”I can't promise you that I'll stop, but I'll try to keep myself composed in the future.” I spoke. There was no telling if this attempt at pulling myself back from the involuntary actions I found myself doing would be a success or not. A familiar feeling of warmth on the top of my head from the sunlight which tipped down, it was soon joined by a similar warm sensation on my face- which soon revealed to be the Uchiha. I'd allow him to momentarily indulge in his thoughts as his thumb laced the hollow of my cheek, before my right hand broke contact with my left and rose, seeking to only gently swat his hand away. The mere feeling of it disturbed me slightly. "Our plans?" I'd inquire, my eyes narrowly fixated on the Uchiha, before widening again slowly. "I will always have a say in any matter that concerns me, Kouketsu." such words were wrought with steel, and each one was chosen carefully and spoken eloquently and in an articulate manner. My aim wasn't to voice any kind of disagreement to whatever he had in mind, but merely to remind him that if I was as much of his plans as he spoke, then I had my own right to an opinion.

"I'm not a direct continuation of Ue.
Whilst I'm interested in what you have to offer, I refuse to lose my voice."

After speaking, I'd then cross my arms across my chest, eyes still gazing at the masked man. From how he'd reacted to the things I'd said the first time we'd met, I doubted that he'd take my sense of self that well, but I was sure that if he was so adamant of including me, then he'd have grin and bear it. I wasn't asking for much - simply the knowledge that I wasn't going to be blinded and thrown in to situations beyond my desire. Whilst I wished for the bloodshed, the agony and the hate, I couldn't be sure of the future.

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[NARRATOR]

"Had you not impressed me already," he began as she kindly removed his hand from her face. That same arm fell idly to his side where it remained. "I wouldn't have bothered to contact you, in the first place. There's no need to try and persuade me into believing in a power that I already know is within you, Blanche. The only thing I'm concerned with is your survival, and the success of our plans."

"Your voice is exactly what I'm trying to protect." He shrugged. "Again, you have no say in what becomes of you or your people if you're a corpse, Blanche. And as I've said, our plans demand your presence. Though it is somewhat embarrassing to admit this, I need you alive and healthy -- I need your help to bring all of this to fruition."

Stepping off to the side and turning, so that she could continue, a single gloved hand extended toward the path she'd been traveling on. "However, I do thank you for your consideration. I'm sure things will go a lot smoother without the worry of you throwing yourself into some uphill combat and getting yourself killed."

[Apple]

Such talk of survival rang through my ears. Just what was he planning? He spoke of such things so cryptically and given the fact that he had undoubtedly followed me from my first step in to the kage summit up until now, it simply made me wonder what he had planned. I could only hazard a guess that it was surely something to do with my brother that he so longingly spoke of. I could tell that he missed his presence, but I doubted it could compare to my own loss. But he’d already spoken of ways that he could personally revive him with- so why would my help be needed? A similar source of DNA perhaps? I was unsure, and at the same time, I didn’t want to make any forward assumptions, although I could only grin with satisfaction as he spoke of myself. Whilst it was still interesting that he was even here before me and still capable of so much if not more with the irregular eyes of his, at the same time I found it even more exhilarating that he seemed to be watching my every move. But however much I’d get involved with his plans, I had to take in to concern how it would effect my village. The last thing I wanted was for one of the other village leaders to assume the worst and launch an attack on it from those assumptions. However- given that he had been following me, I figured that if such a situation was to occur and if I was so valuable as he spoke, then I’d have enough leverage through his possible intervention. I wouldn’t let my village grow detrimental because of my own actions.

"..And as I've said, our plans demand your presence. Though it is somewhat embarrassing to admit this, I need you alive and healthy -- I need your help to bring all of this to fruition.."

"..I'm too stubborn to die, Kouketsu.
You shouldn't be concerned."

"You'll be happy to know that there aren't many threats in the village that I could get..."

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"..Distracted with"

Whilst to some degree I spoke lightheartedly, at the same time, thee was truth in my choice of words. I could have died in the battle with Akira if I hadn't pushed myself to keep restoring myself after each devestating blow to my body, and there were several times in the past where I had stared death down and won. I had too many things to do, too many responsibilities and too many people to see and overpower in this world to give up everything so easily. I figured he loosely knew this, but I comforted his apparent concern with my confident words. However- although drawn to him as he spoke, his open arm welcomed me to continue on my journey back, I'd draw my eyes towards it momentarily. But- they soon glided back to the mismatched eyes behind the porcelain-like mask on his face for but a moment or so, before passing his left, dropping both of my arms to my sides as I'd do so. As I moved, the wind softly picked up the long blonde hair along my back, allowing it to float slightly in the breeze along with the sliken dress I was wearing. Having been healed of my injuries, I was a stark comparison to how I was previously.

And then- having moved roughly four meters away, I'd turn my body, gazing back at the man.
A question had come to my mind.



"..Will I be seeing you again soon?"

Given the spontaneous nature of the man and his choice of meetings with me, I wasn't sure when to expect him to be drawn out of the shadows again, and I'd have liked some kind of indication that he would reappear in the future. Heading back to the village however, I could only hope that he wouldn't make himself too obvious to the general public.

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[NARRATOR]

"And you should know that I'll always worry, Blanche." The masked man's chuckle was low, but audible. While he wasn't necessarily a paranoid individual, there weren't many in the world that he could trust to complete the task(s) he gave them. Asato and Youka were a solid example, still not having produced the child he'd charged them with kidnapping. "Again, we're far too close for everything to fall apart. And you, being the most crucial piece-- well, lets just say being a little protective is in my nature."

Taking several steps in retreat, his body slowly began to merge with the shadow of a nearby tree. As if stepping into another realm entirely, his body was swallowed piece by piece until only his mask remained visible.

"You'll be seeing me sooner than later, my dear Blanche." She could probably imagine the devious smirk sprawled across his face, stretching from ear to ear. "You know, better than anyone, that I'm never too far away. I look forward to our next encounter."

With that, the remainder of his person-- the mask which had become more of a face than the flesh it obscured --submerged into the tree.

[Apple]

His apparent concern to me was fulfilling in the way that I’d never even imagined myself to have even met the man, but at the same time it was still.. unnerving to some degree. Although he claimed that I was important and one of perhaps his main concerns, I couldn’t help but feel that he still viewed me as not myself- but the man whom he had admired the most. Had he simply sought me out because of my lineage? Doubts revolved around my head but were soon diminished as he to speak, words of myself being crucial neutralizing any thoughts that had creeped in to my mind much to my own annoyance. However- with my question having soon been given an answer, I’d nod a single time as I watched his form disappear. Of course, despite my past grude against the man, I felt strangely.. neutral as he now mysteriously made his way to wherever I was. My thoughts so.. fluid. What hate I had for him in regards to my brother still lingered but the acquisition of power drove me onwards – If he truly saw me no more than a duplicate of Ue.. then I’d prove to him, even if there was no need to prove as he’d said, that I was better. That I’d overcome the barriers which had been created for me and show him that I wasn’t simply an extension of him. I had so much love for my brother, it was.. still unbearable to think that he was dead, but at the same time, I had to make my move.

I didn't want to end up like him.

"You know, better than anyone, that I'm never too far away. I look forward to our next encounter."

Gazing over at the uchiha as he moulded with the shape of the trees around me, I'd simply nod away his goodbye, and wait until the pristine mask was completely overwhelmed by the trunk of the tree- until there was no trace of the man even being in the area. With such a movement made and myself being now alone -- or as far as I could tell -- in the forestry, I'd leave a moment or so to gaze back at the tree of which he'd made his exit in, before turning again and starting to make my way back to Kusa no Kuni. My homeland invited me back with open arms, and I approached such an offer with an equally able embrace.

..Hm.

EXIT!

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