The Apology [Social]

[Onigami Brothers]

I wondered what I could do today, the sun shined down graciously upon konohagakure. I was swiftly moving along the short little bridge which was a little bit on the way to my favorite ramen restaurant. I had a smile upon my face, I was finally able to go out and converse freely with people. I still realized the looks from the corner of my optic vision. I hated those horrid looks, it was like I was different or a danger to people. I hated those looks and they felt like a burning strike to my heart and tugged at my soul.

I stopped in the middle of the bridge, I wanted to take in the sights and sounds of the village. The beating heart it displayed everyday moved me towards being the best leaf ninja I possibly could be. I adjusted the headband upon the collar of my shirt and wiped it a bit to get the metal to shine. I smiled and began to think to myself about such a beautiful day which seemed to know no end at all.

" I wonder what could possibly make this day better. "

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[Katsumaru]

From the heavens he descended, a mocking, black-winged caricature of an angel. While Jiyuu’s wings were formed from paper, they carried him through the skies nonetheless. His gray eyes shifted downwards, a vigilant, yet regretful gaze glancing at his village, Konohagakure. A frown spread across his face, corners of the mouth tilted downward as the horrors of the Hungerer’s Cult tore at his senses; the Hokage’s greatest failure, the death of many. In the finality of their lives, they faced terror while Jiyuu simply sat in the castle. Now he traversed the village through the skies, shoulders slumped.

The Hokage spotted a figure, no more than a child in his eyes. The frown deepened, for it was his duty to hone such warriors, prepare them for battle; so was his task, yet an utterly wretched one, for these young children must face the same pain and death Jiyuu himself looked upon during the wars. With his black wings he descended, landing on the bridge beside Naota.

”Well met.” Jiyuu grumbled, his voice deep and gruff, ”I apologize, but I do not know your name. I am Jiyuu, your Hokage.” he continued, turning his eyes to draw in the child’s figure. What a pity it is, that he has no choice but to corrupt this young child with the spirit of battle in the times to come, when Konohagakure faces the terrors of the rebellion and the Hungerer’s Cult.

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[Onigami Brothers]

My eyes, glanced at the water, the reflection was calming and the soothing effect was too great for me to escape it. I began to get into a relaxed position, slowly sliding my eyes across both sides of the bridge. I quickly brought them back when something began to float around me. It wasn't snow but it was white and large that's when I realized they were piece of paper that caught my eye. I quickly turned around to be surprised out of my mind. A black winged angel, no angel would be too much once I got a good look at his face.

I wasn't a mean spirited person so seeing someone so battle hardened with such beautiful wings confounded me. I stepped back not in fear but in not understanding why such a person would just fly over and land in this exact spot. I rose my right hand, raising my index finger, it was placed on my lip, I was about to ask a question. I was cut off within my thoughts when the man before me spoke, he had said his name was Jiyuu. I stopped all my actions once I heard that name, I immediately bowed before him. he was the Hokage-sama. I was honored and scared of his presence, I didn't know what to say and began to stutter out each word which came there after.

" Ho-Hokage-Sama. . . I am honored to be within your presence. "

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I had a fierce belief to serve the village that shunned me and whatever hokage was in place. My loyalty was never questioned even in the littlest bit upon any day. I began to slowly think of the millions of possible reasons as to why the hokage was even upon the streets today. I didn't know was his favorite food, clothing, or some other item around here. I rose from my bowing position hopefully not to early before I began to speak again.

" If I could be so bold sir. . . but what brings you outside today? "

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[Katsumaru]

The fiend’s wings dispersed. His steel grey eyes met Naota’s. Jiyuu’s eyes hinted at a life of horror, of war – they were the eyes belonging to a man past his prime. He was only thirty years old, but felt the weight of generations hanging upon his shoulders. He fought and bled, roared with a fury that terrorized even the gods. Nay, it was more than that, more than simply the toils of times long gone. Once, the man thought he was a god, a corrupted one.

An irony lied within. Now he lead, shinobi under his command, such as Naota, yet he felt no longer imbued with that divine essence. Some called him a hero, but they were no more than fools, for they had not seen the depths to which this man transcended. That is correct, not a descent; truthfully, he rose to stand beyond the ambiguity of morality.

Yet here he was. Staring at a shinobi, a man who spoke with a slight nervosity. A smile spread across the Hokage’s grizzled face. ”Call me Jiyuu.” he said with a deep, resonating tone. ”I want to know more of you. Tell me, what do you dream? Why do you fight?” the last syllables of his words were sharp. Jiyuu felt the slightest pity, for soon he will see children as these die in the chaos of war.

They will follow him into hell. Of that he was certain. But what better place for them than in the flames of battle?

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[Onigami Brothers]

I stared at the Hokage nervously the intensity he showed was scaring. I noted it was unnecessary in times of peace for him to be such but dismissed the thought. My hands, went back through my obsidian locks of hair. I was beginning to lose wonder whether I was even good enough to talk with such a powerful man. He scared me to death just by being in his presence I was afraid to speak up. I was cut off by my hokage, he spoke about my goals and dreams, and my event reason for being a ninja.

" I fight because my Nii-San fought for the leaf as well. His dreams did not die with him. . . they are being fulfilled through me now. His burning will is the reason I fight, I fight because I truly care for those in the village even if they shunned me. I do this because I one day wish to become as great as you. . . I wish to become Hokage! I wish to protect the very land from war and devastation. I know these ideals may seem false upon this ninja world but everything can be solved through peace. I have no ego from which to quarrel and create enemies with . . . yet I lack the power to get anything done yet. . . but I will get stronger!!!! "

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I spoke at my loudest my my vision of dreams blurring and distorting the reality of my situation. I had just had and outburst at the Hokage telling him that i would be his successor. My cheeks became rosy with embarrassment and I bowed towards him. It was a bow of apology because I forgot my place for a little while and totally forgot what i was doing while speaking to him. I just hoped he would show me some kindness and forget my outburst.
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[Katsumaru]

Jiyuu smiled at hearing his comrades words. There was a certain humor to the naivity, yet also a sense of delight, for such a spirit is rare in a world torn by war. Yet, the Hokage felt the urge to retort,”You live someone else’s dream? That is not the way one should live.” he said rather callously. Shrugging, Jiyuu continued,”You live, you dream what you want to dream. Live someone else’s, and you will never truly be alive.”

The thin smile soon faded into a frown upon being referred to as great. Jiyuu was no great man; nay, he was a monstrosity destined for the fiery pits of hell. ”I am no great man. I have killed, I have murdered.” He extended his hands, palms held outwards as the frown deepened. Paper fluttered from his figure to envelop his shape, circling around the man’s lithe body. ”These hands are stained with blood. This paper, the catalyst.” A miniature, paper blade formed from a single sheet. A second formed into a fist, it’s texture changed to that of Jiyuu’s own skin tone. ”Your blade and fist will be stained with blood. You may think that you kill for the greater good. And you will kill, when chasing that dream. And no matter what you do, you will have taken a life. A mother, a father, a wife, or perhaps a husband, even children who will never see the fallen one again. Can you truly shoulder that burden?”

Absent-mindedly the Hokage stared into the waters beneath. His gaze was both reminiscent and regretful. With lips formed into a scowl, the man seemed angry, but the feature manifested from frustration. Frustration intermingled with lament. ”You do not lack the power. You are no less than I. We are both men, spat forth from the womb of our mothers in a world that wants us dead. You, Naota, are greater than I.”

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[Onigami Brothers]

I felt a bit saddened by his retort saying that I am not living a life because I had no dream. I couldn't help myself and had to speak up to his uncaring words. I didn't care if he was the hokage my nii-sans dreams were my dreams as well.

" Hokage-Sama if I am to live others dreams that is okay with me. I know extreme physical pains and horrible mental pains. I have no one left within the world since most of my family has died. I have no qualms with becoming a martyr to there collective wills to protect the leaf. What are we but beings pushing forth trying to find a purpose. "

I listened to his sorrows, the pain he must have felt was unimaginable but I doubt I would ever do the same. I promised only to kill opponents who truly deserved to die because in my thoughts I knew everyone was redeemable. Yet I stopped and didn't wish to give anymore of and answer. I didn't know what to say to everything else, I knew being a ninja I would be tested by such things as to murder. Yet, I wanted to defeat my enemies not kill them because then I would become irredeemable. I would become a demon like the hokage before me and I would know no rest because I was wicked. I began to speak up once again but this time in a weary tone.

" I guess I wouldn't kill anyone. . . I am a protector not a destroyer. . . If I ever broke that one rule I would never be able to go back ever. . . "

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[Katsumaru]

A frown spread across the Hokage’s face. Not out of anger, nor contempt, but a growing pity for this child. He was but a young boy who was certain that he lost everything. Jiyuu opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. For a moment he was at a loss, uncertain of what to say, uncertain of how to calm the child. After several moments of silence he finally spoke, tone deep. ”You are wrong.”

[/i] Jiyuu said, sounding rather crude at first, but his voice became softer. ”I do not know you very well, but still, your life, your every breath matters to me. You are one of my shinobi, a warrior belonging to the village in which we live. And as I said before, call me Jiyuu. I am Hokage, but I am still a man, as you are. We are equals.”[/i][/color]

Jiyuu stepped forward, steel grey eyes meeting Naota’s gaze. He extended his right hand, resting it on the Uchiha’s shoulder. The grip of his calloused hands was soft, yet firm. For several moments, again, he remained silent, is breath heavy as again he was at a loss. As Jiyuu spoke, his words were somewhat sharp, for the man himself was entirely uncertain of whether his words would have any effects. ”Naota…Naota, you have so much more than you think. The blood of the Uchiha flows in your veins. Blood of pride, blood of might.” With his other hand still on Naota’s shoulder, his other hand pointed to the Uchiha’s eyes.

”Beings pushing forth trying to find a purpose? That is correct. And that is why I ask you to find a purpose, a dream. Carry your own, not that of a comrade. The fiery passion of a burning spirit looms within you.” Upon the mention of killing, Jiyuu’s shoulders slumped. Biting his lower lip, the Hokage’s gaze grew hazy. The blood of many men tainted his hands. Their murder was necessary. At least that is what he told himself again and again when he slept at night, the faces of the dead haunting his every breath. ”I do not want you to kill. That is naïve of me to say, it will be inevitable. But even if a man’s life deserves to be taken, their blood will be on your hands forever. There is an irony within that. You can only protect by destroying. But it is good that you have morals.” Jiyuu was certain that he has lost his long ago.

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The slum streets were silent for all but the ranting of the curmudgeons scrounging through the filth. But that serenity soon came to an end. An explosion rung furiously, tearing through wood and stone alike. Jiyuu stirred upon hearing the horrendous noise. Turning to Naota, he barked,”Follow me” And with a quick dash, Jiyuu headed for the slums.
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[Onigami Brothers]

I couldn't make heads or tails of the Hokage-Sama, what he was telling me was almost like treason. To not care for the leaf as if it was your family was something I couldn't understand. I was bold and turned towards him, I needed to rebuke all of his statements of being on equal grounds. I was a mere genin and he was the Hokage we weren't equals and my words seemingly burst from my mouth.

" Nonsense. . . If you do not carry the very ideals and beliefs of your comrades how will you ever protect them fully! You can't disregard there hopes and beliefs because they are not special, everyone in the village all of there dreams are special. That is the reason we even have a Hokage! The Kages are a symbol the perfect personification of there respected villages hopes and dreams and the pillar from which to protect them. Telling me to give up others dreams and just pursue my own seems a bit selfish. "

I had to tell him my beliefs even if it was out of turn to do so. I felt so utterly disrespected for no apparent reason other then he told me to follow a singular path which I could never do. I was still steaming and didn't even allow a retort as I continued.

" And power isn't just for destruction, not everything needs to protected by destroying something. And if that is so then I will become the leaf villages shield!!! I will allow all those who are my comrades no all of the village will become my family and I will protect them without destroying anything. I will be the sheild from which all horrors and pains will be deflected off of for that is my reason to live. "

The anger within my words calmed when I fell silent once more. I bowed in apology again for my outburst but I felt it was needed. The way his tone was to me was as if he cared little to nothing about the leaf and it's inhabitants. He beckoned me with a loud roar, I was startled and followed him into his general direction. It would seem we would streamline straight towards the slums of the hidden leaf village. I knew he would ask me something about what i would do to help or protect those who are evil. And I had the perfect retort to that once asked.

[Katsumaru]

Once, Jiyuu dreamed, a time when he was a man filled with passion. But with war, life grew monotonous. Violence defined that monotony. Truthfully, while he spoke of dreams and chasing them, he lacked such ambitions. The Hokage’s desire was duty, no more. That, and a sense of belonging, of purpose. He knew other men dreamed. With envy, the veteran looked upon the dreamers.

”We are in a world where our only purpose is war. There is no place for dreams on the battlefield, candidly.

[/color] And that was his desire, a world at constant war, some would call it a dream, but Jiyuu called it his duty. The left corner of Jiyuu’s lip curled upward. ”If something is in need of protection, then, should you find yourself trapped in battle, inevitably, you will bleed, sweat, and delve into the thrill of battle. You will destroy. You do not yet understand, but with time you will. And that is why I do not wish for you to protect. You are young, your passions will be ruined, your dreams will be ruined.”

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SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Defend the Slums
Rank: C
Repeatable: No
Description: The Slums are under attack by a band of rebels. Konohagakure cannot allow them to escape, else the citizen will live in an even greater fear. They must be eliminated.

When the Hokage departed, his hands moved in a flash, one finger after another dancing in a mocking imitation of the zodiac. Paper flew from his body to form into two simulacrums. The first bunshin darted left, disappearing from sight. The second followed closely behind Naota. This will protect him, should we find ourselves under attack. he thought with a glance at the Uchiha. It took several minutes to arrive at the scene of the explosion.

There, fires spread several buildings, their flames charring those trapped within, horrid screams ringing through the air. The inhabitants ran in panic, slamming into one another, some even pushed to the grounds and trampled. No sign of the assailants was visible.

Yet, in the shadows of the alleys, they lurked.

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[Onigami Brothers]

" You don't really think of the big picture. . . Sorry Hokage-Sama. I just need to speak out of turn more because the words you speak of are hypocritical to the health of the leaf. History has shown us perpetual war is something which will bring a great many tragedies. I understand being ready for a fight but overdoing it can hurt our spirit. . . And I don't believe you. I won't become a murderer, I won't even if it puts me in danger. . ."

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I had contradicting views with Jiyuu, I hated his opinions of the leaf village. I felt he was merely trying to place hold for something else. I shook my head as we traveled forwards, I knew I was being disrespectful to the fullest for even doubting him but. . . he shouldn't be Hokage - Nii - San should be. The thoughts I harbored were treasonous in nature, yet all I thought about what was order. The had the spirit of my family within me, and I would protect the lands and use my eyes of hatred as a shield.

the passages of time.

We arrived further into the slums, I couldn't believe what I was seeing before me. The houses seemed to on fire, the blazes consuming large distances. The sky scorched black by the smoke which was endless in nature. I ran a bit further looking around for whatever could have started such a disaster. My head turned, my golden optic shells surveyed every inch of the area from which could be seen through the smog and heat. I looked back towards Jiyuu, why would he bring me to such a place? Was it his intent to shake or even destroy my resolve and faith within my dreams? I guess I will have to show him the power of order within the world. The unshakeable might of a person who's dream is to save the world and become it's shield and newest Hokage.
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[Katsumaru]

The time of debate came to an end. The two walked into a scene of horror, the remnants of a rebel strike – corpses, burning buildings, and the nauseating stench of burned flesh. Jiyuu turned to Naota, speaking, his tone sharp, for frustration permeated his mind,”As you may know, some Konohagakure shinobi have grown rather…dissatisfied with the matter of things. You look upon their rage. This is the world we live in. Prepare yourself for battle. I am afraid we will not be safe for long.”

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The Hokage’s paper clone positioned himself five meters to the right of Naota. Still the assailants hid in the shadow and he knew not where to find them, but the man knew they were being watched. His steel grey eyes shifted warily, each breath shallow as anticipation grew. ”We may disagree on some points, Naota. But do not forget that I will stand by your side in battle. My life for yours, my blood will flow to keep you safe.”[/i] he mumbled grimly, eyes still moving from side to side.

Several moments passed before the assailants finally revealed themselves. Two fireballs, each only one meter wide, darted forth from the alleys, to Jiyuu’s left and Naota’s right respectively. Their pace was rather slow, simple to avoid. With a dart towards the left, the fireball passed by the Hokage harmlessly, flying past him and ramming into the ground, flames burning but causing no more harm.

From the alleys, six figures stepped forth, each clad in hooded cloaks. Their faces were shrouded beneath the shadows of the hood, their impassionate gazes completely hidden. The group split, three darting towards Jiyuu and the others towards Naota. The clone still stood by Naota, out of the range of the fireball, prepared to come to the Uchiha’s aid should it be needed. The battle was to begin.


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[Onigami Brothers]

I watched the area as if it was Armageddon, the Hokage still began to speak towards me. My first thoughts were this was his fault for not caring about the people of the leaf. It seems when you become desensitized as he had become then people would come to hate him. I held respect for the title of Hokage so I needed a way to correct my thoughts. I began to speak back towards him, I still wasn't able to hod my tongue or my opinions.

" I find this to be the result of neglect. . . this could have been prevented! The world we live in may be perverse but ~ but the leaf is not the entire world. . . we can be the piece of happiness that still exists. I will not except this as being unavoidable, I don't have the same melancholy that you hold Hokage - Sama. "

I was cut off mid-sentence, there was a burst of flames, they weren't like the others for the fact they weren't stationary. I panicked and back flipped out of the linear path that both balls of flame collided and dispersed into. I caught myself with my right hand and slid to a stop, I was not impressed with my reaction time and decided I needed more training. I watched as my piercing golden shells fell upon strangers I had no recognition of because of the hoods they wore. I rose, my body standing fully erect with the intent of getting answers for the reasons why they attacked me. I was surprised when I was charged at even if I was still a little distance away from them, I hadn't expected to be thrust into a battle.

" Wait. . . we don't have to do this!!!! . . . . . Arghh,Darn it Listen to me!!!! "

I was angered by the fact I had to fight back to even get answers for such a rebellion. I began to seal, the speed made it seem as if it was within a flurry. Once the seals where done I held one seal close to my mouth, I expelled a fireball in a single burst. The experience of using such a jutsu was weird. The motion and feeling of expelling a fireball was the same as if I were spitting at something. The actual feeling of bringing chakra up to my throat was also and extremely weird sensation. I observed as I had aimed it correctly at the three who were seemingly blitzing forth trying to combat me in hand to hand, I hated such a technique of fighting.

Enkou Shinka (Essence of the Sacred Flames) C
Housenka no Jutsu (Mythical Fire Phoenix Technique) C

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[Katsumaru]

Naota’s maneuver was quick, immediately bursting into hand seals, but the assailants did the same, and were at a slight advantage due to their greater numbers. The central thug finished his series of seals in the instant that the Uchiha released his fire, slamming both palms onto the ground. From the earth a wall rose, ten meters long and high, its ascend completed just in time to intercept Naota’s fireball.

SPOILER: Click to show

Earth Dominion; D
Mud Overturn; C

Meanwhile behind the wall, the left most of the thugs also completed his seals – he already finished them by the time the wall rose, but he intended to use the earthen wall as a cover for his next maneuver. The earths seemingly absorbed him at first glance – but it was simply a fine, simple technique that allowed him to merge with the grounds and move beneath. Due to the wall covering his maneuver, neither Jiyuu nor Naota could see the descend.

SPOILER: Click to show

Underground Fish Projection; C

The last of the thugs also completed his seals around the same time as the creator of the walls, but like the other murderer, used the wall for cover. Already as the wall was rising, he took several steps forward to stand on it, carrying his body upward. The thug retorted with a similar fireball as Naota directed at the three, but seemed to expand upon it slightly. With a flick of his wrist he threw something along with the fireball, a metallic projectile wrapped in white. The fireball approached the Uchiha directly.

SPOILER: Click to show

Mythical Fire Phoenix Technique; C

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The boy was correct. This could have been prevented. Jiyuu knew this. That is why the weight of the deaths sat upon his shoulders all the heavier. He was no perfect man, and his failures became evident with the attacks in the slums. Why was it that the Jiyuu was pushed into the position of Hokage? Why did he not refuse? Truthfully, he was uncertain of that; now he was no more than a man in the middle of an existential crisis.

But that crisis mattered not when battle was at hand. Masses of papers fluttered from his body into the skies. A smile spread across his face as his hands begun their dance, fingers moving at haste. Jiyuu, by no means, enjoyed taking another man’s life, yet ironically he only truly felt alive in the heat of battle. Upon completion of the seals, which did not even take a second, the paper that had risen into the sky transformed. From it, twenty senbon formed, darting at the three charging foes at a rapid pace almost too quick for the eye to follow. His mastery over the art of the Shikigami allowed chakra to be applied for two means. Paper from his body formed into five grenades no larger than his fists. The grenades were already underway when the senbon descended, two arcing from the left and two from the right.

The senbon, despite their high speed, were rather easy to avoid due to the distance at which they have been created. The three thugs charging Jiyuu split. Two went to the right, two to the left Harmlessly, the senbon pierced into the grounds. Connecting with them was not the Hokage’s objective. Rather, they were a simple distraction to allow for the grenades to approach. The paper grenades closed with the thugs, but moments from reaching.

SPOILER: Click to show

Crafting Paper Skill; S
Paper Speed; S

Paper Senbon; C
Paper Grenade; C C C C C

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[Onigami Brothers]

I couldn't believe the speed and dexterity of these guys, a wall of doton was erected it smothered my flames. I was afraid and couldn't understand what to do next. I began to run backwards out of the fray of battle. I didn't know what else to do because I was deathly afraid of taijutsu. My hands and legs would be too weak and I would end up broken all over again. My psyche couldn't handle that pain all over again, I'd die if I had to feel my limbs in full paralysis while every single atom of my body felt like it was ignited on fire.

" I'm...I'm not going back to that I will never go back to that type of pain ever!!!! "

My heartbeat rose to levels I couldn't believe, i felt so - confident. It was weird I could feel something different churning within me, it was like I was becoming someone new. yet, i still had nothing to throw back at them. I guess I needed to remember something, any jutsu at all would really help me right now. I can't think of what to combat the flame which I had dodge by almost slamming into a building earlier.