☆ seven years [1]

[KEITH]

("Seven years ago, the Leaf was devastated by the attack on it, lead by Uchiha Kouketsu. It was an image burned into the memory of all who fought and ran for their lives that day. The world has changed so much since then, every shinobi village had signed a trust. So that war could never breath air again...War is something that has always been. Can people just stop war by simply signing a peace treaty? When has society advanced so much..?")

Objective: Meet up, then flashback!

Those were the thoughts that had hung in the young Nara's head, as he rested it gently upon his folded arms at his desk. His desk was covered with paper and books, all about documents upon the village, and it's finances. He had wanted to do his best, to help out the villages finance problems, so he could get a hopeful promotion to the Hokage's assistant. A goal that he tried so hard to reach over the seven years. His short rest would be interrupted by the sound of his alarm clock, ringing off loud and clear into his left ear. It played a catchy little tone that the Nara had always liked. It's ring echoed through his ears, causing him to jump up and out of his seat in shock. He fell backwards in his chair, and it caused him to hit a shelf with the back of his head. A few books falling down onto his head, hitting him hard a few good times, completely waking him from his trance that he was in. ("Oww..ugh...") He grunted as he rubbed the top of his head gently as he rose to his feet. He made his way over to his alarm clock, wondering why he even had his alarm set to such a random time.

("What the.. TOUKETSU-SAN?! I FORGOT!") Once he picked up the clock, he looked at it, but a memory of way he had set it didn't come to his head. He had shaken it roughly, annoyed that he couldn't remember why he had set it to that time, and a piece of paper had fell from it. He picked it up, it was a reminder for him to meet up with Touketsu at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop. He had then quickly prepared himself for the meeting with him, and changed his clothes quickly, though, only into normal civilian clothing. He walked over to his bed where he had a backpack prepared to take with him, within it he had the gear that he would need if anything were to ever happen while he was out. On his way out the door, he had grabbed his Ichi Ichi Paradise novel with him. He couldn't leave without it, and in the last seven years, he was really busy and unable to finish the book how he wanted too. He also made sure that he had his reading glasses with him, wearing thick, black rimmed glasses. After he locked up, he leaped from his apartment building onto a nearby rooftop, and then repeated this from building to building. As he had went on, he read his body, becoming indulged into it and not truly paying attention to what was ahead of him.

Whenever he would read it, he would always tone out any outside disturbances. While batmanning rooftops, he had passed several windows with either naked or half dressed women behind them, though he didn't catch them. To the girls, it was typically a daily routine for the Nara to watch them, it's why they are even washing up or getting dressed around this time. They pretended like they didn't like when he watched them, all perverted like, but they actually did. Disappointed that he paid no attention to them today. As he would get close to his destination, he would find himself already thirty minutes late. He was usually always late, due to his poor time management skills. Some think that it would be the young Nara's ultimate downfall some day. He scaled down a buildings side, now taking himself to the street levels. He continued from now on to walk the streets to the shop, since he was only one or two blocks away. He held the book infront of him, reading it as he moved swiftly through the crowd. Evading everyone with his shinobi reflexes as if he was actually looking at them and moving. He was an interesting shinobi one would say. In more ways, than one. ("Oh..? I'm here. I must be faster than a speeding bullet.") He said to himself with a large grin upon his face, snickering cheerfully.

[Katsumaru]

[/color], nearly organized, a stark contrast to his clothing which lied in a corner of the shack bundled together. Crudely drawn pictures of the assailants of Bakudon Gai and Konohagakure hung on the walls, theories and suspicions scribbled beneath. Frowning and low in mood, the Airontoku carried himself over to the mirror, wrapping the index finger of the right hand around the wick of a candle. The body heat took care of the rest as it lit aflame, it’s dim light casting a brightness through the ominous cottage.

Touketsu’s frown deepened when he met gazes with the reflection in the mirror. Ruffled, uncombed hairs spread past his ears, a disparity with the finely cut, trimmed hairs of years past. An extended goatee had grown upon his face, his appearance a rigid reminder that the years had worn on Touketsu. With a shake of his head the man trotted to the corner of the room, retrieving common, indistinguishable civilian from the bundled stack, a tunic and trousers both in a light brown. Worryingly, paranoia still entrenched into the Airontoku’s senses, he grabbed his sheathed blade by its ebony hilt and strapped it to the left hip, tip pointing downward. Lastly, he pulled forth a pipe beneath his bed along with a bag of tobacco, an addiction to which he had shifted after overcoming alcoholism, and finally a collection of files in a yellow folder. Today he was to meet Uneri, a comrade of times past, and Touketsu best not appear late.

Trotting through the door, the Airontoku cringed as the morn’s light blinded him. With a glance back at the shack he simply shrugged, indifferent about its worn features, the cracks in the wood, and the roof fractured at several points. Touketsu had chosen to live in a rather ragged alley of Konohagakure, a preference, and almost a punishment for his failures those many years ago. Onto his way to Ichiraku’s Ramen he went, suspicious and wary eyes glancing at him from the darker corners of the alleys. Curmudgeons were on their way even in the earlier day, and occasionally Touketsu became a victim of their crude, greedy-imbued desires, but never had he lost anything. Why he chose this style of life not even he understood, despite the down trotting nature of returning to the slum when the sun sets. His right hand rested on the hilt of the blade with every step, paranoia ringing strong.

Impassionate looks were exchanged with the civilians and shinobi in the streets, Touketsu unresponsive to nods and greetings. Some minutes passed before he arrived at Ichiraku’s Ramen Ten minutes before Uneri’s arrival. With a grunt, the Airontoku pulled forth the pipe and inserted lemon-flavored tobacco, once again using that fine, natural body heat of his people so handily, warming it, and taking lengthy, deep puffs. The smoke rose into the air with each exhalation, thick clouds rising into the air as the man waited from his comrade.
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[Messatsu!]

War, it changes a man, and if it changed anyone or anything, it changed Ue Zenkami. The once, free willed konoha shinobi who stayed loyal to the Hokage and his demands for 25 years of his own life, was far different than he ever was before. Don't misunderstand, his mind is stable and sane, however, his sense of paranoia has become overpowering, sending him upon mental trips as everyone who even made the smallest of movements that came off suspicious seemed like an enemy, or could potentially have been one. However, like all shinobi's within Konohagakure, a treaty of peace was signed and agreed upon by all kages, but truth be told, Ue knew that this was nothing more than a temporary ruse to allow opposing forces to regather their lost numbers from heavy casualties.

("Is Ryu really this unreliable, though he's gotten older, he still doesn't seam seasoned at all, Genryu would have done things differently, he wouldn't have signed a damn treaty of false peace just to allow the true enemy to regather their force and re-obtain their military power. However, little do they truly know, Konohagakure has grow exponentially over these last seven years, and as I think about it, everyone has become strong enough to hold their own. . .Justice will be done.")

With his feelings bold and his thoughts adamant, he still managed to somehow enjoy the beautiful day which provided warm temperatures, heavy, azure skies, and the calm, maundering voices of bustling civilians that seemed content with their lives. Walking through the city with casual strides, hands deeply wedged into the depths of his pants pockets, Ue was without his precious armour, both ANBU and his standard battle gear, only the prodigious and infamous Jounin flack jacket and a pair of sweats shielding his bareness.

Though he had to say, if this war brought anything, it was income to the village, business's and and local shops were bustling with cultivated activity, becoming more and more successful throughout the passing days, weeks, and months, hell, even Ue's salary as a shinobi in good standing was increased 10 fold from what it had been seven years ago. Needless to say, Ue was financially stable while living a good life with his beloved sora, other than being paranoid, there wasn't anything he could complain about.

With a near apathetic face, his eyes flickered from place to place, imbibing his mind of his surroundings which was all too familiar to him, but needless to say he came across something-well someone he didn't expect to see, Touketsu Kougi. Ue seated himself near Touketsu while ordering a glass of water, speaking to him with respect from jounin to jounin.

"Touketsu. . .its been a while, hows Life treating you?"

[KEITH]

("Is that..Ue-san..? Haven't seen him in awhile.")

The young Nara had seen a fellow shinobi of his, one who he hasn't seen for a few months. Most likely due to the Nara's abrupt and busy lifestyle. When he had seen him walk into the ramen shop, his golden smile had managed to become even brighter than it was before. He had thought it was a good chance for all of them to catch up after so long. Though, the shinobi life has been having it good these last few years, it didn't mean that they had really enjoyed it. He wanted to find out what they had thought about it, so, he would try his best to incorporate that into the conversation, he would have with them. If he could. His steps were gently and light, as if he was walking on the balls of his feet. Being of the Nara clan, it was important that he would master the style of stealth. And, that meant being able to mask your sound, even though in the area it was quite loud. The village was lively for this time of day. Only a bit pass 11:00 AM. It was no need for him to mask his foot steps, but being a Nara and a shinobi, even, one could never be too careful. Once he had made it to the shop, he hung his head down as his lips curled into a gentle smile as he moved into the shop. He extended out his left hand, lightly pushing aside the curtain as he entered. Not much has changed about the Nara, besides his hair growing longer and wavy, along with it's new style. And, a scar upon his back that no one could see.

The aura around him was golden and warm, like always, as if he was the son of Amaterasu herself. ("Aww, what is this? Gonna start the party without me? You guys suck big time. Show some respect to your elders.") He stood behind them as they set at the bar-like table, trying to get their attention. He snickered, making his way to the seat next to Ue, turning to face the both of them in his seat. The Nara was a baller, he didn't give a fuck about how much the price of the food was. He had just taken a menu from a holster on the table, and began marking off random things, and passed it over to them. ("Long time no see, Ue-san. And, sorry about my lateness, Touketsu-san. No matter what I do, I'm always late.") He said with a cheerful laugh as he had softly knocked himself upside the head. ("I wonder..how has things been for them, over these last few years. The shinobi world has taken a large change, better in someways, and bad in others. Though, how did they take it..?")

This was actually, kind of weird to say the least. The three of them haven't been together like this..since three years ago at the Jounin Selections. Back then, things weren't completely like it was now. Back then, that's when we had truly lived like shinobi. Unlikely now, where the world of shinobi is nothing more than a shell of it's former self. These thoughts in the mind of the Nara were conflicting. He hated the hatred that the shinobi world had brought, but he had the life that shinobi have been brought to. At the same time, knowing that this is what stops the shinobi from fighting and the hatred from growing..was it what he really wanted?

[Katsumaru]

[/color][/i] the Airontoku mumbled, referencing his addiction to that damned liquid which had nearly cost him his life in Bakudon Gai, and later, almost lead to his death during the Jounin exams. Intoxication caused such a sweet indifference, one incapable of being imitated, and it was this state of being which the Airontoku embraced unwaveringly seven years ago. The path to recovery was unpleasant; nightmares worsened and the body ached, but finally Touketsu found absolution. In that regard, at least. There was still more to be freed from.

The jounin glanced upwards to meet gazes with the server, but simply shrugged, declining the offer for a bowl. Partially, the Airontoku enjoyed this peace, for this was the second war that had left its taint upon his soul. The human spirit had become corrupted with a vicious melancholy, misanthropy, and overwhelming bitterness, Touketsu an intermingling of all those damning traits. Yet, the thrill of battle still rung in the back of his mind; after all, he was raised to be a soldier, from birth trained and disciplined. Unfortunately the discipline had wavered over the years. He had chosen to live in the slums of Konohagakure as a punishment for his failures and to be at the constant threat of death by scoundrels, for only then did he seem to think his life had a purpose. It was a rather bizarre, dysfunctional way of thinking, but Touketsu had never been known for mental stability. To worsen matters, his moods had the tendency to swing, and his thoughts formulated into one of two extremes, constantly shifting. The Airontoku had become a wreck, but a functional one, else Touketsu would not be a jounin.

Touketsu placed down his pipe and closed his eyes, sighing heavily. ”Seems as if the world has become monotonous, eh?”[/i] the Airontoku declared. He simply disliked the idea of inactivity, sitting around without true motivations. Or is it that he is simply a man without worthy motivations? The latter held terrifying implications. ” What are we going to do now? It seems as if our lives have come to nothing. All that work. Peace is pleasant, but we have no true duties to fulfill anymore.”[/i] As he spoke, Touketsu traced two fingers across the scar on his left cheek.
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[Susumu]

i'll sing to you, i'll sing to you

[/u][/i][/right]

he had survived the attack on the village all of those years ago. but, that was afforded to his parents and the vacation they had all chosen to take part in just days before the village was attacked. nonetheless when they returned they suffered just as much as anyone else. but, this did not save kaz from being ridiculed by other young yet ignorant children who accused him of being a coward. and that's how his life would continue, refusing to being accepted by most of those his age/within his generation. despite this he never let it hold him down too much. he refused to fall back, as such he worked hard with his school work, training, and did what he could to aid in the restoration of the hidden leaf village.

and with that the seven years passed quickly, gaining the title of genin shinobi and taking up archery as his primary style. he had matured into a fine specimen, but more importantly he had grown into a fine shinobi who still had much to learn, and was willing to learn.

---

making his way through the village streets he soon found himself wandering near a group of older shinobi. taking the time to pause and nod towards them he chose to go further and step closer to them, a grin on his a tattooed face. "hey guys, what's up? talking about the past?"[/color]
[/left][/blockquote]

SPOILER: Click to show

wasn't sure if this was open or not so meh

[Messatsu!]

The servers within Ichiraku ramen were, well, rather fast, delivering Ue his ice cold glass of water just a moment after he'd initially ordered it while having offered up words of concern for Touketsu's ears. His retort, in a way, was rather pleasing, alcohol wasn't something easy to get rid of, especially in times where shinobi, or at least those that usually enforce higher task such as Jounin are forced to sit on the sidelines, allowing the genin to take care of inner-village task. Damn near out of work with only their military ranks paying their bills, life was well, rather boring in a sense. But don't be mistaken, Ue has been happy living with his beloved, keeping both company in their times of need, but aside from that, he wasn't truly sure if he wanted things to have changed to begin with.

"Yeah, I don't see how you got into it in the first place friend, its quite unpleasant for my taste."

Before he could gather his thoughts and continue on with what he had to say, the presence of another alarmed him, inducing a quick glance in the opposite direction of Touketsu. A quick, second long analysis brought him to a solid conclusion albeit a bit obvious from his prominent headband that remained fastened to the forefronts of his head. However, he was without a chuunin / jounin jacket, so he must have had to have been a genin - or at least Ue presumed so. A quick nod acknowledged him as he inquired about the conversation that was beginning to unfold between three long time comrades.

"Hello there, and yeah, a little reminiscing doesn't hurt from time to time, its not like there is too much of anything left for us to do. "

Touketsu released an attention grabbing sigh causing Ue to reflexively turn his gaze back upon his fellow jounin as his counter question to Ue's own met the light of the conversation. ”Seems as if the world has become monotonous, eh?”, with the next breath Ue was ready to give his riposte, however, yet, another old friend and comrade jumped into the fray, blessing Ue with words of concern while apologizing for having been late. It wasn't known to Ue that this specifically a meeting, as far as he had known this was nothing more than a fine case of coincidence. Needless to say it was glad to have finally caught up with the two socially since their Jounin examination which was roughly three years ago. Taking quick sips of his ice cold water, his response to Touketsu would finally suface.

"Yeah, I have to agree with you there, things aren't what they used to be. It makes you think if this change was really what we needed, but honestly, as long as my fiance is happy, I've got nothing to complain about.

[KEITH]

("I remember the day, when I was scorn by everyone when I ran to Konoha's gate.
But, that also was the day I was saved! I was saved by the Hokage!
Now, I've made all these friends..who I can share memories with...")

The Nara's golden eyes had averted over to the young shinobi, who had seemed to have never faced any conflict. Or rather, that of a serious battle, based upon the look that he had seen within his eyes as he approached Touketsu, or moved toward his direction instead of the Nara's or Ue's. He had seemed to be interested in what they were talking about. Before the young Nara could even speak, Ue with his quick wittiness has already answered the boy's question. Touketsu, who was younger than the Nara, though appeared and seemed as he would be the oldest had asked interesting questions. Asking about the world, and what they had thought about it. Ue, again being the first to answer. It had seemed that after the seven years that pasted, the Nara and Ue was the better off of the three. Or rather, their lifestyle wasn't as bad as Touketsu's had turned about to be. Unknowing if that was a fact or not, his outward appearance would surely give off that impression to anyone who would have seen him. The waitress was quick with the Nara's order, bringing him out large bowls of ramen. Each bowl was something different, and special. Anyone who had truly knew him had known that he could carry his weight in food, being able to eat a lot of food without gaining a pound. Some would think he was an Akimichi, trying to restore his chakra reserves by eating so much.

Most joke about his eating habit, saying that once he hit thirty years of age, his body would blow up, because of his metabolism that would slow down. He began to chow down upon the food as Ue responded to his inquiry. Once he had felt like it was his turn to speak, after listening to what Ue said, it seemed kind of selfish to the Nara, the way Ue thought about how things were. It was sort of like, the world revolved around him, and his young fiancee, Sora. But, then again, that was fine to think like that. To each his own, and he came to accept that before talking himself. ("Honestly, I am kind of indifferent about that..") He said as he turned to face them again, moving away from his food, burping and covering his mouth out. ("I'm not too big on wars..actually, I just down right hate them. But, the shinobi world also drives on that. Without wars, there isn't any need to go out and do anything. We don't have to worry about someone taking from us, and us having to take it back. We don't have to worry about advancing our shinobi skills, or protecting our country. Because, that is what peace is, not having to worry about the others. To live a happy life. But, a happy life is boring. And, indeed my friends, this world has become boring for shinobi.") Another waitress had brought out a tall glass of lemon flavored iced tea for the young shinobi.

He smiled brightly at her, taking the glass into his hand, and nodded at Touketsu, in a gesture to give his opinion on things, wondering how he felt. Being the wise old-young man that he was. After he would speak, delivering a speech what he thought about the world and shinobi, he would quickly interrupt anyone who would try to speak. Throwing out a quick question at them. ("Do you guys remember the Jōnin Selection? That was just before the peace tready had gotten signed, and the whole world began to change..To think that was just three years ago..I remember it like it was yesterday..") The Nara spoke, before smiling as he would take another sip of his iced tea. His mind had reverted back to that of the Jōnin Selection, reminiscing the speeches, the test - everything. It had seemed to himself that he had began to day dream as he talked about it, his mind wandering off as his lips continued to move, speaking of the long, almost forgotten past that seemed so long ago. But, to someone like him, nothing so revolutionary could be forgotten.

---

Flashback Begin!

Within the confines of the Nidaime Hokage's office, had sat the Hokage himself, and three other shinobi who had stood infront of his desk, as the Hokage rested in his own. It was a special day for these three shinobi, who were all dressed in ANBU attire, standing side-by-side. The one in the middle of the three had began to speak. ("Hokage-Sama..I brought them here as you wished. May I ask why you wanted an audience with us today?") The masked ANBU member had spoken, his mask resembling that of a dog, standing tall with his arms at his side. Like he was a solider in the military or something. But, he was, wasn't he? He had worn a dog mask, being a dog of the Leaf's military forces, though it wasn't anything wrong with that, he had loved the Leaf village. Being a member of the village for four and a half years now. The Nidame Hokage had a cheerful expression upon his face, smirking before he had began to speak.

("I asked for you three here for no other reason than‒being accepted by me, and the council of the Leaf to be selected as the new Jōnin of the village. It's truly an honor for you guys to be approved by the entire counsil. Being so that you guys were the sole survivors of the Leaf's Genin that survived the massacre in Bakudon Gai seven years ago, and became Chūnin, and assisted the village in the attack by the Sand and Mist villages.") The Hokage had slowly rose up from his seat, moving around his sturdy wooden desk to the three of them, standing before them. ("So, what do you all say? Do you think you're up for the challenge of the Jōnin Selection?") The Hokage had said to them, in a calm and polite tone, as always. Looking deep into the eye sockets of their ANBU mask, looking to see where there any weakness or doubt in their mind, if they were up for the task or not.

The ANBU member who stood in the middle, he had crouched onto one knee, bowing down to the Kage who stood infront of him, who was the mightiest shinobi within the village. ("Believe me when I say this, my lord. But, I am more than ready for this task at hand. Please, allow me to walk forward, and attack this test head on, so that I may grown in rank, experience and wisdom to lead this village to a brighter future.") He would stay in his position, waiting for the other two to say what they had to say, wondering if they would accept the challenge or not to take part in the Jōnin Selections.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sharkk, it's okay that you joined. But, our flashback will be of the selections. You could do a flashback in here of your own, talking about what you did at the time. You could be off doing your own thing with NPC's, if you want, I guess.

[Katsumaru]

[/color][/i] the Airontoku mumbled. ”We have nothing to live for anymore other than for drowning in our own piss. The peace is nice, but the world will become even a greater cesspool when men have nothing to live for.”[/i] Often, Touketsu held somewhat contradictory views founded in a great uncertainty, as here, believing that the peace was both good and bad, shifting in-between two extremes.

His calloused fingers wrapped around the ebony hilt of his blade as the man’s gaze shifted warily, a schism into momentary paranoia as he observed the citizen, fearing that he was but a moment from being slaughtered. Touketsu, it seemed, had become wretchedly mentally unstable, losing grip with reality for but a moment as the world began to feel surreal. His comrades seemed unreal, as if he glanced at them from beneath a veil. The jounin shook his head vigorously, gradually shifting towards reality once again, the derealization coming to an end. What in the hells is happening to me. ”Jounin selection, yes.”[/color] he grumbled absentmindedly , looking downwards at his own hands. I think I am losing my mind. Damned, damned, damned. A newcomer had arrived, Kazuki, and Touketsu acknowledged him with a stiff nod.

A genin, Touketsu was somewhat uneasy that it was required by men like him to lead such young shinobi. He had occasionally thought of himself as a capable leader, but the confidence dwindled over the years, and with his increasing mental unease the man began to doubt his own abilities even more. Could others truly rely on him for protection, comradery, and leadership? Did he even have the abilities to make wise choices, or was that wisdom which he portrayed a mere façade to hide his growing insecurities? Question after question arose, and with each new inquiry, Touketsu doubted his own capabilities even more. Certainly Ue and Uneri were at a better state in their life, rather than being drowned by ambiguity. Touketsu was a stark contrast, no more than a curmudgeon, no different than the bandits he had fought with Ryusuke so many years ago.

_________________________________________________________

Three years ago…[/i]

Touketsu stood before the Hokage with his comrades, mask of the cat concealing his ragged face. A cloak was wrapped tightly around his body, the fabric swaying lightly with every heavy breath. The Airontoku was still deeply entrenched in alcoholism at the time, and in a rather impulsive choice, appeared at the Hokage’s tower a tad intoxicated, foolishly so, considering the importance of the meeting at which he found himself. His breath stunk of alcohol, but the mask, thankfully so, prevented the scent from rising into the air. Touketsu himself was surprised that he had rose to such success despite his addiction, shocked at his own functioning. Alas, such is to be expected of a soldier, for they often escape their worries through one means or another. At least the soldiers he had met.

His vision was quite blurry as he stared through the slits of the mask, squinting the eyes to properly draw in the Hokage’s features. Nausea scraped his senses lightly, feeling as if he was but a moment from vomiting. Many years had passed since he had first become a chuunin, and he learned to function so. Touketsu bobbed his head in an attempt to show his attention, one which was wavering slightly. ”I will face whatever challenge you give us, Hokage-Sama.”[/i] Touketsu declared, his speech somewhat slurred. ”I thank you for the opportunity, for the obstacle that you place before us. I, no, we will succeed.”[/i] Even with the greater focus his speech was no less slurred.

The man was somewhat anxious at the hindrances he was to face. He had become a chuunin after surviving the attack on Bakudon Gai, but here, this challenge was greater, riskier, for it was not in the heat of a massive battle were survival fell easier. Nay, he was not only anxious, but downright afraid, doubting his own abilities moreso than he had ever done before. What was he to do? He simply shrugged. Only time will tell.
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[Messatsu!]

Sip after sip, the water within Ue's cup dwindled, and soon enough became empty which only invoked the action of requesting yet another cold beverage. "I'll take another Ice cold glass of water if you don't mind, this weather can make a man quite thirsty if out beneath the soon for so long, not to mention having to sit next to this walking furnace." A witty joke fell from Ue's lips as he waited for the arrival of his drink, but in the meantime Uneri took the floor, speaking in a lengthily manner as he began to reminisce upon the Jounin examination, an event that was still quite fresh within Ue's memory banks.

---

. . .Three years ago.

Apparently Ue had been summoned by the hokage himself, which -contrary to popular belief- was a rather rare phenomenon. Needless to say whatever it was, it was more often than not important, especially when leafs three other leading shinobi were called upon as well. As he stood facing the hokage properly while perfectly adjacent to Uneri's side, he listened to Uneri curiously inquire about the reason's in which the trio were summoned as the Hokage's audience, a rather bold question, one that Ue didn't really have the drive to ask, not after that attack. With Uneri's inquiry lingering out on the open, the Hokage's riposte was swift, sincere, and meaningful.

I asked for you three here for no other reason than‒being accepted by me, and the council of the Leaf to be selected as the new Jōnin of the village. It's truly an honor for you guys to be approved by the entire counsil. Being so that you guys were the sole survivors of the Leaf's Genin that survived the massacre in Bakudon Gai seven years ago, and became Chūnin, and assisted the village in the attack by the Sand and Mist villages.

So this was it, after all of these years of endless training, fighting and killing, the prodigious rank of jounin was finally within arms reach. BUt truth be told the announcement only brought about a sense of pain within his heart. You see, that rank of 'jounin' is what drove Ue to aspire to be just as strong and eventually surpass his Genryu Uchiha. There was no denying that without the help of Genryu, Ue would not have been here to standing before the Hokage just minutes away from being one of leaf's most trusted military ranks.

"I must say Hokage-sama, I'm, well, quite speechless. I've waited so long to achieve this rank in Genryu's stead, and finally it has been accomplished, perhaps his soul may rest in peace, but even then my power will continue to fuel the hidden leaf as this village does to me."

Ue's response was adamant, carrying with it a mesh of emotions that Touketsu and Uneri couldn't even begin to understand, the Hokage was one of the few people that could fully appreciate Genryu's legacy just as Ue himself had if not more.

[KEITH]

With the three’s reception, the Hokage’s heart warmed. It had been some time since an official test of a Shinobi’s capability had been displayed; at least on this level. Taking the Jōnin examination was no easy feat, and while the risk of death was near thoroughgoing, the tough to f attaining such fame and closure for most was heard to ignore. Truth be told, it was rather nostalgic. Having been inaugurated into the position of Kageship at such a young age, the Hokage was stripped his own opportunity to ascend in the formal ranks. Forever lost as a Chūnin statically, he’d wish those who carried the same weight of his village towards achieving their goal.

Nonetheless, with the mention of someone dear and near to the young Uchiha, Ryūsuke’s visage had changed, only briefly. Genryū—the heart of his Kageship, and the fuel which drove the Uchiha to attaining the power he had been blessed with up until this point. The lifeline to his near indomitable will with burned stronger then Agni’s flames. His precocious death had put a damper on the buttressing Ryūsuke once once held, but now after years has past, it seemed the cherry-blonde had finally grew over such a bleak state. Not knowing Ue in the slightest only gaining word through ears of the shadows, Ryūsuke was needless to say skeptical about the man’s stand. Still, it didn’t disdain the fact that he was indeed his uncle’s student.

("“Okay.. let’s begin the briefing.”

[/b]")[/i] Clearing his throat, The Hokage would continue on.

("“Recent reports of a disturbance along the Kaze no Kuni borders have shed light on a rather disturbing series of events. Recently, a rather large crater has surfaced—its origins unknown and news confirming interstellar descent haven’t been noted. Those who have examined th crater gave reports of weakness, saying their body felt radically heavier, and their energy seemingly sapped without connection. Similar reports branch even miles away, though to a lesser degree. Assuming this is chakra draining, it could be a construct of malice. You three are assigned to investigate, and if seen as a threat, to destroy it. Be cautious, however; being on foreign territory, it’s safe to assume Sunagakure forces may arrive, if they hadn’t already. Good luck to you three. Make Konohagakure proud.”")
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

---

The Nara had listened to the Nidaime carefully, so that he could be well informed of the task at hand today. It would seem as they would be treading the boarder of Kaze no Kuni today, to find out what was going on over there. Though, the Nara had remembered that the Sand forces were also helping out the Mist in their attack upon the Leaf. It had made the young Nara think that something was about to go on over there, if they went there.

Probably starting an international affair. But, he would have to wait and see how everything would actually turn out for him. It couldn't possibly be too bad, especially with his fellow ANBU members with him. He rose up to his feet, and nodded to the Nidaime. ("Yes sir. Let's move out and complete our task. Ue-san, Touketsu-san. Out there today, I want to see you two do two things; bring honor to the village, and prosperity. I couldn't imagine getting anything less from you two, anyway.")

The Nara had spoke like a true leader, he would give one last nod, and then in a burst of speed, he would flicker away, out of site. When he would reappear, he would have been somewhere outside of the village, a little far from the village gates, though Ue and Touketsu would know where he had gone. It was time for them to head to Kaze no Kuni.

[ EXIT - KAZE NO KUNI ]

[/font][/size][/justify]

[Katsumaru]

Surprise, and the slightest bit of fascination, washed over Touketsu as he stood clad in ANBU armor. So wretched of a man the Airontoku had become that he had little hope for bettering himself, a loss of faith in the self, but perhaps it was simply the lack of will, not the absence of talent that explained his filth-lounging position. He nodded slowly with each word spoken, excitement beginning to build. The lives of two comrades depended on his own capabilities, and that thought was imposing, weighing heavier than the chains of Touketsu’s presumed futility. With a hunched back he awaited for Ryusuke to complete the order, right knee slightly arched.

The task they were given involved the sinister and downright bizarre. Within the deserts lied an otherworldly anomaly, mayhap, its reach eager to drain men of their very essence. The heavens unleashed their fury upon the earths, a morbid reminder of the sins that corrupted mortal souls. What have they done to deserve such? The blood they shed, the lives they took? Or was the peculiar phenomenon merely coincidental? Were it so, then the metaphysical attributions were simply foolish, no more. In the last years, Touketsu had often relied on the supernatural for simple explanations, imprudently so.

His gaze lingered on the Hokage, drawing in the features that have changed over the years. Touketsu held a certain amount of fondness for the man, for he held ideals so affirmative, truly righteous. The Airontoku, on the contrary, was a stark opposite, a man who had asphyxiated in cynicism. ”I will fulfill my duty.” Touketsu uttered with a guttural murmur, voice raspy. ”The Vigilant God will be with us.”

[/i] the Airontoku declared, referencing a deity whom he had begun to worship after tragedy struck Konohagakure. Absolution in belief, that was one of the few things Touketsu still considered achievable in his lifetime, after an existence of so much turmoil.

Turning on his heel, the Airontoku departed, his steps quite deliberate and unhurried. The Nara had left in a more dramatic fashion as Touketsu acknowledged with a slight grin. Through the door and out of the tower he walked before erupting into a dash, soles slamming upon the grounds with each step. Some minutes passed before chakra flowed as he used one of the most fundamental abilities, walking on the wall, carrying his figure upwards to a roof that stood ten meters high. Here he stood when the meteor struck and brought Konohagakure to her ruin. Structurally, there were no signs of the chaos that rung, but the spirits of the fallen shall weep for all eternity. Their lives ended so abruptly, their hopes and dreams crushed as their spirit was lost in perpetual mourning. Touketsu kneeled, uttering a silent prayer under his breath.

Vigilant God, watch over me as I raise my blade. Righteous and heedful forever I remain. This sacred soul shall be purified through the glory of battle.

[/center]

Upon completing the prayer, Touketsu erupted into a burst, carrying himself to the gates at full speed. The scenery of Konohagakure lied beneath as the man leapt from roof to roof, eager citizen going along with their every day duties. Stepping through the gates, the Airontoku laid his crimson eyes on the flora of Hi no Kuni. Truly grandiose. His companion was not far from the gates, a capable Nara, and a man with whom he shall fight together. ”Do you fear the consequences we may face?” Touketsu inquired.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[Messatsu!]

“Recent reports of a disturbance along the Kaze no Kuni borders have shed light on a rather disturbing series of events. Recently, a rather large crater has surfaced—its origins unknown and news confirming interstellar descent haven’t been noted. Those who have examined th crater gave reports of weakness, saying their body felt radically heavier, and their energy seemingly sapped without connection. Similar reports branch even miles away, though to a lesser degree. Assuming this is chakra draining, it could be a construct of malice. You three are assigned to investigate, and if seen as a threat, to destroy it. Be cautious, however; being on foreign territory, it’s safe to assume Sunagakure forces may arrive, if they hadn’t already. Good luck to you three. Make Konohagakure proud.”

Ue stood erect, enveloped in his iron clad armour as he intently heeded the words of the Hokage as he began to debrief the three upon their 'mission'. Though Ue truly didn't see or categorize it as such, it stead to was just like any other examination. The task itself was fairly simple, however, after hearing of the location, anger began to taint his heart, inducing a assembly line of mental images that reflected back on the war and Konoha's destruction. His fist clenched through his gloves as his arms clandestinely shook from anger, even after handful of years his hatred for both Kirigakure and Sunagakure remained fresh, alive, and well fed.

("Kaze no kuni eh, that means sunagakure will be close by, Maybe i'll pay them a well deserved visit. ")

Ue's attention momentarily transition over onto Uneri as he'd give his riposte, meeting gaze with him through the darkness that laid beneath the confines of his steel face mask. Honor? what did this man know about honor, it wasn't something that Konohagakure could re-obtain through a simple task that acted as nothing more than a Jounin Examination. No, they needed to take revenge, Sunagakure needed to feel the same pain, spill the same amount of blood, and face the same destruction as the leaf had done. If Uneri couldn't image getting anything less from Ue, he was dead wrong. Since the attack Ue changed, he wasn't the same shinobi, it was an injustice to the families in Konoha and the village itself to sit idly by as though the actions of Kiri and Suna never happened.

They'd pay. . .Ue would make sure of that.

Needless to say, Ue had nothing to say, for if he had something might have slipped out that would have been completely inappropriate for both his comrades and the Hokage himself. He'd simply sit back and allow Touketsu to have his fill in the conversation before bade his farewell to the Hokage with a simple nod before vanishing within the blink of ones eye, leaving but a coiling wind as a testament to his presence. Following Uneri's gait, he'd soon find himself before Konoha gates, ready to make his way to Kaze no kuni.

[/Exit]

[Apple]

[/i] (Not Masaru, Soz! Not enough posts done to qualify for the double EXP.)[/B][/COLOR]

UNERI: +76
KATSUMARU: +74
BROKEN: +72
MASARU: +2[/ul]