crossing paths. [private]

[luneth]

“Injuries, I suspect, Haru-sama.”

He let out a small chuckle at the comment, having not suspected that type of answer. Replaying it in his head, it may have sounded like there was a little jab being taken at the Sōke member, but Haru didn’t believe so. And if there had, it wouldn’t have been out of the ordinary, as there were a lot of Bunke members that did such things. What had concerned him was how he was going to be capable of solving the mystery that was Shinobu, if that was all the information the Genin was going to give.

This concern was overwritten as, after a few moments, the ninja spoke again - saying something about being attacked by some girl on patrol and waking up the next morning in the hospital. By now, Haru'd slowed down a bit so that he was parallel with the Hyūga; he would give Kaede a pat on the back, in encouragement more than anything else. So Shinobu’d been injured in battle… she must’ve really beaten them down... ouch. That was, unless she’d sustained even worse injuries.

“Ooh, was it a fight, o-or some sort of ambush? Hehe did you win?”

Haru began to ponder on the subject of fighting. Sparring had been something they'd done regularly at the academy, but never had he been in an actual dangerous situation. If that was what this Bunke Hyūga had went through, then he felt for him. It was a scary idea, because being defeated didn't mean a bad grade; no, losing meant death. It then struck Haru that this type of dangerous situation was something that all Bunke Hyūga faced everyday. With the constant threat of death looming over them in the form of a seal; the idea sickened the boy.

It was near the only aspect of his clan that he disliked; nonetheless, he'd have to drop these negative thoughts for the time being. By now, they were nearing the end of their district; Haru would take a moment to breath in the fresh air. Looking over to make sure Shinobu was ready, he would then exit and head on out into the bustling streets of Konoha. It was early, so there were still people heading to work, or running errands, or whatever else the citizens spent their morning time doing. The young boy would produce a wide grin - it truly was a wonderful place to be.

[shinobu]

Shinobu hadn't quite noticed Haru slowing down, at least not to the point of wanting to say anything about it. However, when the fellow Hyuuga suddenly slammed their hand against Shinobu's back, they would flinch in response. Not from pain, but from surprise. Shinobu would stare at Haru for several long moment, not saying anything, with the one visible eye showing confusion. What the heck was up with this head family member?

“Ooh, was it a fight, o-or some sort of ambush? Hehe did you win?” The question broke Shinobu's trance, causing them to fall back into contemplation. The battle had been exceedingly strange. It had been in Shinobu's favor, or so the teen had thought, and had quickly turned into an uphill battle for the Hyuuga's life. Shinobu could not err like that ever again...

"I'm not sure... what I'd call it. I encountered this girl, and was trying to ask what she was doing out in the forests... Then she suddenly attacked me out of nowhere..." the Konoha-nin trailed off. Shinobu's eyes quivered ever so slightly, likely just enough that Haru could potentially notice it. What was the feeling that Shinobu felt coursing through their veins? Hatred?... If so, directed at who?

"I wouldn't call it a 'victory'. No, I certainly couldn't..." Shinobu's head shook, and then their eye would dart around. They hadn't noticed the transition from the Hyuuga complex to Konoha. Suddenly, when realizing this, Shinobu felt kind of lost. They didn't know where they'd wound up walking to. It was enough to distract them from thinking about that battle.

[luneth]

“I'm not sure... what I'd call it. I encountered this girl, and was trying to ask what she was doing out in the forests... Then she suddenly attacked me out of nowhere...”

Haru would observe Shinobu as he spoke, it was a surprise as he’d almost forgot what their voice had sounded like; seeing as the Shinobi hadn’t been speaking more than a few words at a time. He would let out a quiet laugh as his acquaintance continued; though, not in a bad way, and would signal for Kaede to continue had they paused to look at him. It was just the fact that the, so far shy, Genin was speaking more than a short sentence that surprised him.

Upon finishing, he’d duly note the shudder, however slight, of Shinobu’s eye. He wondered what it meant; as it was one of the first signs of emotion he’d seen from the ninja, other than the stare he’d gotten after the pat on the back. Reflecting on it, the question arose inside him on whether it had been from surprise, or the fact that he was a Main-House Hyūga; or maybe the two in cooperation, as they sort of coincided with one another.

This consideration would be abandoned as he listened to the Bunke Hyūga follow up by saying he wouldn’t call it a victory. He'd nod his head at the comment. Haru knew how that felt, as there had been time's in the academy when he'd said the same thing. It wasn't something to be ashamed of; on his face would be etched a thin smirk emitting respect, as he respected the Hyūga for the fact that they'd even been in a no holds barred type of fight.

"Ha.. well atleast you came out alive, that's whats important."

Haru would have spoken more, but instead wanted to give Shinobu a chance to continue on; if nothing else, a break from the questions for a few seconds. However, if the Konoha-nin was at a loss, he'd pick the conversation back up. He was looking forward to learning more from this Shinobi, maybe why their alias was 'Shinobu', why they had an alias at all, how he felt about the clan, etc. etc. For the time being, he planned on seeing if Kaede would open up any on his own.

As they began their journey through Konoha, the young boy would make sure to keep a slower pace for Shinobu, until they were adjusted to everything that was going on in the vicinity. It was definitely an adjustment had you not been there much before. After making sure the fellow Hyūga was alright, he’d continue along the sidewalk, submerging himself into the small crowd of people traveling through the village as he was.

[shinobu]

"Ha.. well atleast you came out alive, that's whats important."

'Is that really what's most important?' Shinobu would think silently. Once again, the teen had to question if it was even a good thing they'd made it out of that fight alive. Not only that, but wouldn't it have been proper to eliminate the girl on the spot? Even though it was kind of... a cheap win?

Shinobu released a sigh, attempting to clear their thoughts of such things. Now was not the time, or the place to be thinking of that. After all, they were following Haru around at the moment. Eye would quickly scout out the surroundings, trying to make note of a land mark, or something significant that Shinobu could find later if necessary. There was no reason for them to be a burden on Haru and become lost.

Haru's slightly odd behavior would warrant no reaction from Shinobu, other than a quiet stare. Merely observing, Shinobu would alternate between looking at Haru, and looking at their surroundings. They were unused to actually attempting to communicate with others. Not only that, but Haru was a head family member... Shinobu felt like it would be a step out of bounds to question anything of him.

As they continued, Shinobu would again begin to feel the fatigue from not properly taking time to heal. Although they would fight it, trying to keep up with Haru, and not stumble around. Worry or pity was not something that Shinobu expected, or wanted. To issue those feelings into another went against what Shinobu had been taught... Shinobu alone needed to carry the weight that was brought upon them. However, Shinobu was not invincible. How long could they possibly last?...

[luneth]

They’d continue to cut through the streets of Konoha, Haru paid close attention to Shinobu as they journeyed on. It was obvious he wasn’t planning on saying anything, which wouldn’t come as a shocker; it was more of a hope for the young boy, not reality. However, he wouldn’t speak either, for now, but instead observe the village around him; they were now walking into a more spaced out part of town, with a few fields in the near vicinity.

It wasn’t until they were halfway through it that he noticed the Genin’s bandages once again, wondering how he’d forgotten such blatant things. Shinobu doesn’t need to be walking like this… why have I been so careless..? This would hit him hard, as it almost felt like something one of the elder Sōke would do in punishment. To right his wrong, he’d signal for the Konoha-nin to come his way, and then lead them into a large field.

It was a vast space on the edge of Konoha, there were a few trees here and there, but a ton of benches and picnic tables. He’d take a seat at the table nearest them, hinting for his acquaintance to do the same. The area they were in wasn't too crowded, so they'd be able to still hear eachother clearly. He'd scan the area as he sat there, watching the tons of ordinary kids walking by, laughing about with other friends, or parents; they were the only ninja around.

He’d take the time to think on something that’d been secretly gnawing at him over the past few days. Ever since his last mission, when the idea of leaving this village for another, more powerful one entered his head. Konoha was a place full of civilians, he couldn't believe it was the Powerhouse village it once was. Haru wanted to live somewhere he could truly develop as a Genin. As he contemplated, it made him wonder something else…

“I have another question, if you’re forced to work so hard as a Bunke member, this may sound crazy, but listen… why not leave? why not go to another hidden village where you can lead a normal Shinobi's life. They wouldn’t activate your seal, it’s not betraying them by moving, I’m sure other’s have done it before you…”

He’d pause for a second, holding back the last part, as he hadn’t told anyone what he wanted to do yet. Following several moments of thinking, he decided Shinobu probably wouldn’t tell anyone, and he felt that he’d already went this far and needed to let it out. Looking around once more to make sure noone was eavesdropping, he'd then speak in a hushed tone; almost at a whsiper, but still audible.

“… I plan on it.”

[shinobu]

Although Shinobu would not have mentioned it, they welcomed the chance to rest, as signaled by Haru. The 'park' was rather large, and seemed like it'd be a comfortable place for a shinobi to train, if not for the people around. Though on that note, perhaps a ninja could train themselves in different ways. Perhaps using Henge to disguise oneself, or to strike up conversation and try to blend in.

Shinobu was rather wary as they took their seat across from Haru, half feeling that they should remain standing, as a servant would. At the very least, Shinobu wasn't ready to show their weakness of being hurt if they could help it, resisting the body's urge to wince upon sitting. Calmly sitting, Shinobu's hands would come to rest in their lap, fingers folding across each other. It hurt, but at the same time, Shinobu felt the need to show 'manners'.

“I have another question, if you’re forced to work so hard as a Bunke member, this may sound crazy, but listen… why not leave? why not go to another hidden village where you can lead a normal Shinobi's life. They wouldn’t activate your seal, it’s not betraying them by moving, I’m sure other’s have done it before you…”

Shinobu considered Haru silently, that single eye boring into the boy. It wasn't as if Shinobu had considered something like that, but it wasn't that simple. Things of the delicate nature such as Shinobu's living were never simple. Despite what Haru spoke, Shinobu would find that the earlier suspicions had arisen once again. As if it were a ploy to get Shinobu to say something worthy of incriminating.

“… I plan on it.” Haru's following words would not quite shatter those thoughts, but they did dissuade them slightly. If Haru meant as he said, then Shinobu hoped that his plans worked out. But Haru had a much brighter future ahead of himself than Shinobu could see for their own. Their mouth shifted into the slightest hint of a frown, hidden again by the bandages. The emotion would not make it to their visible eye.

"Being able to move... is the privilege of those with 'free will'. My free will was long ago taken from me. Even if I had it... I would not have the permission from my caretaker, and going against that would be betrayal." Shinobu spoke very softly, as if the words they spoke were delicate, precious things. It was the truth, really... there was no escaping for Shinobu until death, or the earned acceptance of his caretaker. The latter... was likely impossible.

[luneth]

He’d observe Shinobu’s every move as he spoke, almost regretting the words as they left his mouth. While it had felt right at the time, looking back he wasn’t sure if it’d been the best choice to voice such thoughts. Seeing as they were bandaged up, he doubted they’d try and run for it; but Haru could never be too sure, and would react on even the slightest perceived motion. He didn’t want the Genin opposite him going and reporting any of it, as they may have felt obligated.

Based on their meeting thus far, he had no reason to believe the boy would do such a thing. However, he wasn’t used to telling his secrets to anyone; this due to the aftermath caused by his brother’s death, and the isolation he’d lived in since. He would stay in this tense state for a few more moments, finally deciding to loosen up when he felt the Konoha-nin wasn’t going anywhere. He’d give them an uncertain smile as he reverted back to his previous state-of-mind.

The silence that followed would give him some time to calm; he’d then pay his full attention back toward Shinobi. He wondered how the Bunke Hyūga would respond, if at all, to everything he’d just said. As the moments drew, he became more and more anxious — hoping he didn’t react in a negative way. Instead, what he said would counter Haru’s argument, and also give him a little more perspective on the branch family.

“Being able to move… is the privilege of those with ‘free will’. My free will was long ago taken from me. Even if I had it… I would not have the permission from my caretaker, and going against that would be betrayal.”

With this, it became apparent to Haru that Hyūga Kaede truly was a slave. There weren’t many important decisions they could make without judgment from the Sōke. He’d lived a free life for the eleven years he’d been alive, and couldn’t imagine being put under the weight that Shinobu had to bear. It was most likely an everyday struggle being a Bunke member; the young boy believed he’d go mad if put in the same situation.

“It’s not fair, Shinobu…”

Wanting to take his mind off of these thoughts, he’d quickly speak again.

“Hmm… By the way, why do you use that name? Why not be called Kaede?”

[shinobu]

“It’s not fair, Shinobu…” Haru had seemed rather.... fidgety for that short time. Shinobu wondered why that was. Haru, himself, had said that it wasn't a betrayal to leave, or anything like that. Though, Shinobu guessed, it was likely more complicated than that for Haru as well. Things weren't always as they seemed, and that concept would present itself to Shinobu louder and clearer than ever before. Shinobu had to agree, though... things weren't really fair.

“Hmm… By the way, why do you use that name? Why not be called Kaede?” For the first time, Shinobu would show a bit of emotion. They would scoff, the rumbling in their throat sounding somewhat bitter, if not just merely amused. It was a bit hard to tell from a guttural sound, but... Shinobu stared at Haru as they spoke, retaining their blank face.

"It is my handler's decision, to hide my true identity. To a fellow Hyuuga, I am Kaede, the diseased one, or the shamed one. To outsiders I am Shinobu, so that when I 'fail', I do not shame my caretaker... At least, not as much as I already do." Shinobu was able to mask the malice that wished to penetrate their words, to show their hate and detest for the 'caretaker'. But Shinobu knew that even with Haru, who didn't seem that bad, they could not show those negative emotions. No, they needed to be buried, and hidden deep within the mind.

"As it is my caretaker's choice, I would ask that you please not mention that name if you can help it, Haru-sama," Shinobu would ask. Feeling that it was more for their caretaker's sake than their own, Shinobu would not feel bad about asking it of Haru. Even though not for their own benefit, it actually felt kind of nice, asking for a favor...

[luneth]

As he finished speaking, the boy witnessed Shinobu make a scoffing, rough sound; he’d consider it as a possible sign of disdain, or derision of some sort. It would force a surprised expression onto his face, and his eyebrows to raise — they hadn’t shown much emotion, so when they did the young Genin took it as a big deal. He’d now be on the edge of his seat, contemplating on what could have possibly instigated such a blatant sign of emotion.

“It is my handler’s decision, to hide my true identity. To a fellow Hyūga, I am Kaede, the diseased one, or the shamed one. To outsiders I am Shinobu, so that when I ‘fail’, I do not shame my caretaker… At least, not as much as I already do.”

He had sympathy for the Bunke Hyūga, though wouldn’t speak on it as he didn’t believe they wanted to be felt sorry for. It was hard for him to picture living in such indignity; he was at a loss for words, but still displayed a concerned expression. He was 11 years old and — having just graduated from the academy — hadn’t ever been exposed to things like this. Shinobu’s words ignited a fire inside the boy, and he began to see certain things for what they really were.

It was a revealing period for Haru, as he sat there thinking about everything that was wrong with his clan. Each separate thought made his longing to abscond from his clan, and Konohagakure as a whole, even greater. He almost felt like trying to do something about the way branch was treated; though it was quickly dismissed, as he knew the Hyūga hierarchy were too close-minded to see anything outside of their current way.

Plus, how did he know if he’d feel this way tomorrow? Shinobu words were having a strong influence on him now, but what about when he was surrounded by the Hyūga he’d known all his life. The Sōke that’d taught him everything he knew, and which he’d also taken so much pride in. It was too much for him at the moment, and his train of thought would be interrupted with Shinobu’s request. He’d respond in an understanding tone.

“Of course… I just wish there was something we could do…”

[shinobu]

“Of course… I just wish there was something we could do…” The true separation of their worlds would become the most obvious there. Shinobu had always wished there was something they could do, yes, but... As long as their overseer remained living, there was nothing they could do. Such was the life of being indebted to someone. Even if it was meager, and poorly executed, that person clothed Shinobo, and fed them. So it was that Shinobu was bound to them until death...

Shinobu knew that Haru likely held no such feelings. He, as a head family member, was expected to become a pride of the clan. A symbol of their "superiority". One who was indebted to another could never properly act as such. Shinobu resisted the urge to shake their head, and merely sat quietly. They were unsure of what to do next. Haru seemed to have gone into his own little world...

The Hyuuga would adjust their positioning on the bench slightly. Again, their body wished to flinch, a small wave of pain flowing through it. But Shinobu would have none of it, enduring the discomfort until it had faded away. Shinobu was starting to get a little bored, if they had to tell the truth, but... They couldn't complain too much. After all, it certainly beat the boring patrols outside of the village gates. Especially with Shinobu's broken form...

[Sorry that's it's crappy. I couldn't think of anything...]

[luneth]

[ooc - ha mine's worse.]

---

Even in the silence, it was still hard for Haru to completely focus and deliberate on what he’d do next. It was true that this was an off day for him, and he really didn’t have much to do; however, the meeting with Shinobu had given him a lot to think about. He needed to plan his next moves, and while sitting here he wouldn’t be able to do that. Therefore, the young boy would get up, simultaneously giving a farewell speech to the Bunke member.

“Well, it was nice talking, you’ve definitely given me a lot to think about… maybe we can spar next time, if you’re feeling better, that is… ha I almost forgot, you probably don’t know your way back.. you can follow me if you want.”

He’d wait a few seconds for Shinobu to follow him, though if he didn’t he’d still continue. They’d go through the streets of Konoha, and back into his clan’s district. He’d laugh as he re-entered, he was now seeing things in a different light; it was a complete turn-around from how he felt when exiting them not too long ago. If Kaede was with him, he’d give a final wave in goodbye; it was undeniable that he’d changed.

For better or for worse, he wasn't sure, but either way the young Hyūga had a lot to contemplate on.

---

[exit]

[shinobu]

“Well, it was nice talking, you’ve definitely given me a lot to think about… maybe we can spar next time, if you’re feeling better, that is… ha I almost forgot, you probably don’t know your way back.. you can follow me if you want.” Haru would say as he stood. Shinobu gave him a small nod, also rising from the bench. Apparently Haru had other things to take care of, and Shinobu was not going to interfere. Aside from being a branch member, it would have simply seemed rude to Shinobu to do such a thing.

"If that is your wish. I kindly thank you for your kindness, and this small venture, Haru-sama," Shinobu would say softly. The teen would give Haru a bow after they spoke. Shinobu did actually mean it, even if it may not have sounded like it. At the very least, Haru had been rather nice to the teen, and looking around the village was kind of interesting... even if that interest was a bit shrouded by Shinobu's pain.

From there, Shinobu would quietly follow Haru back to the Hyuuga compound. They, too, had many things to think about. Haru had shown a nicer view of the head family. In a way, it gave Shinobu a bit of hope. Maybe things would change around for them at some point. Just maybe...

At the gates, Haru would flick Shinobu a final wave. Shinobu would bow, waiting for the younger Konoha-nin to move away before rising. With that their meeting was complete. A very tiny smile appeared at the corner of Shinobu's mouth, although none could see it. It felt like Shinobu had had a taste... of what it was like to have a friend.

[/Exit]

[Sayomi]

Saka; 61 exp!

Ramza; 58 exp!