searching.

[luneth]

[private]

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Noon had just turned up in Konoha, and the sun was shining brightly throughout the public park. Haru could be seen standing alone beside a large tree. He was garbed in a slender, white long-sleeve shirt that opened a little at the chest, slim black pants, and low-cut, black nin-sandals. He had his katana sheathed at his waist, and a small hitae-ate fastened around his left upper arm. The boy wore a calm expression, his gaze drifting from here to there.

He used to always come to this spot, it was a great place to sit and think; however, lately, missions and training had stopped him from revisiting. It wasn’t something he’d ever complain about though; his duties as a Genin, and Sōke Hyūga, always came first. His life as a ninja had only started a few days prior; nevertheless, he'd already adjusted, and was enjoying every minute of it.

Anyhow, he decided today he’d come and try to meet some other Shinobi, it was something he’d been wanting to do for a while. After graduating, he’d lost touch with most of his peers at the academy; and, while the young Hyūga did like his solitude, he knew it’d be foolish not to form relationships within the village. Even if he didn't necessarily plan on staying here too much longer.

The field he was in was huge, with a large crowd spread all over. Haru would begin to search through it, intent on finding some young Shinobi to meet. He’d activate his Byakugan to reach out further, but to no avail. The majority of people out were kids, and he didn't have the patience to look at every single person. Still standing, Haru would recline back onto the tree. Meh.. He'd let out a sigh, deciding that someone might show up later.

[Yuminari Hyuuga]

A daily routine put into practice during the days when no other events were scheduled to take up any of the time in the life of Hyuuga Yuminari; Wake up at the crack of dawn for an hour's relaxation over breakfast and tea. Dress in the usual outfit, hitai-ate tied proudly to his forehead. Leave the Hyuuga Compound, Yumi bow and quiver of twenty arrows strapped to his back. Proceed to an isolated field and prepare for a session of target practice. Return home as the sun began to reach its peak in its lonely journey across the sky. It was at this part of his day that Yuminari was found entering that crowded Konoha public park, standing out like a sore thumb amidst the many other casually dressed people that could be found there, and that wasn't eve counting the giant bow slung across his back. Most people gave him a hard stare of confusion when he passed, at least until they noticed the forehead protector emblazoned with the swirling crest of the Leaf Village tied to his forehead.

His eyes were riveted straight ahead, though without the definition of any pupils in his colorless eyes it would be impossible for one to tell whether he was focused intently ahead, as his furrowed brows suggested, or if he was merely staring blankly off into space, focused on some thought or daydream. Regardless though, the effect he had as he walked gracefully through the field was obvious. His strange appearance coupled with his dignified stride and flowing garments caused more than one head to turn and stare in awe, and quite a few more in confusion. Yuminari didn't seem to be paying anyone any mind at all. In fact, the only suggestion that he was even watching where he was going was the occasional time where he was forced to angle his path to avoid running into someone, even though most people quickly moved out of his way on their own to allow him to continue unhindered. Nobility had its perks.

His pace was constant and smooth, never once speeding up or slowing down. At least, not until his gaze was met with a vaguely familiar sight. A young blonde boy wearing a katana at his waist, over whom a cursory glance revealed the presence of the very same hitai-ate Yuminari himself wore. It wasn't that about the boy that had caused the sense of familiarity though - of that much Yuminari was certain. There was something else about him, something that he was missing, that he felt he should have known yet somehow couldn't recall...

"Excuse me," finally spoke the Hyuuga, addressing the other Konoha shinobi without a shadow of a doubt, using his typical calm, formal tone. "But have we met before? I can't shake the feeling that I should recognize you." Yuminari turned towards the other boy fully now, standing with a graceful yet casual posture, expression focused and intent as ever.

[luneth]

Following several minutes of leaning there, his watch would once again make its way through the crowd. He’d notice a small commotion as time passed, and the boy’s stare would swiftly arrive at the center of it. A very noble looking Shinobi could be seen ambling through the mass of civilians. His gaze would linger at the eyes, making full note of the fact that they were pupil-less. It was one distinguishing trait that he, along with the rest of his clan, possessed.

“A Hyūga…?”

He’d whisper this to himself, while simultaneously turning his head back to its previous position; all the same, he still watched the clan member via peripherals. In reality, it wouldn’t have mattered; however, it became his problem when the Shinobi continued to advance toward him. He wouldn’t do anything to make the Hyūga believe he was aware, as his impassive expression betrayed his inner thoughts.

He eventually stood before Haru, it was only then that the boy would look over. His pale eyes studied the Shinobi that stood before him; he looked to be a teen, and was obviously a Sōke Hyūga — Bunke members didn’t dress in such dignified attire. What particularly struck him was the large bow the Konoha-nin had slung across his back. He hadn’t seen too many ninja carrying around bows, let alone fellow clan members.

“Excuse me, but have we met before? I can’t shake the feeling that I should recognize you.”

After listening, he'd take time to contemplate on the question. After several moments he decided against it, as he’d have definitely been able to recall meeting a bow-carrying Hyūga. However, it wasn’t to say that the ninja opposite him hadn’t seen Haru before; he was easy to spot — whether it be because of his blonde hair, which was a major contrast to the usual Hyūga brown, or the fact that he occasionally wore contacts.

“I don’t think we have. Still, it’s nice to see a fellow Hyūga around; I’m Haru, Sōke member, and Genin.”

He’d speak in a welcoming tone, subsequently stretching out his arm in an attempt to shake hands.

[Yuminari Hyuuga]

The first thing that ran through Yuminari's mind as he got a better look at the other male was simple. Ah... A Hyuuga... I see now. Things made quite a bit more sense now, especially when he continued by introducing himself as a member of the Main Branch. The hair was likely what had thrown Yuminari off... and what had seemed so familiar. Now that he thought about it, he probably had seen the blonde-haired male somewhere before, and would have at least recalled the sight if only because of the fact that blondes were rare among the Hyuuga. Nearly impossible, if you asked most. He couldn't help but wonder if the other boy had received some discrimination because of it... though the obvious answer to that question was yes. Blonde hair likely meant outside blood, and the Hyuuga weren't known for being accepting like that. Yuminari was hardly an exception, he just wasn't quite rude enough to voice it. Yet.

At least there wasn't a possibility of the boy lying about his identity as a member of the Main Branch. His forehead, devoid of the seal that would normally mark one of lesser status, was a dead give-away. The carrying of a sword was... odd, but admittedly no more so than carrying a bow. The use of weapons was far from traditional for the Hyuuga, not to mention how few ninja ever used one. Yuminari had surely never seen anyone else, which was a bit of a shame considering how useful a weapon a bow could be in the right hands.

But philosophical debate on the nature of weapons and their usefulness aside, Yuminari had a greeting and a handshake to respond to. The shake was... less than what he'd been expecting, but he extended his hand to grasp the other boy's regardless, though only maintained the contact for the necessary few moments before drawing his hand back to his side. "Hyuuga Yuminari," he replied in greeting, "A Main Branch member as well, of course." The way he spoke about it made it seem as though no other possibility could even be considered, even though he wore his hitai-ate across his forehead the way many of the Side Branch members did.

"Pardon my abrupt question. I felt it necessary to ask." was all Yuminari said in apology. If it could even be called that. He seemed more like he was informing the other Hyuuga about the reasons behind his decision than he was apologizing for how it could possibly have been rude. "I don't recall seeing you around the Compound. At least not that I can remember. Do you live there, or elsewhere?"

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[luneth]

As the moments dragged on, he would begin to raise his suspicions on whether the boy in front of him was, like so many others in the main family, that same snobby, stiff-necked Hyūga. It was their kind that disgusted Haru; as he didn’t believe being a Hyūga was about arrogant pride, and putting others down. However, he wasn’t one that was quick to judge; although he was suspicious, the feelings would remain hidden.

For the time being, he would be respectful to this Shinobi; therefore, no emotion apart from calmness and tranquility could be read from his face — even if his thoughts were raging. He’d continue with this approach as the boy introduced himself to be Hyūga Yuminari, and of course, Main House member. He’d continue with an apology fitting of a stereotypical Sōke member, he’d take it with a faint snarl that’d vanish as quick as it appeared.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like this fellow clan member, there were just certain things that really aggravated the boy. The Hyūga that acted this way were the ones that made slaves of the Bunke, and the only type he’d ever fought; he wouldn’t throw Yuminari into that pit quite yet. This Shinobi wasn't completely normal, as he did carry a large bow on his back; after observing it for some time, he decided he'd ask why if given the chance.

It wasn't like most in his clan to carry weapons, as their hands were deadly enough; he carried his own solely because it had once belonged to his deceased brother. His thoughts would linger on this, before finally being snapped back into reality via another question. Haru continued to stand there as it was asked, this time pertaining to whether or not he’d lived in the compounds.

“I live in the compounds; though alone, separate from the majority. I don’t like to involve myself with the conceited nature of the Sōke’s mass — I do take pride in my clan, excluding a few, certain aspects.”

[Yuminari Hyuuga]

The faint shift in expression that played across the boy's face as Yuminari gave his apology caused his brow to raise in interest. It seemed strange that someone would react so negatively to a mere apology, even if it was formal. Did, perhaps, he have some thing against people who casually excused themselves? It seemed quite the odd thing to be picky about, but it certainly was possible. Yuminari had definitely heard of stranger things, but from a Hyuuga? And one of the Main Branch, no less? It seemed strange to say the least, but it wasn't entirely impossible.

The other male's words were what really drilled things home for the Hyuuga. The fact that the boy lived alone was no surprise, nor was that he separated himself from the rest of the clan. Someone like him should have easily been burned into memory if met within the Compound. It seemed far more likely that the curious familiarity Yuminari had felt was merely the fact that he'd briefly seen the boy in the Compound, but hadn't payed him much mind other than a casual glance for some reason.

But what the boy had said... about the Main Branch, and about his clan... Yuminari now began to understand what that look had been for. Somehow, he appeared to have stumbled across an idealist. It was quite the pity, considering how the other boy looked like he could possibly have been of the intelligent variety under normal circumstances... but with that, he also seemed a bit on the immature side. His choice in clothing, despite being a representative of the Main Branch, was more than enough to tell that. Conceited, as the boy had called it... the pride in the nobility of the Hyuuga clan was conceited? Even those in the Side Branches weren't so eager to call centuries of tradition 'conceited', and many of them participated in the Main Branch's show of pride in their nobility. It was rare to find a Hyuuga, Main Branch or otherwise, that didn't think that way.

This all stayed as thoughts though. Yuminari was at least intelligent enough to know to avoid an argument with another Main Branch member. He did speak though, in as calm and level a tone as ever. "Perhaps. In a select few ways, there is validity to what you imply. Certain things could use improvement. The treatment of the Side Branches, perhaps. But is what you call 'conceited' not a deep-seated loyalty to the upholding of the nobility of our traditions?" Yuminari stopped himself, pausing briefly and sealing his lips while he widened his stance and folded his arms across his chest in thought. "No... I'll stop there. Certain aspects need improvement, I'll give you that. The ways of old cannot be held onto forever. But... blatantly stating that to another member of the Main Branch may not be the best idea. The aptitude to bring change is based on the attainment of the trust and respect of those you seek to change, unless you seek it through means of violence."

Yuminari's gaze lowered itself to the other male's waist, and more specifically the sword attached to it. While a normal person probably wouldn't have been able to figure out what the eyes of a Hyuuga were on, another member of their clan was far more likely to. "Well... if nothing else you do seem to be setting an interesting example of how to change." His stance finally relaxed back into its previous formal posture, eyes leaving the sword to return to the boy's face, briefly wondering whether he'd be met with intelligence or anger. The line between visionary and heretic was a thin one, but always an intriguing one to see which side someone fell on.

[/font]

[luneth]

No emotion could be read from the Haru’s face as he stopped speaking, though he was now curious as to what this Hyūga’s response would be. The Genin would eye the ninja opposite him for the length of the silence. He wouldn’t have been surprised if it led to a duel, as some Sōke couldn’t tolerate any kind of stab to the clan, however slight. It wasn’t his intention to be fighting on a day like this, but neither would he back down if things were to escalate.

As moments passed, it was apparent that nothing violent was going be happening; to this, the young boy would let out a relieved sigh. Instead, he’d be bombarded with a little lecture, during which the fellow Main-House member would seem to give his full opinion on the previous comments. He spoke on certain things he felt were invalid within the clan, what needed improvement, but also addressed the idea that Haru should probably re-consider some of the things he’d said.

He made sure to pay closer attention to the key points of the speech, as this Shinobi was much more experienced in such things. Haru had only recently graduated from Konoha’s academy, and this ninja looked to have been out for years. As he listened, the Konoha-nin began to realize Yuminari was maybe taking his words a little too seriously; subsequent to him finishing, the eleven year-old would verbalize on this small part of how he himself had been feeling.

“no… no, i never said i was planning on changing anything; i was only explaining why i live alone. i understand what you’re saying though, and i think i should apologize to you for showing such bad manners… my emotions tend to get the best of me on subjects such as our clan. a lot of what you said may be right; its just that i’ve been told a lot of different things lately, and i’m not sure what to believe, or even think. i was different… a time ago, i was more like you.”

He’d finish with a more serious expression, before reverting back to his regular impassive one. It was true, it hadn't been that long since he’d began to look at his clan in a whole new way. All after that short meeting with the bunke member, Shinobu; of whom, ironically, he now considered a friend. Seeing this noble Hyūga before him, it felt like a part of his former self was beginning to re-ignite; not too long ago he’d carried himself in the same manner, if a bit more rebellious-looking.

His confused thoughts continued, and he couldn’t help but show it on his face. However, for the most part he stood there with an emotion-less expression, simply waiting in silent anticipation on what Yuminari would do next.

[Yuminari Hyuuga]

Now, it was Yuminari's turn to eye the other Hyuuga warily, though little of that emotion shone through his unreadable expression, save for the slight downward curling of his lips. Even though the other boy had seemed to be paying serious attention during that return speech, it was truly hard to say just what had been running through the other Hyuuga's mind. Even to Yuminari, who was used to the appearance of the Hyuuga, the expressions of his clansmen were often hard to read. While he wasn't expecting the other boy to react negatively, he was mentally preparing himself in case things took a turn for the worse. Particularly the violent side of 'worse'. It was a ninja's duty to remain alert and aware of any any all possibilities, after all. Especially members of the Hyuuga, who were famed for the 'All Seeing White Eye', and were expected to uphold the reputation of their ability.

However, any and all thoughts that things could take a turn for the worse were immediately dashed as the other boy spoke up... and in an extremely unexpected way. On a list of all the things Yuminari had not been expecting to hear, the repealing of much of what the older Hyuuga had assumed had been quite close to the bottom. But, it did serve to reassure the male considerably, both in that violence was likely the furthest thing from both of their minds, and that the other boy wasn't looking for any semblance of argument either. While both would have likely been entertaining to the general Hyuuga mass, Yuminari was hardly in the mood to participate in either.

The older Hyuuga's expression had been one of mild surprise as the younger boy had spoken, brows lifted and lips parted curiously. Hearing the beginnings of what would likely become a tale telling of nothing more than a conflicted youth caused Yuminari's gaze to drift up and down the boy's more in more of a studious earnest now. And... recognize that the one he'd engaged in conversation with was likely far younger than he'd expected. A small sense of shame washed over him as he realized he'd behaved in a manner befitting only the oldest and more heretical of the Main Branch by lecturing a youth, but that emotion blew over almost as quickly as it had surfaced once he realized how ridiculous a thought that was.

"I see." replied the older Hyuuga as he finally regained control over his expression, brow furrowing slightly in seriousness yet again, face once again becoming unreadable. "Allow me to extend my apologies once again then. I spoke out of turn." This time the apology carried a good deal more sincerity than before, though was still largely a formal thing he felt compelled to present. "The burden we are born with as members of the Main Branch is in no way less than that of the Side Branch. In some ways I count them luckier... their burden is an easily understood mark emblazoned on their foreheads. The cross we bear is far less easily understood, and is not one we can share. However, one can always seek the guidance of the elders, if need by. Assuming one can stand their rambling." And oh, could the elders ramble...

"Your confliction is... understandable." At this point, Yuminari sounded as though he was sympathizing with the boy, perhaps even hinting that he fully understood what the younger Hyuuga was feeling and going through, though he never said nor displayed any hint as to whether that suspicion could be true or false. "But, do not forget; we are Hyuuga. We cannot change that about ourselves, nor should we want to. If nothing else, stand proud with the knowledge that you were born into such a family."

Yuminari's eyes strayed off to the side, head following them slightly, just enough to make it clear that he was looking away even without pupils to fully indicate it. "And here I'm doing it again." After another moment's hesitation, the older Hyuuga's attention turned back to the younger. "Haru, was it? Curious to see a Hyuuga, especially one of the Main Branch, carry with them a weapon such as that. Why do you?" A rather awkward attempt at casual conversation, but Yuminari could hardly simply selectively ignore the formality that had been drilled into the core of his being since birth.

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[luneth]

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[exit.]

[chiatsuki]

Ramsa +40
Yuminari +40