A Grim Future ensured. [P/ Gene | Keith]

[Katsumaru]

[/center]
I found myself at a zenith, an intermingling of nobility, anxiety, and the slightest bit of pride. Had my life finally undergone the sweeping change which I had so long desired? And if so, was it due to my own action or merely circumstance? The former, I prefer, for then, truly, have I stepped upon the righteous path once more. No more do fears of futility taint this mind, for I have had the slightest influence in the greater scheme of things. Whether at the end any of that is of use only time can tell.

_____________________________________________________________________

Touketsu was uncertain of the future that awaited; whether it be absolution through death, or a struggle tearing at the soul mightier than the lion’s fury, he knew not. That uncertainty and ambiguity put him ill at ease, far from dread, but an anxiety that had ingrained itself deeply into his mind. What was to become of him? He had no brothers, no sisters, nor a mother and father who called Konohagakure their home, and truly, was doubtful whether his loyalty was out of love or simply an overpowering, possibly juvenile and extreme sense of duty. None of that mattered. Little was of importance as they stood on the brink of another war, aside from a mighty sense of comradery. Perhaps that was what the world needed, duty driven by loyalty.

The Airontoku was uncertain on how to respond. Often, negotiations fail, and perhaps the man was correct in suspecting them to be futile in this matter. Nor could Touketsu accurately predict the motivations of the invading force. The attack was sudden and brutal; whether that was out of the sheer desire for conflict or a plan greater than any of us was uncertain at the time. Where would he play into all of this? Merely an insignificant number? Nay, Touketsu would not allow himself to be idel any longer. Absolutely, the time had come to bring change, however slight.

”The only conclusion to which I can come, at the moment, is that they desired for the world to shiver in fear. Delusions of grandeur, an attempt to show that they cannot be challenged by choosing to invade specifically during the Chuunin Exams. Negotiations are still a possibility, yet it puts the diplomat at great risk. They have given the swordsman, a man without allegiance, the opportunity to join their crusade. Perhaps that would be the only choice, if we were to negotiate, an unpleastant alternative, if we were to lose our individuality.”[/i]

Touketsu traced his right index finger across the nose lightly, and upon contact, a sharp pain shot through the center of his face. It seemed as if the injury would take some time to heal, but quite forutuantely, he had suffered no severe damge. At least for him, the day had been quite successful. ”Once I am recovered fully, I will be prepared to follow any orders given. And if possible, when the time is right, I would like to ask for the opportunity to become a member of ANBU.”[/i][/ul][/font]

[Trigga]

(“You can’t ne suggesting that we succumb to their will?”)

A wreck for a loss of better words, Ryūsuke was stunned by the sheer pessimism that rattled with an incessant buzz through the man’s tone of voice. Translating each word, piecing the puzzle of his sentence together and quickly gathering what he could have possibly meant by what which he spoke. True enough, conciliation could prove beneficial in ensuring the prolongation of the Konohagakre no sato populace. However who which looked towards the will of fire, and trained under the previous Hokage’s beliefs would ever agree to such terms? Surely death would be the most pleasant alternative if it came down to stripping one’s own individuality only to live a life without the ability to actually live.

The Uchiha was by no means a god amongst man, regardless of what his eyes commanded the world to think. Coupled with that, his gentle soul couldn’t authorize the actions of tyranny upon his fellow native kin. The citizens of the Hidden Leaf were much more than a population; they were greater than just the typical commoner. Everyone knew everyone else, like cells in the body, they worked in unison to keep cohesion relevant and the united body of work and advancement to expand. Like nerves, working with the will of the brain in mind, this village was greater than just a village; it was a network, with ten to the times of connections stimulated by a typical village. One would rather die for its companion of native soil than yield to the will of oppressors.

The scarlet-haired boy was no exception, and thus he too would altruistically forfeit his own to ensure the survival of others. Tōketsu was a strong man, and while he winced at pain, surely it would heal, and such an uncomfortable fracture wouldn’t falter his ways. He was a strong individual and held the heart of a lion—that was for sure. Standing from his seated position and motion to his rear—allowing his pure hues to gaze deep into the trenches of his village through the transparent clarity of the grand transom, Ryūsuke smiled a beam of candor. Surely Konoha had seen better days, and surely it would arise from this state of distress—analogous to a phoenix from its ashes. Nothing would force the Hidden Leaf to surrender the only thing it held dear; its eccentricity.

“Tōketsu… If our enemies should ever reach out soil…. And we’re fated to fight alongside one another, know this. You will leave breathing… even if I have to sacrifice myself to ensure that. “

And this wasn’t just for him; but anyone else the Hokahe could protect.

[Katsumaru]

[/color][/i]

Slowly, Touketsu stood before giving one final bow. ”Thank you for the time, Hokage-Sama. I will scan through the village for signs of infiltration while I recover, and attempt to form a team. Your shinobi must be prepared, and I will aid in that.”[/color] The Airontoku turned on his heel and headed towards the door, steps deliberate and leisurely should Ryusuke wish to stop him, for Touketsu had announced his departure rather swiftly. There were matters to see to in the village as the threat of war loomed eerily, its peering gaze eager to strike most viciously. For but a moment Touketsu considered purchasing a drink, sweet alcohol, upon arriving at an Inn, but that time had come to an end. A dark age lied ahead, and intoxication is of no use.

Deep in his heart, Touketsu held a certain fondness for Ryusuke. His idealism, the will to protect the children of the Leaf, fine qualities of a leader. The future of Konohagakure, and perhaps the other villages lied in the hand of that man, and Touketsu, slightly infected by that idealism, would allow for no less than a grandiose future.

[Exit]
[/ul][/font]

[Trigga]

(“As Hokage, it’s my obligation to ensure the survival of those I’ve sworn to protect… But as a friend, it’s my honor.”)

Though words went mute under the impression of subliminal thought as Tōketsu stood from his seated position and proceeded to exit. From there all the young Shinobi could do was contemplating what to do next, and how he would go about such actions. War had become not a faint possibility, but an ever-growing probability which each passing moment idle actions did little to ensure a counter –measure. With this bit of schmaltzy thought coupled with the lives of hundreds and thousands, times for weakness wouldn’t be acceptable. No, the Uchiha would gather himself and defend all that he had until the final release of breath escaped his lips.

Still facing the window, the mirror image of the Hokage sighed profoundly, knowing what he was going to do would alert the original greatly, forcing a swift end to his journey in Tetsu. Nonetheless, he was needed, and as such the calling would be made. Yielding but energy and knowledge, the shadow clone dispersed—a column of smoke uplifting into the vents above, as nothing but air stood in the wake of the Bunshin’s swift renounce. The true leader would be back soon, and with the information of all that had transpired in the last few days. It was time to return to his home and prepare for the worst.

Exit

[Apple]

[/B] +58
BROKEN: +23
UNERI: +19
KATS: +35[/ul]