Crumbled Remains

[Hotaru]

Crumbled remains. That was all that was left of the Iwagakure no Sato that she had known. Physically, of course, the ninja village was perfectly in tact. No buildings had fallen; no craters had been dug; no corpses lined the streets. The ruin that Hotaru had taken note of was something far less obvious, yet just as damaging.

Once as strong as steady from which it was carved, the village hidden in stone had been a reliable beacon of leadership, determination, and solidarity. However, recent events have shifted the long standing paradigm. Their commander in chief had changed so often in the recent years, she could no longer remember what the one's name was.

The headband that used to be worn with pride was now gripped weakly in her hands, the sturdy mountain engraving no longer capable of capturing the spirit of the village. A kunai was pulled from a weapon pouch on her left hip, and violet eyes showed hesitation before she gouged a deep scratch across the metal plate. She exhaled slowly at the completion of the symbolic crime, showing not only herself, but anyone who looked at her that she had forsaken Iwagakure.

"Well. It's been fun."

She shrugged simply, taking one look back in the direction of the village before taking off through the mountains, off to wherever adventure might pull her.

[Mizu No Kuni!]

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[KEITH]

moved.

[Hotaru]

The vandalized headband was tied around her right arm in plain view. Hotaru decided that if she was going to be a 'nuke-nin', that she might as well get used to seeing how others reacted to seeing the markings of a criminal right in the open. She had been running through mountains, plains, and forests before hitching a ride on a boat to Mizu no Kuni, the land of Water.

Exchanging protection for passage, she hopped off at port and quickly left the small town. Not wanting to attract the attention of local shinobi, police, or other over zealous nut jobs intent on attacking anyone with a scratched headband, she kept to the side roads and eventually made her way into the forest.

The soft gurgle of a nearby creek was barely audible over the sound of the breeze weaving through the leaves. Deciding that she needed to rest, Hotaru made her way to the brook, knelt down, and drank a few handfuls of fresh water. Standing back up, she surveyed the surroundings with more intensity. The small river was no wider than 2 meters, and at most 1 meter deep at the center. It's clear water trickled happily across the floor of the forest as it sought out the ocean. The area was lightly covered with old trees, and the unblocked sun cast dazzling patterns on the grass.

Pretty.

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[Nujabes]

Pretty? No, not really.

Well, perhaps to one who hadn't spent a great time in the mist-covered boundaries of Mizu no Kuni. Akira, for instance, had lived their for quite some time -- everything had become rather plain, dull, and uninteresting. But, every now and again, something new would come along - be it a ninja, or an animal, or an event - that stirred the newly appointed Mizukage's interest. That day, it was Hotaru.

Lost in the haze of the "pretty" display of lights, and the orchestra of rolling breezes, she probably wouldn't have even noticed the lumbering hulk appear on the opposite side of the stream. Despite his size, he was rather quick on his feet -- silent, too, even though he never intended to be. Truth be told, he was a horrible ninja; loud, brash, and obnoxious. But, he got results; that's really all that mattered.

"Hey, you, Tits," the white-haired giant spoke, pointing toward Hotaru with an iron finger. Along with her rather large bust, he'd also noticed her disfigured head band. She was missing ninja, though that wasn't alarming. Akira, himself, had been of that status not long ago. "What'cha doin' here? Better not be tryin' to hide out from those Iwa-shitheads in my country."

Though he never wore it, Akira saw no reason not to have the Mizukage's hat, a rather large one at that, draping over the small of his back. Considering he didn't wear a headband, it was really the only identification of who he was.

[Hotaru]

She continued to admire her new surroundings when a voice from across the creek cut through the whisper of the cool breeze.

Hey...you.......Tits?

While it was true that her chest was rather large and she didn't do much to hide it, she had never been so bluntly addressed like that. Her eyes darted to the other side of the river, locking on quickly to the source of the voice. A giant. His skin was dark; his hair, white, and he seemed to have a particular penchant for leather. All of these factors seemed to become amplified in strangeness thanks to his height. She curiously studied the man, forgetting his previous comment, and was only brought back to reality when he spoke again.

"Ahahahaha."

She giggled, letting the mental image of the current Iwagakure line up trying to hunt anything play out in her mind.

"I wouldnt worry too much about it. I'm sure they have other things to do. Like let their leaders get killed and aimlessly patrol the gates. So, why dont you go find a nice spot to plant yourself back in the ground? You've got a good start, but it looks like the rest of the forest has been getting a bit more sun. Try and stay out of the shadows this time.

Unable to see the silly yet symbolic hat on his back, Hotaru had no idea that the man that stood before her was the Mizukage, though that likely wouldn't have changed her behavior. With a smirk, she turned to keep walking. She had no interest in a shouting match with a stranger and it was getting late. She would have to find a place to stay soon or she would have to settle for camping in the woods again.

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[Nujabes]

"You've got a pretty big mouth, y'know that?" Akira definitely didn't intend on shoutin' anything. This was his land; there wasn't a need to raise his voice or anything of the sort. If he wanted something done, he'd do it himself; if he wanted someone dead, he'd kill them himself. Unlike the previous Mizukages, spare for one, Akira was a one-man army. "I can respect that.

He could see a lot of himself inside of her (no pun intended), and whether that was a good or bad thing depend entirely on if you were their friend or enemy. Akira was drawn to people like that -- he enjoyed having them around.

"So," this time his voice came from directly in front of her. When, and how, such a large man simply "teleported" was irrelevant. He was crouching now, his head tilted to the side while his eyes appraised her. "Since you ain't got nowhere to go, about you work with--" not for; he knew where that would lead, "--me? Not like you got anywhere special to go, Tits."

"Besides," he continued, retrieving the hat from the small of his back. Very casually, he slanted the ceremonial hat along her fiery red hair, shading her face. "Bein' my friend has its benefits. What's your name?"

[Hotaru]

!

In an instant, the man bridged the river with unparalleled speed. Water splashed into the air and suddenly one of the forest's own was standing right in front of her. His giant form loomed over her, yet she did not feel threatened. He spoke strangely, but about an offer to work with him. A blue hat identical to the Tsuchikage's brown one was placed on her head, making the man's title clear.

"Hotaru."

She said. There wasnt a reason to lie, seeing that everything the man had said had been truthful and he didnt seem that threatening. The man's skill was apparent due to his speed, so it was believable that he was the real thing. But something about this seemed too easy.

"This seems a bit too easy. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to not have to spend another night sleeping among your people, but how do I know you arnt just gonna turn me in for some miracle gro and a few bags of fresh potting soil? I am a 'wanted criminal' now, afterall."

The last sentence was said with particular sarcasm, though the intent behind the vinegar was genuine. She wouldn't let her run as a criminal be cut so short in such a stupid way.

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[Nujabes]

"Too easy, huh?" Akira tilted his head to the side, a confused look on her face. "Let me tell you a little story, Hotaru. I was actually a missing ninja of the Hidden Leaf before I came to Kirigakure during the great war. Now look at me," he wiggled the hat on her head just a little bit, teasingly. "I'm running this entire country. What'cha did back with those other cats ain't got shit to do with me, y'know?"

Standing to his full height, the white-haired Kushinada glanced down at the girl. "Besides, I don't think there's enough potting soil and miracle grow to equal out to them jugs you got, Tits."

Easing a massive hand between them, he flashed a crooked smile. "So what do you say? Work with me and I'll make it worth your while? Money, power -- you know the whole shindig."

[Hotaru]

A missing ninja. . . as kage?

Where she was from, Nuke nin were untrusted, unwelcomed, and usually condemned to death regardless of origin or intent. Now, even after running from her homeland, she was being welcomed into another village with open arms. Though part of her thought it was just for her breasts, the Mizukage might be surprised that Hotaru actually had some useful abilities.

She took the extended hand in her own and squeezed firmly.

"I dont have your name yet, assuming they name trees in these parts."

She couldn't really turn this offer down. Hopefully he would make good on his promises for riches and fame, since she was unable to attain either in Iwagakure. She hadn't had a good battle in quite some time, and she couldnt wait to see what challenges Kirigakure had to offer.

So which way to the village?

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[Nujabes]

Akira gave a firm shook and let her hand fall back to her side. "Just follow me, Tits," he said while walking past her. The village was in the opposite direction from where she'd been headed, though it wasn't far at all. Odd how things tended to play out around there, in the thick, damp mist of the island.

"The name is Akira, by the way." He said briskly, not having forgotten her previous statement. "It's nice to meet you."

Reaching high above his head as he walked, stretching, several pops reverberated along his lengthy spine. "So, what can you do? I like to know what my ninja are capable of." Reaching into his satchel, he retrieved a small headband. "And here you go."

[Hotaru]

Accepting the headband, Hotaru untied the defaced Iwagakure protector and replaced it with the symbol of Kirigakure on her right arm. Upon being asked for a demonstration of her skills, the newest Chuunin of Kirigakure did some stretching of her own, rolling her head on her shoulders, removing a few kinks with each rotation. With her body loose, she formed a few quick hand seals and turned to face a nearby tree.

Once the ritual was complete, a blob of lava about a meter in diameter was spit from her mouth. Sailing quickly through the air, the molten rock splattered against the tree and instantly began to eat away at the bark, consuming the entire structure in a matter of moments; reducing it to a smoldering pile of ash and boiling earth.

Turning to Akira, she smirked.

"How's that? I've got other tricks too, but I think i'll save those for later."

An exaggerated wink hopefully made it obvious that she was kidding so she giggled a bit and rolled her eyes.

"Lead the way, Sir."

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[Nujabes]

"Lava, huh?" Akira said, quirking an interested brow. It definitely wasn't the first time he'd seen the technique used, considering the circumstances, but it was definitely going to be useful. He may not have been the best ninja on the block, but he was definitely one of the greatest strategists Kirigakure had ever seen. That was probably his greatest strength -- knowing what worked and what didn't, and how he could combine it with the mediocre to get something truly phenomenal.

Flicking his hand under the hat still adorning her crown, he twirled the ceremonial piece before slipping it back along its hook. "That's fine," he laughed back. "I've already got some ideas on how to put you to real good use. Hell, prove yourself worthy enough, and you might get some pretty nifty prizes." Of course, these prizes were in the form of powerful relics and jutsu.

The gates became clear in the mist, to which Akira nodded toward. "Welcome to your new home, Hotaru."

[Hotaru]

She stopped in front of the gates, looking at the entry way to her new home. Though the circumstances were strange, she felt strangely comfortable around the Mizukage. His blind trust in her had made her reciprocate the sentiment, though to a lesser extent (for now).

She turned to Akira and smiled. Too proud to offer a 'thank you', she mustered up the best she could before taking her leave.

"So, I guess I'll see you around. I've got some shopping to do if i'm gonna be living here."

She needed to pick up some more clothing, find a place to live, and stock a kitchen before she could settle into her new home. Then there was all the trouble of finding her way around, meeting new people, and starting to work as a shinobi of Kirigakure.

Walking forward, she waved to Akira behind her as she continued forward, not turning around for a proper good bye.

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[KEITH]

+35 Hotaru
+32 DEVIL—