Red p a s s i o n . [C]

[Zammy<3]

The moonlight was exotic, dancing feverishly within the girl's amber optics and sparking a brilliant golden fire within them. These eyes belonged to Zamarron, a dangerous persona, as well as a name that reeked of lust. They looked out over the arrangement of ruined buildings from upon a nearby rooftop, observing the quiet night in all it's wicked splendor.

Whoever is going to rebuild those, they'll need a method of clearing the ruins, first...

And it was true. But then again, how exactly was she going to go about doing that? Why, with her monstrous strength of course. All medics possessed it. It was only the few talented enough that could properly wield it. The vixen shut her eyes, focusing on her chakra flow. Her mind's eye was darkness, shrouded in nothing but thought and concentration.

Focus... she thought. Compress the chakra into your right leg...

And so the siren stood there on the ledge, the energy surging through her as she attempted to attain control of it, seemingly contemplating as if to cast her body off the ledge's six story altitude. To any onlooker, it would probably look as if she were suicidal...

[tsukuyomi]

"-- Befriending Mortals."

The luminosity of the night was more than captivating. The emerald blades below had now fallen into a gentle sway back and forth, carried into their dance by the influence of the subtle winds that swept its uneven edifice. The sound of crickets was lowered to a dull roar - only the steady cadence of footsteps were audible if one listened close enough. The flora and fauna were not alone on this night. Uchiha Atsuhiro sped forward through the forestry, arriving at its edge and birthing himself into a new scenery. And what a sight it was to behold.

Even in the darkened hours, Mist's landscape was no less unsettling than it was when the sun shone brightly across its expanse. Its legacy, in pieces. Its buildings, in shambles. Its history, buried. The Jounin had left all of his questions behind, images of Kouketsu flashing briefly for every step that he took. His legs carried him with graceful speed toward the last known trail of the Mizukage...but somewhere along the way, a silhouette caught his attention and held it. No more a believer in fate than the next man, Anotsu could only ease his pace as the figure of a woman stood upon a higher place than he.

He could not truly make out her countenance, but that was not the most pressing matter. Much to the dismay of his apathy, she appeared to be at that fork of life and death that so many tampered with on a daily basis. Rather than leave the "suicidal" to die, he would at least spare a life and see to it that Mizu No Kuni was not the resting place of a soul gone helpless. Atsuhiro leapt forth and landed almost silently meters away, close enough for her to hear his voice...far enough not to startle her.

"...To die here with no witnesses would be a shame. Death can be a glorious thing. Surely, you wouldn't want to end up a stain along unworthy ruins."

[Zammy<3]

"... To die here with no witnesses would be a shame. Death can be a glorious thing. Surely, you wouldn't want to end up a stain along unworthy ruins."

Zamarron tilted her head in the direction of the speaker, her gaze barely grazing the stranger. Brilliant, golden hues would seem to pierce through him with humor; he thinks I'm suicidal.

How amusing.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she smiled her wicked smile, the points of her teeth glinting dangerously in the moonlight. She turned to face him completely, allowing him to take on the full effect of such a curvacious, sinuous physique. Her long locks of ebony flowed delicately within the passing wind; the black banner of lust, itself. Surely, if her body did not entrance this man into a rapt state of wonder, her deep alto would, for her voice was one of the strongest of her assets.

"Death?" she inquired, intrigued by the way the stranger had associated such an evil thing with glory. "He wouldn't dare fuck with me. You have nothing to worry about," she insisted.

She was shocked by his eyes- for even within the night's darkness, Zamarron was hypnotized by the twin indigo jewels. And it was at this did her usual cocky, overconfident demeanor slowly fade, and her aura grew vulnerable as a light of familiarity struck her.

"Do I know you?" she asked, her brows scrunching together in genuine confusion.

[tsukuyomi]

He had forestalled Death's return to pilfer another soul, it seemed.

Stealing her attention, Anotsu's eyes fixated upon the entirety of her person as she turned toward him. His silken tresses were pushed away from his visage just long enough for her to see his features before falling once more about his shoulders and masking some of his jawline. The silent ferocity of his eyes matched her gaze, and it was there within those oceans of amber that the gears within his mind began to turn. To have compared them to jewels would have been an understatement. Brilliant and haunting, they only served to accentuate her malicious grin. He took in every detail of the woman's features - and what features they were[/u].

Every curve hugged the darkness of her clothing as if inviting one to explore the nooks and crannies of her beautiful frame. Her attire did little to imply modesty. Her mane, ebony and elongated, created a flow...almost as if the wind itself were toying with it. Death wouldn't fuck with her? Surely, there was much more to this enigma of a woman than suicide. Most notably? Arrogance. When she spoke, such thoughts were confirmed.

To worry about a stranger would be to forfeit life. This blade is for more than show, I assure you..

The thought passed. It was the folly of men to succumb to temptation so easily. Nevermind the proximity between them and his inability to truly gauge her strength at such an interval - Anotsu's mentality was more cold and calculating than his eyes cared to show. She would learn this lesson, as had patrons before her. However, her voice was...unique. It was as if she could coo the most violent things, and yet there was a melody laced within every syllable. This intrigued him...as well as pleasing him. At least...slightly.

"You don no headband, stranger. Either you've crossed into these lands as an intruder, or you've stumbled onto this place by accident. Logic says that I kill you where you stand....but you've not raised a hand toward me. For now, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

"I've not seen your face before." Atsuhiro stated. Hesitant about his next choice of words, he narrowed his eyes. "...Beauty like yours is not easily forgotten."

A compliment? The Uchiha was not used to such things. He brushed it off, however. It was merely the truth. Sweet words and lust were foreign concepts to him. Perhaps it was one of the things that saved his life....or one of the things that kept him alone. Hopefully, his interest in her presence was nowhere visible.

[Zammy<3]

Yet another bubble of laughter was cast off from the tip of her tongue.

"What a fool you are, giving me the benefit of the doubt," she condescended, putting a single hand to her chest in a mocking fashion.

Her tone was comical, as if she was making a joke out of him. He looked so full of maturity and experience; surely, a more knowledgeable shinobi would've at least threatened her into proving her identity. Perhaps this man was a simpleton, one who had a weakness for lust and no logic to refuse temptation? Hmmm... Zamarron cocked her head to the side.

This could be fun.

She wasn't surprised, nor was she phased by his next set of words. In fact, she tired of hearing so much of her beauty; was there nothing else a man could notice? Indeed, the proof that this shinobi was a half wit kept piling up. The woman closed her eyes, remembering the one who had gifted her with such a gorgeous countenance. She smiled faintly as the memories gradually faded into her mind's eye's view.

"If you mean for your words to please me, you've failed," she declared, her chin descending as she raised her dainty hands to perch them on her hips. She couldn't help but grin at how obvious it was of his liking towards her, if but only of her appearance. "And it's such a shame that we haven't met before," she added, taking a few steps forward, her movements slow, and snake like.

It was discreet, but the songstress would then pull her already low neckline further earthward at that point in time, embellishing the humble size of her breasts. "However, that fact is a perfect excuse for us to...

get to know each other." She winked, almost too fast for him to notice.

"I'm Zammy." The healer shyly held out her hand in greeting.

[/blockquote]

[zibishi]

He leaned on the edge of a pole that overlooked the training grounds which his partner was now occupying. His light blue eyes were watching her intently and he figured she was coming here to let off some steam from the last mission which probably had upset her greatly. He didn't like failing missions, but he doubt his words would've changed the daimyo's mind, but either way Zibishi focused on Zammy who was building up chakra above him. He could see her figure due to midnight sky and grinned and wondered what she was up too.

He vanished and then appeared on a adjacent water tower still looking down on her as her chakra flow was reaching its Zenith and another man slowly appeared on the scene. He approached her preaching and advising her not commit suicide. Zibishi held in his chuckle the man truely didn't know her. She was too proud to throw her life away and Zibishi came to that conclusion after only one meeting with her.

He remained on his perch and continued listening to their conversation. His raised his eyebrows slightly as the tone of her voice lost the usual hiss and anger she had used on him and was filled with admiration and nostalgia. He began thinking to himself that the Chuunin actually had a heart and feelings which was an amazing revelation. He wondered what type of relationship they had and what their history held, but he still awaited to make his pressence known.

You don no headband, stranger. Either you've crossed into these lands as an intruder, or you've stumbled onto this place by accident. Logic says that I kill you where you stand....

Zibishi hand instantly went to his Halbred almost on instinct and his temper flared for a moment and he would intervene if the man possibly tried to attack his partner. He was still utterly silent and while the two exchanged words he was thinking of the perfect angle to strike him until finally he heard

....but you've not raised a hand toward me. For now, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

Zibishi eased his hands off his halbred and went back to listening though he understood the man's intentions he probably wouldn't have done the same thing. It was in Zibishi's chaotic nature to battle and have fun placing his life in danger and in a way he was hoping the two would engage in battle so he could see Zammy's skill, he had already witnessed her strength in action and was impressed, but it was to be expected with any medic.

He heard the man offer her a compliment and he expected Zammy to shoot him down like she did Zibishi, but things didn't happen that way and she almost seemed flattered. Normally a man, especially a teenager would feel petty jealousy, but Zibishi was actually amused more and more the Chuunin constantly surprised him. He wouldn't interfere in their conversation yet as he wanted the man to take his oppurtunity and woo her so Zibishi would have some dirt on her the next time they spoke to one another.

The night was becoming chilly and Zibishi wished he wore his long sleeve shirt instead of his golden button down shirt. He waited for the man's next response and wanted to see how far he could get before Zammy showed her true colors or would she show Zibishi a different side of her either way he remained hidden, watching both of them from above.

[tsukuyomi]

A fool, she said.

Parallel to his external appearance, amusement began to trickle down his cognizance like the gentle fall of rain after the storm had subsided. But for this vixen, it was only just beginning.

He listened to her words of negativity, the assumption of him being a simple creature causing no particular disturbance in his piercing gaze. It was as if her words had bounced harmlessly off of his chest and into the nothingness below. She was ignorant of the turmoil that twisted the Uchiha's emotional state. Kouketsu was still at the forefront of his priorities - and in his eyes, she was about as convenient as a restaurant on his way to the battlefield. But he supposed that even a bump in the road could have a few moments of importance.

...Lesson Number One: Timing.

Atsuhiro said nothing as she approached with her mixture of seduction and mockery, the two coalesced into such perfect harmony that he found it hard to believe that she was innocent at this charade. He admired her puppetry. Even without chakra strings, she manipulated the air and gave her presence a demanding aura. Far be it from him to take anything away from her skill, he would bless her with one of his own...and it was in that realization when she extended her hand that Anotsu would introduce her to the opposite of his supposed simplicity.

"Anotsu."

[/i][/center]

Simultaneous to his hand reaching her own, the once brilliant indigo of his occuli had faded. In its place, crimson began to soak his orbs. Spilling forth as if an open wound under water, the tomoe would only show themselves after he'd descended into the madness of his Kekkai Genkai's abilities. Every movement became a book. Every breath became a deep sigh. And as such, he would impose a lesson well learned onto his newfound acquaintance.

Action.

Utilizing their proximity, he quickly whipped the woman around by her appendage. Both arms seized her, her tresses thrown unkempt over his shoulder as he held her close. His grip was absolute, and yet persuading - perfect health was hers to maintain, so long as she was forthcoming with her next set of words and actions. His leg hooked about her own so as to prevent mobility. His arm restricted her wrist, using her own forearm as a bind of sorts and pressing it to her neck. Any movement she made, he would be well aware of. Her back pressed to his chest, the slightest of glints presented themselves betwixt his nimble digits.

"Uchiha Anotsu."

"Intimidation and threats are for those that are fond of indirect approach. I, however, am one of up close and personal notion. For one so sure of the situation, you provided an opportunity that your words were so successfully working to prevent."

Taking but few moments to survey his surroundings with the security of her body in place, the Sharingan would also reveal to him another chakra signature nearby. Perhaps the lone figure in the distance perceived the element of surprise to be his. The Sharingan, most definitely a testament to such things being untrue, would show that it was he who had that card in his hand....and Zammy's life as an added bonus.

He used his peripheral vision to keep them both in sight. Soon enough, she would be released from captivity. His point was proven. And if nothing else? She would have something to remember him by.

[Zammy<3]

"Anotsu." The single word rolled off his tongue sweetly, like honey.

What the...?

His eyes, once a raging ocean blue, had turned... scarlet? Crimson gems, rubies furnished within Hell, itself, and by demon hands. Zamarron's amber hues widened in fear and in shock.

The Sharingan?!

Her mouth dropped wide open, her surprise inhibiting her awareness of the Uchiha's intentions. In a matter of milliseconds, he had her captive, but her the thought of her imprisonment wouldn't come until later... the woman simply couldn't get over what she had just witnessed. This was the first time she had ever seen the Sharingan in person, for she had only heard of it in stories and in legend, let alone directly witnessing the process in which it was summoned. She knew of its power and it's capabilities; she had always thought that if she were ever to face such a monster of a gift, she'd be defenseless.

Suddenly a wave of helplessness washed over her as she was pressed tightly against Anotsu's chest, the man's grip vicelike.

But then, she remembered who she was- she wouldn't give up so easily without one hell of a fight.

"Tch," she clicked her tongue. "Bite me, shit face."

She, however, didn't feel the need for flowery language or sophisticated vocabulary- that much was obvious. And with that, her massive strength was put to use. Whilst the moment he took advantage of her captivity to observe her surroundings, the musician used the oppurtunity to focus chakra into the hand in which was connected to the forearm Anotsu used to keep her in place. With a simple flick of the wrist, Zamarron aimed at the man's face, the chakra which had been compacted within her knuckles just moments before unleashing at full force upon impact. The immense strength of the energy would no doubt knock his head off; unless of course he let go of her to cushion the hit.

If that were the case, the doctor would whirl around to face him, fury sparking a golden fire within her eyes.

"How dare you!" she shrieked. "Dont ever lay your hands on me again, you bastard!"

A flash of white light.

"Dont ever lay your hands on me again, you bastard!"

It was the voice of her eldest sister by three years, Zakara. She bellowed at their Father; this was the day she led Zamarron and Zera out of the house and onto the streets, this was the day they all had ran away.

This was the last day she would ever see her Mother and Father alive.

Snap back to reality.

Zamarron shook herself out of it, and focused once more on the Uchiha, already expecting some smartass reply.

[/blockquote]

[zibishi]

Zibishi wasn't startled as the man apprehended Zammy and Zibishi still didn't find any dismay in the situation as he saw his partner locked in the man's grasp. She had tried to act on the man's compliment and the man's eyes for beauty, but had the tables turned on her which wasn't shocking to him as he could feel he wasn't an ordinary man and wouldn't fall to such seductive ploys by Zammy. At this point he was sure his cover was blown since the man acted so hostile towards him. The young Genin sighed and prepared to enter the fray.

"Uchiha Anotsu."

So he was dealing with an Uchiha after all and most likely due to the increase in chakra in the area he knew he was dealing with the Sharigan. This discovery caused his inner warrior pride to flare as he wished to test his own Kekkai Genkai against one of the most prestigous in all of the ninja nations, but now was not the time and Zibishi simply needed to free his comrade first. He deployed his halbred and in a way floated down to the same level as them and offered Zammy a smirk.

"So it looks like you do actually fall for that mushy crap after all?"

He shook his head as her usual vocabulary full of insult and anger returned and she tried to break the hold of the Uchiha on her. He didn't like the direction things were going and if they weren't lucky they could be dealing with an experienced Uchiha with an advanced control of his eyes. Zibishi responded to this threat by activating his own set of eyes. His light blue pupils slowly began rotating in a smooth, calm potion resembling a whirlpool of sorts. His irises next began changing, as streaks of blue and white lines that mirrored lightning began appearing and then disappearing paying homage to the true nature of lightning. Finally the blood vessels around his eyes tensed and swelled and instantly turned into a blue streaks. In a way his eyes now mirroed the rotating motion of the Sharigan and the physical appearance of a Byagukan.

His Kiri headband was wrapped around his neck loosely and plain for the Uchiha to see unless he was blind or suffering from defects. He paid Zammy's attempt to break free with discorn and hoped the man would not retaliate with a far more aggressive move. He twirled his halbred and stepped forward towards the man.

"She is Kirigakure Chuunin and means good intentions with the village. Please pay her games no mind. I am Zibishi. Stand down, both of you."

The genin spoke with an amazing amount of base in his voice and prepared for the vicious retort he expected from Zammy, and whatever the Uchiha would have to say for himself. Hopefully conflict would be avoided.

[tsukuyomi]

So, the feral Zammy had not only been tamed, but she had an escort as well?

The scarlet-eyed shinobi had long since felt her body go lax in his grasp as he took her captive. The captor satisfied with her subdued state, it would be that much more easier to understand the first impression he'd gathered. With no particular intention of doing much else after he'd taken her "hostage", the Jounin would simply wait. And purposefully so.

He gave no attention to the vulgarity of her words - Atsuhiro had heard it all before. If not from those who despised the Uchiha clan, then most definitely from those whose lives he was taking with little to nothing else to shout or bellow before the cold embrace of death overcame them. Even as she began to form her own form of offense, he was well aware of the chakra that had begun pooling around her appendage. No longer did the softness of her skin captivate his hands. No...there was something more sinister than that birthing itself from within her. The sudden power surge was altogether visually and mentally digested thanks to his Kekkai Genkai. He could react well before she had the opportunity to fully commit to her strike.

A small, roguish grin.

Flowing in a fashion comparable to the ebb and flow of the most graceful waters, Atsuhiro's body released her with a brusque transition in his head's positioning. Her fist would harmlessly reach the end of its trajectory past his shoulder, allowing him to circle her curvaceous frame in but a moment's notice. The speed at which he had done so was almost akin to stealth, his footsteps nearly inaudible as he arrived meters behind her. His countenance, still as apathetic as before, now fixated slated orbs upon the new patron that had joined them shortly thereafter.

"Forgive me, Zammy."

The very simplicity of his words was an attempt to diffuse the skirmish. There was still the matter of Kouketsu at hand, and every second that was lost to him was regretfully desired afterward. There were no smart remarks or witty comments to be had. No...Uchiha Atsuhiro was well beyond such things. At least, until the moment called for his amusement. The blood red of his eyes retreated as the second shinobi's headband was within his sight. He could easily discern the features of the male's Kekkai Genkai - Though he was not fully capable of comprehension, the chakra that laced his ocular tenketsu gave testament to his potential. Anotsu would watch with uninterested awareneness.

The Jounin's arms had found rest at his sides. Once the deep blue of his occuli had been restored, he would address the Chuunin.

"Both a Chuunin and Genin in my presence. To have gauged the situation before acting was smart. Be that as it may...you stand before a Jounin."

Anotsu's barely visible grin was long gone, replaced with a voice (and expression) much more commanding. The village must have been in dire need, leaving such a pair to wander as they so pleased. But more befitting of his character, the Uchiha would let the ordeal go.

"Spare me the facade. What are you doing out here?"

[Zammy<3]

"She is a Kirigakure Chuunin and means good intentions with the village. Please pay her games no mind. I am Zibishi. Stand down, both of you."

...Zibishi!

Zamarron's lips twisted into a feral scowl at the sight of the boy. What the fuck was he doing here?! She was outraged by his mere presence. Fury seized her, and her body stood rigid with hostility; all she could do was glare. Golden daggers, piercing straight through the air and into Zibishi's comfort zone. The boy was young, - too young- to have seen her in such a state of vulnerability. The woman clenched her teeth, not embarrassment, but regret swelling within her delicate frame. How dare he make no note to his presence, how dare he keep quiet to stay hidden and witness her "games", as he'd put it? There was no way in hell she would have ever let him see her like that intentionally.

"Who do you think you are?!" she snarled, her body now in motion. She advanced, her aura flaring with intimidation, upon the boy. "Stand down?!" She clicked her tongue. "Fuck you; I stand my ground. How dare you disrespect me! I am your superior!"

Her rage billowed all around her. Continuing to stare him down, the songstress suddenly was able to focus on her breathing, for she felt her fists begin to shake. That was always a sign that she was about to lose it. Her nose flared, and she exhaled hard.

"Forgive me, Zammy."

The devil's temper was unleashed once more, for not only had the man bragged of his status as a jounin with what was obviously one of the most expansive of egos, (always an irritating characteristic), the healer had been offended yet again.

"Fuck you, too!" she barked. "Do you think I hand out my forgiveness to just anyone?!"

Her countenance was now a dark crimson, and the veins along her temple were easily visible. Men were unbelievable. They were enemies, they were merely dogs to be taken advantage of. Zamarron didn't believe in souls, but if she had, surely men wouldn't have them. She squeezed her eyes shut, grinding her fangs against one another in anger.

"Zibishi," she summoned quietly, her physique having been completely stilled, the last of the trembling having ceased. "Come here." She held out her hand to the boy.

While in waiting, the musician would hear the Uchiha's inquiry, only after hearing his accusation that she had put on a damn show. However, by now, the medic had come to the conclusion that Anotsu had simply been born to piss her the fuck off. So she ignored his use of the word "facade", and gave him a simple, and even honest answer. She opened her eyes to his, simply begging for him to insult her for a third time. He needed a slap across that pretty boy face.

"I was on my way to seeking an audience with my master," she explained. She knew her master wasn't very picky with the company he chose to keep. Perhaps this pathetic little insect of a man would even know of him.

[/blockquote]

[zibishi]

The young boy couldn't help, but snicker as Zammy turned and eyed his presence with surprise and a mixture of anger. His moving eyes locked onto her golden pupils and he simply stared at her, while it seemed like her face and lips twisted and contorted as if she was searching for an answer or a possible insult to Zibishi? Regardless Zibishi wouldn't let it affect him. He had become used to her demeanor and attitude and regarded is as her being friendly. He wondered why she was so hostile towards him though as she could've been in trouble dealing with a Jounin.

He shook his head and nodded his head towards the Uchiha who effortlessly dodged Zammy's counterattack. He would surely make her life a living hell for the time being about this incident and he sure he would have to run for his life after mocking her. He clicked the button on his halbred and it shrunk to the size of a scroll and Zibishi effortlessly placed it on the back of his belt and looked at the Uchiha as he finally spoke to him, well he spoke to them.

"Jounin, hmm I could tell you weren't any ordinary Kiri nin. And you're an Uchiha as well so I'm sure you're very skilled, but me and this 'lovely lady' emphasis on LADY were just returning from a mission from the Daimyo's palace which didn't end so well. I was following Zammy and wanted to see how we would procede on our report to the Mizukage, but instead I found her here playing some games with you my good fellow, if I was the judge I would say she failed though, no offense Zammy."

He looked at her and grinned offering her a cheesy thumbs up before she began her cussing spree towards the two men. His mouth and lips slanted in disappointed and he wondered why she seemed that upset, but Zibishi finally understood why. The genin had seen her vulnerable and in danger and she had last her badass aura and seemed like a damsel in distress who needed the assistance of a mere teenager. He laughed in her face as she finished her tirade.

"Yes you are my superior which is why I had to step in and try my best to save you Zammy-sama. Forgive me eh?"

He smirked as he put an emphasis on save, which he knew would probably tick her off even more as he finally let his eyes deactivate and the hub of motion and energy soon returned to its former state of calm and his pupils retainined their usual characteristics. He rubbed his hands through his black hair as she extended her hand towards him and ordered him to come here. This should be interesting he thought to himself as he took a few steps forward with his hands in the pockets of his loose, navy trousers. She spoke of a master and he was now curious as to who this person was. He slunked and looked at her with a new found curiousty.

"Hmmm...who's your master Chuunin?"

[King]

The ebony blur that cut through the mist, landing just south of the trio's position, would've interrupted whatever Anotsu might've said in response to the child and boy. It would've only taken the three people a second or two to realize that it was actually a someone-- not a something --that had crashed their little party, though his or her manner of speech might've suggested otherwise.

"You have been called to the houssssssse of ssssssspades." The sharp, snake-like eyes were focused on the hot-headed bitch at first. "Our massssssster wissssssshesssssss to ssssssspeak with you."

There was a brief paused as the mysterious visitor surveillanced the area. The third party, someone he or she had never seen before, was of no consequence. He'd be disposed of if and when he proved to be a problem.

"Asssssss for you, Anotsssssssu Uchiha. . . my massssssster extendsssssss his invitation to you assssssss well." And with that, and a large plume of smoke enveloping the hissy little being, it was gone.

[tsukuyomi]

Half-lidded eyes of uninterest remained constant upon Atsuhiro's countenance. Even as Zammy's anger and Zibishi's attempt at diffusion played out before him, they were drowned out in favor of a new type of presence. To their knowledge, his hand would lift and dig into the small of his satchel for no reason. But it was only moments afterward, when he stepped to the left and turned to his flank, that the true purpose of his actions would be revealed.

His kunai let loose into the darkness.

Pursed lips seperated as the blur of his instrument passed the entity's face, burrowing into the ruins of a nearby desolate abode only meters behind him. His features were barely visible, but the Uchiha wouldn't waste his gift on a nuisance. Listening intently, his eyes narrowed at the message given.

He began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This messenger knowing his name. Zammy seeking an "audience". Perhaps this meeting with Zammy was more than he had initially thought it to be. He couldn't quite figure out why his own brother hadn't taken the time to meet him personally - a mistake he would inquire about later. It had always been like Kou to have his subjects ask for permission. A game that he enjoyed, perhaps? No matter.

The gears within his cerebral could also only wonder about what had become of the Mizukage. If he had sent this messenger, then a resolution was most likely at hand. But if this be so..

Why hadn't the Mizukage come back through this way?

Without even turning back toward Zammy and Zibishi, Atsuhiro spoke as the messenger vanished into nothingness. "So. You know Kouketsu, do you? Interesting. Brothers can't stay detached for long, it seems...even fate has a sense of humor."

"I don't know what this House of Spades is. Nevertheless, were going to the same place. Whatever business you have with my brother, I suggest you handle it. He and I have much to discuss."

Leaving them with that little bit of info, he didn't care what words or deeds would come from them next. He only saw the explosions of that fateful day over and over again. And if one looked closely as he vanished into a blur, they could see that day's fire flickering faintly in his eye.

It was time to get some answers.

[. Exit]

[Zammy<3]

She looked him dead in the eye as he approached her.

"Zibishi, let me see the note Kiku gave you at the Daimyou's house." Hopefully, he wouldn't refuse her request. After all, even he had admitted it; she was his superior. Then suddenly, the woman's head snapped to her left. A figure, dressed head to toe in black, had appeared, bearing her a message. The house of spades? Her master! He was calling for her? A sense of joy welled up inside her bosom, although her sense of pride deemed her capable of hiding such uncharacteristic emotion from any onlookers. However, she would let the corner of her mouth ascend into a half smile as the mysterious figure disappeared into the night.

She listened to Anotsu's question with curiousity and confusion. Kouketsu? Was that his name? Now that she thought of it, she couldn't remember her master ever enlightening her on his actual name. And brothers? So that meant her master was an Uchiha as well? So many things found out with just a few careless words stitched together and spewed by an apathetic tongue. And Anotsu didn't even know what the house of spades was. She clicked her tongue.

Assuming Zibishi had given her the note, Zamarron would turn to him to thank him, in her own way of course. "That's what I thought," she said. "Now look at me, Zibishi. I have some business to take care of. Keep yourself out of trouble, and if the next time I see you and you've done something stupid, I'm going to kick your little ass. Now run along, flower girl." And with that, the woman would make her exit.

Wait a second...

She'd let her gaurd down. She'd been compassionate towards the boy, despite her compassion's sarcastic, overbearing fashion. Well, hopefully he wouldn't think too much of it...

| Exit .

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