Establishing the High Ground [O]

[Big Black Fish]

With war amounts great pain; though, that law was engraved upon the stone of life the moment our world was erected. Our nation stood nobly amongst the ranks of the Five Great Nations, but soon could fall to the challenges that stood with intrepid confidence. All that once was now had consequently reached a bitter renewal –the revival of a new beginning altered the face of existence as the new age commenced. The war turned a fresh page in history and it becomes our duty to grasp the pen to write. The once "Great Nations" could fall to adversity under new regime if not handled with implicit delicacy; no doubt, our Country, our Village: Kaminari no Kuni nor Kumogakure no Sato will never fall behind amongst the race to prevail.

I stood amidst the rubble littered on this barren land. The cascading mountains bent their daunting shadows down the clefts of the mountainside, but these sights of desecration, these sounds of empty whispers, the smell of aged earth culminating with death was but a mere tradition of our forsaken world. We had learned to forget that this was our being of existence. This was what we thrived for; what we acutely adored; why we existed in the first place. The opportunity to prosper ourselves as the legendary has arrived; but we need to amass. Now, we must accumulate. For it was here and now I would condition my search for the surviving shinobi of Kumogakure; to establish our nation as the perennial force with worldly cognition. Together we will avenge the fallen.

[/blockquote]

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

A cognition of amity isn’t known by the flourishing children of Kumogakure no Sato. Bereavement is all the Kumogakure children know. Describing peace to a war torn country is like describing snow to someone in Sunagakure no Sato. Some things just aren’t possible. No matter how hard a creature strives to seek peace, their starvation for sleep is never fulfilled. Unless one gives into the ever pressing existence of ruination. Many have accepted a fate of fatality. Some even going so far as ending their longevity by their own blade… suicide.

When does one describe such aggressions as maddening? Can one really say hara-kiri is the wrong avenue when all one desires is comfort but is being starved of that hope? Such conceptions run throughout Shouta’s mind often. No Shouta has never considered self-destruction. But can one really look disheartened towards those whom have reached such an avenue? That is the inquiry that Shouta seeks an explanation for. However at the present moment Shouta sought remnants of fellow compatriots whom have subsided. Whether it be food for the starving children of Kumogakure no Sato. Apparel for the nearly naked people, or items of destruction that provide measly protection.

Intellectual ebony flecks looked amongst the barren wasteland upon a previous battleground. Silk ebony hair flowing with the air currents. Carcasses burning, the aroma foul as it tickles the Aburames muzzle. Flecks saw one towering man. The Aburame was looking upon this warriors back as the intellectual voice cascaded through the musky air. “You, I’ll have your name and allegiance.” The Aburame warrior compelled while positioned fifteen meters behind the towering figure. The Kumogakure emblem resting like a measly belt around Shouta’s slender waist. The Aburame warrior hadn’t comprehended the initial fact that asking for a name and allegiances was like saying hello in today’s lifetime.

“Please turn around leisurely and without asinine urgency.” The Aburame warrior elucidated firmly. A tender inhale across the warriors feeble lips while flecks of ebony color remained upon this towering figure. “Clearly unworthy aggression has graced this wasteland. Let us not continue such disputes of might.” All these announcements were a simply precaution if this figure were of another village. One can never be to cautious in the era that they live in.

ooc -- got lazy and screwed the code, don't hate.

[Big Black Fish]

A man approached from behind with cautious steps, but to his dismay the near clairvoyance of my eye was capable of discerning his presence long before he could mine. He spoke with indignantly particular words; his uncertainty illuminated his nervousness with me. Though, the aspect of being treated like that of a criminal would typically anger me, I sympathized with the necessity to be meticulous in the art of approach –under current circumstance. In a postured pose, my hands were clutching one another behind me for him to see, an attempt to relax any mindful suspicion of foul trickery. His presence grew stronger as each drawing step wound and tightened the tension of our silent conversation.

“You, I’ll have your name and allegiance.”

Turning with gradual progression, I asserted myself:

"Be at ease, our allegiance is coupled. If we were enemies you would have known it long before you spoke. I am Hitokage Uchiha, eternally devoted servant of Kumogakure no Sato."

Scarlet vibrancy emanated from my eyes as the fabled Sharingan displayed their prowess. I bowed in succession to our eyes engaging one another. He was of fair size –dwarfed by my stature, nonetheless –but proud and undaunted by it; confidence was his first impression unto me. He was, indeed, a grand shinobi of the Cloud.

“Clearly unworthy aggression has graced this wasteland. Let us not continue such disputes of might.”

I raised a brow at this. Assuredly his diction could have been collected with much more dignity than he communicated. 'Graced this wasteland?' Surely we were not graced with the death of our people, we were not graced with the death of our family, we were not graced with the death of our once perpetual nation; and this was certainly not a wasteland. I abstained from aggressive objection, for I did not want to stir this mans frustration in the slightest.

"I must protest with the utmost respect unto our nation: we were not graced with aggression. My friend, we were murdered with aggression. And we shall not be magnanimous to our oppressors."

Recognizing the disturbed tone that protruded from my own mouth disrupted my composure. I inhaled, invoking all pathetic emotions back in so as to not reveal my outright anger that near set me to tears; though, I was afraid the boy had noticed before I could conceal them.

"I must apologize, these are dark times. What might be your name valiant shinobi of Kumogakure?"

With my question, I knelt in honor of his title.

[/blockquote]

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

The Uchiha’s towering figure could strike afflicted agitation into a personified human. Shouta was not startled by the Uchiha’s colossal size however was caught fumbling a remark. Sadly even the Aburame had slight oversights. An insubstantial shake upon Shouta’s soothing facial features, one moderate motion of no shown. “My apologies, it seems your transcendent figure has apprehended my tongue. The word I was seeking was tainted, not graced.” Ebony flecks noticed the anguish this towering substance was going through. One could not disfavor the Uchiha’s feelings. The Aburame comprehended the same feelings. Shouta however evaded the minuscule mistake further and kept their repartee continuing.

“I’m Aburame Shouta, a proud member of Kumogakure.” Shouta affirmed while walking at a leisurely rate towards the Uchiha. When attaining the destination Shouta advanced the warriors arm towards the Uchiha. A benign handshakes is all the Aburame craved. “I’ve come to accumulate the weapons and names of our fallen compatriots.” Shouta divulged towards the Uchiha while anticipating the handshake. “Furthermore, present aid to our compatriots that have not fallen.” Handshake mostly likely being procured Shouta progressed with words. “I’m glad to see you still stand Hitokage Uchiha.”

Subtle pause upon Shouta’s feeble lips before progressing “Have you by any chance witnessed another that still stands?” Attention brought upon the area while standing amongst the Uchiha. Shouta observing the area attempting to find survivors. The Aburame however didn’t resemble grief and mournfulness. Granted Shouta desired nothing more than to mourn his compatriots but was educated that mourning comes in times of tranquility.

“and any intelligence on our assailant?” Such questions were precise.

ooc -- you love my screw up.

[Big Black Fish]

"My apologies, it seems your transcendent figure has apprehended my tongue. The word I was seeking was tainted, not graced.”

Surely I could no longer be offended, for I too was so distressed by the aftermath of the War that I nearly lost containment of my emotions; for all I could do regarding his mistake was commiserate his distress. After a pillaging, plundering War such as our present days encountered, our mentality is not in line, for we are all still trying to wrap our heads around such tragedy.

"Think nothing of it, I would not have said anything had our situation been under better terms."

[/i]
He confronted me and raised an arm for an official greet, and I would gratefully accept.

“I’m Aburame Shouta, a proud member of Kumogakure. I’ve come to accumulate the weapons and names of our fallen compatriots. Furthermore, present aid to our compatriots that have not fallen. I’m glad to see you still stand Hitokage Uchiha."

This man held great respect for our nation, which inevitably made him a friend of mine. His state of being had just been gouged with mental wounds of fatality all around him, yet his fundamental reaction is of dedication to seek those fallen. Nobility in its finest form.

"Have you by any chance witnessed another that still stands? ... and any intelligence on our assailant?"

"You are truly a selfless man, Aburame Shouta; know that you and the Aburame have earned a profound respect from the Uchiha on this day, and a friendship from me. Unfortunately, you are the first person that I have seen –but if we stand, then we know that there are others."

My eyes gazed in the distance at the barren earth that lay lifeless all around; nothing moved. It was indefinite though: there were others out there. I could infer without question that Shouta would be eager to continue his search as I would join his party. I felt, however, the need to uncover the truth behind this attack. Who, what, where. Why was unimportant; for they were to be executed regardless. For peace of mind however, I would suggest to venture into Kumogakure to witness the damage done to our Village. The probability of fallen shinobi within the Village of Cloud was likely, so I would request the Aburame to journey there.

"Shouta, our chances of finding fallen shinobi aimlessly searching the Country are greatly reduced in comparison to venturing to our Village. It is possible that more are there than here. Plus, I feel the need for peace of mind exactly what the damage is to Kumogakure. Have you seen it?"

[/i]
[/font][/blockquote]

-ooc we should travel to Kumo and see IC if anything stands.

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

Shouta gave an acquiesce nod. Receiving the Uchiha’s words with embraced feelings. Attenuate lips detached while soothing words flowed with the air currents. “Likewise Hitokage Uchiha. Any allegiant member of Kumogakure no Sato is my brother or sister till my dissolution from this world.” The Aburame affirmed with valiant words. Despite speaking with Hitokage Uchiha, Shouta’s immersion was directed towards the salient field. Anticipating another’s arrival, praying Hitokage Uchiha is not the only compatriot still standing. Though the Aburame heard the Uchiha’s proposition but continued looking upon the salient field. “You’re factual with your words Hitokage Uchiha but this unfathomable embrace tells me our companions are craving our help.”

Extinguished sounds, silence emerged amongst the salient field for several moments. “Can you not perceive it friend? I know you’re impeccable with your words but the feeling of inadequacy progresses through my cartilage when I return.” Looking away, continuing to keep depressing flames amongst the salient field the Aburame asked “Do you apprehend my feeling Hitokage Uchiha? Can you relate? Do you feel as though you are disappointing our family? When you look upon their impoverished visage you can’t help…” Shouta discontinued, standing upon the warriors foundations while moments of agonized silence oozed through the air currents.

“I retract my questioning and apologize. We are capable ninja Hitokage Uchiha and if we must pull our family out from the deprivations of hell then we will do so.” Insubstantial nod was ministered by the Aburame. “I apologize, let us return home my friend.”

ooc -- I’ll let you decide if you want it moved.

[Ramui Tojo]

Ramui's face remained looking at the ground as he finished his prayer for the fallen bodies he had carried into a small grave. He was sweating from the hard labor, but felt as is if he had done a great service to his country. The bodies were now covered and not laid naked across the field for scavengers. He made a small cross with the Kumo insigna and began digging covering the grave of 4 ninja and continued the task until it was completely done.

He discarded the small shovel had come across and began making his way across the desolate, barren land still trying to bring forth memories of his last moments before the great flash that had stricken him powerless and destroyed his home and place of dwelling. All the fields looked the same and offered him no memories and heaps of bodies offered little help either.

He continued walking rubbing his soft, gentle hands through his white shaggy hair as if doing so would help him remember what exactly happened, but it came without answers as he approached a clearing and the sounds of voices, a familiar one at that. He stepped towards one of the Genin whom he recognized as Shouta and the other who he overheard to be an Uchiha, the clan's name always brought pecuilar thoughts to his head, but he didn't let them be known as he began reading the mood of the conversation and of his comrades. They reaked of nothing, but sadness and confussion emotions he was all too familiar with.

"Shouta, nice seeing you again. I don't know how we constantly end up meeting, but its always nice seeing a familiar face as many of these faces have no life in them. May they rest in peace. Uchiha, my name is Ramui Tojo, friend of the Aburame here and future Raikage how are you?"

When the word Raikage slipped from his mouth he followed it up with a nice grin hopefully one that would uplift the spirit of the two and maybe divulge them into some interesting conversations about the direction of the village. He adjusted his forehead protector which he wore around his neck into full view for the Uchiha to see to make sure to state his pure loyalty and erase any doubt towards Ramui.

[sumiko]

The sun beat down on the brow of a young girl who was sitting motionless for the time being. The sun's rays baked her, the heat staining her body in sweat; though it was anyone's guess whether she even noticed. She just sat there in a trance like state until a rather large bead of sweat ran down her forehead and dripped into her eye. Reflexively she reached up to rub her eye; as she pulled her hand away, she noticed the blood covering not only her hand, but her entire arm. I wonder if that is my blood or someone else's?[/color] she thought to herself as she let her arm drop back to her side. Her entire body hurt, but the emotional pain she felt was what consumed her now.

The kunoichi from Kumogakure on Sato wanted to just sit there and cry forever, but she had no tears left to shed; the dried trails of salt on her face were a testament to that. Why was she still alive? Why hadn't there been any other survivors? She looked down at the bodies littered around this wasteland that had once served as a battlefield; so many friends and comrades lie dead on the ground. She had tried to save them, even with her training as a medic there was nothing she could do for them. Their blood that was stained on her hands and clothes was evidence to her efforts; the physical stains a metaphor for the emotional ones that the young girl would carry with her forever.

The girl didn't want to carry on; distraught, she would have been fine if she had just fallen dead right there. No one that young should have been forced to go through the horrors of war; nothing in her life could have prepared her for the feelings of loss and regret for fallen comrades, or the guilt that ate at her conscious for the lives she had taken. And this war had been especially bad. Still, dying here was not to be her fate; the girl knew what needed to be done. She tried to urge herself to rise to her feet. Sumiko, you have to get up. You can't be the only one to have survived, and if there are other survivors they may be hurt. For their sake, you have to get up and start moving.[/color]

Slowly, Sumiko rose to her feet and began wobbly moving forward; as she walked, her head slowly began to clear, bit by bit. She began to take notice of her own injuries, as the pain which had seemed to envelop her entire body became more centralized. Two broken ribs, a badly cut arm, not to mention a concussion, were the most severe; there were also a plethora of nicks and bruises covering the rest of her body.

She walked for a while, stopping to check the bodies she passed along the way; all of them were dead. She didn't know how long she walked, time wasn't something that concerned her at this moment; all the memories were blending together into a giant mess inside her head. Eventually she caught sight of shadowy figures through her blurred vision. As she realized they were humans, living humans, she just began laughing. She felt so relieved to find someone, anyone else that was still alive. She tried to run towards them, but stumbled about 20 meters from the group, losing her balance. She caught herself, and for a moment she just stood there snickering; but the fleeting joy at finding other was soon replaced by crippling sadness once again. The sun gleamed off the forehead protector of one of the shinobi as she stood back up; as the symbol on it came into focus Sumiko was relieved to see the symbol of Kumogakure. She gave an obviously forced smile as she called out to the other survivors. "Are you all from Kumo? Thank god there are other survivors."

-ooc: Sorry I am so late...

[Big Black Fish]

I was unsure of the decision to make. To stay or to go. The heart of this man was clearly set on staying, searching for those incapable of saving themselves; all the while, I was set on discerning whether or not the nation as a whole was in tact. Difference of opinions were adjoined yet conflicting here. For him, the personal affairs were vital – For me, the existence of our Village. However, it was against my nature to protest within decisions, leadership, politics. I was a leader, yet... a silent one unto myself. I could travel with the wicked and pray with the priest amidst the same rising sun; yet, I would not likely agree to permanent myself amidst their company forever. I preferred to abstain from publicizing my personal opinion in light of channeling fluidity amongst the crowd. I would not be the dam against the river; metaphorically speaking. Therefore, I concur with Shouta's heartfelt apathy for those in need even though I felt it a unnecessary act –at least until the condition of our Village was ascertained.

"Shouta, I would not prefer to disrespect where your heart lies. If you are still eager to salvage the missing; I will be by your side. It is indicative of your g–– "

...

A young, average measured boy (of the same height as Shouta) approached us with leisure. By his regard to us, that with his comfortable body language as he waltz towards us, I commended him an ally. I noticed the headband which affirmed my assumption: a shinobi of Kumogakure. He spoke to Shouta first; it would seem they had met before.

"Shouta, nice seeing you again. I don't know how we constantly end up meeting, but its always nice seeing a familiar face as many of these faces have no life in them. May they rest in peace. Uchiha, my name is Ramui Tojo, friend of the Aburame here and future Raikage how are you?"

This Tojo fella': a spirited kid, with aspirations alike. He brought a vibe of naive innocence, but not the unintelligent, inexperienced type of naive, more so the happy-go-lucky, slothy type of naive. Of course, first impressions were not always the last. His behavior could change and my opinion of him with it. My eyes were towering over the two, but besides the strain in my neck that was being produced, at least the sun wasn't shedding its rays in my eyes.

"Pleased to meet you Tojo; I am Hitokage Uchiha of Kumogakure. I do not want to speak on behalf of us all, but to be frank, it is fair to say none of us are doing well. Absorbing such devastation mentally causes as much pain physically. I must ask, you said you have seen 'many faces with no life in them'... what about faces with life in them. It is integral we salvage the living; it's only human."

Intense scarlet crowns gleamed intensely upon him, my eyes froze on the boy –yet, like termites out of the woodwork, another shinobi came forth. She looked tiny, even in comparison to the men in our party who were of lesser stature: Shouta and Tojo. I turned to meet her eyes, but they dropped as she stumbled to pick herself up. I ran towards her placing my hand upon her shoulders. She was battered and bruised, nicked with cuts and thin slices all around. She looked as if her body were moments from collapsing –the pain staking torment eager to send her into a well deserved unconscious sleep. She may not have preferred it, but I could see in her eyes she was ready to feint, and so I lifted her up. She was only tiny, weighing less than my leg, making her easily accessible to carrying. Holding her like a groom would hold his bride across the threshold, only without the intimacy and attraction, but out of sheer worry for the child I supported her with my arms.

"Recompose yourself, you nearly fell. But don't worry, you're in safe company now."

[/i]
If she wanted to be released, I would place her back on her feet without disagreement. I only hope she did not take offense to me impulsive maneuver to pick her up, for I did not mean it in any obtrusive manner.
[/font][/blockquote]

-ooc you came just in time.

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

Starless flecks maintained sight on Hitokage Uchiha. Meanwhile another voice emerged within’ the air currents. Charcoaled flames of the Aburames cruised at a leisurely stride towards Ramui Tojo. Creamy spouts dismantled with words gushing through the air currents “Ramui Tojo” The Aburame addressed while occupying space near Hitokage Uchiha. Shouta’s stygian oculars maintained sight upon Ramui while the immaculate haired warrior acquainted himself with the Uchiha. Shouta heard the immaculate haired warrior’s audacious assertion however the Aburame disdained those words and migrated his observations elsewhere. Sanctioning the Aburame’s two friends to progress their exchange without the Aburame.

Moments traveled with haste and soon after Ramui’s commencement an additional frame converged. An adolescent young woman whom wandered falteringly. Clouded flames traversed towards the woman leisurely. Rendition of awe looming upon the Aburames visage. Bendable rims subdividing “Another survivor?” The Aburame inquired rhetorically. Those opaque oculars examined the Uchiha while the extensive haired warrior accelerated to assist the blossoming young woman. Once Hitokage had regrouped with the Aburame and Ramui the rippleless visage of the Aburame observed Ramui, Hitokage and the adolescent young woman.

“It would appear as though a voyage home is an enduring desire. Now more than previously, with the inclusion of further compatriots. Shall we evacuate from the field?” The warrior implored rhetorically while anticipating vocalization from Shouta’s compatriots.

ooc -- blargh.

[Ramui Tojo]

"Hmph, faces with live with them come at a premium, but so does hope in these gray, barren days. Continued sulking and moping will only be able to last for so long, I am not of the cheerful disposition most of the time, but feel the need to be in this moment of crisis, someone has to be after all. Nay we all have to be, to salvage and to survive and then to strengthen and establish a new order and a new law for this country that will hopefully prevent another castatrophe such as this-"

Ramui cut himself off and began rubbing the back off his head as he turned his head slowly and eyed the girl slowly making her way towards them. She was struggling and Ramui wished to aid her, but he was barely in any condition to help her himself. As she stumbled into their presence Ramui was taken aback, by her gratitude at the sight of survivors. He turned to the Uchiha and gently spoke

"Sorry I kinda started rambling back there, its a bad habit of mines. Still working on it." He turned towards the girl and offered her a warm smile. "Yes we are all Kumo brethren and it truely is marvelous we all survived the...well the tragedy that struck this land. Shouta what is it you are speaking of?" He said shifting his eyes towards the Aburame now.

[Big Black Fish]

With such a proficient force of shinobi, we could only hope to find a handful more. With that being said, Shouta determined that our devotion to search for living shinobi concealed amongst the massed forces of the dead should come to its end. It was a disconsolate scene, and as my heart did go out to those fallen, I felt it an obligation to investigate the remains of our Village. It was integral to our future as a nation to know the exact status of Kumogakure.

"What he is speaking of Toji is our Village; and I cannot say I disagree with him. I second the notion to investigate the status of our Village; for after such a hostile war, it is only fitting to clarify the state of Kumogakure."

[/i]
The girl was still in my arms, I was not entirely sure if she was unconscious or not, but if she did not protest I would bring her along our voyage. She was of no burden to me, and if she was, my morality could not allow me to leave her behind... unless she became cumbersome. It obfuscated me when the boy apologized. I did not understand why he would seek forgiveness from me when he only provided a brighter side to this terrible ordeal. I simply ignored the apology, for I did not understand the reasoning behind it therefore I would indefinitely not trouble myself to try and figure it out.

"If you wish to join us, keep up."

[/i]
I directed a nod of acknowledgment to Shouta and began to set the pace towards Kumogakure. Girl slung over my shoulder, delicately propped up so as to create the most comfortable ride upon the Hitokage Express Railway. Though, my mind raced with thoughts and images foreboding catastrophe, but hoping for the absolute best. Praying our sanctum had been unscathed.

||exit to Village Gates
[/font][/blockquote]

[Ramui Tojo]

[Exit]

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

Shouta gave an insubstantial nod from Uchiha Hitokage’s words and followed with haste.

ooc -- exiting thread.

[Mamushi]

Fish - +36 exp

Satsugai - +26 exp

Ramui - +12 exp

Sumiko - +10 exp