Why So Gloomy

[Xara]

The Hidden Cloud Village was a disaster, just when you thought things couldn't get any worse; Bang! Yoshio looked on from above one of the fallen structures in the crippled country. The villagers were all busy cleaning up and rebuilding what was left of their homes, some were now homeless with no place to go and some searching for lost family members in the midst of the target area. Yoshio didn't have family, he grew up in a facility with many other orphans and mean people who told him what to do and where he had to be at all times of the day. Luckily for him on his eighth birthday, he was released and given a home in a hotel where the Kage paid for his rent just as long as he agreed to become a Kumogakure Shinobi; Yoshio didn't have much of a choice given his current situation. “What a bunch of crybabies, its not like the village was looking any better before the attack. A talented Shinobi like myself should be out doing real ninja stuff but instead they have me hanging around these old geezers cleaning up rubble.“

It took little time for Yoshio to adjust his goggles and jump down to the solid pavement. Being the disobedient boy he was, instead of helping out the villagers Yoshio decided to continue doing his own thing and walking alongside the poor commoners with his eyes slightly closed. If he was lucky enough, the Higher ranked Shinobi wouldn't spot him and give him one of their short lectures on his duties as a Genin. "Yawn" "I should find a place far away from this gloomy atmosphere and go take a nap in the Mountains or something. Hopefully nobody notices that I'm gone. ." [/font] On coarse for the Mountains of Kumogakure, Yoshio took off with no intentions of turning back for a couple of hours.

[Big Black Fish]

A long dusted path would swing around the bend of a mountainside. I was investigating further into the heart of Kumogakure to comprehend the internal damage and found myself approaching a young Genin who appeared to be muttering under his breath. He appeared troubled, or maybe not. I was troubled, so it's contingent for me to assume that everyone would be just as troubled at the destruction as I; but not everyone acquired the passion and loyalty unto the Village of the Cloud like I had. Our paths would converge, but before they did so, I acknowledged him to discern where he was taking himself.

"What is a young gentleman like yourself heading out of the Village at such a time when our Nation requires your pivotal role as a shinobi?"

His headband indicated his shinobi status, and he was lucky he ran into a Chuunin such as myself, someone who attained an inward passive nature that would not prefer to be stirred into anger. Had it been another, he may have received a form of punishment. My intent was not to demand him to return, for I could empathize his position to simply desire to avoid the restructuring of the Village, maybe he was affected so deeply that he could not bear to be around the Village, or maybe he was the exact opposite, unaffected and simply in avoidance to do work in general. Regardless of my authority, I was not here to enforce directions.

[/blockquote]

[Xara]

Things should have changed when he became an official Genin. Though Yoshio didn't want to admit it, nothing meant more to him than being the person everyone idealized. He told himself each day that he was the most talented & most respect Genin in the village; bragging on to his peers about many accomplishments that he failed to prove.

It kept his self esteem up & his cocky attitude steaming. Still; deep down he knew many of the other Genins worked harder and were praised much more than he ever was. They had parents that bought them anything they ever wanted, family who came just to see them graduate from the Academy; but who did Yoshio have? Nobody. .

Yes, The village was attacked and lives were lost but why should Yoshio care about the lives of those who didn't care about his or knew he even existed. The boy was better of minding his own busy and resting up while they fell on their knees weeping for their loved ones. Even when he was out training in the Mountains, nobody came to give him a drink of water; almost craking his neck falling from a tree, he dragged his self to the hospital for treatment. Life was never easy, nothing has changed!

Yoshio's eyes widened as a large figure aproached him; no doubt it was a Kumogakure Shinobi and a very large one. The man's huge figure was just unreal, he was more of a beast than a man Yoshio thought. “Fuck !“[/i] Yoshio regained his composure and slowly began to speak as he adjusted his goggles. The boy was a bad lier & a even worse one while under preasure.

“ He He He . . Well ; Uh; You see I was just out fetching some water for my grandmother. She's such a old lady; the poor thing can't even see clearly anymore. So Uh If you don't mind, I'll just be on my way sir.“ & withought facing the man to finsh his last sentence, he side stepped the muscular Shinobi and continued along the path. Reapeating the word "Shit" in his mind.
[/size]

[Big Black Fish]

His hesitation, the look in his eyes and his body language all spelled out the description his guilt. If I was to define the boy right now, it would be a single world: guilty. Of what? Who knows, but I was interested to see what it was this boy was hiding and how far he would tangle himself in the web of lies he was about to produce. I conjured a bit of ingenuity just to recall the boy as he side stepped my path; but I would counter, invading his side step with my body as I took a step in his path.

"Well, if you're Grandmother needs water so bad... why don't you come and take my flask right here? I just filled it."

[/i]
With a cunning grin, I would shake the flask side to side, allowing the water to slosh about to prove, nonetheless, there was water inside.

"Besides, you'll find no water that way. Nothing but grand canyon's down that trail. Our source of water is more inwardly, towards the heart of the Village."

Indeed, this was not a lie. The further you traveled away from the Village, the further you traveled from our natural resources. We were carved into the clefts of Mountains, we did not attain the abundance of Lakes, Rivers and lush green forestry. The only abundance we attained was lightning producing clouds and noticeably, mountains. If the boy refused to accept my token of gratitude, indubitably he was lying. But I was curious to see just how far he was willing to ride his lie.
[/font][/blockquote]

[Xara]

Judging by the look on the Man's face, Yoshio could tell he was being challenged. There was no doubt in his mind that this Shinobi thought he was lying. Yoshio glimpsed over into the opening and gazed down at the fresh water. What a coincidence he though, steadily approaching the outer reaches of the village, this jerk appears.

"Great! I'll gladly accept this bucket of water, thank-you. Though there was another thing I required just outside of the village. You see, my Uncle's leg was crushed during the attack and he can't go out watering his crops anymore. This has been a daily routine of mines to go beyond the village & help out as much as I can."

Yoshio chose his words carefully, moving in a much slower motion as he gripped onto the small flask the large man was carrying. Eye contact wasn't such a wise idea at the moment, so the Genin was careful to keep his head held down while he bickered on.

"Yea, so I'll just take this flask and be on my way now. A Shinobi like you shouldn't be wasting your time over here with me, so I'll let you be on your way now. & Once again thank-you."

Finally he looked up, with a cheerful smile on his face, gazing at the intimidating figure;coarse his eyes were closed though. The boy once again marched by the large man after taking the flask. Yoshio prayed this Shinobi wasn't the persistent-type; He didn't want to be forced to use his dangerous Genjutsu abilities, especially on a fellow Ninja.

[Big Black Fish]

The boy came close to grab the flask and as he reached I pulled it away. He was short, so he was forced to reach upwards to grab it. This left him in a vulnerable state as I grabbed his arm with my hand. I'm sure he was frightened, but if he wasn't that was all the better simply because I was not here to create confrontation, I just did prefer to be lied to. With a nonchalant tone, accompanied with a sigh, I spoke.

"Look kid, enough with the bullshit. I am not here to force you to do anything, I could not care any less about your little adventures, but since you've already lied to me... (twice) ...why don't you just tell me what you're really up to, and I'll be moving on."

I released his hand as I was assuredly not going to detain him nor force him to comply to my bidding; I simply wanted the truth. As a Chuunin, I realized that this boy, although he probably wasn't, could be doing something detrimental to Kumogakure; and although it was against my typical behavior, my protective nature for this Country in its current state was on extreme levels. If he had only told the truth I would have let him go, but his lies dug him into the hole and I was going to make him climb out of it.

"Now come on... so I can let you go enjoy your childish escapade."

Regardless, I did not like this kid to begin with. A true shinobi of the Cloud would have stayed to help rebuild this Village, not turn his back when we needed him most. He deserved a little attitude adjustment.

[/blockquote]

[Xara]

There was a short silence in the air as the man let go of his grip on Yoshio. His darkened black eyes seemed to stop moving and his blood began pumping faster. You could almost feel the tension & electricity in the air once Yoshio gazed up at the ninja out of furious rage.

“OH HELL NO! THIS DUDE DID NOT JUST TOUCH ME. .“

The Genin steadily took his time brushing off his arm. Then moved a few inches away from the tall Shinobi. Yoshio hadn't been this ticked off for weeks. The adrenalin he was now feeling would make him do yet another irresponsible; reckless action.


“You wanna know the truth? The truth is you chose the wrong day to fuck with me!“

Reaching down into his belt, he pulled out his Fist Knife; tightening his grip on the blade. Quickly he began rushing towards the man with no intentions of hesitating. Successful in his attack or not, his emotions had full control over his actions. & all he wanted to do now was return the favor.


"Kaiten Kakatou Otoshi ! !"

Leaping just high enough to get above the giant Shinobi, Yoshio was prepared to put the hurt on him.


Jutsu Review (Yoshio)[/b]
Kaiten Kakatou Otoshi (Spinning Heel Drop)
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: If kick connects with head, the victim will most likely be stunned for half turn. Normally the user spins once before descending, but each time retrained, an additional spin is added, which adds more power and thus more stunning capabilities - equal to 1/2 a turn of stun added each time.
Description: A very basic but effective taijutsu attack, the Kaiten involves the user's leg in a reverse downward kick. After launching themselves into the air and begin to somersault, the user gains momentum within the chosen striking limb and come spinning down, laying their heels into the target's shoulders and head.[/size]

[Big Black Fish]

Hmm... I actually did just touch him. A high pitched squeak that the boy vociferated was difficult to digest. His rage was an indication of his immaturity, as well as his ignorance of discerning friend from foe. I did not want a fight, but he requested one with his indignation. I did not particularly like to be yelled at and his shrill squawking of a yell offset my calm mood.

"The Genin steadily took his time brushing off his arm. Then moved a few inches away from the tall Shinobi."

I sighed; if he was planning an escape, or even an act of aggression, it would be thwarted. I dropped low to the ground as he preoccupied himself with his steady brushing and steps. He left himself vulnerable as he took his first step backwards, and I capitalized. I dropped low to the ground while simultaneously activating my Sharingan. My body would descend and my legs entered a spin, revolving low to the floor sweeping the boy's feet. It took only a second, if that. His footing would be lost before he could even react, or even think for that matter. As he fell, it would take me no time at all to draw my sword, for my Kenjutsu arts were refined. Unsheathing her, I jabbed forwards with precision to graze his neck. I would hold it there to calm him. If he dared to move I would swear to kill him; with ease.

It conventionally faulted my being to kill a member of my own Village, but this boy was no Shinobi of the Cloud in my eyes. He was a coward, betraying us in our desperate hour. I dared him to persist; the fool.

"Collect yourself, child. Do not make an enemy out of me or I will slay you where you sit."

[/blockquote]

2nd Tomoe
Rank: B
Type: Doujuts
Range: Eyesight
Special: Pierces Genjutsu (illusion defeating) and Taijutsu (movement understanding) 'B' rank and under. For avoiding incoming attacks, the Uchiha's speed and agility will greatly control whether they can move to avoid it.
Description: The next stage of evolution for the Sharingan involves two tomoe, improving upon the Uchiha's current skills and adding new ones. Amongst others, it allows the Uchiha to track the movement of an opponent and do some minor copying of an opponents attack, as well as pierce Genjutsu and see the surrounding reality for what it really is. While the eye is not refined enough to see the tenketsu and chakra circulatory system like the Byakugan, it can view the movement and flow of chakra, as well as lingering traces of foreign chakra. This can help them tell if a person is trapped in a Genjutsu, or if an attacker is a real threat or merely a bunshin.

Reppuu (Violent Wind)
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Affects up to one opponent per kick, plus one more each time retrained, as long as opponent's are within the 5 meter vicinity of the kick.
Description: Using their quickness and agility, the user moves low to the ground, dropping and delivering a spinning kick to sweep their opponent off their feet.
Domain: Goken.

Mae Zuki (Front Thrust)
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Special: Rank of strike depends on the user's highest 'Battojutsu' rank. Each time retrained, 'D' ranked damage is stacked.
Description: Commencing from a standing position, the practitioner draws and thrusts a frontal attacker then quickly sheathes. As they invest more time and practice into the art of offensive sheathing, their overall offensive rating shall increase.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battojutsu 'D'.

[Xara]

With the sharp edged blade peering the vulnerable Genin in the face; things had seem to take a drastic turn for the worse. This Shinobi was quick and not only that, he was harboring one on the most power kekkei genkais in the world; the Sharingan. Had Yoshio not been blinded by his emotions, he would've realized that he was no match for the much more experienced and stronger ninja.

Though the small boy was wrong to begin with, you couldn't blame him for not feeling emotionally attached to the people in his village. Who was this man to judge him for his actions. He didn't know what it was like growing up all alone with ought anybody who cared about him,who was he to look down upon the small Genin with those cold eyes.

Tears came pouring down Yoshio's face, he was scared. All that Courage, all that adrenalin he had built up was deplenished. The only thing left now was just a little boy afraid to loose his life.

[Big Black Fish]

The boy began to pout at my sudden aggression which must have taken him by surprise. His anger depicted a child who held in his frustration, that when backed into a corner, his compressed emotional fury was unleashed upon whoever stood in his way, no matter who he faced. I suppose it was the warrior mentality, but it had its severe flaws. I was his ally, a friend who would be at his side (if he so chose). His actions displayed that he did not recognize friend from foe and would be obliged to engage in hostility to nourish his own pent up emotions. I would let this be a warning to him, but he was fortunate that his actions were taken out on me; a more magnanimous man than some others. I myself personally witnessed relentless discipline from my Father, who was a very stern man. If you tested his restraint you would receive the lash. He would look down upon me on this day and possibly regret my forgiveness; he invariably would not have been so kind, but I knew he would be proud of my mercy.

Sheathing my blade and extending a hand to lift him,

"Look kid; it's no good crying. You acted out of order and I... well, reacted. This is not an accurate depiction of who I really am; but your negligence for our nation's shorthand disturbed me. We require every able body we have right now, so it is crucial that you honor your duty as a shinobi. A Genin such as yourself should feel it an obligation, not a choice, to assist the Country that gave him his title as Genin of Kumogakure. You are as important, if not more so, than I am to this Village... as anyone is to this Village. My friend, you attain a quality that seldom cross my path: courage. Now man up and show this great Nation what your true potential is. It is time to become who you were called to be. A Guardian of the Cloud."

[/i]
I'd be dishonest if I said I was not feeling lamentable for the boy. Maybe one could argue I had been too harsh, but in my experience, I was too soft. I empathized with whatever he was facing in his life, but it did not concern me as far as the nation's priority goes. If he wanted to continue to offend this Village, which would ultimately offend me, I would feel compelled to obliterate him. I may have empathy, but tolerance is something I do not have. If he wanted to further burden himself on me, I would not feel pity to slay him with the blade; but if he embarked on a new outlook, I would be eager to regard him a friend.

"We can start fresh if you'll have it. I am Hitokage Uchiha, Chuunin of Kumogakure."

[/i]

[/font][/blockquote]

[Xara]

Once the Ninja had begun speaking his violent killer tone had clearly vanished. the boy listened carefully as the man spoke out to him. Resistance was futile with his sharp blade pointed directly at the genin's forehead.

Wiping his hand across his face to dry the tears, Yoshio felt something he hadn't felt in a long time. It was a glimmer of hope and though he didn't have a choice when he became a Shinobi, maybe this Uchiha was speaking the truth.

If the boy continued on his path of useless aggression and rage towards his fellow people, in the end nothing would really change. Taking the torch that was giving to him and pursuing that admiration he so longed for and desired might just be what the man called "Guardian Of The Cloud"

Deep inside, Yoshio felt all the villagers looked by him. This man was different. In only a matter of moments he displayed how much he truly cared about everyone in his country; including Yoshio. Admiration & respect was what the Genin was feeling for this man named "Hitokage Uchiha" Clutching onto the ninja's hand, Yoshio was now back to his feet.

Speaking in a much lower & softer tone.
"My name is Yoshio. About earlier . .
Sorry I raged out at you like that. Lately I've been feeling a little home sick & I just wanna be away from all the shit happening there for awhile. I was actually on my way over to the mountains to get some peaceful rest before I bumped into you. . "

The boy paused for a moment; more tears came pouring down his face. It wasn't like him to be crying like this. Being the talkative, motivated type of guy he was; Yoshio was acing a little out of character this afternoon. It was even more aggravating knowing that he was reacting more like a baby than a strong Shinobi.

[Big Black Fish]

His crying was incessant, but it was indicative of an underlying problem. Something personal was affecting him greatly, as I rest assured that my actions had not scarred his ego this severely. I cried when I was a boy, but my days are aged and in the lapse of time from then until now, I have managed to forget the sensation of crying like such the manner this boy –Yoshio –was exhibiting. Fortunately, his crying was not the outburst of screaming and wailing like a child: the only reason I determined he was crying was from the tears he shed. I too, shed a tear recently; a single tear for my nation upon the moment my eyes first witnessed the destruction, but that was it. I learned from my Father that emotion softened the soul, made you vulnerable in times of hardship. I refrained from emotion and made it my virtue to continue to do so. However, I was unlike Yoshio; for I was not holding in my sorrow –I simply did not have any.

"Think nothing of it; rage is only human. Learning to control your rage is a true work of art very few have mastered. But when achieved, coupled with it comes wisdom beyond your years."

[/i]
I never protested the idea of utilizing human beings as assets, and this boy could be just that. Assuming this boy could play the pivotal role as a stepping stool to Jounin, it was cunning of me to address this opportunity. Kumogakure was my heart and soul. My pride of ceaseless aspiration, and the prospect of attaining the rank of Jounin fulfilled my soul with elation. Maybe this boy would help me achieve such a rank. I knew Kumogakure was in desperate need for skilled shinobi, as such a competitive era had dawned upon us. Nation's would soon rise against Nation's, and it was our duty to equip our up and coming generation with the tools of war. One may misconstrue my ideals as "using" the boy to advance myself; but it was a fair trade. He would be granted priceless experience as a shinobi while I boosted my status as a Chuunin. No harm done. Unless harm befell upon the boy under my responsibility. I was taking a risk, therefore, his life would be as highly regarded as my own.

"Yoshio, this world has crumbled before our very eyes. Under such affliction, our future solely relies upon your generation, your peers, but more importantly: you. I take it upon myself to yield you the experience a true shinobi deserves. Forget our past and accompany me on a mission that will challenge our skill. It will be a testament to your skill, hopefully you will make Kumogakure proud."

[/i]
It was a sacrifice I was willing to take. This boy had passion; I could see it in his eyes. His emotion was evidently his weakness, but if that was all his weakness entailed, then he was a formidable opponent that was to be feared. With proper guidance, this young boy could become great. I saw fear in his eyes, but only fear of uncertainty. Not of himself, or of others. He may easily have chosen his own path, rejecting my offer to lead a mission; but it indubitably would be an opportunity of a life time that was bypassed and possibly never to be earned again.
[/font][/blockquote]

[Xara]

"All this time I've been hiding in the dark all alone but you changed that"

[/font]

Inspiring was Hitokage Uchiha. In the end all Yoshio truly wanted was some recognition, somebody who cared; A person who would acknowledge him rather than look away. & as the tears stopped pouring down his eyes; a slight smile was upon the genin's face.

"I'd like that."

Inside there was so much the boy wanted to say to Hitokage. from feelings, emotions everything twirling inside that brief moment. & all ended in a plain and simple reply. It was better that way, there was an old saying "Actions speak louder than words" and in that brief scene Yoshio knew why.

" Oh Hitokage, one more thing; What I need to do to get eye like those?"

From a slight smile to a smirk, it seemed the boy was back to his former self. Though the two Kumogakure Shinobi's meeting started off on the wrong foot, things seemed to end on a good note; safe to say for the both of them.

[Big Black Fish]

I sighed. I suppose I conveyed myself as a friend to this boy, but unfortunately for him... I was not. I was utilizing him, that was the truth. I did have confidence in his potential, for one day he could be great but until he achieved greatness he was nothing more than a stepping stone. I was only here to stay if he proved worth my time. I was being misconstrued as a kindhearted man, but in essence, I was nothing of the sort. I do not feel for this kids childish pain, whatever it may be, for I assure you I have felt the equivalent at some point. The thing about me was that my definition of a friend was a temporary asset; a benefactor of some sort. So yes, this child was my friend.

I chuckled affably, but with a hint of carelessness.

"Heh... Look kid. Uhh– how can I put this gently. Well I can't. I'm not who you think I can or am going to be. We're going to be partners on this mission, not mentor and apprentice, or friends. I'm taking you on this mission for the sake of our Nation, not for your sake. If you hold me back then; well... you're only cumbersome to my Mission and therefore prove worthless in my eyes. The only way I will respect you and remotely care about your thoughts and feelings is if you demonstrate an adequate sense of skill. Don't take this offensively, either –And don't cry!"

Feelings were better kept inside. It molded, tough, disciplined character. I discerned the qualitative aspect of courage this boy attained, it was what gave the prospect of my keen eye on him. He had a glimmer to him that few had in these times, but this could all be a misconception on my part. I suppose this mission was a testament to his skill and worth. If he deemed a credible investment, possibly I would install copious amounts of time into his welfare as a shinobi. But if he proved anything otherwise, I would turf him on the side of the road, never to have any affiliation with him again. Cruel? Indefinitely. It is who I am. If you're not with me, you are against me.

"But before we go on this mission, I have some business to take care of. It may take some time, so work on your skills... this mission will require you to be capable, so prepare yourself accordingly. I will find you when I am ready, you have my word. My word is unfaltering; so trust on it."

And his inquiry about my eyes? Well, I suppose I could respond with a dose of reality about my culture; but that would be postponed on a later date.

"Unfortunately my boy, it is not possible. The Sharingan is a fabled legend equipped with a tragedy near equivalent to the destruction we live in today. If you are interested, ask me again when we embark upon our up and coming endeavor. Until then, train with perseverance. For when I return, I hope to find you no longer a boy, but the valiantly courageous man I see uprising within you. Yoshio, you have great potential... do not fail yourself!"

[/i]
I would vanish with a Shunshin [4 of 4]; leaving the boy to ponder on my compliment (if he perceived it as such).
[/font][/blockquote]

||exit.

[Xara]

Hitokage left Yoshio with the task of growing stronger; living up to his true potential hidden inside. Yoshio knew well of his abilities and strengths. It wasn't going to be a difficult task boosting his abilities to the next level;ascending beyond the borders. The next time these two would meet, the boy vowed to be a completely different Shinobi; a true Kumogakure Nin.

It was the hope that boosted his determination. The fact that someone was watching over his progress reminded him of family, though Hitokage made it clear he was nothing the sort towards the Genin. The boy didn't care though, it was close enough and with that being said he'd begin his intense training starting tomorrow.


"I'll definitely become stronger & that's a promise!"

¶Exit