sylvan sparrows.

[Estilo]

Theme: “Where Is My Mind (Piano Cover)” Performed by Maxence Cyrin.

---

Prologue

Setting:

Approximately three years before the Great Disaster, a husband and wife visit the shinobi village of Kusagakure no Sato. For the husband, this is a routine trip he takes every other month, visiting his kid sister. For the wife, this is her first journey into the lands of Kusa no Kuni. Having entered the village in disguise, and spent quality time with the man's sibling, the lover's leave in unison-- headed into the depths of the forest to return home to Kumogakure no Sato, where their infant child awaits. But will they leave uninterrupted?

Atlas: Age 21. "Mask-less".
Veralette: Age 21.
Annotations: Invite only.

Sparrows flew to and fro in the forest, their combined bird song echoing throughout the deep sylvan setting, in which all things were older than man. The forest itself hummed with mystery, the leaves that occupied the trees swaying gently in unison, dancing with the breeze that came from the north. After spending the last of his morning instructing his younger sister Teru on the finer points of ninjutsu, the man who feigned being a civilian departed from the shinobi village of Kusagakure no Sato with his dear wife.

They entered the Old Forest, arm-in-arm, garbed in dark articles of clothing. The woman, a fair-skinned maiden with luxurious blonde hair, looked about with intrigue as they walked. She wore a black cloak, and an eyepatch across her left eye that bore a strange symbol. Her eyes withheld a vivid hue, as golden as stalks of wheat. The man, on the other hand, bore a cardinal red-mane, and eyes as green as finely-cut emeralds in the sunlight. They walked along the main road, together, as sunlight fell from above.

"Darling," She'd speak, leaning closer to her husband. "Do you happen to know what those cables around the trees are for? It's incredibly strange, seeing them out here."

The husband, after taking a brief drag of his cigarette, raises a single brow as he eyes the cables she had mentioned. They were thick, and coal black, and coiled around the trees like bi-horned serpents. One end of them seemed to go on as far as the eye could see, deep into the forest beyond, and most likely leading into a heavily guarded bunker elsewhere. The other ends formed what appeared to be a massive assortment of plugs, but what really served as an army of lightning rods. The red-maned man would smile.

"They're called 'sparkers'. Mainly because they provide the many raiton users of the village with a means of effectively harnessing, and using, the power of lightning-- with substantially decreased costs. Fairly ingenious, wouldn't you agree?" He'd answer, tossing his wife a sterling smile, and taking yet another drag of his cigarette.

The woman would raise her brows in mild surprise, and return his smile with one of her own. "Mhm." She'd answer, pressing the side of her face against his shoulder as they walked, and closing her eyes as he lead them down the main road. The path to Kumogakure no Sato would become clear soon. But only after they exited the Old Forest. Kusagakure no Sato, after all, was only a ten-minute walk behind them. But, despite the distance they had to cover, the husband didn't mind the pace of their peaceful stroll at all.

[Trigga]

Kusagakure presented so many beauties; their numbers became almost myriad. From the lush trees that were almost born with the world in ample supply to the opulent greenery that coated the majority of the assertively named “Grass country” it was an earthen utopia. Years before any real terror would be fall upon such a district of the world, its value and worth would flood into the masses as adventurers and natives alike could bask in such a beatific homeland. Regardless, where there was good, bad was always around the corner. Fortunately, a certain young, ambitious protector wasn’t far away.

The branches which exercised for decades, even centuries would finally display their robustness as the child stormed inaudibly through the old forest. Each step gliding over air and falling upon the bark, using its stern surface as momentum to propel him even further. In high pursuit; eyes—a deep ocean blue—would peer forward with intention; the objective of his fixation just a handful of meters ahead. Deep green and emerald captured his senses for some time until finally he had meet cardinal red

[/i].

Gotcha’, there wasn’t much he needed to say as he finally jumped down.

Surely the two would have sensed his arrival—especially the red-mane advancing spectacle, for what the boy had saw earlier, he was quite skilled.

“Stop!” He’d call out. If they choose to turn around and look upon the visage that so eagerly halted their progression, would their eyes feast upon a specimen. Dark, indigo mane, just as lush and just as bounteous as the red-haired man cascaded his scalp, though neatly pulled back into a ponytail. Deep, ocean blue hues, filled with purpose, staring directly into their soul; though without the goal of mutilating. Dark garbs: a short-sleeved shirt and shorts all complimented by the emblem of Kusagakure which embellished his Hitai-ate and sandals. Disregarding the small assortment of hoisters an cases strapped along his body, it would become obvious to the shinobi-savvy gentleman that the boy he would eventually look upon was that of his own trade.

He’d stand up stoic, posture correct and devoid of balance impairing features. His blood, as noble and strong as any other which would be demonstrated in his town. “You, guy!” He’d point. “You aren’t a Kusagakure Shinobi, yet you know Ninjutsu! I saw you teach that girl earlier!” It had all become clear.

To your unknowing or knowing cognizance, your training exercises weren’t just seen by one, but two. Regardless of how you reacted to his comment or not, he didn’t bother concluding his dialogue; there was something more he had to say, something he wanted to express.

“You had no right in our village! But… I was impressed." His stutter only superseded by his own acknowledgement of the man’s strength. A ten year-old Chūnin of the Hidden Grass expressing admiration towards a foreigner? Absurd! But nonetheless factual. Completely ignoring the woman for the time-being, the boy with such a striving nature and approach would continue.

“Who are you and why were you in my village?” He asked.

And he would’t ask again.

Regrettably, Atlas found himself cornered by Haitsuchi; Uchiha and Shinobi of Kusagakure no sato!
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[Estilo]

Prologue, Sylvan Sparrows [3]

---

The first to turn would be the fair-skinned maiden, stopping her husband in his tracks, as she eyed the young boy with mild intrigue. The sound of roughly strewn sandals landing roughly upon the dirt road had alerted her to the boy's presence. And, when the blue-eyed child exclaimed, the red-maned man would turn as well. His wife would release him from their arm's lock as he calmly smoked his cigarette, narrowed green eyes meeting with the child's own. It seemed that they had been spotted by one of the shinobi.

But what to do now? There was no doubt in his mind that both him and his wife could outsmart and outrun the little shinobi, and make their escape to Kumogakure no Sato unfettered. But what then? If he did not find a way to resolve this potentially sticky situation soon, then he would never be able to return to Kusagakure no Sato safely. That would mean abandoning his little sister... and leaving her solely in the care of their corrupt, nefarious father.

As he glanced over at the golden beauty that stood beside him, he knew she was running this through her mind as well, giving him a slightly concerned look. Not for their safety, of course. But for the prospect of ever returning to this village again. Of ever seeing her sister-in-law, again. The red-maned individual, however, maintained a mien of indifference-- turning back to the young warrior before them, only a mere four meters. He would never harm, or kill, a child simply because they'd eavesdropped on them. No, that wasn't who the man was. And he'd strove not to let the World War change that.

So, when the child voiced a completely understandable inquiry, the Jounin of Kumogakure no Sato answered. "My name is Taisho." He'd reply, his tone of voice apathetic, yet strong. He'd been reluctant to give his first or last name, but only because he had yet to see how this entire situation played out. Then again, if the boy had been eavesdropping on them long enough, he could have already heard his name from the lips of his younger sister: Atlas. "As I'm sure you already know," He continued. "We're simply visiting my younger sibling. We mean none of you any harm."

Then, suddenly, his wife would brim with an enthusiastic air. Leaning forward, to reach eye-level with the child, she'd speak, a voice like honey:

"And you, sweetie? What's your name?"

[Trigga]

“I’d rather you not give me those looks.” He decreed.

While young, he was no fool; his rank as Chūnin solidified as much. His youth was nothing more than an illusion and while his vessel was immature, his mentality was as evolved as any skilled warrior. The woman and her taller counterpart held such an air about them—it was almost frightening how calm they were in this situation. Being vended down by a child and threatened wasn’t the most daunting escapade, regardless, they didn’t seem like they were disregarding him. No, they were conscious of his arrival and the potential threat he could pose to be. This level of comfort was groomed over years of training and discipline. They were experienced and knew their limitations.

Excellent. Haitsuchi wasn’t challenging to novices? This had become quite the exciting day, so much so a grin manifested. They continued to stare at one another, no wars were spoken but it was quite evident they had the same, general idea. As if they could read each other’s mind correctly and convey messages with nothing more than eye contact alone. Their relationship was unknown, but it was obvious they were close—maybe too close?

“Taisho, ey?” At least he was somewhat honest, though the one he referred to as his younger sibling uttered something completely different. Needless to say, honesty was evident in his tone—existent—and this was attributed to the boy’s training. He was able to depict a lie from a mile away accurately and discern its origin. Haitsuchi would continue in silence, allowing the man with long red waves to continue before speaking once more. However, before he could continue, the other of the two spoke out. She’d level with him, allowing their jewels to meet in the middle. Somewhat hesitant, his demeanor remained unmoved; however, he did gulp slightly.

Mustering his courage and resolve, he’d speak. “I’m Haitsuchi.” He needn’t say more, unless they required as much.

Sadly, he didn't know what his last name was.

[Estilo]

Prologue, Sylvan Sparrows [5]

---

"EEE, Taishooo! He's just so darn cute, isn't he?!"

She smiled, having motioned as if to whisper to the man beside her, but failing to keep the volume of her voice low enough to do so. "Aren't you anxious to see Samuru that age, too?" She'd continue with giddy laughter, her husband's countenance growing slightly disconcerted by her remark.

"E-Eh... don't you think that's a tad bit inappropriate, dear?"

He was, of course, referring to her blatant comment about the boy-- whilst he was still in their presence, and very much tuned in on what she had said. If he didn't like those 'looks' he had mentioned, then the red-maned Jounin could only imagine how he felt about being treated like the puppy at a pet store. But, as usual, Vera was just being her fun-loving-- unabashed-- self.

As his female companion continued to gaze upon the boy, clear admiration for his adorability in her eyes, the male would promptly compose himself. "Please-- excuse us, Haitsuchi." He'd murmur, casting a narrowed glance at the fair-skinned beauty, and turning away when she returned it with an easygoing grin. He'd sigh lightly, eyes meeting with Haitsuchi's blue orbs.

"Now, as I understand it, you're not exactly inclined to let us just go on our way-- and we'd like to ensure that our next visit will be void of misfortune with your government." He'd pause then, flicking his half-incinerated cigarette on the dirt ground below, then promptly crushing it beneath the sole of his black boot. "So tell me-- what can I do to keep you quiet, little tiger?" Without an ounce of aggression, but with plenty of seriousness in his eyes, he'd wait for an answer. Little Tiger. It fit him well.

[Trigga]

His eye twitched. C-cute?!, While only a mental thought; Haitsuchi couldn’t help but to look upon the woman with a near emotionless gape. She was so happy—jovial and sweet. The air that bounded her was pure and untainted, laced in the peace and tranquility which came with a strong man’s protection.

BUT! That didn’t give her permission to discredit his seriousness and call him cute! What was her problem!? As the man grew uneasy and his female partner continued to hold the most overly-anticipated look of pleasure upon her soft features, the Uchiha would grumble.

”I can hear you..”

Making his presence known once more, he felt as if he was imaginary for a moment. Watching two adults bicker over the contents of his young frame, Haitsuchi felt totally affronted. It mattered little however, for he would get his compensation in the form of an answer to the red-mane’s question.

He’d nod as the towering mesh of rubicund locks and rough features would properly take the time to conclude that Haitsuchi wasn’t entitled just to leave. At least he knew the responsibilities of a Shinobi, which would only serve as ammunition for the young tyrant’s plea coming in the near future. As the stranger finished, leaving room for comprehension, the indigo-haired lad would contemplate for but a moment. Soft breezes passing by the minute, he stood unyielding. His fingers clasped at his chin, producing the ever notorious ‘thinking’ expression. Sadly, It was quite the cute look on a ten year old; unknowing to the Uchiha, however.

“Train me…” He bellow.

Soft tone, as if spoken under his breath, it was just audible enough for the two in front of him to interpret. Hand falling from his chin and clenching into a fist, mimicking his other hand, Haitsuchi shuddered for a moment.

”Make me strong like you!
Help me to protect those I love like you do!!”

He’d then eagerly point at the focal frame of his statement; the woman that stood beside the man.

“Help me keep those I love happy--- like you do…”

[Estilo]

Theme: “Beast” Performed by Nico Vega.

---

Chapter One
Legacy

Haitsuchi's declaration had been unexpected, and the passion behind those words was undeniable. It left both of the Kumogakure no Sato natives with mild shock, although the expression was only held by the fair-skinned female, and effectively hidden beneath an indifferent mien by her male counterpart. Her eyes gauged the boy's movements as he stood before them, pointing at her to strengthen the sense of resolve behind his request. It was almost preternatural for her-- to see the child go from being the near epitome of cuteness, then abruptly adopting a determined gaze such as that. She turned to her husband, watching, and waiting to hear what he had to say.

". . ."

A deep silence followed. Nothing but the sound of the rustling leaves, and the sparrows lost in birdsong, providing an ambiance to the red-maned man's nonchalant stare. The 'Little Tiger' had come up with an interesting proposal. It was clear that, behind those orbs of forest green, he was running it throughout his mind extensively. Were these simply the misguided and irrational ramblings of a child? Or something more? There was no doubt that he sensed an aura of maturity surrounding the boy. And that he was, most likely, far more than what he appeared to be. He had a... spark.

"It won't be safe." He began, sternly staring into the young man's eyes. "It won't be easy. You will be pushed far beyond your limits, and you will be expected to surpass them. In order to obtain the strength to protect those you love, you will need to endure the pain that comes with honing your abilities. Discipline. Conviction. Grit. It will take time. And, rest assured, it will break your spirit. But if you have the courage to stand tall against these perils, then..." He paused then, thinking it over.

"Then I will train you."

Another wave of silence washed over them, as their impromptu stand-off continued on the middle of the dirt road. One of the 'sparkers' nearby hissed with static. The blonde-haired woman standing beside the Jounin looked at him briefly, curiosity in her eyes. She didn't quite understand where he was going with this, or what had compelled him to warm up to the child's offer... But she trusted him. And, if Haitsuchi was looking for a good teacher, her husband was definitely a prime candidate. But, she couldn't help to wonder:

How would this all turn out, in the end?

[Trigga]

As delicate as a rose, yet as sharp as its thorns, the Kodora—the little tiger held his composure and allowed his tone to slice into the conviction of the two before him. Hand clenched tightly as his nails pared faint impressions into his flesh, the boy’s demeanor was all but hysterical. They continued to look at him, one with a more traumatized expression and the other with the most vacant of glares; it was unsettling and placed the unknowing Uchiha at an impasse. What if he said no? Haitsuchi wasn’t a fool and knew he couldn’t directly confront the man and his companion—at least not now. These were the situations that asking for training would plant greater results of success.

His eyes would narrow—the man with carmine waves as he looked upon the smallest of the three. His eyes as whetted as ever. Haitsuchi, however, didn’t falter; reflecting a similar if not identical expression upon the man. Whatever doubts or suppositions of lacking effort the stranger possibly held, the boy would attempt to rescind in that instant. No one’s time here would be wasted. None of the three would see anything less than perfect results that would climb even the tallest of mountains. If the experienced-hardened soldier was welling to teach, Haitsuchi would

[/i] learn.

“It won’t be safe”, Haitsuchi nodded… I never asked for safety

”It will take time”, the boy’s mind perked. I’ll expend as many hours as needed.

”And, rest assured, it will break your spirit” Haitsuchi didn’t move. A broken soul mends and becomes stronger.

”Then I will train you..”

The boy’s facial expression changed almost instantaneously. A cold, detached grimace evolving into a wide, prosperous smirk as his ocean blue hues were hidden behind young eyelids. Forcing the pent-up energies of his youthful vessel to recede in attempts to hold a noble, trained composure, the Uchiha couldn’t hold back a smile. The little tiger in the end showed his fangs.

”I’ll be the best student you’ve ever had.”

A powerful finish to a moment of anticipation, Haitsuchi’s promise came into existence through words. It would stay in relevance and gain substance as time proceeded; his days as a shinobi were just beginning—he had found new life and a new purpose in the hands of an outsider and his spouse. Carmine and indigo flustering through reality as the two would walk alongside one another until the world’s end; where then, they’d stand side-by-side at heaven’s posterns or Hell’s vestibule.

”I won’t fail you, Taisho-senpai!”

Senpai, ha; a teacher—finally the boy had someone to call a mentor. The sun shined brightly upon the three from the dense forestry's openings, and now a new day would come. It was time for a....

New Beginning

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/font][/justify]

[Estilo]

Chapter 1, Legacy [3]

---

"We'll see."

The red-maned agent replied, unable to contain the small smile that formed on his face. Haitsuchi's enthusiasm, and drive, was contagious. And, though still a tad bit skeptical as to how this entire situation was going to fare for them, the Jounin was actually looking forward to taking this new student under his wing. He'd trained several students in the past before... but something about the 'Little Tiger' was different. A sense-- as if what they had cemented today would ripple throughout the many years that followed.

"You're in good company, Haitsuchi."

Having returned to her normal state of flourishing optimism, the fair-skinned woman gave the boy a wide smile. She was overjoyed to see how this all turned out, that much was clear. But she also withheld a necessary caution. Surely, the officials of Kusagakure no Sato would not take kindly to a shinobi from Kumogakure no Sato training one of their own. They would not give their consent. And, should Haitsuchi and Taisho be found out, they would be cross. Then again, Taisho had done this before. And she knew, better than anyone else, that he was no fool. As such, she was content.

Her husband would shift his eyes towards her for a moment, acknowledging her expression, before turning back to Haitsuchi. "Well... Vera and I should be going now, then." He'd start, gloved hands in the recesses of his pockets. "Our village needs us. But we'll be back, little tiger-- for a couple days, at the end of every month. You know where to find us."

The red-maned man, with this newly established sense of geniality with the 'Little Tiger', took the necessary amount of steps forward to breach the distance between the two. He stopped when he came face-to-face with the boy, and leaned forward to reach eye-level, tapping the kid's forehead with a single finger. "You look after yourself until we return, hm?" He smiled.

And, having said that, he'd pivot around-- and head off into the horizon of the dirt road. He wouldn't look back. He wouldn't wave goodbye. His wife, on the other hand, would latch herself to his arm once more as he passed. Turning over her shoulder as they walked on, he'd give the 'Little Tiger' a jovial smile, offering a single wave goodbye. "Until next time, darling!"

[Trigga]

Haitsuchi didn’t need anything more; no, the reception of his proposal was all the little tiger required. Every fiber of his conscious mind forcing the extent of his exultation to the farthest-most depths of his mind; his anticipation wringing through into the outside world as it seeped from his frame. Finally, he could rely on someone else to hone his skills as opposed to self-training and indulging in tedious labors with negligible results. Finally, could the cub progress and truly—with time and dedication, of course—become an adult; a true tiger.

Vera’s voice snatching the body from his own daze and returning him to what was, Haitsuchi smiled, though his elation would soon diminish. The man would approach the child, soft, though buoyant footfalls carrying the red-haired strange r across the verdure until finally he came chest-to-face with the younger Shinobi. The Kusa-nin’s glare lifting as his eyes widened in uncertainty; and then Taisho descended?

”Yes, sir. In the private grassland.” He concluded.

Momentarily out of the clear and free of the limelight for the time-being, the boy’s senses ran askew. For the briefest of moments, Haitsuchi found his own blue windows peering into the man’s emerald greens; they had attained a new level of ophthalmic sensory, eye-level. Taking to a knee and with a single extension of the finger, Taisho would grace his new student’s forehead with a light touch. It was brief in actuality, though in this askew sense of a bafflement, Haitsuchi could feel such a touch for an eternity.

His eyes would soften and his heart, once thumping rapidly, would find new peace. The Chūnin found himself facing his mentor’s back as he faded into the distance. Naturally, he’d wave fervently, sending off his new friends and wishing them the best of luck on their journeys. A few days, at the end of every month; I’ll be there, Taisho-senpai. Now remnants as they disappeared into the hours of daylight, the Uchiha would sigh.

”I’ll be there. I promise.”

[Estilo]

Chapter 1, Legacy [5]

---

-- One Month Later.

"He inherited the black hair from my side of the family, but he's got his father's green eyes." Vera would smile, lightly thumbing the baby's soft button nose. "You're just too shy to show them to Haitsuchi, aren't you sweetie?" She beamed, a clear, undeniable, and ever-lasting love for her child brimming from her motherly countenance. She held the boy close to her chest, her husband on one side of her, and the young foreign shinobi they had met a month prior-- otherwise known as Haitsuchi-- on the other.

They sat on a stone bench, at the forefront of a neatly sculptured water fountain, which served as the epicenter of a large courtyard. Surrounding them were lawns of neatly trimmed grass, gardens filled with flora, and plots of soil riddled with vegetables-- all walled off to the rest of Kusagakure no Sato by a fifteen foot tall brick wall, that bordered the estate's entire perimeter. A stone-paved path that looped around the glistening water fountain lead back to the large mansion preceding the private courtyard.

The red-maned father, out of the corner of his eye, would gauge Haitsuchi's expression as he was introduced to his small child. He'd then-- tenderly-- wrap a single arm around his wife's slim waist, gazing fondly down at his son. "When you find someone you love. When you find something that's worth fighting for... that's when your strength truly blossoms, little tiger." Gently, he'd raise his other hand, running his gloved fingers lightly against his child's puffy cheeks. "You'd do anything for them."

Pressed closely against him, his wife would turn her gaze upwards, smiling brightly. Vera's eyes met his own, and a sense of sincerity and intimacy sparked between them. It was clear that each was the other's world entire.

However, considering the limited amount of time he had to spend in Kusagakure no Sato, the Jounin needed to be punctual. So he leaned slightly forward, tossing Haitsuchi a small smile as he proceeded. "But I'm sure you'll come to find that out sooner than you think." Detaching himself from his fair-skinned spouse, and rising from his seated position on the stone bench, the red-maned agent would adjust the tightness of his black gloves as he continued. "In the meantime, we should go and start your training, little one. Daylight is burning. And we have much to go through."

Shifting his gaze towards the boy, Taisho waited to hear a confirmation of this-- before the two of them left to brave the wilderness of Kusa no Kuni.

[Trigga]

Sitting animatedly to the side of the new family, Haitsuchi’s smile burnt brighter than the largest of suns of the grandest of flames. The euphony that expelled from the Lion and his Lioness and their new cub—it was magical—and unrepressed. Large blue orbs peering upon true happiness, for once in his young life, the boy realized it was attainable; you just had to work for it, and protect it at all cost, no matter the obstacle. An epiphany coexisting in the birth of a new child of this planet, the young Shinobi couldn’t feel more involved then he already was. Allowing his presence in the attendance of their neonatal meant more than anyone could imagine; his affections were growing at an overwhelming level and sooner or later, Haitsuchi felt as if his empty soul could gain substance.

The couple would play cutely with the face of their baby, and Haitsuchi sporadically found his soft, small hands joining in on the splendor. Lenient, nimble digits caressing the sides of the newborn’s face and soon after, a soft latch would clench his finger. Shaking gently, the boy’s smile exaggerated. “Nice to meet ya, I’m Haitsuchi.” formally introducting himself with the introduction of a baby’s shake, the lad without a surname would continue in this endeavor. Time had stopped and all felt right; he was with good company and could feel the love from miles away—this was the peace everyone should strive for.

Dazed and spellbound by the charm of the infant, Haitsuchi almost lost his train of thought and forgot his mentor was speaking to him. His finger still captured by the baby’s undeveloped palms, the Shinobi would turn, wide-eyed and intent on listening as Taisho spoke.

Natural magnetism and inspiring words were all that was needed to entrance the boy as he nodded in recognition. “Really?” He’d inquire, now contemplating the thought of ascertaining something as real, something as tangible as the emotions Taisho-senpai most have felt for Lady Vera. “Hmm, do anything for someone?” He’d continue in thought, though his mind’s words were uttered in a soft tone unsuspectingly. Subsequently, he’d smile, giggling to himself as his consciousness formulated the most wildest of daydreams—he was a knight—and someone, who reminded him of Vera—she was his princess—protecting her from a raid! Yes, A raid! He’d jump up in excitement, demonstrating basic taijutsu . Reality was lost to the boy as he kicked the air, followed by a punch and a doppelganger.

”I’ll save you, my lady!”

A child entombed in his own imagination, surely It was quite the show for his two—no—his three spectators. Continuing with false combat until Atlas commented once more, he’d almost immediately snap out of his self-imposed trance. “yes, sir!” Straightening his stance, saluting the taller of the two with the most serious of looks, he was prepared. Having packed his utensils and items for travel some days ago, needless to say, he was prepared. Turning to Vera, and grinning just slightly, he’d comment one last time.

”Watch, I’m gonna come back strong! Stronger then Taisho-senpai.”

He’d admittedly laugh at his own sarcasm; nonetheless, the possibility was still there and his determination hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

[Estilo]

Chapter 1, Legacy [7]

---

"We have no doubt about it, Haitsuchi!" Vera would beam, her recent giggling-- at the boy's mock fighting-- only slightly diminished as she spoke. With an almost as cheerful expression on his countenance, the red-maned man would toss his head towards the gate at the side of the mansion, gesturing for his student to follow as he went along. And so they went, off into the wilderness outside the borders of Kusagakure no Sato, leaving the fair-skinned female and her infant behind. She'd wave, as they departed.

-- Half An Hour Later.

The forest in which they had met was much larger than the two would have ever imagined. In fact, once the two entered its unfathomable depths, it seemed as though the scenery engulfed the entirety of Kusa no Kuni. But, of course, this was a trick of the topography and seclusion. The Old Forest was simply one of those natural beauties that made you feel so... minuscule, and powerless. Its trees formed a labyrinth of flora so ancient and so tantalizingly majestic that it was easy to lose one's self within its secluded extents. The leaves nearly blotted out the sky above altogether, sunlight barely filtered.

As the master and the student walked along past the trees, birds chirping up above, their footfalls would produce the only sound between them for the time being. The red-maned man carried a small, single-strapped courier's bag on his back-- crafted with an aged fabric that would appear to be black leather. From afar, and in contrast to the deep black of his long coat, it would appear as though he were carrying nothing at all. And, while he had been aware that his young apprentice had brought his own provisions for the journey, the Jounin always liked to be prepared for the unexpected.

"So, little tiger," The red-maned agent would suddenly utter, breaking the temporary silence between them both. He'd carry a thin cigarette in between two fingers as he talked, a trail of light gray smoke trailing behind him every time he took a drag. His free gloved hand rested in the confines of his pocket, his stride relaxed and relatively carefree. "Tell me about yourself, hm? Your career as a shinobi. Your age. Your heritage. Anything that can help me understand your imperfections, and your strengths."

[Trigga]

After a half an hour…

Time hadn’t elapsed.

Moving through the dense maze of foliage and vegetation, stepping over so generously through the wealth of green, all the boy did was appreciate. To his knowledge of the world—which was quite limited—he didn’t know anything outside of Kusagakure. While he understood forest and mountainous genii encircled his home, he hadn’t had the true luxury of admiring nature itself. Another royalty he was forwarded by meeting a man—a foreigner—who wasn’t even from his own village. The freedom he had experienced in this moment alone was more than anything anyone had given to him in the past.

They’d continue into the depths of the unknown, exploring a world lost to modern society; a world lost to a malevolent cause. Towering trees that one could only assume had grown over centuries walled both of them on each side, as the green grew more emerald in tinge—a wealth unforeseen by the young eyes of Haitsuchi. It was almost suffocating—standing by one so powerful, yet feeling so helpless to a world in which he couldn’t gauge, at least not now. Overwhelming and dangerously close to bordering spellbinding, the boy and his mentor would continue in a gradual stride. There was no rush to get to their destination, and the Kusa-niin couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable saunter.

Always two steps behind Taisho due to his short legs, Haitsuchi was more concerned with keeping up to the point where he almost lost track of the man’s discourse. “huh?” He called out bewilderingly, his mind slipping through consciousness and drawing blanks until he promptly remembered what was said. He’d humph, signaling his train of thought growing more penetrating.

“Well… I’m ten and I’m a Chūnin of the Hidden Grass.” He’d exclaim, looking upwards, through his indigo bangs towards the shimmering plate of steel upon his forehead. Having worked so hard for something so small which held so much value and meaning;, it was mind-boggling. Nonetheless, there was another matter to attend to; another portion of his Senpai’s question to which he couldn’t develop an answer. His Heritage.

“I—I don’t know where I’m from…. I don’t really have family—I don’t even know my last time.” He’d sigh, looking down attempting to contain his emotions and frustration regarding the topic. “No one seemed interested in telling me about where I came from but there’s always been something different about me that other kids didn’t have..”

Oh, they were always interested in that quality of the boy’s biology.

[Estilo]

Chapter 1, Legacy [9]

---

Smoke billowed out of his mouth like a dysfunctional furnace, swept to one side of his face and left behind, as they continued to venture through the greenery of the palatial Old Forest. Although his manner of listening could be considered to appear aloof or indifferent, there was only one thing that Haitsuchi could be certain of-- that he was listening, to each and every word, with great scrutiny. The young man had been something of an enigma after their encounter a month ago. Taisho simply wanted him not to be.

At the mention of being a ten-year old Chuunin, the red-maned man hardly raised a brow. He might have found that surprising, a couple of years back, but he'd come to expect such promotions in rank since the war had begun. After all, in Kumogakure no Sato-- where war was often a pastime-- children enlisted in the military were expected to reach the rank of Chuunin before, or at the dawn of, their pre-teens. The village wasn't sending them into actual war just yet-- as far as Taisho knew-- but they were most definitely being prepared for deployment when they reached a suitable age.

No, what caught the Jounin's interest the most were the mysterious beginnings of Haitsuchi's life. He'd shift his full green eyes at the boy when he caught him sighing, seemingly attempting to contain the dissatisfaction that came with the topic. It was clear that more than a few unpleasant emotions had resurfaced. Taisho could only imagine it-- not knowing where you came from, who you used to be, what your purpose in this world once was, or whether there were people out there who even cared about you-- a family. It was an awful feeling, and one that no child should have ever gone through. Especially Haitsuchi-- the buoyant little tiger he'd come to admire.

So, when the raven-haired youngster finished his brief explanation of his situation, the Jounin adopted a smooth and reassuring tone of voice-- caught somewhere between sympathy, and a seemingly mild curiosity. "What would you say that is?" The Kumogakure no Sato native would inquire, after learning that there was something about Haitsuchi that 'other kids didn't have'. Naturally, he figured it was something like a strong determination. Or an insatiable thirst for strength, that excelled his abilities above all others in his age group. But, he had also come to expect something... different.

He'd toss his apprentice a glance, as he awaited an answer.