sylvan sparrows.

[Trigga]

As close as the boy felt to his red-manned companion, the inflictions of his past continued to drive deeper into his consciousness. This secret ability, this unimaginable power—as the elders voiced to him—wasn’t something he fancied. Many called it a gift, while only he saw such a tool as a curse. Forever threaded to fate by the very biology which incongruously colored his hair and structured his face, there was no escaping a future filed with pain. A future where he would be seen as a conqueror as opposed to a savior.

I can’t, Senpai, it was unbearable. Having to think about repudiating the man something he wanted to see- especially when Haitsuchi brought the topic to surface. Minutes would pass and nothing happened, however the young Shinobi made it very clear that while his mouth uttered sweet nothings, that he was in deep contemplation. The manner in which his brows lifted in thought and his eyes narrowed as his lips furrowed. Odd, it took him but a moment of reluctance to instill the thought of revealing his secret to a man—for all intents and purposes—he considered closer than those that watched him age, yet his own conflictions forced his zeal to subside.

Alas, even the most defeated of tigers—if breath still filled its lung—wouldn’t vanish into darkness.

“Just don’t attack me…” As hit done subliminally—thoughts soon existed in the form of words, nonetheless, Haitsuchi wasn’t even aware he even said it. Hints to his past and just a small fragment of the trials he faced because of the demon which existed inside of him, you—Taisho—have gained a new insight to your student. Hopefully a new found appreciation materialized, as well.

Closing his eyes in taking a deep breath, he would soon allow his eyelids to recede. Nevertheless, what once was wasn’t any longer. His eyes, a deep ocean blue soon took upon a more divine, or demonic shade of carmine. Three blades cycling in symmetry danced about in the pools of his irises. It was beyond surreal, but oddly enough, Haitsuchi felt as if you knew more about the strange, but enthralling phenomena that just manifested then he did.

”Senpai… this is it.”

[Estilo]

Theme: “Homestead” Performed by Lorne Balfe.

---

Chapter Two
Revelation

Eyes. Eyes the color of sanguine wine, bearing a set of simple sigils that spun around methodically. To the red-maned man, the mere sight of them inspired a sense of... nostalgia. There, in those eyes, he saw the mentor. There he saw the enemy. The comrade, the leader, the savior, and the destroyer. There, in those orbs of deep carmine, he saw a glimpse of the woman he had come to love. The woman he had betrothed, and consequently had a child with. There, in those eyes, he saw his very son.

Or, at the very least, what he expected his son to inherit.

He took a drag of his cigarette, his visual response suggesting an apathetic mood. But, what was withheld was a sense of sheer awe. First Naota, and then Haitsuchi. Two of the same clan-- both of them prodigies in their own right, yet so vastly different in personality. Had he carried such a belief in 'fate', Taisho would wonder what the purpose behind this interesting circumstance was. Did that so-called fate have something in store for them all? Was this just another cog in the systematic clockwork of the universe?

The little tiger had mentioned a word of caution before revealing his inherited power. And Taisho knew well enough to understand why he had felt compelled to have to ask not to be attacked. The Uchiha's infamous Sharingan were truly marvelous to behold. But, in the eyes of many, they were nothing more than trophies to be taken. Nothing more than prizes to be extracted and sold to the highest bidder, earning as much as any diamond or exorbitant jewel. Stories his wife had relayed during midnight dialogues had given him plenty of insight into the trials and tribulations of her Uchiha kin.

The duo would continue to venture through the Old Forest, and the red-maned Jounin would turn towards the boy as they moved on. He minded his steps, walking over large entangled tree roots and brambles, as he cast the boy a two-inch smile. "You bear the eyes of the Uchiha, then? Color me surprised." He'd add, smoke billowing out the side of his mouth. After a brief moment, his gaze turned forward during the allotted time, he would continue-- albeit, a tad more solemnly. "You were wise-- to have refrained from telling me about your inheritance when we met. But I have no interest in stealing the eyes of a boy, or otherwise doing any harm to you because of them, little one." He'd smile, hinting at a secret to be revealed. "As it turns out, Veralette shares that very birthright."

[Trigga]

As the direct purlieu welcomed small grey clouds—courtesy of Taisho’s cigarette, the two stood in complete silence. Sharingan… uchiha?, as if endangered by an unjustified force, the boy hesitated and recoiled. Almost backpedaling, easing away from his taller companion, the newfound Uchiha was caught completely and utterly off guard. Nothing could have prepared him for this and such a loss of hope was evident upon his small, though disputed face. The winds invited opulence, and the mentor invited truth—complete and uncontaminated truth.

“W-what is an Uchiha?” a stutter in his words as he sprawled on his own retreat, the boy fell to the ground. His rump slamming upon the dirt and foliage, padding his fall. A soft ouch escaped through his lips and soon enough, he panicked. Looking around anxiously and without direction, Haitsuchi sought out any exit. He couldn’t even imagine someone knowing of his life—something so close to him, yet so far away. Taisho-sama knew something and within his hands, he held the key to unlocking a surreptitious part of the boy’s life.

Regaining his senses and morality, the boy took a stand, albeit diffidently as he stood before the red-haired protector. “W-what are you talking about, Taisho-sama, I’m confused…” More so scared, he didn’t want to demonstrate an obvious weakness. He was strong, and had much to protect; something as understanding his past shouldn’t have upset him so much. What was it; what truly frightened the boy? A mystery as of now holding no answer, the young Uchiha looked towards his master to enlighten him.

“Lady Veralette shares my birthright? I don’t understand!” Muddled and filled with unreciprocated questions, the boy with deep indigo hair continued to boast a strange sensation of misunderstanding. Coincidentally, Taisho knew something and expectantly on this beauteous day, he would finally have an answer with substance.

[Estilo]

Chapter 2, Revelation [3]

---

At the sound of only one pair of footsteps advancing, Taisho would stop in his tracks, and curiously turn over his shoulder to see what was the matter. A sense of confusion seemed to have overcome the 'Little Tiger'. It showed. And for a moment, the two stood in silence. The green-eyed Jounin raised a single brow, intrigued as to what was ailing Haitsuchi. And, as the boy backed away, he quietly listened to the fervent questions that plagued the child's mind. Haitsuchi fell, but even then, the red-maned master did not make a single move. His narrowed green gaze focused on the 'Little Tiger' and his bewildered reaction. His expression held a sense of fear, but why?

It was the sense of fear that concerned the red-maned Jounin the most. Haitsuchi's confusion, and shock, that came with learning of his heritage was to be expected. But his instinct told him that there was something more to this issue. A lot more. And for now, he would have to provide the raven-haired youngster with as much answers as he could afford to divulge. Calmly, he dropped down to a crouch to meet at eye-level with the boy. The birds chirped all around them, the air seemed to grow still, and the trees refrained from rustling. Sternly, he focused into Haitsuchi's crimson pupils. Imagining the way he saw the world. Imagining the strength he felt.

"You're a descendant of a clan known as the Uchiha."

He'd start, his tone of voice articulate and sangfroid. Clearly, this wasn't the first time he had relayed this sort of information to another. And, admittedly, he knew more about the subject than most Uchiha knew about themselves. So helping Haitsuchi through the revelation came easier to him than most people would expect. "Your lineage boasts what is called a dōjutsu-- an inherited genetic ability pertaining to the eyes. The power that you have, the eyes that you have shown me-- they are called Sharingan. They are, debatably, an Uchiha's greatest asset-- and truly powerful."

He sensed a feeling of... diminished strength, within the boy. As if the impact of such news had left him reeling in the process. And, in an effort to provide a reassuring shoulder to lean on, Taisho would gently land a single hand on the boy's shoulder. Haitsuchi, the 'Little Tiger'. Ha. Who would have known he had been in possession of such a power? Regardless, the boy had made an impression on the red-maned soldier. He had met his wife and son and, whether he knew it or not, Taisho felt as though he were part of his family. Keeping his expression steely, however, he continued. "The world, as it stands now, is not a safe place for anyone. And those seeking to acquire these mighty dōjutsu are definitely out there-- willing to kill for a power such as yours. Between Vera and I, however, we'll help you acquire the strength to protect what is rightfully yours." He'd finish, offering a two-inch smile. "You need only seize the opportunity."

[Messatsu!]

+100 @ Estilo!