-Insecurity [Sohyo]

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Contemplation

Step.

An idea was starting to form in Shiro's head. If he squinted, he could still see the Yonbi off in the distance, little more than an indescribable figure looming on the horizon. There had to be a wealth of famed and powerful shinobi, fighting to capture the first beast to emerge into the modern world. They would be weakened for days, if not weeks. Even the village that managed to capture the Yonbi wouldn't be able to exploit that power until the jinchuuriki learned to control the beast; a process that took years, even when it was successful.

The villages they left behind would be unguarded. Vulnerable. Undefended, even. It would be a perfect opportunity to conduct some reconnaissance. He wasn't a powerful enough force to pose a threat to an enemy of Kusagakure on his own, but he was intelligent enough to glean some information from those villages while their defenders weren't there to hunt him down. It was either that, or sit here and watch the Yonbi continue to ravage his nation. It wasn't as though the Hidden Grass was going to spontaneously rebuild itself in the meantime. He didn't even know where to find his fellow shinobi.

Crack.

He spun, his hand creeping towards the hilt of his knife. With a twitch of his hand, he suppressed the urge. It could be nothing. It wouldn't do to make himself look like an idiot if he freaked out over a bird or a squirrel. He didn't live this long by ignoring his instincts, however, so he forced himself to be still as his eyes darted back and forth, trying to locate the source of the noise. He turned back to the distant image of the Yonbi, taking in the sight as he expanded his senses. Nothing was simple, not any more. It was a new world.

SPOILER: Click to show

Carried Items

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[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

Hyoka too couldn’t help but motionlessly gaze into the horizon at the sight of the tailed beast. The eighteen year old knew little of its true importance in the world – partially because he had been living alone ever since his departure from kusagakure. He had found himself returning into the country of grass in search of his funikumi brethren and possibly to meet some new recruits along the way.

Through the bamboo forest he trekked cautiously; the curvitures between his pointer and middle finger pushing down along the hilt of his blade in precaution. Stepping nearer to the edge of the forest Hyoka’s ocean-water hues would fall restlessly upon another soul. The thoughts racing through his mind would travel down his throat in one large lump as he attempted to swallow the image as a whole. Taking a step forward Natsufubuki would alert the shinobi somewhat of his presence. Crack.

It had been a while the chunin engaged in conversation because it had been four years from his last depature. . and everyone else to him was considered a liability. Taking a couple of more steps behind the shinobi Hyoka would position himself at five meters behind the boy, man, whatever. “What is that thing. . . ?” he’d ask aloud hoping to procure some information about the beast, whatever it was.

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Surprise

Shit.

He forced himself not to jump. He managed to restrain himself from yelling, even. His response was limited to an involuntary twitch, noticeable only between his shoulder blades and in his fingers. Every molecule in his body screamed out for an immediate and violent response, but his conscious mind managed to suppress it. There was little need for violence, if the boy had approached him with the intention of asking questions. He never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge, anyway.

“A Bijuu,” he said, “A titanic monster made of pure chakra.” He turned his head slightly, abandoning the sight of the majestic beast. He looked over at the boy behind him. He was taller than Shiro by several inches, and looked like he had a great more physical mass to him. His hair was a shade of blue that simply couldn't be natural, and he was dressed more like a street fighter than a shinobi. He supposed he couldn't comment on that particular point; he dressed more like a small-time shop-owner than a ninja.

Perhaps a candy shop?

“It's been destroying what's left of Kusagakure for a while now,” He said, his tone somewhere between medical detachment and scholarly interest. “All the so-called great nations are here, trying to capture it.” It was typical of them. No effort had been made to restore Kusagakure by its alleged betters in the last seven years. It was only when a potential weapon appeared that they rushed in to the nation, taking a sudden interest in their poor little country. It made him sick...

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[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

Within the wind his clothes shook violently as the tides of battle seemed to shift against this bijuu. At first the feeling of its power was somewhat overwhelming at first glance but he could feel the tension decreasing with every passing moment. Quirking his brows in a confusing manner Hyoka would leer at the bijuu and all of its enticement. ( ‘…’) his thoughts to the outstanding power level of the beast he’d been feeling ever since he’d first stepped foot into the country. (‘so that was what I was feeling’) he’d remind himself.

As he listened to the melancholy words of the shinobi to his front he would distance the thoughts from of his clan into the depths of his mind and would revert his attention onto the beast of. . pure chakra?! “..how is that possible?” he’d retort after the comment of the bijuu being a beast of pure chakra. If it true there were other nations here trying to capture the beast then that only meant one thing to the funikumi. Power. If he was going to rebuild his clan back from the ground up he was going to need even more of it – more than he already had.

“.. and how do they plan on capturing it?” he’d coo to the stranger who’s name had not been spoken.

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Consternation

“You wouldn't believe what's possible,” Shiro said back dryly. He couldn't fault the boy for being skeptical. It didn't seem possible, at first glance. For chakra to create a beast like this, completely uncontrolled by any human being... He couldn't explain to him how the creature had come to be. He had researched that very topic himself pretty intensively, and there was no definitive answer. No one had a clue, really. They were natural disasters, a part of the world itself. Better to know how to deal with them than worry where they came from.

Better to know how to control them.

“I can only guess, but I assume that the bijuu are something like ghosts. When their bodies died, their chakra persisted, becoming a being of its own. No one knows, of course.” He frowned. The young man was fixated on the beasts. He supposed it wasn't his business what his associate did, but jumping into that mess had to be suicide. With a monster like that, and all those shinobi of repute and infamy, the battlefield would be a zone of complete and utter destruction. Much better to let it be captured, for now.

“As for how they intend to capture it, I haven't the foggiest,” Shiro said with sardonic cheer. “There are methods for sealing the beasts into human hosts, harnessing their power, but as far as I know most or all of those seals and techniques were lost in The War. He supposed that someone knew how to do it, in that mess of conflict. What kind of fools would rush into battle against a bijuu without knowing a single sealing technique? Still, it was sure to be a closely guarded secret.

”Regardless, they're impossible to really control. The jinchuuriki, their hosts, are just prisons. To be able to use their power effectively is nigh-impossible at best.”

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[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

And there the opportunity dawned upon him like light to the new day as his fellow kusa shinobi spoke of obtaining the bijuu’s power. If his intentions as a kusa shinobi were true to his heart then rebuilding the nation of grass was also a goal that was worth achieving. Too long they had all waited for a miracle to propose itself and now it had become too late.

“My name is Funikumi Hyoka. I am sure you know of the clan. . but our immature ways have changed in time and our hearts are set on rebuilding this decadent country. .” Natsufubuki retorted in a calm manner gesturing to the many years ago where his clan at one time was the most prestigious criminal organization in existence.

Although their numbers had decreased and their members scurried across the shinobi world their reputation still betrothed their pathway to destruction. “You may not want this place as home. . but it has been mine ever since I was dragged here from yuki no sato and I plan on recreating its populace through the use of my clan. . ."

Before continuing he would look at his palms - the scars of kusa's first war still painted true and engraved into his past, present, and future.

"Maybe we could somehow find a way to capture one of those beasts, brother, and what person or force could stop us if we had it. .?” he’d ask allowing the poisonous temptation to settle through this mans’ ears and course through his body like an adrenaline. Hyoka had been so far dressed as a hobo – making his way through the ruins of his country thinking of nothing but a way to reconstruct.

It must have been fate now that the beast emerged here within his sky driven hues.

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Bemusement

Funikumi.

The name stood out in the stream of words to him almost immediately. He had never met one, of course, but he had heard the stories of the Funikumi clan throughout his travels with his squadron. They hadn't taken kindly to the attitude of the powerful clan. With Kusagakure destroyed, Shiro had imagined that the once-great and reviled Funikumi clan had scattered to the wind, like the other families in the Hidden Grass. Perhaps, however, there was one remaining before him. One who had changed his ways, even.

His words didn't ring false, however. The reconstruction of the nation was vital for the survival of every one of the scattered shinobi of Kusagakure. They would lose their identity, assimilating into other nations, and eventually fade away under the shadow of the other great nations. This was the fate before them if they couldn't reestablish their home. And it would need strength. That much was apparent. What better way than to create a living weapon? To capture one of the beasts for the sake of Kusagakure... A noble goal, indeed.

“No one could,” Shiro said simply, “Only by capturing a beast of our own could we ensure that whoever claims this one does not overrun us a second time.” Shiro was not naive. He knew that the boy desired power. He could see it, shining in his eyes, in the strange gleam they took on whenever he looked at the beast. But, if that desire could simply be channelled towards aiding the village, then what problem was there with those that desired to become stronger?

“It's too late for us to catch this beast,” Shiro said. “We have neither the knowledge or strength to defy the great nations. But you speak the truth, Funikumi-san. With one of these, no one would dare look down on Kusagakure again.”

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[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

As the words of an infamous stranger settled into the ears of the funikumi he would take a seat next to the stranger folding his legs in an Indian style fashion as his arms propped behind him. Aside from the pale skin this guy had nothing wrong with him albeit his fashion style was the same as every other shinobi from this nation.

The thought of the ‘old days’ – where the people of kusa dressed in bamboo garments and shady clothed robes made him smirk. (‘damn.. im actually smiling’) He couldn’t help it though – thoughts of his homeland once returning was somewhat a thing that he hadn’t seen happening in the next two decades. But now that this opportunity had sprung into action it was now all the boy could think about.

“We were never looked down on in my opinion, brother, It was a matter of fear. .” he’d retort calmly exaggerating the potential of their village through the cracks of his teeth. Though he was not much of a talker he knew how to draw out a drop of courage even in the most fearsome men.

Although the comment may have been skeptical of the political views of every other nation that opposed them.. he was a rebel and had been right there in the war at only the age of fourteen and even then he could practically smell the fear from the opposing nations; the stench procuring from the sweat massing their silhouettes and the shaking within their bodies as he confronted them. It all smelled the same.

It disgusted him to no end. “oh… and you never gave me your name, brother, it’s rude for a man not to give his name to a funikumi after they are introduced. . .” he’d say in a joking manner before continuing on with the responses concerning the bijuu and jinchuuriki.

“There are ways – as you have said - that were lost within the war. I was in that war – and I think I know exactly where to look for answers if you are up for the challenge … but it’s a long road ahead. .” he’d say before sighing an exhale of relief – he was finally not alone.

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Curiosity

“Perhaps.”

He was unconvinced, but his answer was politely restrained. His comrade thought a bit too highly of their village, perhaps. Shiro was as much a patriot as anyone else, maybe even more so than most people. Even so, he couldn't deny the truth; their nation had been crushed under the feet of those who called themselves the Great Nations. Sand and Leaf, in particular had used their nation as a battlefield for their war, and their power had ground this nation into the rubble. Still, it was heartening to hear such vinegar in his people.

War blinds us with passion.

“I see,” He said, his voice dry. A small smile alighted his face, betraying his amusement. “Well, Funikumi-san, my name is Fushoku Shiro.” He listened as the boy went on. It did pique Shiro's interest. The boy looked a bit young, but people of all ages had fought in the war. He had killed children a decade younger than him, and did it without hesitation or mercy. Age had nothing to do with anything, in the world of shinobi, and especially not in war. Conflict bred conflict, and not even the young were spared.

A method of ending conflict.

“I fought in the wars as well. Our country was a great battlefield for three of the other powers. Perhaps something was left behind? Even legends died on the battlefield, here.” What was he suggesting? That they go dig up corpses laid to rest in the fallow fields of death that the war left on the nation? Perhaps he was. He didn't particularly mind the idea. One of the best ways ninja learn of the secrets of other nations was through examining the corpses of those bodies that escaped the notice of hunter nin.

“We can turn what they left behind against them, if it still exists.”

[/blockquote]

[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

To natsufubuki his new-found counterpart shiro was somewhat of a skeptic but hell who wasn’t nowadays. Although the fact of this man being the one to overly think things itched at the nerves of the chunin he couldn’t’ help but let it go. . his brother had been the same way. It was true.. the blue haired demon did know of a way to find out how to seal these demons but it was a place he had heard of a long time ago.

“the land of whirlpool. .” he’d allow to slowly drift out through his daydream. It was during the times of war that he had heard of a place of safe haven for the jinchuuriki. The uzumaki clan played a major role in the war but not many knew of their existence. Though Hyoka was young he knew many secrets. . secrets that could wind up getting him killed. But death dared not provoke him. . because he too provoked death.

“nice to meet you. . shiro. .” he’d say whilst looking at the mans expression as he spoke of retaliation against the major nations who’d used kusa as a stepping ground for war. It was all too much to bare all at once for the weak hearted. . but those such as Natsufubuki and Shiro. . it was just a matter of time before their prophecies became fulfilled. “Do not fret, shiro-sama. We came here for a reason. . and that reason will come to light. .”

(OOC: want to go on a kinjutsu quest? This is the perfect opportunity)

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Investigation

Shiro flicked his eyes over the scion of the Funikumi clan. Uzu no Kuni... He had never heard of such a place before. Then again, there were nations in all directions, beyond the borders of the known world and far out at sea. It was foolish to think that he knew all of them. Wherever it was, however, it was most likely destroyed, like all the other minor nations, his own included. Even nearby Ame no Kuni had been ripped apart. If such a prominent country had been lost, what luck did some place so obscure to be unheard of have?

So much destruction with no gain.

“Hn.” The sound was noncommital, more of an acknowledgement of understanding than anything else. His mind was working too fast for him to waste brain power answering right away. Things were moving a bit too quickly for his tastes. His fellow shinobi was highly trusting of him, it seemed. Either that, or he had more nefarious purposes in mind for Shiro. As a trained ninja, he was more inclined to believe that his counterpart had an agenda of his own than to believe that he trusted so easily.

“There are certain possibilities,” Shiro admitted. There had been rumors, especially, of a warrior of darkness that travelled the battlefield, serving no one but himself. What he was looking for, or what he was actually capable of, no one knew. What was clear, however, was a simple fact: he had been unstoppable. That sounded appealing to Shiro. “Tell me, Funikumi-san... What do you know about those lost here, in Kusa no Kuni? There's something you're holding back.”

Perhaps he knows about the one they called the Grudge...

SPOILER: Click to show

There's only one day left, so I don't know. Perhaps we could use this thread to work on it a bit?

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[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

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Everything had a past, present and future. Some things were either caught in the middle because of death – yet some things reigned endless in one because their progression or digression had never ceased. Hyoka were one of the few who had been stuck in the past. . but always thinking of the future so when shiro spoke of those men lost in the war. . his heart jumped. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he questioned his trustworthiness in that instant.

[/i][/ul]

It was true - he had been hiding something. . but only the relevant information that would have made things more awkward for the two. The truth was. . “I know you. . even moreso than you know of me. . and my clan. I actually saw you a long time ago. .” he’d say. . but couldn’t quite capture all of what he wanted to say because of the knot lodging itself in his throat. It was now that Hyoka would stand up in an agitated way.

“what does it even matter… what I haven’t said about the war. . you know it better than I. .” he’d say in an awkard stance with his fists cocked at his sides. “those people that were lost. . they died in the wrong name. We were fighting against each other this entire time and we never even knew it. . and that’s exactly the reason I started the funikumi. . to represent the bad so that the good. . it doesn’t even matter anymore. . “ he’d say with a sigh plopping back down even more aggravated.

“dwelling on the past isn’t the only way to progress into the future. . we just have to look back a few times to make sure what we know was right. . I guess. .” he’d say in a more calm tone not really knowing exactly the gist of what shiro was asking.

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[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Unearthing Thoughts

What an emotional man.

The war had changed them all. For some people, it represented everything that made their blood boil. It twisted their thoughts, poisoned them with rage or sorrow. Some people had been so broken by the conflict that they had been forced to recreate themselves entirely, lest they be forced to deal with the appalling carnage and merciless devastation. It was too much for some people. Other people, like Shiro, had learned how little value a human life had. It was just another thing, like a kunai, to be used and tossed aside.

“The way you look at the beast,” Shiro said slowly, theories weaving themselves around in his head. “As if you had some inkling of how to harness its power. As if to you, it was more than just a fascinating monster, but something you thought could really be controlled.” The wheels were turning inside the head of the young shinobi. Could this man know some sort of sealing technique, some sort of method to contain the power of something that great? It didn't seem possible. He hadn't even known what the bijuu were, until a few moments ago. But still, if he knew something...

Then, the Shukaku...

“Perhaps I'm just seeing things that aren't there,” Shiro said finally. He had his suspicions, but it would be better if he kept them to himself. It never did to reveal one's entire hand before the game had begun. “In any case, you're right. The past is in the past. Maybe it's better that we don't run around, seeking the secrets of the dead. Such things rarely end well.” In any case, he didn't want to share the fruits of his research with anyone. In his haste, he had almost betrayed himself.

“In any case, the beast needs to be removed for us to rebuild our nation. I can only hope that whoever does so won't use it against us in the future.”

[/blockquote]

[chiatsuki]

natsufubuki

---

Book - 2
Chapter - 1 The Pathway

---

“Maybe…” his initial response to Shiro about fascinating over the bijuu. In Hyoka’s mind if they were once controlled in an initial shell then they could be contained again. The only problem was that he had no real clue as to where to find the land of whirlpool without first going back to where he’d first heard of it. He was getting somewhat bored of sitting around at everything happening. Hyoka needed adventure and what more perfect an opportunity than this?

“We must travel to konoha. They are on good terms with the land of whirlpool – and that is where I had initially heard the rumor. . “ he said – masking his true intentions. He couldn’t really tell how the man would react to Hyoka stealing the village’s scrolls. . neither did he care of his thoughts on the topic. Though he was working through another network they both connected to the same end, in restoring a better place for kusagakure.

Village scrolls were just as essential as having a bijuu because it would increase the leverage they had over a major nation – no matter which one. Only then would they be able to reel in an enemy village in sakes of using them for their military only then to give some type of control to a minor nation. “But we may run into trouble on the way. .” he’d say whilst shaking his head a bit up and down to assert the impossibility of the fact.

“I’m not asking you to give me your life, brother. But I am asking you to lend me your hand in restoring kusagakure. . and we can’t do that bit sitting down, “ his words bringing passion to every thought surely running through shiro’s head.

[Not Masakuni]

-A Moment Of Disagreement

Konoha.

Shiro's fingers tightened as he heard his comrade speak. Konohagakure no Sato, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The thought of it made his pulse quicken. A sickening sensation settled into his stomach. The thought of going there made him simultaneously excited and disgusted. The shinobi of that place had killed more of his friends than anyone else. It had been them that had destroyed a great deal of his life. He wouldn't deal with them. Not if he could help it. He would much rather kill them.

Besides, leaving the country...

He turned slightly, looking over at the faint image of the rampaging beast. He closed his eyes with a sigh, opening them again after a moment of consideration. He couldn't leave the country. Not right now. Someone had to stay, to ensure that this event was documented. Whoever was the new jinchuuriki was down there, and it would be an excellent opportunity to do a bit of recon. If they could figure out which nation obtained the Yonbi, they could be prepared for that threat as soon as possible.

“You speak well,” Shiro said, frowning slightly. “And you speak the truth. But I'm afraid I can't join your in this errand. Someone needs to keep an eye on things here. The beast is nearly defeated. Gathering information is highly vital right now. This village needs more than military strength, right now. We need to rebuild our society, as well. I will try to gather those who remain here, in the nation, so that we can have a village at all. Godspeed with you, Funikumi-san.”

If both of their tasks were successful, then the village would be both strengthened and restored all at once. One could not happen without the other. He hoped his associate wouldn't be too disappointed.He hoped that his comrade's journey went well. He bowed deeply to the man before stepping away, heading into the wilds.

-Exit

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