-Predator Bait [Apple]

[Not Masakuni]

-Panic Strains

Fushoku Shiro sighed, looking down at his hands. It was starting to seem hopeless to him. He couldn't seem to find the remains of his nation. A faint sense of despair was creeping into his soul. He pushed it aside, shaking his head. He had no time for such things. If his nation could be rebuilt on tears and pity, it would have been the greatest of all the ninja villages by now. As it stood, only determination would find rewards, according to the cruel karma of the universe. He re-shouldered his gourd, looking out across the waving meadows.

Fear.

It entered into him, as swift as an arrow through his chest. He felt it seeping into his skin, clogging his pores with terror and clouding his vision with the static-rimmed edges of dread. He swallowed, trying to slow the hammering tempo of his heart. He forced his thoughts into order, into a rational shape. His entire skin was set on edge. It was a premonition, of sorts, of something dark beyond reckoning that stalked him. He put his trembling hands down by his sides, gripping his pants in an effort to cease their tremoring.

Where is it?

He turned in a slow circle, trying to seek out the source of his fear. He felt a slight, nervous smile creeping on to his face. He had never felt such potent terror. It was consuming him, bit by bit, like a black fog of acid that ate away at his flesh. He settled his feet firmly, feeling the sand shift in his gourd behind him, churning slightly in response to the instability his emotions introduced to his chakra. With a quiet sound, he focused himself, gradually calming the motions of his body.

“Where are you?” He said softly.

[/blockquote]

[Apple]

It was the thrill of the chase that drove me wild.

The warm, humid air on the back of your neck much alike that of someone’s breath freely hung in the area as the trees and plants sucked every bit of moisture that could be found on the god-forsaken earth that Kusa no kuni was built on. It was this warmth that I’d missed- That I’d craved for so long, my breathing regulated although slightly out of tune due to the changes in the environment that I’d been victim to- Having come straight from Kumogakure the temperature had changed drastically, and although perhaps it wasn’t the temperature which effected me most; But the amount of plants that was stuffed in to this small country combined with the rainfall and the sun that seemed to always beam down with an unforgiving grin. ”…….” I found it so hard to escape from this wilderness; But at the same time each step I took on this ground brought me one step closer to my home. And I couldn’t bear to be far from it now that I’d managed to come so close to what I’d been wanting for the past eight years.

[/i]- The hunt. Brilliant plains of lush green spanned for miles in front of me with various shrubbery, plants and wildlife amongst it. The various rivers which ran through the country- The very rivers which I had spent days in the warm, blistering summers by with those who were the closest to me- Those who were now gone. A white, almost wisp like mist shrouded the forest itself and the very areas which these rivers spanned, blanketing it in a near translucent coating. The pale skin on my face lay unharmed by any blemishes or imperfections and yet bore a dewy complexion from the sheer adrenaline that was currently pumping through my veins, urging me to go forth and chase out whoever was stalking these forests- My forests. My breath cut hard on the humidity of the area, blue eyes would dart from side to side, attempting to pick up on the figure which I’d previously seen. My feet would bring me closer and closer with such nimble ways across the battle-scarred land and I could but recollect back to the days where I ran these fields in search of solace from the devastating ruin that our nation had become and the enemies that plagued it so- Treading on my ground and killing our families-

It reminded me so much.

With heavy breaths I’d keep up this chase, my eyes and ears tuning in on any signs of movement that I could detect – I had to save the village from the oncoming attack- protect it from whatever harm came its way- Winding in and out of the trees as if I’d spent a whole lifetime here amongst the plants and keeping my eyes focused I drove myself further- deeper in to the endless fields and the deep rivers, my mind almost becoming one with the green blur that everything was now becoming. It soon all made sense- The lies, the war, the terror which we’d all been put through, everything. My nails could have very much shredded the surface of the pitiful society which we’d once found ourselves in but no more- The village was gone and I was sure of that from the deepest pit of my heart but I found no solace in bringing pity to myself- Because at the moment it was them who needed the most of it. I was above them- I knew the truths which they had been so blind to ignore- I was god.[/ul]

He settled his feet firmly, feeling the sand shift in his gourd behind him, churning slightly in response to the instability his emotions introduced to his chakra.

And then I found myself charging across the earth- But I was unable to stop myself myself. Drawing my form almost twistingly out of the darkened forestry and on to the grassy plains I found myself directly opposite my prey at a total of roughly fifteen meters away- Enough to make out his form from my eyesight which admittedly turned blissfully foggy once every so often from the sheer malevolence that was now coursing through my body as my eyes however stared on at him madly alike some kind of golden-haired beast. My blonde hair cascading well down the middle of my back for a moment I’d come to notice the familiar blonde shade of his hair- Very much alike my own, although the very possibility- No. even in this fleeting moment with lack of control I could tell my brother apart from some good for nothing waste of space- How dare he even fucking bear the same beautiful shade of hair that we had been known for? How dare he walk on this earth with his fucking gangly corpse when I claimed this pathetic earth for my own?

With my teeth forecefully pressing down against the inside of my cheek I’d then release it as I edged forwards with a slight twitch in my movements as my vision blurred over once more for but a moment as my hands held in the air near my chest, ready to take down any fucking assault he would be prepared to give- As a proud citizen of Kusagakure and in times like these with the war slowly eating away at our defences we couldn’t afford to lose to one fucking foreign shinobi who thinks that he can beat us down- In turmoil our homes slowly crumbled and I had lost everything and I walked forwards. Forwards. - The trees and fields around me stained with blood and bodies of the people I’d taken a glance to in academy during my younger years as the moon itself was dyed red, the sharp imposing trees impaling the night sky as I gazed onwards at my opponent, the pulsating feeling in my head growing stronger and stronger with every passing moment that I spent in this place, my heels digging in to the mud-stained corpses of my family as I moved closer to him - My brother-

And then the bright sunlight briefly drew me out of whatever hellish nightmare I’d found myself in.

With Samehada strapped tightly on my back and having realized I’d moved a further three meters, allowing me an eleven meter gap between me and whoever he was. With my hands very much up and ready to respond when needed. For now, the two of us stood in silence although I strove to prevent my mouth from speaking the words that was on my mind as I slowly returned back to reality.

"Who are you?!"

I'd ask- Not in fear, but in uncontrollable madness.

[/b][/color]
> 11 meters away from Shiro. Directly opposite.
> OOC: Sorry for the wordspew! Haha![/ul]
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[Not Masakuni]

-Divinity Panic

Crack.

The snap of a twig caught his senses, followed by the crushing snap of dry grass and the rustle of vegetation pushed aside. Shiro turned, vermillion eyes widening at the sight before him. With the grace of a snake, she wound her way out of the woods, twisting her body free of the flora. He stepped back, his eyes narrowing and his hands rising instinctively to form seals that would send his sand out to eviscerate her. She was still, however, save for a few shambling twitches, and so he held back for a long moment.

Blue eyes, baby.

He stopped, his motions arrested and forgotten. The spectacle before him was simply too fascinating to interfere with. Long golden hair streamed down her back, reaching towards her waist in sumptuous waves, perfectly matched by eyes the colour of a pale winter sky. Full lips made a pleasant match for the gentle, delicate features of her face. She was shaped in the image of divinity, with wide hips and a narrow waist that led into a sizable bust that Shiro had trouble looking away from. Her dress clung to her in a way that almost made it not disappointing that nine-tenths of her skin was covered up.

Of course, the effect was somewhat dampened by the stark lunacy in her eyes as she charged at him, but nonetheless; she was divinity before him. He felt the corner of his mouth turn up in a twisted grin. Dead sexy and absolutely insane. She was probably going to kill him, but at least it would be interesting. He brushed a strand of pale gold out of his eyes as she seemed to lose steam, forgetting where she was. She looked at him again, this time more curiously than aggressively, her words coming out slow and shaking.

“Shiro. Of Kusagakure,” He said, taking leisurely steps toward her, closing some distance. Simple words, with meaning deeper than their short length. He was guarded, despite the mischievous blood that was dancing in his veins. There was no middle ground, where his lost village was concerned. There were only those willing to stand with him, or those that needed to get the hell out of his way. “And you are...” He debated what to say next. Several things occurred to him. A goddess. A lunatic. A victim. An enemy. “Just simply fascinating...”

SPOILER: Click to show

• Equipment
  
• 8 meters distant, directly opposite Blanche.
  
• Not a problem, I loved it!

[/blockquote]

[Apple]

The blonde figure before me seemed to move in the same defensive manner as I had done, before pausing as his eyes surely caught my own- In this moment of confusion surely for us both I still managed to captivate, and it was something that reminded me that I wasn’t losing my touch- It’s not that I wasn’t as beautiful as I’ve ever been, but recently I hadn’t been feeling too well. Slightly more at ease now despite the minor episode I’d had moments ago, I’d keep my gaze on him to make sure that if he was going to try anything, I’d have the upper hand. He was quite short- Or at least by my standards. While I rose near six feet tall with heels, it was only giants who were taller than me- And I didn’t stumble across many who did manage to bypass the height that currently stood at. Along with the blonde hair he could have easily been mistaken for one of my relatives- Should his eyes not have been stained blood red- An Uchiha? I couldn’t be too sure; I’d met several in my time, but from what I could see, his eyes bore no signs of the sharingan- Simply the deep scarlet colour, much different to the bright blue eyes that people adored. But there was nothing wrong with being careful. I’d met several of the Uchiha clan in my past- And most of them hadn’t been very.. pleasant.

But neither was I.

But this man- He was nothing interesting. As the two of us stood stationary in the great forests of Kusa no kuni, I would soon pick up on him as he began to speak- A name.. And a village. My village. From what had previously been a less than impressed expression, it now shifted to show that there was significance in the words that he had spoken. As I searched his body for any signs of a headband, I found myself unable to find one clearly. Exhaling a single time, my breath shaky, I’d watch as he’d continue to draw forwards towards me with calm, slender steps. The question was whether to trust him or not- As he bore no signs of being from Kusagakure whilst I myself had the same headband around my neck that I’d gained upon becoming a genin, the metal slightly scratched from wear and the fabric having been replaced several times in the past, but it was a clear sign of my allegiance. Eyes wide open and my hands still positioned to seal quickly if the need arose, I’d soon find that Shiro had closed the gap between us to a total of eight meters. If he tries to do anything then you know what to do. He shouldn’t even be daring to come this close to you uninvited. I’d agree- And yet at the same time, from the words he spoke, I couldn’t help but feel satisfied merely by the way that he was reacting to me.

It made it easier. Perhaps I’d have considered duping him for some ryo, should he have not been from my home village. I was a long way away from affording an item which I desired, and with no way of legally attaining money at the moment at my disposal, I found no harm in tricking my way to getting the funds. But what could I do with this guy? As I stood there a mere eight meters away with my slightly shaking palms and my eyes continuing to be carefully analyzing him, I kept wondering; Could I believe that he was from Kusa, with such little evidence available at the moment in his advantage to prove what he’d claimed? ”You’re from Kusagakure..?” a pause would then occur as my eyes would briefly close, before opening, my long black lashes defined beautifully against my porcelain skin which shone in the afternoon light. ”Stay where you are-” I’d momentarily speak these words, my tone sharp and authoritive as I commanded him to stop in his tracks despite the fact that I relished the attention that I was currently given. My head tilting to the side slightly so that I could stretch my neck a little, I’d then swish my head around, my golden hair following soon thereafter as it flew across my back, landing at its usual long length. My movements and mannerisms were very much of someone of high stature in society- And I knew that. Would he be part of Kusagakure’s plans for the future? Or was he a fake that needed to be disposed of from this pitiful earth? Only time would tell. With my hands very much up and ready, my guard wasn’t down just yet. If he thought tha-

”My love, we couldn't be further away from home.

Our ascension is due.”

I spoke mindlessly; a mere herald for the words that suffocated my mind.

[/u][/b][/color]
> 8 Meters away.
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[Not Masakuni]

-A Salient Sign

So, I have her attention.

She was haughty, her expression disinterested, but that soon faded when he mentioned his home. His eyes alighted on her neck, a column of pale flesh. More important than the carnal inclinations of his gaze was the fabric and metal that was tied around her neck, settled on her shoulders. She, too, was a warrior for Kusagakure. At least, she appeared that way. It may be that she took that headband off of some corpse so that she could trick those seeking their lost comrades. It was, however, enough of a sign that he could consider trusting her.

“As you wish,” He answered her, raising one hand slowly and gently. He splayed his fingers, palms out, to convey his peaceful intentions. With deliberate motions, he reached into the pocket of his pants with exaggerated slowness. His fingers clasped around the ragged fabric that he sought, and with the same caution, he drew it out, pulling free his forehead protector. He looked at it himself for a long moment, remembering the fallen brother he had claimed it from. He turned it slowly, presenting the zig-zag symbol on the metal to her.

Insanity. Beautifully intriguing insanity.

“And you? Who are you?” He said, his words just loud enough to be heard. As long as he had readied himself for it, he found himself unprepared to meet the lost comrades he had sought after. Could he even consider her as that? It had been foolish to think things could ever be as they were. The future was in uncharted territory. Whatever she was, whatever he was now, it would be part of a new Kusagakure, not a ghostly reconstruction in the shell of the old. He never took his eyes away from her, focused on her words and her actions.

Not that he found it unpleasant to stare...

SPOILER: Click to show

• Distance, 8 metres.

[/blockquote]

[Apple]

From the irregularities that started to spring up from our chance meeting my qualms with his allegiance were soon dampened somewhat by the way that he removed a headband much alike my own from his pockets, bearing the same sign of Kusagakure which I had shown somewhere on my being since I’d graduated from academy. My eyes glazed over for perhaps a second as I viewed him take the band from his arsenal- But at the same time, I couldn’t say that I’d seem him about the village, although from his appearance, lithe, thin and almost scraggily, I’d figure that he was probably younger than I was, so I wouldn’t have seen him during my team years. But despite this and the fact that he proved that he was in ownership of a headband, I couldn’t bring myself to throw my trust at him- Although he shouldn’t have been disheartened by this, as I as of late had lived on the basis that the only person who you can truly trust is yourself- Even in the times where you needed people- They just became needles baggage, and in the end you’d have to deal with losing them- Everyone. It was better not to bother. However, I continued to find myself drawn to him and his curious mannerisms.

“And you? Who are you?”

Although my mouth opened after he spoke these words, I’d pause almost as if I’d been cut off, ten second of pure silence passing the two of us before I’d begin to speak. ”My name is Blanche.” My words were spoken on the same level as he had said his own; Albeit perhaps slightly quieter, but nonetheless audible. ”..The forests have hidden our village..” Even I wasn’t sure of what I was saying any more. I hadn’t even noticed the fact that I was laughing a little bit as I said this, although it took everything to compose myself once more, as I’d then shift my right shoulder blade a little, raising my head, before dropping it again and resting my eyes on his own. From the once static, almost awkward position I’d previously had myself in, I’d keep my left hand risen, but the right would rise completely, rubbing my right temple, before dropping again as I desperately tried to make sense of what was happening. ”..But it doesn’t matter- Because soon I'll walk upon the bloodied corpses of anyone who attempts to defy us again.” Samehada clearly on my back, the pure white wrapping hiding its spiked form, and with various weaponry on either side of my wide hips, I wasn’t exactly the safest looking person. But I was unable to think straight right now as my mind clouded over with ideas, concepts and the words of someone else transferred by my own silver tongue.

"And then the world."

My vision blurred for the slightest of moments.

But despite all this- I knew what would happen.. Yes.. It was foretold and there was little that could stop us now- There was little that could stop me now. I was single-handedly perhaps one of the most dangerous kunoichi in the shinobi world at the moment, and I relished on this thought and the power that it brought me and Kusagakure itself. With my sheer strength I carried the gargantuan weapon on my back and with the ability to raise the dead as well; I could easily build an army had it not been for the fucking guilt that picked at me slowly and painfully. It had been so hard- To stop myself from reviving him, and had I gone forwards, he’d have been mine forever- But not complete. It was funny really how the only thing I wanted was to bring those closest to me back from the dead, but even with the torture that I’d put myself through to gain this, I couldn’t even do that. But soon we’d all walk hand in hand towards white, and I craved for the day, whilst also wishing not to leave this earth without making my mark. My eyes flickering back to Shiro, I could only imagine the future that Kusagakure had. We’d fucking fight our way to the top- Even if it hurt.

[/u][/b][/color]
> 8 Meters away.
[/ul]
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[Not Masakuni]

-Heathen Royal Blues

Blanche.

A curious name, one of an uncommon language. She held herself like royalty, certainly, as though even the daimyos were fit only to serve one as great as she. Perhaps it fit, for someone so perfectly formed to consider themselves like a goddess. Shiro couldn't fathom possessing such arrogance, himself, but he knew his own limitations. He was grounded in firm reality. Whatever she was, she did not live in the same world of hard facts that he did. Her own personal reality dictated her perception of events around her.

Her words spoke of insanity. Pure, unadulterated madness filled her speech. She offered nothing in the way of tactics, in the form of logic or plans. And yet... Shiro took his headband and, with reverent delicacy, tied his headband around his right forearm. She was persuasive, despite the fact that she had no real points. She was simply spewing the same righteous anger as any other victimized shinobi of the Great War, but the way she said it... He almost believed that she would do it. That they, the avengers of Kusagakure, would stand on the corpses of their enemies.

Then again...

“And you stand on top of it all as queen, right?” Shiro asked, his voice half-serious, half-mocking. His smirk faded away after a moment, settling into something more solemn. He met her gaze, for a moment, reflecting on the depths behind her eyes. Most people filled that space with their memories of loved ones and other things that brought them strength. The tides of madness filled it, as best he could see, behind her eyes. He could use that, else she would use him. Exciting. “Well, a queen needs knights to carry out her will, right?”

SPOILER: Click to show

Distance – 8 Metres

[/blockquote]

[Apple]

Whether or not he believed me wasn’t one of my concerns. He was the one to decide his own path in life and although I was sure that he had some kind of skill or knowledge that would aid Kusagakure in its great reform, the only true path was mine, and whomever strayed away from it was as good as dead. I could create craters easily with a simply flick of my finger; Breaking bones and crushing organs required minimal effort by now. Although reinstating fear in to the minds of people wasn’t one of my main goals; Even right now as I stood fully aware that I was perhaps not making sense and my mind itself not exactly the definition of sharp, I had always believed that the basis of a true village was built on stable grounds of community. I’d managed to come so far right now by my own and although I detested placing myself on the same level as some, teamwork was necessary for success, and there was no going against that. But between us; Neither party seemed to be backing down as far as our endless stares went, my own blonde hair almost rivalling his own, my height giving me a slight advantage as I found myself, despite being a fair distance away, looking down at his own eyes.

But the way he spoke- although he’d shown promise previously, simply the way that he responded to what words I’d churned from the nothingness in my mind managed to ignite the anger in my mind- Didn’t he believe me? If he was a true shinobi from Kusagakure, he’d have agreed with me and joined my side in order to bring light to the village that we’d both lost due to the trials that time had brought us all. Doubts roamed my mind as to whether or not he was a capable shinobi that I’d surely soon find on my side in the village and with both of my arms now placed on either hip as I gazed downwards at the sandy-haired shinobi before me, his red eyes piercing, but nonetheless put to shame by the blue open seas that flowed in my picturesque eyes. Perhaps I’d have shown him a thing or two to claim my respect back by smashing down a fucking tree or so- But I knew that at the current time, if I’d begin, I’d find it hard to stop so self-control was necessary, although I’d practiced it for years now. The last thing I wanted to take responsibility for was the broken and bloodied remains of a red-eyed Kusagakure shinobi- And it was so hard to resist this as time passed, my ravenous eyes fevered.

But what was this about Queens and Knights?

”I don’t expect my knights to get their hands dirty in my name.

If I need to slaughter something then I'm more than capable of doing it myself.”

I spoke of these knights in the same malicious tone which he'd used himself, reflecting on how I'd taken it- Although from how I spoke it, it was more.. disturbingly playful than anything.

I was true- What use was there being a queen if all I was going to do was give tasks to my underlings and expect them to do it all? A true leader had will- the drive to go forwards and do things themselves without having other people weigh them down. Sure enough having their people in mind is a good thing but it was useless to simply have the title of leader as simply a status. I found it almost.. undermining how he asked me if I needed knights to serve me and do my each and every whim. Of course when the time comes I’d need people under me to aid in this, but I would be the primary activist. I wasn’t going to sit back and watch people walk all over me and my people. As long as it concerned my village or someone within my village, it was my business – And no one passed by the blade of my bare sword without there being grave fatalities. As I mused over this, I found my hand almost attentively moving to the hilt of Samehada itself, my hand ceasing to move as it held a mere two inches from the handle, as it stood there for a moment or so, before drawing back to my hip nonchalantly.

"Queens as lifeless figureheads are worth shit.

..Don't you agree, ?"

I wanted to know his opinion.
After all; this interested me.

With an almost dastardly smirk laced on my face, I'd keep watching him, having now fallen silence after my words faced the air around us. What would he have in response to this?

[/u][/b][/color]
> 8 Meters away.
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[Not Masakuni]

-Calculator Crush

Tsk.

Shiro had miscalculated, to a minor degree. In a way, it was a good thing. It suggested that her insanity was not all-consuming; her ego could not be so simply stoked by any mindless appeal. There were real thoughts still present in her mind, not simply ego and aggression. She had particularities that she felt made a world of difference, rather than simply accepting his implicit praise. He felt himself nodding slightly, his mouth turned into a contemplative frown. There were deeper layers present within her.

“Don't you agree?”

He was slow to respond, letting seconds tick away between the two of them uncontested. He sensed that it wouldn't be wise to rush to agree with her. One thing he was not was a sycophant, jumping to blindly wave flags and spout nonsense he didn't agree with. He regarded her for a long moment, attempting to divine the nature of the persona raging behind her features. The war had done this, obviously. He didn't know what exactly triggered it, but her mind, he hypothesized, was concealing the original persona with an insulating layer, one jaded to the arrogance and blood-lust of war. How fascinating.

“Figureheads? Bah.” He flicked his head in a dismissive motion. “I would not follow someone if they were unable to lead. If you were so weak a queen that I could kill you myself, then I would simply do so and be done with this.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But, as mighty as you are, even you cannot be everywhere at once. As a hidden village, Kusagakure must be everywhere at once. A leader needs soldiers. A queen needs knights. A god needs prophets.” Shiro fixed her with a steady gaze, focusing on her chin rather than her eyes, so as to avoid craning his head upwards too much.

“You are strong enough. I can feel that easily enough,” Shiro said, eyes narrowing. “But are you wise enough? A village needs both queens and knights, not just one.”

SPOILER: Click to show

Distance = 8 metres.

[/blockquote]

[Apple]

I savoured it; Watching as his own response to mine seemed perhaps less than impressed- But then again, the majority of expressions he’d given me thorouought our whole conversation hadn’t exactly been that promising. But I didn’t care; It was up to him in regards to what side he’d take and should it have not been mine- Then I was sure that he’d sorely regret it. But I could tell from his mannerisms, despite the fact that he was acting like a downright cunt at the moment, I was sure that he had something he could offer. Despite looking like a scrawny nobody even I knew that you couldn’t judge a book by its cover- Or perhaps I had done so to him, but it wasn’t as if I didn’t doubt that he had hidden talents. With a face that plain, there had to be something about him that made him stand out- There had to be. What else could he have? Secret abilities? Whilst I’d allowed my abilities to be unknown at the moment bar from the gigantic sword on my back, he had too, and I was unable to tell exactly what he was able to do and use. My eyes flickering momentarily to the gourd on his back, I’d guess that it was filled with something that he could use for battle purposes, surely.

Water, earth.. sand, perhaps?

”..If you were so weak a queen that I could kill you myself, then I would simply do so and be done with this..”

Simply what he said made the corners of my mouth curl up in some kind of warped smirk- I was immortal, of course. No matter what attempts could be made on my life, they would never find themselves through as I’d been given so many gifts across the years and although my life had been tested, I’d seen it through just fine bar from some physical damage. Did he actually think that he had a chance? I was unable to understand as to whether his words were sarcastic or not, but to be honest, I couldn’t give two fucks about it. I’d leave him to his little fantasies and allow his mind to wander so freely with the time that he had left. ”……..” But even in this time; I could see that he did have a point. I’d need people to work under me in order to get everything done, that was for sure. But would I need him? The way he’d spoken earlier; Even I could make out that he was half-suggesting that he become one of my understudies, and perhaps he wasn’t as dull as he first gave the impression of being- Maybe he had some worth after all. But I couldn’t help but become wrapped in the things that he said- I had so much to say back to him in the retorts that he gave- But my mouth lay sealed bar from the sly smirk that covered it all, preventing whatever silent whispers from escaping.

”If a god needs prophets; Then what does a prophet need?

An audience?”

It was.. slightly off the point but nonetheless a provoking question, I’m sure. I was a god; A prophet and all things divine bar from those who stood at the top of the food chain who picked at my mind day in day out, wearing down what sense I made and turning it in to sawdust. ”A village depends on its citizens to survive. A leader is necessary but its true power comes from the people.” I’d trail off, although not in a way that made my words seem without reason or confidence backed up behind them- I was merely giving him a small break between what I had to say. ”A leader cannot work without subordinates- You’re right- Are you hinting?” I’d say these words with the grin still intact, speaking almost as if he was a little boy who had just revealed his schoolyard crush. I’d then draw my eyes back to his own- only to se them more interested in my chin than anything else- I was unsure as to whether or not he was avoiding eye contact simply because I was above the game or if he was simply too short, but either way, I kept mine unmoving from the deep red pools of his eyes.

I’d then shift my position a little bit- But only from one foot to the other as my heels dug in to the earth beneath us a little, both of my hands on either hip as they’d been for the past few minutes. Shaking my head, I’d let my golden curls tumble about once more, before turning my attention to Shiro again. ”And wise enough? Darling- My intelligence is unmatched. I assure you.” Although.. I was aware that sometimes I wasn't up to scratch and even now I felt words threatening to spill from my lips as they quivvered delicately beneath the weight of the unspoken. But it was no matter- I was as intelligent as any other shinobi and then some. If he thought that I was a common slut then he’d be wrong- Chances are I’m the most intelligent person he’d ever meet- On a good day.

[/u][/b][/color]
> 8 Meters away.
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[Not Masakuni]

-Re.Visionary

An audience?

Shiro contemplated her words for a long moment. Perhaps not an audience, but a flock. An audience was simply there to be entertained, by their own choosing. A flock, a congregation, a collection of faithful... They needed their prophet. It was their prophet who stood as an intermediary between them and God, ensuring good fortune and protection from evil. Without their prophet, the faithful would fall apart into sin and death. It was this sort of loyalty, this sort of dependence, that was necessary.

“Hinting? Yes, you could say that.” The corner of his mouth tugged into a twisted smirk, his eyes reflecting a sort of jaded amusement. She was fascinating to engage. Her power radiated from her and her massive, mummified sword as though it was a tangible thing. Her eyes reflected dark, uncaring intelligence, interspersed by sharp bursts of rage and insanity. How would such a person, alternately so calculated and so unrestrained, rule a village? The ambiguities to study almost made him shiver in excitement.

Step.

“You're stronger than me, this much I know. Only time will give the exact measure of your intelligence, but...” Shiro shrugged his shoulders. “For the moment, I concede to your wisdom.” He shook his head wryly. When faced with a being with superior strength and an unknown quantity of intelligence, it was far more prudent to assume they are wise than to assume that they are stupid. It kept Shiro alive longer to err on the side of caution. And anyway... “Besides...” His eyes twinkled with something dark and deep. “You are too interesting to turn away from.”

SPOILER: Click to show

7 Metres distant.

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[Apple]

Like a court jester he entertained me. Perhaps had it not been for his stubborn front he’d have made me laugh at some point during our lovely little conversation, but it was exactly this inability to apply himself to my ideas and agree to abide to me unconditionally made me resent his presence even being here. So what use would he be of me? At the moment as my eyes gazed at him, shifting from his eyes- To his nose, to his eyes, to the air around him then back to his deep red eyes, I’d wait. The both of us bathed in silence for a few moments, and however awkward it could have gotten, it seemed as if neither of us cared about such things. And yet, so caught up in my blissful phase of irregularity the things he said could simply.. cause me to grin- A stark contrast surely to how I’d been acting previously, although I still kept a close eye on him and took his words lightly. ”If only you could begin to understand- I was blessed by those above with supreme beauty, strength and intelligence.” I would tell him honestly, no sign of faltering behind the things I said-

Because it was all true.

With a figure that other women would die for, tumbling blonde locks- Natural, of course, and the stereotypical but so classic aryan look to me with the brilliant blue eyes which were inherited from my own mother, I drove men wild no matter where I went. However- As moments passed, what feral part of me had been unleashed had notable calmed down, as I soon began to regain the elegant composure which I was mostly known for. An elegant woman by nature and the way that I looked and dressed- Perhaps my choice of words wasn’t all that graceful, but then again they could say whatever the fuck they wanted to say about me- Only the face the repercussions later on. Of course, this guy- Shiro, I could verily see the silent mocking behind his words, but with a snide look on my face I approached these taunts and simply put them back on him. Although he may be a faithful member to the league of Kusagakure shinobi, I had no shame in beating him down with the very power behind my eyes. I may have not possessed the sharingan or any similar ocular ability, but- I was fucking scary when I wanted to be, even with my long golden curls and my angelic features.

Step.

And he’d move closer. Perhaps he was just testing his luck, but I wasn’t exactly in the mood for games. With my arms on my hips and altered with strange wires beneath the surface, they looked like any other but I was very much different to him- To everyone. From what I could remember of my trials with the doktor himself, I’d managed to attain tortuous surgery to my arms. All I could remember was blood, but I’d come away from the whole situation with more than I’d bargained for. Very much a figurehead but one who could kick ass when needed, I’d show him who was the intelligent one in due time. In the end, everyone bowed down equal and only the true would be forgiven for the treason they committed. No matter how small the crime, the devil had apologies to reap from everyone. Even myself. Although- I’d been trained. For months now. By now Lucifer had found himself caged within me and I found myself begging at his feet for reprise, and yet I selfishly gorged myself on the power that was given to me.

”Too interesting? My my my Shiro, aren’t you lovely? I’m glad that I’m just another specimen for you to evaluate."

[/b]

And then I’d turn.

”..I'm leaving now.

..But maybe we’ll see each other again. And I’ll be the one evaluating you, my love.”[/center]

However, with my back facing him, my head however was very much looking back at him as I stood at an angle allowing me to see his body clearly without having to stretch my neck too far. I’d see him again, I was sure of that. Like a passing breeze I’d made my impact on him surely, and just when he awaited me, I left him, leaving him wanting more from me. Blue eyes looking back at him I’d then raise my hand and move it to my soft, supple lips, before kissing the top of my hand and then moving it to point so delicately towards Shiro and gently blowing the air, successfully sending him an air kiss before I soon dissapeared in to the darkness of the forestry. Of course; I wasn’t mindlessly flirting, of course, simply reeling him in. If he found me that interesting after all, he’d chase after me, and then we'd find eachother in due time. Planting my very image in his mind was necessary, because there was no-one more fitting to be placed in the confindes of his mind. I had no interest in him- But moreso the work that he could do for the village. Not that we'd be a great team, but I was sure that by putting our meeting on such a cliffhanger, I was surely set to see him again.

By then; The time would be perfect.

[/u][/b][/color]
> 7 Meters away during middle of post.

-EXIT

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[Not Masakuni]

-Stage Right

“Heh.”

He cleared his throat quietly, swallowing down his rising excitement. She was so sure of herself. Was it simply a front, or was it a real belief? Evidence suggested to him that she truly believed it; that she lived in a world where being anything other than perfect was simply intractable to her. What a magnificently flawed psyche. He rolled his shoulders gently, eyes narrowing as she continued to speak. She was a specimen. It was foolish of her to think that she was anything else, in his eyes.

Evaluating me?

She could think that, if she wanted. He watched her, his head cocked slightly to the side, taking in the sight of her. It was almost funny, the way the two of them were trying so hard to use each other, to exploit each other like mindless tools. He suspected it wouldn't work out as she planned, nor the way he did. That was alright with him. He quirked an eyebrow at her flirtations, idly toying with the ideas she put in his head before dismissing them. He would find her again; not as some mindless fool running after her in lust, but as a scientist following their Patient Zero. Until then, he had leads to follow up on elsewhere.

“We'll see who finds who.”

-Exit

[/blockquote]

[Messatsu!]

+ 60@ Apple!

70@ Masakuni!