砂 kazekage residence.

[Comatose]

The situation was very delicate, and given the relationship between the two I had really expected her to just simply tell Soratsu what had really happened. I would have not thought of her any less for doing so. They were family after all, perhaps he could be trusted with the truth, perhaps he would understand. I knew that I was giving too much credit to the notion that people were understanding, or perhaps myself too callous with what we had actually done, I couldn't help it after all. I was a killer, it was in my nature.

I was surprised when Youka had found the strength and courage to continue with our ruse. She never ceased to surprise me. It was that hidden strength, her immense resolve that she didn't even seem to realize she had, that attracted me to her so. That was another perk of being so worldly. You could just tell things about people. There was no further actual explanation for it other than that, your experiences told you more about a person than they even knew about themselves. Hell, like I had told the council, she wanted the job of being Kage. That itself was heavy burden to bear.

My arms tightened against her as to pull her closer, comfortingly. This was actually the last thing she need right now: more stress. The amount of stuff we had been through on this day was overbearing, even for me. Lie after lie, deceit after deceit, all in the name of the betterment of a people. I couldn't help but feel chivalrous, almost. My doings directly aided this body of people, even if I only did it for Youka. They were much more like my people than any other body of people since Yukigakure. With each compassionate step Youka took, I followed, absorbing just a small amount of her compassion in the process. It had even gotten to the point where I wanted to help just to benefit; it was amazing. She was really my better half.

"The day after the Nidaime appointed me we got wind of where she was taken to. We stormed, took her back. On the way we were attacked, and the Nidaime gave up his life to save Youka's."

I explained briefly.

"She's kage again now, after the council's decision. Soratsu, you're her brother aren't you?" My mask was lifted more to expose my face. "Look at my expression, my features, the tiny reactions in facial muscles as I say this: I love Youka more than the world. I'd move heaven and earth for her."

Unfortunately, as much as I knew Youka wanted to be straight with him, we couldn't, and to that end my small plea of understanding was about the only truth we had spoken to anyone this whole day.

[marvolous.]

Scratch that, 'almost' had been the wrong term to use; Youka disobeying Shiro's wishes was far worse than a mere betrayal. Shiro had indeed been the one to concrete the idea of arranged marriage for the women of the clan, but I, yes, just solely myself, had been the one to choose Koji of all people. He had been the perfect choice in my eyes for Youka, and, as perpetually ignorant as this sounds, was the best suited choice in my eyes. For her to turn down such and disobey the Etsuko code-- to tarnish both Shiro's and my own wishes -- that made my blood boil.

If not for her next words I would have gone off right there, but I was still her brother; her safety came well before my family's predetermined code. Still, with my head not fully grasped around what exactly was happening, I did nothing but watch her cautiously as she attempted to reach for me. She had gotten closer to me now with the movement, her face displaying the pain that she was obviously in. I couldn't tell if it was from her wounds, or if she was just battling to appease my not-so-subtle response to her previous words. Honestly, it could have been either one - I could no longer read her like I could in past.

"All this happened as a result of enemy villages seeking information? Where were the rest of the ANBU squads during this? Why wasn't I radioed?" As if that wasn't enough, nothing could have prepared me for what she was going to say next. "... he was what? .... he did what?" Nobody, not even Shiro himself, had bothered to divulge such information. Aero had always been part of the family, often described merely as a distant cousin; never, in the seventeen years that I had known him, had I ever even fathomed the idea that he was my nephew.

Instinctively, without uttering another word, I reached to soothe each of my temples. To anyone, such an action would surely have gone unnoticed. However, Youka of all people knew my tendencies when it came to the stressers of Schizophrenia. By the time I had recollected my thoughts Yamato had begun speaking, and though my mind raced and my thoughts darkened, my eyes found his own. His words were sincere, perhaps even genuine in a sense, but I, like the rest of my family, was adamant in what I believed in. "Yes, and as her brother I want nothing but the best for her - she knows that." I ignored the information about Aero out of sheer denial, not wanting to even think about him at such a time.

"If you're looking for my approval on this Youka, you're never going to get it. I'm trying to grasp the idea that your truly happy, I really am, but this right here - you two - I'm not fine with at all." Pretty harsh, yes, but still the truth nevertheless. "I respect you enough, both as my sister and the Kazekage, to not interfere and to allow you to do as you please. But this--" My hands rose, hovering in the air infront of them both as if pointing to them. Then, just mere seconds later, callously moving to the side almost as if describing the village in whole.

"I'll never be apart of."

[Kaizer]

Walking into the the kage tower Yaosuke that he had recently been to only a few minutes ago Yaosuke would hand his mission details and take his money. Once the reward was given Yaosuke would take his leave.

Thief in the Night
Rank: B.
Shinobi Required: 1-3.
Mission Information: A man has wired his house to be thief-proof, his paranoia pushing him to the very brink. He wants to test his new subjects and has asked some ninja to break in and check the effectiveness of the system. He refuses to tolerate mistakes, and wants to identify any malfunctions before a real thief finds them for him. Warning that the security measures are tough and violence is very likely to occur. Be very cautious.
Special Information: Can be done repeatedly.
Reward: 100 EXP & 2,500 Ryo.

LINK

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[addy-hime ♥]

Really good read, Yaosuke. Keep up the great work! Mission complete; 100 EXP and 2,500 ryo rewarded.

---

"We don't know who the enemy was. Shinobi, yes, and strong, but they bore no allegiance to a village that I could see. Do you think the Council would stop at anything short of war if they found out who did it?" It was another blatant lie, but Youka found it easier and easier to do this as time passed. For his own safety Soratsu could not know the Council's evil ploy; he would be in just as much danger as she if he came upon that kind of knowledge. "It was stupid of me. I went outside the village alone, but that wouldn't have mattered much, considering the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. Any guard I might have had would have been killed, surely."

Blue eyes widened slightly when she witnessed him rubbing his temples—it was not a new action to her, by far. Without much thought she crossed the distance between them, hand raising to touch lightly against his elbow, in what she hoped was a comforting way. This was no reason to cause him such inner turmoil, especially when her intentions were good ... pure ...

It was Asato's short speech, directed at her brother, that snapped Youka back into the mind state she required for this ruse. Her fingers trembled against the warmth of Sora's arm and she slowly pulled away, retreating back to her fiance with a pained grimace that only he would be privy to. It was a sign: I can't do this much longer. Not to him. When she reached him at last, she decided not to turn to face her brother yet. Instead, she kept her back to him and made due by staring at the exposed face of her love, her life. Even his calming presence wasn't quite enough to soothe her when her brother spoke next, though.

"Your approval?" She said, slowly, with a tone of indignation that Soratsu would recall from their childhood. It was a voice she used with Shiro just before a temper tantrum at his rules and regulations, and this time was no different. Suddenly she whirled to face him, eyes narrowed and an expression of the utmost anger flickering across her pale physiognomy. "I do not need your approval! I'm not asking you to be happy for me, because I don't care if you are!" Her voice had risen now; she was practically screaming across the room at him. If that wasn't enough, her right foot raised and stamped back down on the floor, a sign of childish frustration. "I'm happy! He makes me happy, and I love him for more reasons than you will ever understand! If you don't like it, too damn bad! If Shiro doesn't like it, too damn bad, too! I have a right to marry the man who makes me smile, and he's far more 'pure' and 'powerful' than Kojiro ever was! He is far more suited to our clan!"

There was an insatiable urge to hit Soratsu now, or at least to throw something at him until the point was beat into his stupid head. Instead, she clenched her fists at her sides and pursed her lips into a thin line, holding back the spew of insults that welled up in her throat. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, too—it was hard work throwing a fit!

[/font]

[Kaizer]

With a thirst for something to do Yaosuke returned to the Kazekage residence to take on another mission. This time he would take something less stressful.

Protect the News
Rank: B.
Shinobi Required: 1-4.
Mission Information: A newspaper man has received information about an upcoming assassination; there's a mafia family on the rise somewhere in the streets of Suna. The family received word about his information and they have sworn death to the news man. A threat was sent to him saying that in 3 days time, if he doesn't stop the news from spreading, they will come after him. Fearing for his life, the news man has asked if shinobi could come and protect him.
Special Information: Repeatable.
Reward: 100 EXP & 2,500 Ryo.

[/size][/font]

[Comatose]

The eyes of my bethrothed spoke volumes to me after she crossed the gap between herself and Soratsu, attempting to soothe his obvious mental peril. She was hurting because he didn't understand, and didn't wish to be a part of her happiest moment. Those eyes; stricken with the pain of this, regardless of her actions, allowed my mask of sanity to slip, just for a moment. I couldn't hold back my more instinctual reactions to such a ridiculous statement.

I respect you enough, both as my sister and the Kazekage, to not interfere and to allow you to do as you please. But this-- I'll never be apart of.

The words stuck and resounded throughout my head for a long time as I thought about them in the infinitesimal amount of time I was allotted in the situation. Was he kidding? He would never be a part of his sister's happiness? Did he plan on simply just leaving the village in this state? How ever could anyone, let alone her brother, do anything like this I wondered. These thoughts plagued my mind, and ate at it, until I could no longer handle it myself. It was as if my hands and mouth moved on their own, separate from own will, controlled by what could be considered the true shadow of Asato.

A most maniacal and loud laugh bellowed from my throat, my mouth opening more than wide enough to let the sound croak, and my teeth flashing with each reverberation of lips. My left hand rose to my head in the same instant, cradling it as it my body convulsed and squirmed in the dramatic laughter.

"Are you fucking kidding me? In the face of your sister's happiness you run? In a most perilous time for your village, you hide your tail between your legs and flee? Are you really a ninja; really the ANBU leader of this village?"

The laugh continued for several more seconds after that before falling silent, and my head lowering, my voice following suit. My available hand almost seemed to convulse — my greater frame of mind fighting back against the instinctual responses, as it grabbed the hilt of the Kusanagi.

"I would never do anything to hurt Youka, but I can't fight against this urge; this urge to eviscerate you where you stand. I suggest you get the fuck out before it happens."

No! I couldn't fight it. A slave to the beast of my own mind — my own shadow. Or was it the true me? It didn't matter. It had said all it wanted to before relinquishing control back to me. I had done it now.

[marvolous.]

As much as I hated to admit it, her soft touch along the side of my arm relieved tremendous amount of stress from my head, if only for but a minute - like it always did. It almost reminded me how it used to be back when we actually had a family; back, of course, when most of were unseperable and still alive. Now, we were nothing but empty shells to each other. Youka had found her true love, or so she thought, and I found nothing but pure agony. I almost had the urge to shake away her soft caress after a couple of moment, but again, my better judgement prevented me from following through with it.

It was only after she had darted back to her fiance that my body shifted from its inert position. In what seemed like one fluid movement I pressed myself against the door I had arrived from; my eyes, those deep pools of anger, narrowing to slits as I listened to my sisters words. She was screaming now, and I did not dare to interrupt as she bellowed - however, my body spoke volumes for itself. "You don't seem to care about alot of things lately, Youka." If my anger could have been scaled from the ground to the sky, I'd clearly be in space right now - literally, my body was trembling from all the rage. "Kazekage my ass. All yo--"

Was that laughter? I didn't even bother completing my sentence with the perturbing sound filling the room, blocking out everything else in its sheer mechanical nature. And there it was-- the release of all my madness. "Run? You talk like you actually know how it feels to be in my position, foreigner. While you two have been exclaiming your love for each other, I, yes, just me, was the only one actually doing something to protect the village in whole." My voice rose to match the range of the man's laughter, attempting to drown it out as I stepped forward. It was then, in the brief moment of silence following suit, that his final words hit me:

...I would never do anything to hurt Youka, but I can't fight against this urge; this urge to eviscerate you where you stand.

T'was at that point that all my previous uncontrollable anger completely ceased, my previous dark thoughts even vanishing as everything suddenly became completely clear. The one pure entity that I could always count on to counter-act with my mental disorder was nothing but sheer adrenaline. I could feel the blood that ran through my body vigorously pick up with it, almost antagonizing me even further. With it, and very much uncontrollably, my eyes delved into the power of my natural clan, my hands - very much like Yamato - lingering over the handle of my sword. The only thing that separated us was a couple feet and Youka herself, and though I hated to admit it, even that wouldn't stop me from lunging at him.

"You're welcome to try."

[addy-hime ♥]

Mission accepted, Yaosuke!

SPOILER: Click to show

The Haunting in Suna
Rank: B
Shinobi Required: 1-4.
Mission Information: Recently there has been a series of reports of paranormal activity coming from the old estate down the road. A family had rented that place and claimed that they saw images of ghosts and dead people haunting the place and quickly they ran for cover and ran out of the house. Neighbors are moving out of their homes, terrified of the ghouls that reside within the estate. The landlord has asked that a shinobi or two come to investigate.
Special Information: Repeatable. As always with a mission of this rank, there is a chance of injury or death. Genin are permitted to take this mission, however, they are required to find a moderator to GM the process. Chuunin may simply roleplay it as normal.
Reward: 100 EXP and 2,500 Ryo.

Coma and I will be taking this mission; I accept us, of course. :3

---

With the anger had come bravery, but with each passing second both of those seemed to drain from her body, passing back into the ether where they were formulated. It felt like someone had smacked her in the diaphragm with a heavy object; she could barely breathe, had to continually loosen and re-clench her fists to remind herself that her heart was still beating and the blood was still flowing through those veins. So enthralled with the need to pass oxygen into her lungs as she listened to her brother's counter-rant, Youka did not even notice the hot wetness that stained her cheekbones.

"Then you be Kazekage!" She yelled, voice cracking and hoarse with the very strain of this ordeal. A dozen different complaints jumped into her throat, but she was cut off by the laughter that erupted from behind her, inappropriate and slightly insane as it was. There was an urge to turn and face Asato, to tell him to close his mouth—that he didn't understand the situation, couldn't possibly insult her Soratsu like that ... Instead, she lifted her hand and brushed the tips of her fingers just beneath her left eye, smearing the tears that had collected and started to fall.

Her mind was processing the insults at a racing pace, so quickly in fact that she did not have the time to comprehend them, even if her body instinctively reacted. Her brother thought she was not suited for this job, even though Shiro had been the one to adamantly assert she was perfect for the position in his place. To him, she had been doing nothing this whole time, and it was ... it was completely true. Why did I ever think I could do this? she asked herself, and the voice that answered was sneering— You're worthless; even Aero would have been a better candidate than you. How selfish! How prideful! You took his life to reclaim power and position. You value yourself over the village and your family, nasty child.

Her breath caught in her throat and a rather audible sob made her tremble on the spot, almost unaware of the hostility that was quickly mounting around her. Her gaze was still glued to Soratsu; she could see the anger draining from him, replaced by clarity and the intent to kill. Emotions that were, horrible as it was, directed at her fiance himself. If this battle of wills was allowed to continue much longer, she had no doubt that someone was going to die, and all options were unbearable. Lose your only sibling or the love of your life? No person should have to make such a decision and her body knew that, she could practically feel it shutting down as the room blurred around her, tears obscuring everything. A veil of water.

"Stop."

The girl's voice was a mere whisper, as if she were fighting with herself to be able to speak out to them. Indeed, the voice in her head was whispering in such a sickly-sweet voice it was hard to ignore: They are better than you, both of them. Soratsu should be Kage, Asato should be with someone much more ... worthy. You should be dead, not Aero. Not Shiro. She shook her head, as if denying these silent accusations, and straightened up on the spot. If either of the men were to attack at that moment, there was no doubt that she would place herself between them in hopes of protecting someone, anyone.

"Stop it, please. Sora-cchi, I said ... I said you didn't need to approve of my marriage. You can disown me, if that's what you truly wish to do. I care about our family, and I respect Shiro's wishes; I honestly believe he would have thought Asato a better match for me than Koji. But that doesn't matter now." If they were not listening close, there was a chance they wouldn't hear her words, even Asato, who was sitting quite close to her current position. "It doesn't matter! This village is my home, and I would do anything to protect it. Anything. You were being proactive about it, yes, but don't you think I would have stepped into your shoes in an instant? Don't doubt me. Shiro didn't."

That being said, Youka turned toward Asato, her still-raised hand wiping away the remaining tears. No more seemed to be being produced, but there was a weakness in the way she held herself that he had not seen before, even when she begged him to spare her life. This was different. "And you. Don't ... don't you ever speak to my brother that way. If you ever hurt him, I'll kill you. I promise that. I love you, but I will not stand for ... for such disrespect! I will not lose him! He is the last of my blood, and I refuse to let you be the one to shed it."

If the Nuke-nin doubted her sincerity about trying to kill him should he hurt Soratsu, the only verification required was in the unsmiling expression and sudden hardness in her eyes. They darted once to the Kusanagi, but then she straightened up further, as if daring him and the malevolent blade to test her resolve.

What am I doing ...?

Who cares about a dare, really? Why did she care if she couldn't back up her threats to Asato? She took a step closer to him, hand lowering from her face to reach out pleadingly toward him; her fingers were still wet with the salt-tinged liquid.

[/font]

[Comatose]

You talk like you actually know how it feels to be in my position, foreigner. While you two have been exclaiming your love for each other, I, yes, just me, was the only one actually doing something to protect the village in whole.

"Yet, your Kage was kidnapped. Your leader changed. Then that leader died. Surely your absence brought nothing but fortune upon the village."

It was truly no use, was it? Like me I could tell there was something wrong with that man Soratsu, the same sort of instincts that plagued my mind plagued his. No. I couldn't say that. There were no two sides of a coin in my mind, only me and the shadow. The shadow was me, and I had acknowledged that long before I had met Youka. Whenever I had tried to bottle up anything, hold anything in, it had talked for us. I was incapable of suppressing it at all on my own.

With Youka there was something different though. There was no need for such instinctual driven emotion and words. She soothed me in a way I didn't even understand myself. I suppose, if one wanted to called it something, it'd be the corny 'power of love'. But, it was true, it had not spoken for us since. When I had someone to protect, a cause to use my power for, there wasn't a need at all.

However, when she uttered those words, I felt it bellow deep inside.

And you. Don't ... don't you ever speak to my brother that way. If you ever hurt him, I'll kill you. I promise that. I love you, but I will not stand for ... for such disrespect! I will not lose him! He is the last of my blood, and I refuse to let you be the one to shed it.

"You refuse to let me shed his blood? Your words hurt me far more than anything ever could. You love me. . yet those words make it seem like you'd treat me like some sort of mongrel cur, a dog to be curbed at best----"

My sentence wasn't finished as she reached her hand out to me. My heart sunk, and suddenly the words I spit so gutturally from my mouth, hurt. Of course, the words were fueled by emotion and it. While they were mine, I would have never spoken them to make her feel any worse. There was a certain understanding, a seeing of where she was, even now symbolically between us. She didn't want us to fight in any capacity, she didn't mean what she said. Emotions and adrenaline were a funny things. I would not put her in that spot any longer.

I wasted no time standing after that, and reaching out to her to pull her close again, and into my arms. It wasn't supposed to be like that, I was supposed to be her knight, protector, lover.

". . . I don't know what came over me."

The words wouldn't help, but I gazed into her eyes for a second, to show her that was truly sorry for my outburst. Never again, I told myself. Something inside me changed right then. The shadow was it? No. He was gone for now, defeated again, made small and weak through sheer will. All its biting and cursing meant nothing, it wouldn't have the strength to talk for me anymore, not for a very long time. I gazed into her eyes for what seemed like forever, lost in the cerulean swells, before lifting my head to meet the man's own gaze.

"Quell your anger, and remove your hand from your blade. We're not animals. Our battle of ego should have no place here. You say you did something to save this village? Then I would expect and hope you would have enough courtesy to tell us before you left. You can do what you will. But I won't see anything happen to this village, or Youka. . . What exactly did you find out?"

[marvolous.]

I was so focused on shedding the blood of the man infront of me that I did not even notice the tears being shed by the last member of family. Truly, the last thing that I wanted to do was make her feel hurt, especially over something that could have easily been avoided. But the blood lust was too strong for me to shoulder at this point, it had already escalated to the point where my fingers were already craving Yamato's body falling victim to my own power. If only I could have transcended the short gap of space and pierced him with my blade; if only Youka hadn't been so foolish and placed herself well within danger-- danger? And what was this? Tears?

It hadn't dawned on me, at this point, the state I was putting her in both mentally and physically. As thickheaded as I was, I wanted to retort her words and still very much sought the blood of her fiance, but her voicing my name stopped me dead in my tracks. I did not release my grip from my weapon but my eyes reverted back to normal, my previous feral demeanor masked with a facade - a reserved, stoic even, facade. "Doubting you was never my intention, Youka. What I said was out of pure anger, nothing else." It wasn't the greatest of apologizes, but it would have to do; the less I had to think about fighting, the better I'd be.

As the two embraced I found myself retreating away from them for the second time, unknowingly trekking to the only window in the office as I did so. I watched them for a moment, my eyes even meeting Yamato's own briefly before I fully turned my gaze away completely. In a sense, I was lowering my guard, something that had this actually escalated into a full fledged fight, would have - or could have - gotten me killed. However, for some strange reason I no longer cared; I almost welcomed him to strike me.

"There was a reason I wasn't here these last few months and missed everything that has happened." Realizing only after hearing his words that my hand was still on my sword I quickly moved it, brandishing my arm in the air before placing it against the wall adjacent to the window, my head leaning in and pressing against it not long after. "Youka herself had ordered me to infiltrate Konohagakure's boundaries, and I did so without much resistance at all. In the weeks following my arrival, I managed to acquire key intelligence about the village's past leader, potential alliances, and even..."

I turned if only briefly to look at them, my eyes falling from Yamato to Youka - the hate was still evident from my demeanor, but any belligerence had vanished. "A bijuu. Very much like us, they have a bijuu at their disposal; one, if groomed right, could have more devasting power than Shukaku himself." With essentially no more epinephrine pumping vigorously through my veins, my thoughts became muddled again. All that anger had left me virtually unable to properly suppress my mental disorder, and as a result I could already see hallucinations forming all around me. They weren't speaking yet, but with all this emotional unbalance that I've been going through lately, it was bound to happen soon.

"Most importantly, I found the answer that I was looking for. Turns out," I fully turned now, sighing slightly out of both exhaustion and annoyance. "Konoha had nothing to do with Shiro's death. If I had to guess, due to the circumstances, the person who killed him wasn't acting on the behest of a village." Three months later, and I was still at square one.

[addy-hime ♥]

Youka and Asato were a pair; just as her words had the power to wound him, his could do the same. His response to her petty threats send a feeling of hollow agony straight through her chest, not because he was upset with her but because she had hurt him. Still she could recall his reaction when she expressed how proud she was of him; this seemed to be the exact opposite, and the very idea made her want to cry again. Instead, blue eyes widened in a look of vague horror ... until he stopped, that is. It appeared that her outstretched hand had sparked some recognition in his mind, as if reminding him just who she was, what she meant to him, and vice versa.

She did not recoil when he stood suddenly, even though it was her first instinct, given that she just threatened his life and practically begged him to attack her. It was a good thing, too—he was pulling her into the warmth and protection of his arms before she could blink, and the small fight was forgotten. Truly, his apology was unnecessary: she had forgiven him for it, just as she would forgive him any flaws and mistakes in the future. "I-I don't know what came over me, either," Youka stammered quietly, not wanting her brother to hear the sheer love and emotion she could purvey in just a few words. "Please, don't doubt me, love. You know I hold you on a pedestal in my mind; you're far from a mongrel." But, he knew that. She had to believe he understood he was her prince, no matter how cliche the term was.

Asato took over her position as leader for a moment, demanding Soratsu's compliance and information during her weakened state of mind. She listened to her brother's very vague report, never once taking her gaze off the curve of her fiance's chin. Her only wish was that he had not broken the eye contact, but it was necessary ... she could never quite think clearly whilst starting into those fathomless pools, with their variety of blue. Eventually her brother brought the discussion back to Shiro, which was essentially the reason he had been sent to Konohagakure in the first place. Why would she, of all people, start a war with a village without proper cause, after all? The knowledge that those hidden in the leaves had not been the ones to kill Shiro was both a relief and a curse, as it meant they were no closer to taking revenge upon the culprit.

"Sora-cchi, I need more detail than this," she croaked out, clearing her throat soon after. It felt odd to talk after such an emotional scene, and the calm of the room was precarious at best. In her mind, this was comparable to a morgue, or perhaps a funeral procession. It seemed disrespectful to break the silence with her petty inquiries, but she had to. "I need to know which bijuu Konoha holds, who their old leader was, their alliances ... You say you have the knowledge, but will you divulge it with me? I have no need to go to war with them now, but information is powerful—" she broke off, reminded of her first few meetings with Asato. How time flies. "If we are in possession of such facts, we might be in a better position to seek contact with the village. Perhaps find out who did murder our brother."

Slowly, carefully, the Shodaime pulled herself out of her lover's grasp, if only to turn and face her brother completely. It was like a weight had been placed back on her chest, however; without noticing it, she scooted close enough to Asato that their arms brushed, never losing contact completely. In all reality, Youka could not comprehend who had taken Shiro from her ... from the family as a whole, too. Was it just a random slaughter? Had they done it without a single thought to the consequences and loved ones left behind? There were people like that, nuke ninja and others who were unhinged and enjoyed the bloodshed. A prime example was the man at her side now, who had been so very keen to fill her full of paper kunai the moment he realized she was a shinobi herself.

No matter. When I find them, they will pay.

[/font]

[Comatose]

My words had somehow reached both individuals, and quelled our random bouts. It almost seemed silly now, thinking on it only a moment later. What were we fighting about anyway? Nothing was serious enough to draw blood for. One could not control the actions or thoughts of another, we were all independent beings. No matter how much I didn't accept Soratsu's decision to suddenly decide to up and leave for good like this, I couldn't change it. I was sure he had his reasons, however twisted or childish they looked at face value.

The question of asking him what he had found out had seemed to come with a dire price. The news of what he had found out was rather stunning. My acute memory didn't let me forget what Youka had told me months prior, about her brother Shiro and his death, I was witness to her first reaction to it. It was said he died in Hi No Kuni, and thus, assumed he was killed by a Konoha ninja, but apparently that wasn't the case. It was disturbing in the way it left the Etsuko family back at square one, without knowing quite any details on Shiro's death other than the fact he died. I couldn't hope to understand the anguish of something like that, but, I'd surely bear the emotional burden through understanding if it meant making Youka feel better.

I allowed Youka to speak her piece before interjecting myself, knowing full well the capabilities of the cruel world we were tasked with living in. In fact, I could only think now of one possibility concerning the mysterious death. That it was not done by any action of a group or a village, but by one individual, possibly a Nuke-Nin from before the war— like myself. However, that put in prospective one thing: this persons power. By the way Youka had described her brother Shiro, he was one of the most powerful Shinobi she had ever seen. For him to go down to anything less than a literal relic of the past like myself seemed unlikely. The news was discontenting in this way.

". . Unfortunately I feel the most likely for the lack of clues is exactly as Soratsu makes it seem to be caused by, the fact that it was done by no mere amateur at the whim of a village. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it was done by a Nuke — to think a person has enough power to slay Shiro . ."

I had t speak as if I knew personally his might from living here in the village. The ruse still had to be kept up regardless of how much I had divulged of my actual personality. An unfortunate necessity, as, with Soratsu's quelling of his rage and understanding of his sister's position relative to our battle of ego had gained him a chunk of respect from me.

I took a step forward and took Youka's hand in my own, and squeezed, transferring a thought. No matter what the circumstance, you aren't alone.

[Akihiko]

E ntering from the blistering heat, the airontoku pulled the red garbs away from his face taking in the cool air of the building. After shuffling through his pockets momentarily, he found a small parchment. Placing the ad on the table, he smiled, a deep voice mused,"Is this still available?" With a sign of approval, he turned away from the desk, sauntering towards his exit. But something made him pause, he looked around, eyes falling upon all parts of the room.

Mail Courier
Rank: D.
Shinobi Required: 1-4.
Mission Information: The Great War has taken its toll on Sunagakure. Very few mailing houses remain, leaving the postal service lacking. They are requesting a few unoccupied shinobi come down to help them catch up with mail delivery. The shinobi would be required to travel Sunagakure carrying a mail satchel (must be returned) and a courier arm band (also must be returned) and deliver mail to specified citizens.
Special Information: Repeatable.
Reward: 25 EXP & 500 Ryo.

[marvolous.]

To be perfectly frank, there were a couple reasons as to why I did not fully divulge all of the information. For one, despite his rank and Youka's clear trust for him, I didn't - nor couldn't - fathom placing my own trust in him. He was still in some shape or form a complete stranger to me, even if we did share the same allegiance. As such I initially did not want to speak any further on the matter, but after realizing I may never see Youka after today I quickly changed my mind. Returning my arm to its previous position alongside the wall, I once again rested my head on its base as my eyes closed - it almost pained my head trying to recall the details.

"They are currently in the possession of the two tailed bijuu, or otherwise now as, according to old lore, the Nibi. Much like Sunagakure, Konoha had been visited by the very same samurai. If I had to guess, each of the other three great nations were given bijuu for safety." I wasn't foolish enough to not notice the inconsistencies on the samurai forces' part, but I did not bother questioning them. They had coincidentally been on the scene during our village's attack, and somehow had the intel and the man-power to re-seal it on the spot - strange, one could think. Theories aside, I listened quietly to Yamato's words before continuing, allowing his words to sink and mingle with my thoughts.

"I hadn't pondered that, actually. It makes sense. Shiro was the most powerful out of all of us, for him to die from what appears to be a single person, that person has to be at least a Kage. Then again, how many Kages do you know that have defected their home and become nukes?" I sighed, completely oblivious to the sheer irony my words detailed. "Either way, we're still at square one." It was the honest truth. Even with the realization that the person responsible could have been acting alone, or even perhaps could have been a missing ninja, it didn't bring them any closer to figuring out who exactly it was. Sensing this, I knew exactly what I had to do.

Without so much as another word, I moved from my position and found myself opening the window next to me. Following this I allowed myself to crawl right through the opening, my body but inches away from the edge as I shifted into a crouched position along the windowsill. "You know I'll never be happy until the ones responsible for all our pain is found, Youka. You also know I cant do anything without jeopardizing the safety of your--" I once again motioned the entire village with my hands, careful now to involve myself as I did so. "no, our village.

I almost had the urge to run over to her and give her one last kiss on her cheek to keep her safe before I left, like I used to do in the past. But again - and for the last time - my better judgement stopped me before my body could even move; she no longer needed me for that, anyways.

"In my room there is a scroll. In it, you'll find all of my findings."

[addy-hime ♥]

Kodachi, your mission is accepted~

---

Obviously, the fact that Konohagakure possessed a bijuu was an idea Asato and herself figured out long ago. Together they had conversed about their thoughts on the samurai as well; neither of said threats were pressing, but dangerous in a more long-term perspective. According to Soratsu they were already in possession of the tailed beast, whereas Sunagakure still knew not which baby had been endowed with such power. It would be obvious, when the child comes of age, she reminded herself, but that didn't soothe the nervous churning of her stomach.

"The Nibi no Bakeneko is a daunting foe indeed, but what could we expect from a bijuu, regardless of how many tails it possesses? Shukaku has but one, and he demonstrated more than enough power to tear through our shinobi like toys," she mused quietly, pausing only when Asato brought his concerns about Shiro's murderer to the forefront. It was painful to think that this man was potentially not unlike her lover in every aspect; in truth, had she not trusted him fully at this point, this news might have sparked a bit of suspicion in the back of her mind. The signs were too familiar, but then, wasn't he at her side when Soratsu radioed her about the death of her older brother? She knew he could cross great distances in very little time with his Shikigami jutsu, and knew that he had no qualms killing a fellow shinobi. Even still, the Shodaime felt it impossible, and when he took her hand in his own, that seemed to cement the evidence.

Blue oculi closed suddenly; her eyelashes twitched, as if she were picturing something particularly disturbing. Eventually, her lips parted and an audible breath slipped out, slightly ragged from the effort of controlling her emotions. "I know. I know, you can't live like this—you need to find the horrible, awful person that took Shiro from us. So ... go." At this she opened her eyes and stared at him, face alight with resolve and a new inner strength at the turn of events. This was not what she wanted to happen, and essentially it felt like she was losing the last of her family here and now. Instinctively she tightened her grip on Asato's hand, quelling the shake that had been traveling down her spine. "Go! I give you permission to leave Sunagakure indefinitely. You have to. Why ... why are you even still here? Find him! Kill him, for Shiro!"

Youka released Asato's hand with the express purpose of turning her back on her brother, if only to cross the room to the other side. If he was going to jump out of that window, she didn't want to see; if he was going to unlock the door and walk out on her, she didn't want to see that, either. Instead, she waited for the sounds that would tell her he had finally gone, her heart beating swiftly and painfully in her chest. It was a necessary evil, just as killing Aero had been.

---

Mission complete, Naga. ♥ Some good stuff hurr.

SPOILER: Click to show

Surveillance: Konohagakure
Rank: B.
Shinobi Required: 1.
Mission Information: Etsuko Shiro, elder brother of the Kazekage, was found dead in Hi no Kuni soil. It is assumed that Konohagakure no Sato shinobi were the culprits, but there is no solid evidence. Regardless, Youka wants to be safe and feel secure in her knowledge of a potential enemy. She has personally asked for a shinobi of the highest quality to travel to the Village Hidden in the Leaves and gather as much intelligence as possible on the defenses, offenses, and general state of affairs there. Avoid detection, and if spotted, return immediately to Sunagakure no Sato via an alternate route. Do not give any hints as to which village you are from, and do not lead foreign ninja back to Kazi no Kuni. Avoid combat at all costs!
Special Information: Hard/Advanced difficulty setting required.
Reward: 100 EXP & 2,500 Ryo.

Reward awarded~

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