The Yume Manor - Rukei, Utoi, and Shārotto Home

[Exile]

The Yume Manor -  ^{Rukei, Utoi, and Shārotto Home}

A beautiful home in the eastern parts Kusagakure no Sato,  the home is one of the biggest structures inside of the village of Kusagakure no sato. It is perched up on one of the few hillsides in the entire village, most people could see it from a distance because of it’s pure size let a long the beautiful bright pink roof tiling. The home is surrounded by various different types of trees that had been growing long before the house was built, though some of the trees were planted by the owners of the house Kanari and Kasai Uchiha many years ago. The house was only built about five years ago it was custom designed by Kanari Uchiha one of the current owners of the house, she had her entire family in mind when she built put together home. She knew that she would have to compensate for the twins that her husband and she had which is why the house was built with such size,  along with the fact that she wanted her home designing ability to be known around the village.

Contents - 

Entrance & Walls - The entire manor is surrounded by an stone wall built around it’s perimeter with one known entrance which is the front entrance, though not closed off by a gate the entrance is always under constant surveillance. The entrance to the manor  has too well built pillars made of stone to the left and right properly spaced so that most people could fit through. Also at the tops of the pillars there is a beautiful roofing was also custom designed by Kanari. The entrance does not posses any special properties of any sort, they’re just really nice.

Yard & Outside - Both owners of the home are proud to say they played their own parts in keeping up with their property, the outside of the home has beautiful grass that grows nice and even. there are also four trees that are evenly spaced lining the path to the front door of the house, each of the trees are still young so they aren't vary big but they are defiantly trees. The front door of the house is a large oak door that is about ten feet in height and five feet in width. 

In the back of the home there are various training areas set up containing various different training items, ranging from obstacles to dummy’s for target practice.

1st floor - The first floor of the home is that of the average family consisting of  a dinning rooms, living rooms, and the kitchen.

2nd floor - The second floor which is a bit more secretive than the first, this floor play’s host to each of their rooms, it is also host to the family’s own vault where they store all their ryo, important documents, etc etc. 

3rd floor - The third floor is known to be another area dedicated to training , this floor is a bit more high maintains than the training area outside. Within in the contents of this floor is various training equipment consisting of weight benches, free weights, treadmills etc. Though the highlight of  the floor is a premium built arena that was built with just about indestructible material, it was made to handle any type of punishment ranging from high powered Ninjutsu to high powered Taijutsu attacks.  Though it has been proven that it can be broke with enough force. 

Occupants - 

Owners

- Kanari and Kasei Yume

Kids

- Rukei, Utoi, and Shārotto 

[Exile]

“Rukei ! Today is the day! You’ll be meeting our Kage! Get your ass up!”

The boy’s mothers voice would break him out of his sleep causing him to pop straight up into a seated position. ‘Damn mom is so loud in the morning.’ He thought to himself as he began to rub the coal out of his eyes, Rukei would turn towards the window for  a second peering out at the sun that was rising over the horizon. ‘At least the suns out.’ He thought to himself as he scooted out of bed, he’d walk over to his dresser and begin to stretch out a bit. 

“Aghhhh, today is going to be a long day.”

Rukei would say as he yawned a bit. As his yawn came to it’s end the boy began to put his clothes together reaching into his various drawers, he’d pull out a blue T-shirt with his clans symbol on the front before reaching in the drawer right next to it pulling out a pair of black pants. He would toss his clothes on to his bed as he walked out of his room down the hall to the bathroom, once he got their the boy showered up and brushed his teeth before heading back to his room.  

“Rukei think fast!”

A voice would come from the other end of the hallwa as he spotted a Kunai flying down the hallway, he quickly moved off slightly to the left allowing the kunai to fly pass him landing in the back of the hall. ‘I bet it was dad.’ He thought to himself as he continued onward to his room. His father would be standing right beside his door as he arrived with a huge smile on his face, Rukei nervously smiled while not even questioning the Kunai that was just thrown at him. As Rukei stepped into his room his father followed right behind him, ‘oh shit.’

“I’m not gonna fuck with you son, I just came to speak to you a bit before you meet our Shodamie Kusakage, you know this is really important because she controls your status in our village. And if you ever wanna be like me then you have to be on your shit, not saying act like a piece of wood but act like you got a bit of home training for you mom. You know she’ll go berserk on you if you fuck up today… But then again you’re my son so I know you’ll show her why the lady’s love us……..” 

His father would say as he cracked a big smile and laughed, he would place his hands behind his back before pulling out a necklace. 

“And take this, I have one for you brother too when he stops acting like a bum.”

Rukei’s father would hand him a necklace with a dragon pendent on it, as he took the necklace he would place it around his neck while running towards his mirror. The young Uchiha would begin to show all of his teeth as he looked in the mirror, he would turn back to his father with his big smile.

“Thanks dad! I love it!”

he would say as he turned back to the mirror he stayed their for a second just admiring the pendant, his father would stand there for a moment enjoying the look on his sons face. 

“Well I’m out hurry up and get ready, she should be here in a hour two Rukei.”

After that Rukei’s father would leave the room to allow his son some privacy, Rukei would quickly get dressed throwing on his pants and shirt. Once he was fully clothed he’d step over to the mirror once more, he would reach into his shirt pulling out the necklace his father had giving him. He would smile at himself once more before putting on his socks and shoes. Once that was done he made his way down stairs to one of the main sitting areas in the house. The room was filled with three couches all an deep black color made with some of the finest leather around, there was also a matching table set with some flowers on it. But the highlights of the room was the all brick fireplace and huge window that allowed the sun to shine down in to the room.

“Mom! I hope you’re cooking that special Ramen that you cooked last week, I’m really hungry!”

The boy shouted loud enough for his mother to hear him, then he would lean back on the couch placing both of his hands behind his head tilting his head back a little looking out of the window on the opposite side of the room.

[Apple]

Unlike other meetings that I'd taken part in, this one was.. somewhat different to the rest. Wherein previously I was to simply linger in the office and allow people to come to me, I'd been requested by one of the families in Kusagakure to visit their home. The couple I didn't know too well, but I'd heard of them, and the home that they owned was one known through the village for its beautiful design and for its size. I'd briefly spoken to them previously, but there wasn't all that much else in common with myself and the family. But what we did have that connected us was our dedication to our home, which had knowingly been passed on to the two children that also lived in the house; aged ten, from what I'd been told. Having freshly left academy, there was so much for the young shinobi to learn in regards to the lifestyle that they'd begun living, but they'd soon learn all that they required in the years to come. Having spent many hours teaching in the shinobi academy - or, not teaching, but moreso simply speaking to the young students, I was sure that I'd surely caught sight of the boy in the past, but I couldn't be too sure. With the soles of my shoes softly tapping against the path that lead up to the stately home, the sun shone down, lighting the ground beneath my feet, and the large building before me as I drew close. The place was a pretty sight - somewhat larger than my own home, but still as striking. Architecture was something that I took in high esteem, and this place didn't let me down with the appearance that it bore. However, soon passing through the bountiful and neatly kept garden, I soon made my way towards what I could only assume was the main entrance of the home, my eyes gazing around and taking in each little detail of the place as I crossed it.

..Knock, knock, knock..!

Standing before the door itself, I took in a moment or two just to look at the detailing on the wood, before positioning my eyes to look through the frosted glass that hid away the interior of the house, waiting for a response from any of the family members who were about. Exhaling softly, my right hand shifted to my hip, whilst the other hung in midair close to where I'd knocked, just in case I'd require to repeat the action if no attention was gained. As always, I was on time, appearing at the door the very time I'd been scheduled to arrive.

[Exile]

“Rukei, I know you hear the door! Go get it, it might be the Kusakage.”

‘Man, I thought she was suppose to answer the door.’ Rukei thought to himself as he sat up out  of his relaxed position, he’d run over to the window that he could see the front door from. ‘Ohhhh.’ the Uchiha thought to himself as he noticed the woman at the front door, his face got a bit red as he hopped down off the couch he was standing on to run to the door. Quickly undoing the locks Rukei swung the door wide open presenting a big smile on his face as he looked up to the Kusakage. ‘She’s pretty but look at her stomach.’ He thought for moment as his head tilted to the side for a moment as he directed his attention back to her face.

“Ummm, uhhh, Hi my name is Uchiha, Rukei welcome to my parents home.”

As the lad spoke he moved aside so that she could walk in, had she elected to proceed as she walked into the door he would close it behind her. 

“You can make yourself at home in the uhhhhh, room on your first left… Mom is cooking I’m gonna let her know you’re here.”

He’d say before taking off running pass the woman,  Rukei was a bit nervous now that their Kage was actually here. As he made his way into the kitchen he would quickly run up behind his mom pulling on her shirt. 

“Mom she’s here, I hope you’re almost done making the food… And why didn’t you tell me she was so pretty.”

He’d say before he quickly turned away from his mother running back down the hallway that lead to the main sitting room,  as he was a few feet away from their he slowed his run down to a mellow walk. As Rukei walked into the room he made his way over to the couch he was sitting in at first, he jump on the couch as he did before throwing his hands behind his head while tilting it back slightly. 

“Sooo, umm, I’m Rukei, do you have any other names besides Kusakage?”

[Apple]

Thankfully, it wasn’t long until the door would be answered, although the person who had answered it had come at somewhat of a surprise. Not that I hadn’t expected one of the children of the family to come to the door, but I’d assumed that it would be one of the parents. However, as I now stared down at the young boy, I simply smiled in response to his greeting, allowing both of my arms to lower to either side as I looked inside at the home and the decorated walls that it bore. Turning my attention back to the boy who had answered the door, I was given the name Rukei, the exact name of the person who I’d come here to see. Of course, I was sure that I’d be conversing with his parents too, but they’d requested an audience between myself and the boy, and so that was my main purpose for coming here today. As he then moved aside to allow myself room to enter, I’d do so after being invited in, stepping across the doorframe and in to the stately home. Given that I’d as of late found it hard not to want to obsessively clean the manor, the place seemed nicely cared for, although I was sure that his parents had placed effort in to cleaning the place for my arrival. Of course, I wouldn’t have really mattered whether or not the place was clean from all traces of dust, but it was always a nice sight to see that a house was as pristine on the inside as it was on the outside. I spent a moment or so to simply look around me at the surrounding walls, before looking back to the Rukei as he sped off after explaining that I could make myself at home in the room that he’d motioned towards. With a soft, soundless nod of my head I then stepped across the fine wooden flooring of the manor, and entered the grand living room that the house bore. I was sure that due to its size it surely boasted another, but the room was large and spacious, with plenty of light pouring through its windows and on to the carpet. As he was elsewhere, I hung in the middle of the room, just looking around. Seeing him in his home at that age merely reminded me of my own childhood growing up in the Kikkawa manor. Where this place was large by even my standards, to him, a child, it was surely a palace. My own home had been mine; myself being the only female Kikkawa child who’d lived there, I’d been treated like a princess, and even now as I walked its halls it gave me memories of days long gone. The place was to be Yuuchiro’s palace, now.

However, I wasn’t left alone with my thoughts for too long as I heard the rush of footsteps on the wooden flooring in the hallway give way to a more casual step, before the white-haired boy emerged from outside of the room, making his way in and more than comfortably then lunging himself on to one of the few sofas in the room. I studied him for a moment as he lounged, before also opting to sit down, moving out of the center of the room and moving on to the opposite end of the sofa that Rukei was sat upon, lowering myself in to the plush seat, my hands joining before me as I now sat, listening to him as he then began to engage conversation.

“Sooo, umm, I’m Rukei, do you have any other names besides Kusakage?”

I couldn’t help but smile – the innocence behind his words was all-too entertaining.



”I’m Blanche.”
"..Although you're to call me Lady Kusakage."

I wasn’t trying to be harsh – I was being playful, if anything, although I expected him to call me by my title. My tone reflected on this playful intent, and I grinned too as I looked at him. I was more than aware of his name, and come to think about it now, I was sure that I’d seen him in the past during my visits to academy. ”I’m sure that I’ve seen you before – you haven’t changed too much from what I can remember. Your hair..” I paused, eyeing the pure white threads of hair that sprouted from his head. ”..Is quite recognizable.” I was sure that the majority of people knew him for that trait; just as I was known for the long blonde hair that so fluidly grew from my own head. Leaning back in to the chair and gazing towards the door, I took in the scent of the food that was cooking elsewhere in the house. I’d been told that his mother was more than happy to cook a meal, and given that it was roughly dinner time that I was visiting, I wasn’t going to miss out on the offer. The hunger for chakra had long since passed, but I was looking forwards to having whatever she was preparing. ”..But I can see now that you’ve been promoted to genin.” I spoke, my eyes momentarily flickering towards the shinobi headband that he proudly wore. ”Congratulations.” I spoke with the same grin as before. Although I’d never put myself down as the sappy kind, it felt good to know that he’d passed, and to know that my own shinobi were succeeding. Whilst I was sure that the life of a shinobi would bring many disadvantages as there were advantages, I was sure that he’d be able to face any adversity that might come his way.

"..Whatever your mother is cooking smells delicious."
"Your father told me that she was quite the cook."

I commented as the same scent returned to my senses, the sound of pans and plates echoing from the kitchen. Having since made myself comfortable on the sofa that I was sat upon, my body tilted slightly to the side so that I could look down back towards the young boy, my hand having now found itself calmly resting to the side of my stomach. Waiting for his response, I kept my gentle gaze on him.

SPOILER: Click to show

1 Infuin pack stored.

[Exile]

As Rukei introduced himself for the second time he took note of the woman’s smile, ‘She has a nice smile.’ He thought for a moment while his head rested in his hands, as she began to speak he narrowed his eyes a bit. ‘Blanche ay? But she’d rather have me call her Lady Kusakage.’ He pondered on the thought for a moment as he began to twiddle his thumbs around twisting up his hair in them, ‘I wonder if she’d be mad if I called her old.’ He thought for a moment as he grinned a little. He wasn’t sure of how he would address the woman just yet, but he knew he didn’t want to mess up because he didn’t want to feel the wrath of his mother  because he knew it wasn’t one not to be played with.  But as the woman continued to speak Rukei would turn his body slightly so that he was facing her, his hands would still be resting behind his head as she spoke while he squinted his eyes a bit. ‘She remembered me!’ He thought as she spoke of a time that she visited the academy, Rukei felt a warm feeling on the inside as his eyes opened up a little bit more. 

‘I knew this hair was the key!’ He thought to himself for that brief moment as he raved over the fact that the Kusakage had remembered him from his academy day’s, ‘I wonder if she remembers Utakata as well.’ He thought for a moment as he pulled his hands from behind his head, he would place them in his lap as she congratulated him on his promotion to Genin. The boy smiled as he loved to be praised for his accomplishments, it was one thing that his mother had done since he was a young boy. And as Blanche took notice to the wonderful aroma in the air he had noticed that she had been quite curious about what his mom was cooking, as she slightly leaned over to look down the hall he’d jump up out of his seat landing just in front of her. 

“Yeah mom is a wonderful cook, she’s cooking up some of her best ramen! But I gotta warn you, it’s kind of addicting.”

Rukei said as he continued to show his teeth, for some reason the boy had felt quite comfortable around the woman. Kind of the same way he did around his own mother or at least close to it, the young boy would extend his right hand out to the Kusakage, 

“Come on  let’s go to the dinning room, I’m pretty sure she’s just putting together the table now.”

Rukei had hoped that she would take his hand, and if she did he would begin to pull her down the hallway to the main dinning room. ‘This is so cool.’ He thought for a moment while he walked down the hallway(Hopefully) pulling Blanche along with him, as they had reached the main dinning hall he would noticed that his father was already sitting at the head of the table. ‘Shit dad.’ He thought for a moment as he’d let go of the Kusakages hand(Provided that he held in the first place) He began to smile nervously as he’d laugh a little.

“Welcome to our humble home, Lady Kusakage. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, I’m glad you found time to come down and meet my son.”

The boy’s Father would present the same smile that his son did, as he waved her over to the table.

“Have a seat, Kanari is about to bring lunch out now.”

He’d say before he looked to Rukei.

“Rukei go help your mother.”

The boy would nod his head as he took off down the hallway, once he arrived in the kitchen his mother was putting the finishing touches on the meal she was putting together. Teriyaki Chicken Style Ramen, ‘She kills it every time, I’m sure the Lady Blanche should love this plus she looks a bit hungry.’ The boy thought to himself as he giggled a bit, but his thoughts were interrupted by his mothers words.

“Rukei I need you to grab the drinks out of the fridge, I’ll handle the platter.”

She’d say as she picked up the pot of steaming noodles using two over mitts. Rukei would swing open the fridge quickly grabbing the pitcher of pink lemonade. ‘Ehh it’s cold.’ He thought as he pulled it out, he took his time to be sure that he didn’t spill any as he walked down the hall. Once he arrived back to the dinning room he’d walk over to the table placing it as close to the center as he could, his mother would be just behind carrying the steaming pot of noodles. 

“Hello Lady Kusakage, it’s a pleasure to have you our home. I’ve prepared my sons favorite dish my Teriyaki Chicken Style Ramen. I hope you enjoy.”

She’d say before presenting a friendly smile and taking her seat at the opposite side of the table, Rukei made his way to his seat he sat in one of the chairs along the side of the table.  

[Apple]

The boy’s answer to my comment about his mother cooking was one that, again, brought a small grin to my face. It wasn’t only because of the fact that I was looking forwards to having something nice to eat, made by someone who was said to be quite good at cooking, but also it made me think about whether I’d be in the same position as her in years to come. Whilst I intended on hanging on to my title as Kusakage, I wanted to balance it with my family life so that I wouldn’t miss out on anything where Kouketsu and Yuuchiro were in the question. I was already starting to get used to making my way back to my new home, the Kikkawa manor, once all was done in the day. But, Rukei’s animated personality and movements soon seemed to usher me out of the seat that I’d taken, he holding out his hand. I wasn’t quite sure if he was offering it in assistance or to request for me to follow him elsewhere, but regardless, placing both hands to either side I moved off the sofa that I was sat upon, and loosely placed my gloved hand in to his once I was on both feet. Being the boisterous child that he seemed to be, he’d then lead the both of us towards where I assumed was the dining room, given by what he was saying. Looking at the walls that we passed as he moved us through the hallways, I skimmed my eyes over paintings, flowers, vases, photographs – the place was full of memories. However, this travel was fleeting as he soon managed to pull us in to the dining room, met with his father who was already seated. The boy then letting go of my hand, I then smiled softly to him my thanks, and began to move elsewhere, towards the seat that I could only assume that I was designated to by the way that they motioned. Pulling out the seat and allowing myself to sit, I then pulled it up as close as I could to the table itself, before turning my head towards his father as he began to speak, thanking me for my visit.

”..It’s no problem – I haven’t done.. house visits before, but your home is close to the Atrium, so it wasn’t much of a bother to come over here.” My words hit the air; it hadn’t been all that difficult to find this place. Whilst it was a good distance away from the manor itself, it wasn’t all that far. ”..Thank you for inviting me in to your home.” My own display of gratitude was given with a soft nod of my head, as Rukei disappeared elsewhere in to the house to help his mother make the preparations for the table, leaving myself and his father alone in the dining room. Pushing my chair away on slightly in order to give myself a little bit more spaced, I then pushed my hair away from my eyes, turning to look back on the uchiha. ”I can loosely remember seeing Rukei quite a while ago – he has a brother, doesn’t he?” I asked, having remembered seeing someone who also looked somewhat like him in the same class. Of course, I knew I was right as I’d looked over the documents for the family before arriving, but it only made me wonder how he wasn’t here today. Surely he was elsewhere doing something else at the moment, or perhaps on a mission.

However, drawing me away from the questions I’d asked was the smell of home cooking as it soon flooded the room with Kanari’s entrance, Rukei’s own hands placing down a pitcher of some kind of pink drink in the middle of the table. Looking over at the woman, she too, alike her husband, spoke of her gratitude for my visit, and I nodded my head in respect to her thanks. ”I’m sure that from what I’ve heard of your cooking it ought to be perfect.” it did smell good – and perhaps that thought wasn’t only driven because of the fact that I’d grown hungry. The smell of the chicken and the various spices and coatings was incredibly potent in the air, and it did, all in all, smell delectable. Having already sat down, I sat in my place, my chair pushed slightly further away from the table to accommodate my middle, and waited with my soft fingertips pressing against the table’s surface. ”..Have you been taking many missions since you’ve become genin, Rukei?” I inquired out of interest. I was aware that he wasn’t yet on the team, but I admitted that Kusagakure had a slight shortage of chuunin who weren’t too busy to lead teams, but I was sure that someone would turn up soon. Had it not been for my condition, I’d have volunteered myself to lead a few genin in my spare time – but given the regime that I was prepared to face in the coming months and years, I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough time to do that. Unlike raising three genin in to capable shinobi, I’d be raising my son. It was a strange thought to try and process, but one that I welcomed. Looking over at Kanari, I offered her a smile, before returning my attention divided between Rukei and the bowl of noodles that she carried in with protected hands.

"I'll try to see if I can get you placed on a team, soon."

I wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to join one but -- it was commonplace for young genin to do so.

[Exile]

“Why yes he does have a brother, but currently he’s being a bum… That's how I refer to him, every since he’s got out of academy he’s been dragging around the house like he lost something. I try my best to get him motivated but it’s just not working right now.”

Kasai would say while Kanari and Rukei sat down at the table, it had seemed that everything was going well as far as the Kusakage’s visit to their home.  ‘Kata is starting to worry me.’ Rukei pondered to himself for a moment as he thought about his fathers response to the Kusakage about his brother, it did seem like Kata was quite lost. But his mind wouldn’t be allowed to worry about it too much as Blanche pulled his attention away from it as asked him if he had been taking up man missions. The young shinobi would smile as he began to put his plate together, 

“Well yeah, I’ve taken up a few.  But it seems like I’ve only taken up some of the easier missions, I think I’m ready for a challenge.”

He’d say as he slapped a bunch of noddles and chicken on his plate, he’d look to his dad and smile a bit before he looked back to his own plate. Rukei knew that he wasn’t ready for the toughest missions that he had heard of but he knew he was prepared for something a little more challenging than delivering mail or picking mushrooms. Once the boy was finished adding food to his plate he grabbed his fork and began to destroy his food, he’d tune just about everything out as he held his head over his plate to eat. His father would giggle a little while his mother looked like she had fire in her eyes, Rukei didn’t notice any of this because all of his attention was on his plate of Ramen. 

“Well no Rukei hasn’t been placed on a team yet, I was wondering when it was gonna happen. The kid has been up every morning though trying to get some type of mission done, I wish his brother would get off his ass and go with him. But at this point it’s turning into wishful thinking."

Kasai would say as his son was focused on his plate of food, Kanari couldn’t take any more of her sons savage eating habits because it was starting to irritate her.  

“Rukei! Stop it, eat like you got some sense boy.”

As Kanari spoke Rukei slowly turned his head to his mother, he would be sporting a big smile with food all over his face. ‘Ehh hopefully that was just a warning.’ he thought for a moment as he sat back in his chair, he’d pick up a napkin from the side of his plate to whip his face. then he would turn back to the Kusakage still sporting his childish grin as he tossed his napkin to the side of his plate.

“Did you say something about a team? If so I’d be happy to join one, Kata probably would too if he ever gets out his room.”

Rukei would say as he grabbed the pitcher of lemonade and proceeded to pour it into his cup.

“So Lady Kusakage, excuse me if I’m intruding. But it looks as if you’re expecting one of your own soon, how far along are you?”

Kanari would ask with friendly tone behind her words hoping that Blance wouldn’t be offended by her question. 

[Apple]

In inquiry about Rukei’s twin brother, it seemed that they didn’t hold him in the same level of esteem as they did Rukei himself. As far as their characters were concerned, it seemed as if they two of them were completely different from what he was explaining him to be now. Whilst I’d known the boy who was sat down with us today to be quite energetic, was his brother all that different to be considered as lazy? Although chances were he surely was quite lethargic in comparison to such an energy-filled boy as Rukei, I was sure that a time would come where he too would become livelier. I hadn’t met him, of course, but I was sure that I’d seen him in the shinobi academy at some earlier time alongside his brother. However, turning my attention back towards the boy as he spoke of the missions that he was taking part on, I’d nod my head a single time before parting my lips to speak. ”..Given that you’ve just finished academy, I don’t expect you to be going on the more difficult ones alone. Once you’re placed on a team I’m sure you’ll be able to take the ones that I’m sure you find more exciting along with your team leader.” with a chuunin leader (Or, Jounin, in some cases) it allowed genin to take B-Ranked missions and above, which was much different to the D and C-Ranked ones that they’d be usually used to by taking them from the atrium. I’d assumed that he’d been doing the easier tasks that were available at the moment, and I had no problem with that. I didn’t want mere children to throw themselves in to dangerous situations, but that was the reality of life. I simply felt comforted knowing that they were only allowed on missions B-Rank and over by direct supervision of village chuunin or jounin. Watching as the boy took the pot of noodles and dispersed some on his own plate, I waited until he was done, and pressed my hand against the back of the chair that I was sat upon, rising up to my feet and taking the cookery equipment in to my hands to place some of the stringlike noodles and their accompanying vegetables and chicken on to the plate. It smelled heavenly, so I could only assume that they would taste as nice, too.

Soon having amassed enough, I then pushed the bowl back in to the middle of the table, and sat back down carefully, moving my chair closer to the table as I did so. Holding the chopsticks in my hand, I was caught mid-action as the father had begun to speak once more about Rukei’s dedication to the shinobi arts at such a young age, and his willingness to take missions alone at the first sight of morning. However, I did feel some pity for the other child who wasn’t here today, who had been spoken somewhat down upon by his parents, and being a mother myself – almost, I coughed slightly, and began to voice my opinion. ”..Perhaps it’s not motivation that he requires – but inspiration.” I suggested with a shrug of my thin shoulders as I then dug the tips of the chopsticks I was holding in to the noodles, rising a large number of strands up so I could try some. After eating a single mouthful, my hand scrambled subtly to one of the few napkins on the table, gently pressing it against my lips once I was done, my eyes looking around at those who I shared the room with. I’d since disregarded Rukei’s messy eating; boys will be boys. ”..I’m sure that he’ll come around soon to it. Perhaps he needs a goal –a dream to aspire to. With no hopes or aspirations..” I paused, my eyes gazing at a piece of chicken on the plate before looking back towards Kasai. ”..It’s surprising just how lazy one can become.” I then offered him a smile before continuing to eat. I’d been in such a situation several times in the past, and I knew how draining it was.

Eating the cube of chicken that I’d previously eyed on the plate, it was as delectable as I’d assumed it would be, and to say the least, I enjoyed it. Repeating the same action as before, I pressed the napkin up to my lips and turned my gaze towards Kanari who had inquired about the child. ”..No; by all means you’re not intruding –“ I insisted, almost stuttering my words a little before continuing, almost as if unsure of what to say – whilst I didn’t doubt that it would have come up at some point, I hadn’t expected it to be so soon. ”..A little over eight months now.” I spoke as I fondly dropped my free hand to my full stomach, a delicate thumb caressing its covered surface. I’d since become used to people asking; the matter of the so-called devil child had since become popular conversation in Kusagakure, and I was sure that people spoke about him more often than they did myself. Whilst it was common that I had people come up to me about the subject, the majority of such conversation was usually positive; they merely inquiring about my health, but I assumed that those who were against me and the revelation that I’d thrown upon them usually tended to stay away, which, of course, I didn’t have any complaints about. "..Although it still is one of my intentions to visit the chuunin exams next week; I'm hoping Kusagakure gains some capable chuunin from its involvement." Having received only one from the last exams (out of the entire world -- Ujiyasu being the sole competitor, as it seemed) I wished for more so that they could lead teams alike the one that I was hoping to have set up for Rukei and other village genin, but -- we'll see how things go. Taking another mouthful of noodles, I continue to enjoy the meal that Kanari had prepared.

SPOILER: Click to show

2 Infuin stacks stored.

[Exile]

Rukei would laugh to himself as he listened to Blanche speak about his brother, he wasn’t sure how right she was because at times Taka did come off as lazy. But he’d shrug it off as he pulled the platter towards him once more, he’d empty a bit more food onto his plate before stuffing his face once more while his mom questioned the Kusakage about her pregnancy. Rukei wouldn’t pay it much attention because he hadn’t known much of the topic, instead he was enjoying another plate of Ramen. As Rukei ate his mother and father took note of the Kusakage’s words,  they knew Utakata a great kid it just had seemed if something had been bothering him of late. But they wouldn’t over think it much as they ate their food while the Kusakage went on about attending the Chunnin exams, and as she did it pulled Rukei attention away from his food for a moment.

“Chunnin Exams? I can’t wait until I go there, I’ll bring the gold home for Kusagakure.”

He’d say with a bright smile on his face, though Rukei had only been a young lad he was very confident in his own ability’s which sometimes lead him to failure but he never dwelled on such thing for to long. The boy would direct his attention back to his plate, he would again begin to eat while the adult continued to converse for awhile.

“Ahh the Chunnin exams, I remember that whole bit.. I was a bit older than most of the people there.”

He’d say with a slight laugh. 

“But overall it was a good show, I’d imagine you’re not going alone on that expedition to Konoha by yourself. I hope you’re being accompanied by some of our top shinobi.”

Kasai would say before  he continued to eat his food, Kanari would nod her head as well before speaking.

“Yeah, eight months in you shouldn’t even be able to walk. I know I couldn’t with Rukei and Utakata, they had me on bed rest for a month.”

She would say before laughing a bit.

“And just to say, Utakata is really just lazy sometimes. He gets in his little moods and doesn’t want to do anything, he’s been that way since he was a toddler. But his father does his best to keep his sprits up, it’s a part of being a parent, learning your kids.”

She’d say before continue to eat, Rukei’s attention would be pulled away from his food once more hearing his brothers name. ‘Ehhh Kata is probably just working on something special in his room.’ he thought to himself while he reached for his cup of lemonade, as he grabbed his cup and took a sip from it he’d look towards the Kusakage once more.

“Ehh, Lady Kusakage, do you think you’d have a chance to take me and brother out on a mission.. I mean if I can pull him out of his room, then you can meet him as well.”

[Apple]

The conversation had soon changed to that of the chuunin exams, and given that Rukei was a genin and was due to join said exams once he was skilled enough, it was very much a conversation that he could relate to. I didn’t know of many genin who didn’t aspire to become chuunin perhaps all too quickly after they’d barely been promoted to genin, and so given the exuberance he’d already shown towards other topics, I expected him to follow suit where the matter went. His brother, on the other hand; given the impression that his parents had given of him, I wasn’t sure if he’d follow the same mindframe as I assumed Rukei bore. But – that wasn’t truly a problem. If he truly wasn’t as interested in the shinobi lifestyle as they made him out be, then there were many other routes that people could take within the village. Delicately picking up cubes of different vegetables with the chopsticks in my hand, I moved to eat each piece that I chose, the oriental flavour coming forth quite strongly in the dish. It wasn’t long until the genin’s voice came forth speaking of his interest in the exams, and given that he responded just how I’d assumed he would, a smirk would become apparent on my lips as I ate. ”You’ll be able to join once you’ve completed the required missions; although given how enthusiastic you’ve shown yourself to be in regards to them, it seems I won’t have to worry about that part of your application process.” I spoke after swallowing down some chicken, the same paper napkin pressing softly against my lips to remove any excess grease and sauce from gluing to my skin. ..However; you’ll need to improve your skills as a shinobi before going, to make sure that you’re fully prepared for whatever may come your way.” given that the chuunin exams were due to be coming up soon, there were a few names that I had listed for those who had shown interest in joining, one of them Sansei, Kasumi of whom had seemed quite hesitant to join. I wasn’t sure whether or not she would truly go forwards to put her name down, but there was almost a small chance. Perhaps, past the reservation that she showed, Kusagakure would gain a chuunin in her by the time the exams had finished. I wasn’t sure what to expect, really.

However – the boy had a while go to before he’d be ready for them, and I was hoping that he understood how to pace himself – the last thing I wanted was for him to throw himself in the deep end and potentially get killed by some of the more overqualified competitors. Turning my gaze towards his father as he spoke of his own experience in the exams, it only made me remember my own; I’d been quite old, too – It was only a few years ago now that I’d competed and won my title and even then things had become somewhat violent – although, given how I was back then, I could admit that perhaps I’d taken the whole thing somewhat too competitively. But – that was the life of a shinobi, and I was sure that given my own current condition perhaps I was acting too soft. It made me think, to say the least. Having since dug back in to the meal before me, upon being addressed again with a question, I again to turn back at the elder Uchiha, allowing a soft nod of my head. ”I’ll be accompanied – I’m not so foolish as to travel to a foreign country by myself.” or, I was contradicting myself, to some degree. Where in the past I’d have been happy enough to travel by myself, I was an exception. I knew how to protect myself, but given that there were other complications that threatened this ability of self-protection active at the moment, it seemed almost compulsory for me to choose to get someone to come along with me – no matter where I went outside of the village. But, it wouldn’t be long until I’d be allowed the freedom that I so wished. Not that I didn’t enjoy the company, but I worked much better alone. ”My title entails too many things for me to be able to put my feet up as much as I’d like; But at the same time, I’m not the type of person that can just.. stop.” It was true – even now my schedule was full of work to do, and I was quite happy to have it that way although by the end of each night I was exhausted from work, but at the same time, I don’t think that I’d rather it any other way. Lounging about was nice at times but I couldn’t stand it on most days.

”I’m sure that I could find some time.”

“But it’ll have to be something fairly easy, I’m afraid.

It was always my aim to inspire the younger inhabitants of the village.

Hopefully this would work – although as I said, I’d be sticking to easier D-Ranks that didn’t request any fighting or potential danger.

I wasn’t sure exactly how Rukei would take this as I knew he was surely looking for action and adventure, but given my own circumstance right now, those two words weren’t exactly what I was personally looking to partake in at the moment. That is, if I was to take part in a mission with the both of them soon - otherwise, they'd have to wait a while.

[Exile]

As Blanche spoke about the Chunnin Exams the young Uchiha couldn’t hope but to give her his full attention, he would continue to sip his lemonade while he listened. As she spoke about her not having to worry about his application he nodded his head, because he knew he would keep getting up and out to do what ever he could to improve his talents as a Shinobi. ‘It’s only matter of time I guess.’ He thought as she went on a little more about him improving his talents. As she finished up Rukei would place his cup on the table before reaching for the pitcher once more, he’d reach around the platter of food to grab it while she answered his parents question. He would try to follow along with what they were talking about to the best of his ability’s,  but it didn’t take vary long before he was lost in his own thoughts for a moment. 

Surely he would be pulled away from his world once Blanche began to address the question that he’d ask her. His full attention would be giving to her once more, he would watch as she partially grinned ‘that’s gotta be a good thing.’ He thought to himself just before she began to speak, though the answer wasn’t all what he’d expected.  Because he’d thought that she would tell him she would take on the hardest mission she could find, but instead she told him that it’d have to be fairly easy. He’d begin to pout a bit before shaking his around causing his hair to cover his eyes, ‘Oh it must be because of her stomach! It’s too big’ as the thought popped into his head he would pull his hair back from over his eyes once more showing his bright blues.

“Well that would be great! I’m sure Kata would jump at a chance to meet the Kusakage her self! Or maybe not, but I sure am. Anytime you’re free I’m ready!”

Rukei would say with a certain zing in his voice, the young Uchiha hadn’t exactly been happy about the fact that he’d have to do an easy mission with her. But he was thrilled at the fact that she would even make time for him, he felt as if he had giving her a good impression of himself. ’Yeah, In no time I’ll be a big shot in the village’ He thought to himself as he leaned back into his chair, he would place his hands behind his head before tilting it back slightly to rest in them. Rukei would begin to day dream a bit about what he wanted to be like when he got older.

“Why thank you for that Lady Kusakage, I’m glad that you would even consider going on a mission with my kids though they’re Genin. I myself plan to take them out for a couple or at least tag along with them on a couple, I figure I need to stretch my legs out a bit.”

Kasai would say as he finished of his plate of food, the man would reach across the table grabbing the pitcher of lemonade. While he was pouring his cup he would continue to speak a bit.

“Oh and hopefully Chunnin’s go well for those who had the guts to participate, I just can’t wait for Rukei and Kata to be eligible to go. I’ll make sure they’re ready, my training isn’t so easy.”

He’d say following up with a small laugh.  

[Apple]

As I continued to eat what little was left on the plate of food that I’d collected for myself, I also kept a sharp eye on the boy sitting close by, and his reaction to my request of not doing a mission that would be classed as perhaps too hard due to the limitations that I was faced with at the moment. Had it been anyone years older than he, I’d have expected more from him where his gloomy response was concerned, but he was young – and evidently, patience wasn’t a virtue of his, although, I couldn’t speak as at most times, neither was it my own. But he seemed irritated – perhaps even a little disappointed, and whilst I wished that I could go on a more dangerous one, I had to pace myself, and I was more than aware that I wouldn’t be able to face the challenge that a higher ranked mission would bring at the current time. However, what glum expression he showed soon proved to be fleeting, existing only for a few moments before his head perked up once more to speak to me, going on to explain how he figured his brother would, or wouldn’t appreciate meeting me as much as his brother Rukei. ”..I have a few things happening this week, but I’ll try to find some time to go out on a mission with you – and your brother too, if he’d like.” I paused, moving my sky-blue eyes towards his parents, addressing them with my next few choices of words. ”..I’ll be sure to get in contact with the two of you again, to arrange our mission so that the note can be passed on to Rukei and his sibling.” I informed the both of them once I finished with the plate, placing the chopsticks I’d been given carefully in the middle of the plate itself, aligned perfectly.

I was soon the audience again of his father’s voice, as he spoke of his intent to guide his sons out on a few missions before the chuunin exams were to begin. Despite the fact that missions were very much a staple part of shinobi life, one couldn’t truly imitate the battles that took place within the exams, although doing such tasks usually made the competitor think more highly about the trials that would be placed before them. ”..Perhaps I’ll be expecting a few new chuunin from this family, then.” I spoke with a grin, my free hand remaining on the side of my stomach whilst the other daintily pressed against the table before me as I pushed myself back to a more uprightly seated position. Of course, whether or not his brother would attend too when he was ready was another question – but I wasn’t too bothered by it at the current time. Turning back to Rukei, I then pushed my plate slightly more forward towards the middle of the table but – it wasn’t exactly a noticeable motion, at all. ”..You’ll need to do a lot of training to receive chuunin – but hopefully with your father training you and you yourself getting several missions under your belt, it’d give you an advantage above others who may not even have started to prepare.” it was moreso a suggestion as to what he was doing. By doing missions I wasn’t sure if he was preparing himself for the exams, but if he wasn’t and he had some other motive – money, perhaps – then he’d just be killing two birds with one stone. Rising one of my hands and pushing the blonde hair that I bore back from my face, I turned to look at Kanari, my eyes dimmed for only a moment as I spoke my following thanks;

"Thank you for the meal."
"It seems your husband was right when he spoke so highly of your cooking."

He had bragged about it - but his words had been worthwhile, as it had reached the standards that he'd placed for his wife's food, and surely passed it by some amount, too.
Satisfied, I leaned back slightly in the chair I was sat in.

SPOILER: Click to show

3 infuin stacks gained.

[Exile]

As the Kusakage spoke Rukei gave her his full attention, as she spoke of how busy her week would be he would sigh a bit. But shortly after he would be smiling as she turned away from for a moment looking to his father, ‘YES.’ he thought as she told his father that he would be notified when the mission would be ready. The genin would keep a level head as Blanche continued to eat, Rukie Had already finished off too full plates of food so he was pretty much full. He’d just continue to sip his drink while he listened to the adults speak a bit, and of course the Kusakage had nothing but encouraging words for the family entirely. The feeling in the room was nothing short of friendly,  as the Kusakage turned back towards Rukei once more.

“Of course I’ll get it done, and I’ll be sure to train hard with dad as well.”

The boy would say as he nodded his head to Blanche, Rukei had just hopped that his brother would get better. But at the rate things were going it had seemed like he was on the fast pace for nothing, Rukei would let his head weigh down before placing his cup on to the table. He would push back from the table with his hair swinging down over the front of his face, he would get out of chair and head towards the doorway that lead to the main hallway. As he entered the threshold of the door the young Uchiha would turn back towards the dinner table where his parents and the Kusakage was sitting flipping his hair out o his face. 

“I’m gonna go check on Kata, It was very nice to meet you Lady Kusakage. And I can’t wait until we go on our mission.”

The boy would make his exit from the room heading for upstairs.

“Well it was no problem Lady Kusakage it was a pleasure to have you here for dinner, and I told you that my wife had some wonderful cooking. But I’m gonna check on Rukei he didn’t look alright when he got up from the table.”

Kasai would say as he got up from the table he would soon make his exit as well moving towards the steps. Now it would only be Kanari and Blanche left in the room, Kanari would continue on eating her food that she hadn’t finished yet.

“It was my pleasure to prepare this meal for you and my family, I could only hope that you would come back and visit again. It was wonderful to speak with you for the first time, maybe after you get through that pregnancy we can go out together for a drink or something.”

She would say as she politely smiled while she picked around in her food a bit more. 

[Apple]

Speaking to such a family only brought myself back to the days wherein I had lived in such a setting in my own home. Just, where Rukei spoke of his father training me; Mine was usually too busy to do that, or he was usually training Ue instead. I was made to train with my grandmother, mother and various other relatives. Perhaps it had been all-too traditional, but I’d had a happy childhood running around the manor with my brother and cousin, sweetly oblivious to the severity of the shinobi life that we were due to adopt in the coming years. We hadn’t guessed what was happening. I’d heard my parents speaking about things as if they sounded like they were about war, but with such big words and me at such a young age, I usually wasn’t sure what they were on about and instead chose to run off to play another game of tag with my sibling. A soft sigh escaped my lips merely recalling such memories – Ue was dead, now, and there was nothing that could change that. Or – there was, but I couldn’t bear do that to someone that I loved. The ability that I’d strove to attain had turned out more of a curse than a blessing, destroying and warping what moral compass I’d had. But – it wasn’t a subject to think about at the moment. Turning my attention back to Rukei as I saw a glimpse of his figure leaving the room in search of his brother, I nodded a single time to note my understanding, before looking back towards the table.

And it had been a good meal. I’d become too used to ordering food in the office but true home cooking was something that I was working on, not for my sake, but that of Yuuchiro, and Kouketsu, too. He needed to grow up in a home that supplied its own meals, and I was more than willing to be the one creating them. My eyes travelled around the room as Kasai also made his leave, myself responding to his parting words with a ”..Thank you.”. I hadn’t noticed anything different about the boy, but then again I had been wrapped up in my own train of thought whilst everything had been happening. And – it was the judgement of his father, and he undoubtedly knew the boy better than I did. Heavy steps brought him out of the room and I could hear his footsteps elsewhere taking him up the stairs, but in the meantime, my eyes descended back on Kanari, who was still eating her food. However – it seemed as if she would soon notice that it was only her and I in the room, as she began to talk. ”..I was pleased to come here; your boy should become an excellent shinobi in time – just he may need to work on his attitude a little bit as he grows older.” I grinned as I leaned back in the chair, soft blonde curls falling down its back. Of course – I was simply referring to the way that he seemed to take everything in an over exaggerated way, his facial features mimicking this, too. But – he was a child, and I expected him to act as such. To have him any different would surely strip him of his identity. ”..But I’ll do my best – although I digress that if the two of them truly are looking forwards to taking something more fast paced, then they’re going to be disappointed.” I spoke with the same grin. Perhaps a little while after Yuuchiro’s birth I’d offer to take them on another mission; but for now, picking mushrooms was exhausting enough.

”I don’t drink, but; I’d be more than happy to meet up again to discuss the progress of your sons.”

It wasn’t as if I didn’t like the taste – but after spending months and months on the streets of Kami no shima, alcohol had become almost like a dependable friend for me, and I sought not to return back to those days. Unlike my thirst for chakra, it was easily silenced.

Pushing my chair away from the table, I then freed myself from its confines and steadily rose to my full standing height.