Stranger Danger [P]

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

Masamune had woken up early this morning, his parents obviously still asleep in bed. His father, Atsushi, was always sleeping in late. His mother often joined him, so Masamune was often found fending for himself. He was 18 though, and he should technically be preparing to move out on his own, but he had yet to become a part of a Shinobi team, and go on any missions. Because of this, Masamune was practically broke. He had money, but he hoped to put it to better use. Besides, it wasn't enough to buy his own house to begin with.

Having exited his front door, Masamune walked into the Kumogakure village streets with a sort of boredom that swept over his facial expression. His black outfit was covering his legs, chest, arms, and face. He had his katana on his back, and pads of white leather were strapped to his forearms. They garnered no actual protection, at most keeping bugs from being able to bite through the soft black linens underneath. They simply kept the sleeves of his attire tight to his forearms, so that they wouldn't snag on anything with their slightly loose fit.

Walking towards his favorite place to get food in the morning, Masamune entered and ordered his usual. A cup of spearmint flavored tea, and a honey glazed bun. His mornings were filled with his need for sugar, being both that he had a sweet tooth when he woke up, and also that the sugar gave him a boost of energy to get himself. That or it was the tea and it's caffeine, either way Masamune devoured his small breakfast in no time. Placing his owed dues on the counter, Masamune headed back out the door and into the streets once again.

The sun was now shining much more brightly than when he had left his house, it's rays beginning to cast over the village, and into Masamune's eyes. Albeit not for long, as a massive array of clouds began distorting the light, almost entirely. Another thing that had changed is that there were more people outside, waking up slightly later than Masamune. He had looked over them all, seeing no familiar faces. He kept himself moving forward, as he sat on a bench to the right side of the street. He then pulled out his Kumogakure headband, which was tied around his neck and tucked underneath his clothing. Placing it over the clothing which covered his neck, so that people could see it in front of his neck, Masamune toyed with it. As random rays of light revealed themselves through the clouds, Masamune tried getting the reflections off his headband to blind passerby's. It took some practice, but soon an older man passing by threw a hand over his face and bumped into a lady with bags in her hands. Masamune grinned, although kept silent so that he didn't attract attention from the man. He watched him pick up the ladies belongigns and place them in her bags, apologizing for his stupidity.

" This village never loses it's fun. "

He spoke that out loud, but then mentally made a rebuttal. That was true, until everyone was out doing missions, which Masamune couldn't do. Well, he could, but why would you do missions by yourself? That would be the epitome of boredom, in Masamune's eyes. Doing work all buy yourself. He needed at least one more person, and then he would be okay with doing work or going on a mission.

[mercy]

The weather seemed to never ceased to inspire within me a new motivation for the day as I watched the rays of the sunlight beaming over the village of which I sworn to protect before my grandfather and the statues portraying the founding fathers of Kumogakure. I stood on the rooftop on some house, watching the streets and sidewalks become filled with the busybody of people. The residents of Kumogakure went about their everyday activities, making business here and there, a greeting among friends and families. I sat down, surveying the place, wondering what I should today. From the depths of my stomach did it growl, indicating that it needed food and it needed it soon. I grabbed my wallet and upon opening it, became quickly disheartened and my hopes for food had dwindled. Eh, I’ll get food somehow, I always do. It was time to go and see what type of activities was alive today on this early morning.

Jumping down from the rooftops, I slithered around the back, making it out to the open by avoiding the vast crowds and the little tight areas that I so hated when trying to get somewhere. In the streets of Kumogakure, I wandered about looking at the various shops and remembering that I needed not only food but equipment as well. It was without a doubt that there were no shinobis around since they were all out performing their duties that our Kage had ordered them to perform. However, my previous thought was soon about to be disproven as my hazel oculi spotted a boy playing with what seemed to be a cloud headband. He sat on a bench, across the streets from where I presently stood. What’s a shinobi doing here in the public streets? Surely, he must have duties to perform?

Upon furthering my pursuit in the curiosity of my state of being, feet shuffled across the streets as my apricot jumpsuit with atramentous meshes located near the ankles ruffled in response to the gentle gale. I was careful, however, to make sure that my overall approach was not obvious—as to be noticed as a direct path—and so, I wandered about, my countenance getting closer and closer to the bench. When I indeed reached the bench, I stood to the boy’s left, my hazel eyes stared forth at the coming and going of the public. I spoke, finally, as a means to see where this conversation would go. At best, he would truly be a loyal warrior of my village and everything could go smoothly. At worst, he could be spy, and to which I would have to extend the hostility of the gate keepers that was the result of my utmost loyalty to my village.

“Yo! Mind telling me what’s a shinobi like you sitting here in the public streets? Are you off duty or something?” Although I kept my eyes on the people wandering about, my words were surely directed at the man who sat on the bench next to me. 

Which path shall this take…?

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

As the crowds shifted, Masamune had lost interest in his foolishness, knowing that he shouldn't be toying with other people like that. But he couldn't resist, it was something that made him laugh. He looked off in the distance towards his house, his mother seen in the windowpane grabbing the bottom of the frame and lifting it up for fresh morning air to roll in their room. that was when a voice inquired to Masamune's left as to what exactly he had been doing. His gaze, which was to the right, shifted to the direction of which he heard the voice question him and his purpose of being hear, with nothing to do. Most let Masamune go on with his business without a word, and looking at the figure, he could tell he must be another Shinobi.

" I am just a Genin, the only missions I could do are boring and warrant little pay. I also have no team, so it would be really boring to work all alone, don't you agree? I enjoy small amounts of company when I have work to do. All on my own, I tend to get distracted and doze off in my mind. But hey, by the looks of it, i'm not the only one 'off duty', as you said...the name is Masamune Nara. "

Not trying to be a smart ass, Masamune spoke in his inviting tone to this person. He was only asking a fair question, no need to be disrespectful like he was quite capable of being towards others, especially strangers. He had his fun disrupting the days and moods of others with that man he had blinded. Now was the time to be polite, and maybe something good would come of it? Regardless, this guy's figure was much more like a Shinobi than Masamune's. He also didn't taunt or disrespect Masamune as of yet, showing he was well-mannered to those of his village, to comrades. Yes, he was a part of this village, the Kumogakure headband strapped tightly to his left shoulder. What was his intent, though? Might as well wait long enough to figure out.

" How 'bout you? What is your name? "

[mercy]

Listening the boy, he identified himself as a shinobi of my rank as my right brow raised in interest. He, like me, did not like to do missions on his own. I smiled at his smart-ass reply to my question as a chuckle escaped from my lips. Looking around at the vast influx of people coming in and out, an idea had indeed struck me in revelation of my growling stomach. But first, there was the ever present introduction that was the defining moment of this conversation. My name?

“Masamune Nara huh? The name’s Mokushi, nice to meet you!” So, he’s from the Nara clan? Interesting…. I spoke yet again, appealing to the idea that I previously thought up, “I feel your pain. I also get bored very easily when I do missions on my own. However, having been scolded at from the superiors, it’s time I started them. Would you like to do some of them with me?”

I paused, waiting for his reply. 

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

He was quick to answer, but Mokushi did not reveal his last name, if he were to even have one. His right eyebrow raised, and Masamune didn't really express similar enthusiasm with his bodily expressions. He slouched back in the bench and crossed his arms, looking at the person with even more curiosity. He was quick to want to go do something, something Masamune also didn't like. He was overzealous, at least it seemed so.

Just Mokushi? Right, well I don't really have an interest in doing any missions without an official team. We need a leader, and possibly one other Genin to take role as the third student. Until then, I don't really see myself doing anything for the village. At least not right now. If you want to go do a mission that bad, feel welcome. I think I will wait for a better time. "

Looking over to the right, Masamune noticed his father looking out the window, seemingly staring towards Masamune. He probably noticed the two talking, and was maybe even imagining what the subject matter or criteria could be in the conversation. Casting his gaze back to his left, he inquired about his last name, were he to have one.

" Surely there is more to your name, though? Everyone has some sort of family, and most of which pass down a surname to their kin. Then again, maybe you could be one of those people without one passed down to them. "

He looked at Mokushi's eyes with a straight face, staring at him to look for any twitching of the eyes, looking up and away to avoid eye contact, or other common antics that people displayed when they were lying, or hiding some sort of truth. Masamune wasn't an interrogation expert, but he, along with many others, had a fairly good idea when people were lying. So, what was it with this Mokushi?

[mercy]

Tsk, a team? Seriously? How mundane. Thoughts ran through my mind as I listened in further. Normally, at this point, I would leave, not wasting any more of my time with him but my stomach and wallet both dared me to leave, threatening to put me in a dire situation and so I stayed. I nodded, my face displaying pursuit in thought as I spoke in response to his desire, “Alright, so if we find another teammate and a leader, we can start these missions? Sounds good to me!”

However, he would not stop there as he inquired further on my name. I never told people my real name due to my past. Mokushi was my code name, a name that I had invented when I was in the presence of shinobi to create a false identity about myself—a name that did not truly exist. Ah, but there’s power in a name right? I mused as I decided to tell him my surname. I grinned as I turned to face to Nara shinobi, words uttered from my thin lips as my hazel oculi narrowed, answering his question, “Uchiha. Mokushi Uchiha”.

What would be of his reaction to my surname?

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

Masamune's eyes widened for a brief moment, not having expected such an answer. How was an Uchiha sitting around the village like this? It was rather a significant event to meet an Uchiha, if that's what he was. But was he lying? It didn't seem like it, he was looking right at Masamune without breaking any eye contact. He even grinned at the same time, giving Masamune the feeling that he was confident when he said that. But why would an Uchiha want something to do with him of all people? It almost made him want to go straight into the mission compound, or somewhere where they could make the team official. But who else would, or could join their team? And after that was answered, who would lead them?

" Well that changes things. That changes things a lot. I guess that might explain why you're so enthusiastic about going on some missions. Maybe we could get some missions in, but nothing serious. "

Perhaps today Masamune was gifted with the opportunity of a lifetime. Then again, maybe not. Some of them were straight up murderers, who held no remorse at all, even to the innocent. Masamune had some limits, some weaknesses. If they were too young to fight, or unable to defend themselves, Masamune wouldn't likely mess with them.

" So you're not some psychopathic killer, right? I don't want to end up in little bits and pieces for looking at you the wrong way. Know what I mean? Will I be able to trust you, Uchiha? "

To Masamune, it wasn't really appropriate or inappropriate to ask those questions, but it wasn't exactly good luck to have Uchiha around. Not unless they're your friends or comrades, which he was seeming to become just that. Then it was a tremendous privilege and honor. They were blessed with power, almost as if it was their right by birth. Stories of the Uchiha are scarce but momentous, having some of the most influence on the shinobi world. Was Mokushi going to be another famous Uchiha, with the use of Sharingan at his side? Ah yes, the red eyes. That's how you proved it, but it was almost disrespectful to ask. In fact, it was if he truly were. Masamune decided not to ask that question, instead content with answers for the ones he had already inquired.

[mercy]

I remained, yet again, amazed by the power of my ancestors that bestowed upon my being. A single mention of my surname had completely turned the events of things as the Nara shinobi’s eyes would widen upon its mention. I chuckled a bit after his statement, yes!!! He agreed! I’m going to eat dinner tonight! Whoo! Still, I remain calm in composure, as it seemed that the notorious reputation of my people preceded its well-known declaration of power as the boy seemed nervous. I don’t blame him. Even I am very careful when going to visit my cousins. 

“Alright, but I do agree with your idea. We do need to find a captain and another shinobi to join us.” I spoke, in answer to his first statement, before continuing to answer his second statement, “Hm, how about this? Observe my actions and my character. Overtime, should we be fated to fight alongside each other as teammates and comrades, decide for yourself whether or not I can control the curse inflicted upon my people. Of course, then if that is case, you can try and kill me. I won’t have any ill feelings towards you.” Indeed, I would not, for although I knew that I had a potent and powerful darkness that dwelled within me, my grandfather and I were intent on getting rid of it, or at the very least, control it. 

Still, there existed a sense of uncertainty within the Nara man as he seemed to not believe the notion that I was an Uchiha. That was entirely to be expected of course, I mean, who would? Here I was, at the age of 14, wandering about the village like some beggar looking for trouble. Maybe I should prove it to him? My stomach certainly agrees and my wallet too! I closed my eyes for a moment, and turned to face him. My eyes opened as a mere surge of chakra buzzed around my optic nerves triggering the reaction that changed my hazel oculi to one dipped in crimson. The two-tomoe Sharingan—the power of my ancestors—bestowed upon them. Truly a gift from the gods above, I would speak, “You don’t seem convinced that I’m who I say I am. Does this suffice?” I said with a smile across my face. Hopefully, I can eat tonight…

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

He was taken back when the scarlet eyes were revealed to him, the one true mark of an Uchiha. His eyes, they were real, more real than anything else could be considered to be. It was not to be taken lightly, and Masamune felt belittled by his presence, especially with those eyes looking at him. Still, he smiled, showing enjoyment instead of discontent when he revealed his inherited genes, the undeniable power. His stomach had been noisy, though. How was this Uchiha going hungry? Maybe using his eyes used lots of energy, and he needed to eat more?

" Damn, there's no denying it. That's rare, I bet you are the only one of your kind here in Kumogakure. Maybe even all over, since I have yet to meet an Uchiha, you being the first. Could I offer you a drink, something to eat? I'm starting to get a little thirsty myself, from this chatter. I'll pay, of course. "

Normally Masamune wouldn't offer handouts to anybody, but this Genin was a somebody, or at least in time he would be. With the Uchiha bloodline running in him, he was practically destined to become great. Unless Masamune was wrong to trust him, this would turn into an interesting turn of events, at the least. Maybe even he would have a lifetime friend, gifted with the famed Sharingan eyes. Masamune began thinking of all the things he heard about Uchiha, their powers, but it wasn't much. Standing up from the bench, Masamune patted down his garbs, as he began walking in the direction of a few places that sold some good food. From ramen stands, to fresh cuisines, Masamune would let him decide where they sat to eat.

" You pick a place, all I will need is a drink, so it doesn't matter. Makes me wonder what Uchiha like to eat, hopefully normal food. Not human flesh or anything, right? "

While he wasn't your practical comedian, Masamune was trying to be at least somewhat amusing, to ease any tension if there were any. From what he could tell though, Mokushi was relaxed, in a casual state of mind. He was probably more focused on the sings of food in the direction they were headed, looking for the most delicious item he could spot. Whatever it was, Masamune hoped it wouldn't leave him broke. It was just food, though. It couldn't cost that much, right?

[mercy]

I watched the expression on the Nara man’s face, chuckling a bit. The Sharingan ceased to its native color, that hazel hue. Upon listening to his statement, I prepared to give him an interesting reply, “Perhaps, I am the only pure Uchiha in this village but I am not the only one of my clan. There are many others much much more powerful than I am. They scatter all over the world, aware of their ancestry.” I quickly put my hand on my stomach as I gave nervous laugh to the noise my stomach was making. He would then offer me to something to eat, as my eyes lit up. 

“Really?! You sure! Okay, let’s go to the barbecue place they just opened! I hope you have a lot of money, I’m very hungry!! Sometimes we may eat human flesh!” I said, humorously, appealing to the grotesque image that he had of my people. It was quite funny how rumors were easily exaggerated. With that, I leaped towards the place, hoping he would follow. My mouth watering with the images of steak, ramen, pork, and so much more meat. 

—Exit!

[Masamune]

Masamune Nara

On their way to his selected food joint, he returned a comment about eating other humans. He wanted barbecue, something that made Masamune's mouth water. But with the remark about having a lot of money, he lost his appetite, soon wondering how big of a bill Mokushi could make. Hopefully nothing too astronomical, he didn't want his wallet to suffer of starvation either.

" Not a bad choice. Barbecue it is, on me. "

Making his way inside the restaurant, Mokushi would likely follow. Sitting down at a table made of two benches, Masamune ordered two racks of rib, hoping Mokushi would eat such a thing. The kitchen was already filled with the noise of sizzling meat, as their order came right up in less than a minute. Masamune also called for a jug of water, pouring himself a glass. He cut his ribs in half, setting it aside, likely not going to be able to finish the first half. It was delicious though, and it seemed to fall off the bone as soon as you took hold of it. Masamune found himself using a napkin in no time, finding it hard not to be messy when eating such a thing. The thing he dreaded most was at the need of this feast, when he would foot the bill, and a tip. But it would be worth it soon enough.

Exit/End Thread.

[Messatsu!]

Masamune: 40 EXP!
Mercy: 30 EXP!