Recalled [TRAVEL]

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Finally after overstaying her welcome in Kirigakure the Konoha Sorceress, Nakotsumi Mana was finally ready to leave. Her journey however would not be as she had planned, to Kumogakure, but instead a journey back home. Right before setting out to Kumogakure after one of her last shows the girl received another letter from Konoha administration, initially the magician thought it would be another mission so she was worried that she’d have to postpone her trip once again. Fortunately enough, it was actually a polite apology for the trouble and request for Mana to return home, the magician didn’t understand what that was about as her magic tour was well within her discretion as a ninja, she did not break any rules so there were very few reasons for Konoha to request her back. “Maybe they have some important jobs… Something that needs a higher ranking ninja.” Mana wondered and sighed to herself.

The magician had intended to set out for Kumogakure and even beyond after seeing how most of her wounds were healed up and she had recovered from all of the injuries relatively well. Now Mana’s “World Magic tour” would sound very funny seeing how Mana only performed in Konoha and Kirigakure while officially on tour. Luckily no plans were made and Kumogakure had not been contacted yet about the tour so there were no inconveniences that would have needed fixing. With all of the commotion and surprise of being called back home Mana almost forgot that she had promised a young Kirigakure genin she’d let him escort her. The young woman reached into the drawer for another sheet of paper and scribbled a note that informed him of the upcoming trip just as Takehiro asked when they met, it had been over a month since the meeting so the boy may have had other plans by then, Mana didn’t have much hope that he would actually come.

“Dear Takehiro,

I don’t know if you remember me or your suggestion to escort me when I’ll be leaving the village but in case you are still willing to go for it, I’m leaving tomorrow at dawn. Unfortunately I won’t be going to Kumogakure, Konoha just wrote me that they have work for me and that I should come home whenever it is convenient for me. I can understand how this change of destination could invite suspicion so I won’t be disappointed or anything if you won’t come, the journey is going to be by an old fisherman ship which belongs to Kirigakure so maybe at least that will help you wipe some suspicion off. Anyways feel free to come with me or not by your own decision, the ship will port into the Fire Country and then turn straight back to Kirigakure so you’ll be brought straight back home after it arrives in the Fire Country.

Konoha Sorceress, and hopefully, your friend…
Nakotsumi Mana

The letter that Mana sent the youth was nothing too impressive, the young kunoichi had never considered herself to be anything like a literature genius and it was quickly put together in several minutes just that the girl could inform Take of her incoming departure just like she promised. After how much time had passed she didn’t expect Takehiro to come and only did it because of her own promise she made to let the young Hyuuga know when she’d be leaving. She didn’t have to leave with such haste as she would and from what Kirigakure was she did not want to, there were no actual grievances or bad feelings towards the village that forced her to depart so quick.

The real reason of Mana’s fast departure was just respect for her village and wish to see her friends after a long time. The manner that Mana’s return was requested suggested that the village did not need her immediately and that she had permission to properly close down all the shows and deliver on all the promises she may have made or say her farewells, she didn’t have to leave immediately in the morning. Still Mana loved her village and knowing that there may have been important work for her made her leave as fast as possible without even traveling in a comfortable cruise ship but instead sending a letter to a captain of a fishing vessel to accept her, obviously she’d be paying him some money even if she would probably not even be seen throughout the journey. She just wanted no trouble and no surprises in the morning so she agreed to pay a sum that would’ve been deemed far too large for such a service.

That night Mana slept well and before going to bed she did all of her own services letting the staff off early, the Assistant knew of Mana’s plans to leave the next day but he didn’t know how early she’d be leaving. The two had said their goodbyes well earlier after Mana’s last show. As usual to the man he suggested the youth staying just a little longer, it was something that the village was apparently very interested in happening seeing how much money Mana’s shows made: she was barely paid anything, all of her expenses being paid by the village was the only reward she got and the village was allowed to keep all of what the theatres and halls made from the tickets and donations and all the fundraisers.

The kunoichi’s eyes shot open several hours before dawn, she jumped up and got her pre-packed luggage and set out, even the night receptionist was sleeping at that time. The girl rushed to the port with a quick step and started waiting around for Takehiro if he decided to actually come, she’d enter the ship at the last second before it set sail so unless the youth is too late for the actual ship leaving schedule he would see the small fishing vessel and Mana waiting on the pier. The night was definitely a chilly one, it made Mana glad that she actually brought a coat back during her trip from Konoha with her. “We’re leaving in half-an-hour, missy!” the captain yelled out, Mana smiled at him and nodded, seeing how much money the man got from her he had the fisherman carrying her luggage into the ship for her. Feeling a little cold Mana crossed her arms on the chest and started tapping her feet into the wooden floor of the pier looking into the distance lit by the streetlights if Takehiro was coming…

Posts : 123

“Like hell you’re going!” Takehiro’s father shouted towards him while sitting at the table. The letter that Take had received the night before was the moment he has been waiting one month for, he knew that she would wind up keeping her promise. “I promised her! It’s only to Konoha and back. I won’t be stoppin’ anywhere else.” Take was starting to get aggravated from his father’s disapproval for immature reasons. “You are to obey me, not run out after I say no.” Juuro slowly stood up from the table and started to approach Take. After finding out that he had lost an eye, his father hasn’t been taking it easy on him whatsoever. Why should he? It was Take’s own fault for letting that optic get stolen from him.

Take was just finishing packing his equipment for the journey, finally being able to visit the world outside of the village sent excitement through this veins. “Kunai, shuriken, medkits..Everything I need.” His thoughts kept track of every item that he needed for this trek to Konoha. His life had changed for the month that had passed from first meeting Mana. He had gotten a little adjusted to the fact of having a blind side constantly, and allowing him to keep the Byakugan more active than he could before.

It was a feat that he never saw himself passing up, but he did it alone and with no teachings. It had to mean something that he was able to reach this milestone and finally be able to work his way back up the shinobi chain. Juuro was the only parental unit to be up during this hour.

Takehiro’s mother was fast asleep, missing all the action that took place in the kitchen of the house that they shared. Juuro stood up from the table, and started his walk towards Takehiro. He’s always been a little more ‘pushy’ towards Take whenever he got the chance. From training, to minor talks. If Take came out of it without a bruise, it was a good day and he’d be able to sleep with the best rest he could possibly imagine. “I’m goin’ to g-“ Take’s words was cut off from a hand bringing forth force to his left cheek. There was no way he could have seen it coming, and Juuro knew that when he launched the physical contact between him and Take.

It was a bit cruel to use your childs weakness against them; at least in this manner. Take placed his own palm against his cheek while looking eye-level to his father. Juuro’s jaw muscles tightened and loosened on the side of his head while staring at Take. That was a sign that he was truly pissed, and Take was sure that there would be no words that could change the thought process of Juuro. It was either listen to his father’s words and break the promise that he made to Mana, or just make a run for it. The young Hyuuga could feel his cheek swell just a bit with the purple hint coming to his skin. He knew the contact was hard, but was it enough to cause a bruise to form? He’ll start seeing and feeling the effects in a few hours.

Take gripped the side of his bag with his fingers lightly, sliding it over his shoulder to let out a slow breath from his nostrils. “I’m goin’.” He simple stated, running his shoulder into Juuros’ making him move to the side from the force of the contact made between the two. Take was in no mood to let that fight escalate more than it needed to. He was already running just a bit behind schedule, and with it being near dawn, he was sure that the roads would be a bit clear so that he could make a run for the docks.

The letter remained in the between his chest and the slit of cloth that came from his robe. Seeing that he didn’t really have any pockets, it was the most casual way of holding onto the object. Takehiro was looking a bit different than usual: having his forehead protector push back his bangs from his head, and the casual pony-tail that he had grown to like. His eye-patch had more designs on it placed on by his mother. The Hyuuga clan symbol was etched into the center of the patch, with golden swirls on every point by the flame emblem. It was his way of accepting the wound and not letting it bring him down.

The chilly wind started to cut through the fabric of Takehiro’s person. He knew it got cold at night, but for it to be like this? It would only get a little worse when he got closer to the docks. His sandals dug into the earth while he was sprinting. He felt bad for letting Mana wait like she was; it only caused him to beat himself up over the trial. “Hopefully she hasn’t been waitin’ too long.” He thought to himself while he continued to run towards the docks. He has never been on a boat, at least he couldn’t remember being on one where he could actually think of the trek and motion of the transportation. He’d heard if one is sensitive to motion and rocking motions, they would get sick while standing on the boat. Take didn’t want to run into this problem, so he would choose to sit down once he got the chance to do so.

With the pier sign appearing up ahead, Take could finally slow down his pace and actually start to catch his breath. “Ah, good. She hasn’t let yet.” Knowing that she was there waiting, and keeping her promise brought a bright smile to Takehiro’s features. He almost didn’t want to believe that she would wait for him, but seeing her stand there; it made his stomach feel a bit bubbly.

Walking on the wooden planks underneath his feet, Take went towards the boat that Mana was standing in-front of, looking over the wooden vessel for a few seconds before even stating a word. “Looks like you’ll get to show me Konoha after all, huh?” He stated softly while fixing the strap over his shoulder.

“I’ll come back home after seeing it with you.”

Posts : 757

Tatsuo, the first shinobi in Kirigakure to make Shinjin feel like garbage. Shinjin felt the injury plagued him more than Tatsuo, who by now had simply accepted it and moved on. He had not been there to save his friend, to fend off his attackers and to show him how strong of a nation Kirigakure was. Instead, he was tramping across the country while a comrade back home lost his arm, never once thinking that something could go wrong. But yet, he knew it was impossible to be in two places at once. Shinjin knew it was not his fault, and he had not made a vow or promise to protect Kirigakure and her people as his mantra.

No, Shinjin's resolve was firm and it was simple. If he had the power, he would simply not allow harm to come to anyone else. With Ms. Sorceress being a war criminal in Kirigakure's eyes, Shinjin had every right to intercede with the law backing him. The Oinin Butai followed him relentlessly though he was still but a boy, every command, every decree, every wish was thrown before him. But it was not total obedience, or blind servitude. It was a simple fact that Ms. Sorceress was responsible for the deaths of innocent Kirigakure citizens.

And now she was taking one of Kirigakure's brightest with her.

Unfortunately for the two of them, it was Shinjin's job to know these things, to be constantly aware of who was moving in and outside of his village walls, keeping tabs on mostly every except for a select few that included the Mizukage himself. Ms. Sorceress nor the boy would enjoy this night, and no doubt it would be forever etched into their souls what happened here. Shinjin hoped they would avoid an altercation, but was prepared... no, excited for struggle should it happen. He didn't need to lie to himself. Ever since he saw Ms. Sorceress kill he had wanted to try his hand against her.

It would asinine to completely jump her, so he would give both shinobi a chance to just turn around. It was on the Witch to leave and never return, and it was on the boy to simply avoid conflict and remain home until he had official orders that he was allowed to leave. Shinjin had done the same thing with Kyu only two years ago, leaving under the tutelage of a High Council member with completed visas and authorization by the village-gate shinobi. This boy would not have a single excuse, and if he still wanted leave, he could do so as long as he didn't do it with the Witch.

He would have to understand that by leaving with her or seeking her out, he would always play a part in Shinjin's train of thoughts. Whenever word of a spy or traitor surfaced itself in every day life, Shinjin would think of him. If someone sought to frame him for plotting against Kirigakure and her people, Shinjin would think of him, and most importantly act. His life was valuable to the village, but not as valuable as the secrets. Honestly, the only thing that was valuable was the blood flowing through his veins and his eyes. Shinjin would let him leave if it came to that, but he'd depart unable to see the world he so longed to journey into.

A shuriken would fly from seemingly nowhere, silently and quickly between both shinobi's feet, embedded on the wooden planked pier. It's approach would suggest that it flew from to their right side, though it could've been curved from behind or from the left or anywhere for that matter. Shinjin had summoned reinforcements from several hundreds of meters off with ample time to prepare for this incursion.

Two Oinin Butai would appear from either side, walking the bank beside the pier, allowing themselves to be seen by streetlight. Their chakra would not be hidden from view, so if the Witch had her sensory about her -as he'd warned them of her skills ahead of time- she would notice the both of them. Shinjin however stealthed himself in the shadows of the night. He could be close, he could be far, but he would be invisible to sensory and among nature itself, prepared and poised to attack. The one on the child’s right would speak.

“Under the authority of the Oinin Butai, you are to not board that vessel. If you seek to travel outside of the village you may at a later date, though not with her. If you decide to board the vessel anyway, we will stop you as you will be tried at the full extent of the law for treason against Kirigakure.”

He could do the right thing and just walk away, save everyone some trouble. Or he could do the stupid thing and get himself hurt. It was his choice. The Oinin Butai had not mentioned the Witch at all, as it was none of her business as to what they were doing. But if she wanted to try her luck and fight or even plead too much for the boys case... they'd both be tried as criminals, one traitor and one spy. It would not even take action for them to restrain him, as they were given orders to move the moment they thought he was a traitor.

This was the world of ninja. They would learn that tonight.

Jutsu:

Spoiler:

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

The time for the ship’s departure was almost up, Mana scratched her elbow to let the chilled sensations walk throughout her entire arm and to intensify the bloodflow, even her coat offered very limited protection from Kirigakure’s chills – the young kunoichi was not used to these seaside damp chills, the temperature itself was not that low but the wet feeling in the air made the air feel much less pleasant than it normally would’ve been. “Why am I even waiting at this point?” the girl had wondered as she took a small glance back at the ship, “If he’s anything like any other Kiri ninja I’ve met he’d be too suspicious to leave so quickly especially since the destination changed so abruptly… Still, I’ve promised him to tell when I’m leaving, can’t be too bad to just let him know…” the magician looked back into the dark corner where she imagined the youth should appear if he chose to come.

Just as Mana was beginning to lose hope a figure appeared from the shadows and as it entered the dim street lights and pierced the grey fog and his eye-patch became apparent the kunoichi understood that the young Hyuuga actually decided to come. He looked like he was rushing quite a big deal as his breath felt a little irregular and his hair looked a little messy so the jounin obviously wondered if there was any trouble like the boy having to quarrel with his family or have a little fight with his friends or go through trouble to obtain permission to go with her, after all the destination has changed and it may have been considered dangerous to travel with another ninja to that ninja’s home village. The magician followed the boy’s steps up to her and looked him over as he approached her.

“I’m really surprised you got up so early, it isn’t that easy but I’m afraid it’s needed when you’re traveling with a fishing vessel… So you’re ready to go?” Mana just asked for a confirmation as the two were making their way to the ship, it made the magician quite surprised that Takehiro was willing to go all the way, the way she imagined the trip was just to accompany her with the ship until the pier at the Fire Country border and then turn around and come home with the crew of the ship as they sailed back to cash in all of their fish. Obviously fishing ship was not the fastest mean of transportation as it would be doing some fishing during the traveling time but fishing time actually beat sightseeing time that the cruises offered. “Yeah, I guess so…” Mana replied to Take’s explanation of his plans as she suddenly got distracted.

She caught a sense right on the edge of her sensing range, it was huge and there were several signatures, Mana was unable to say how many exactly because they were just a meter or two beyond her range but they were so huge that small edges of their chakra somehow slipped inside her range. Those could’ve been high ranking Kiri ninja trying to prevent Takehiro from leaving, “Did he not obtain permissions to leave?” the magician wondered as as far as she knew it was all supposed to be legal and she didn’t want to work behind the Mizukage’s back by snatching his ninja for no reason – the purpose of her visit was to help the relationship of the villages and doing something as slimy as that would do the opposite. Then she heard a slight whistling sound, one that sounded like a weapon.

From the height of the sound's direction the girl knew that it wasn’t intended to hit either of them, it was aimed at their feet, just to stop them and alert them. The magician stopped and lifted a hand so that Take didn’t accidentally catch the shuriken with his feet just in case he didn’t notice it. Right after the shuriken two men appeared from both of their sides, the one from Take’s side informed the youth that he was not allowed to leave and seemed especially on edge about him leaving with Mana. Initially the girl thought that the people were Black Ops of Kirigakure, they had the authority and the interest to be interested in preventing unauthorized departures but when they voiced some sort of special distaste for Mana the magician wondered for a second about it. She was on good terms with the village, maybe not necessarily the poorer regions because of some sort of force constantly meddling with her relationship but definitely with the authorities of the village: she completed her secret mission that she reported for the Mizukage and done several more jobs just to get on the man’s good side even more, it made no sense for anyone in the Black Ops to hate Mana unless they did not agree with Mizukage’s point of view…

Could there be such a man? The only reason that the whole Ops would start treating her so lowly was if someone leading or in very high up position was very opposed to Mana’s presence which meant against the Mizukage’s views, that could’ve meant a lot of things: could’ve been a simple disagreement, could’ve been a hidden takeover brewing… Mana turned at Takehiro and looked him in the eyes and smiled, “Well, it looks like you won’t be leaving today, stay here. Your village needs you and something tells me will need you even more pretty soon. You heard the man, you can leave the village later, once you get your permission and all that and if you ever find yourself in Konoha, I can show it to you then, as for now… Goodbye, Take.” Mana said and advanced for the ship, had no one tried to intervene with her leaving she’d simply board into the ship and leave as it set sail. Unless some sort of bloodshed would be involved there would’ve been no reason for the magician to involve herself with Kiri’s Black Ops, she still wanted to stay on their good side because there simply was no reason not to be. She just wanted to make sure that Takehiro would not attempt to do something silly for something very unnecessary.

If Mana was not interrupted upon her entering the ship the captain would’ve came up to her and asked her if they were good to leave, after being informed that it was alright to go the man would’ve inquired about the weird basket with four puppies in her luggage to which Mana would’ve only been allowed to keep by paying the man some more money which she would’ve done, after that if nothing else notable would’ve happened the ship would set sail for the Fire Country.

[Exit]

Posts : 123

The chance to actually go and explore the fire country allowed Takehiro to slowly get excitement back into his life. The random thoughts of the imagery that would eventually consume his mind allowed goosebumps to form along his flesh on his arms. The hair, although light, started to perk up from the sensation going through his body. “Ah, well. I’ve actually been up the whole day in preparation for this. I was too excited to sleep, so I just kept busy and allowed myself to pack properly over a few hours.” It was something else to look forward to something and actually be able to do it. This is the most excitement that Take had experienced for the past few months. The whole traveling beats graduating the academy, awakening his doujutsu and being assigned his cell team by a landslide.

Before actually stepping on the ship, Take watched Ruka extend her hand out to him. Why was she stopping him? He couldn’t figure it out. The whirling sounds of the wind started to get to him, however, what he thought was wind, were simply shuriken that struck in front of his feet. “What the-“ His sentence was interrupted by the Oinin Butai member that was to his side.. Take has heard stories about them and the way they operate. He didn’t stand a chance he actually got on that boat. It was a suicidal sentence if he even thought about moving towards the vessel. All he could do was talk, and agree to stay. Even if he truly wanted to go, Take wasn’t stupid. He knew when his limits were made, and these were one of those limits.

“For what reasons are you even stopping me? Do I look like I’m leaving the village and breaking ties?” The Oinin member aggravated Take. He might not be able to get physical with them, but he could still ask questions that he would expect answers to. When Mana gazed towards him, he brought a concerned look to his expression. He wasn’t so sure when he would see her again. The fact that the special ops had to get involved with this only managed to annoy Take even more. “I-I’m sorry.” He simply stated, backing up and turning his back towards Mana.

His eyes shot a sharp glare towards the Oinin that stood to his side while he passed him, walking back towards the village. Take had no clue who would rat him out to the Mizukage, the commander over the Oinin Butai. He hasn’t met the leader of the village yet, and he didn’t plan to at this point.

Take removed himself from the pier. Why should he stay when he would either be hunted like a criminal if he left, or killed on the spot from a poor choice of words? Even the Oinin had to have their limits, right? He was sure he would find out sooner or later, but now was not the time to push said limits. He didn’t even have the desire to see just how many agents were in the area. He probably couldn’t find them with his Byakugan, even if he tried to search every corner. They were masters of the shadows and moving through the village was rather simple for them, especially with the time setting that they had approached Mana and Take.

After heading back into the village, Take didn’t feel like going home. Especially after what happened with his father. Instead, he choose to go to the training grounds; it was the only place he could think of that he could have peace at. Hopefully, the Oinin wouldn’t follow, but if they did, Take would simply sit in the middle of the grounds. There was no harm in sitting and thinking, it wasn’t against the law.

[exit]

Posts : 757

Shinjin cared about the Witch, but now he began to care a little more about the boy. The situation had called for him to act, to represent the law and show that some things would not be tolerated. Unfortunately this was one of them. Even though he shrouded himself in the dead of night amongst the darkness, Shinjin did have some heart. Even if it was just a little, he felt strongly enough about the situation to reconsider what he'd done. But orders were orders, and orders had to be followed. It was not his place to speak out of term or against the will of the Oinin Butai, which extended from Hiroshi himself. Shinjin knew they would be monitoring the Witch soon, but maybe something could be done with this boy here.

Honestly, he had expected some resistance but situation turned around on itself. Instead of shoveling the pain on their end, the politeness of both ninja was throw into his face. Both of them didn't even know who Shinjin really was, only seeing the reinforcements in his stead. Yet, since they obliged easily to the law and separated without violence, Shinjn now felt cold... Calloused... inhuman and lonely. In his eyes he could see Kyu standing where Ms. Sorceress had been and himself standing where the boy was. Both of them ready to take on the world, to see lands beyond and adventure in mind and body.

There was regret.

He had to swallow it, but it was nasty and putrid. His memories reminded him that he was only but a boy himself, and only two years ago he'd been in this very spot, wanting to see the world and grow up to become someone great. And in that single moment he wished he was just a normal child, not bound by the rules of the Oinin Butai. But he knew had it not been for Hiroshi or Kyu, he'd still be running the streets as wild as any other genin, lost in the Lower Ring of the Suuin District. Still, who was he to take away the privilege of exploration? Shinjin didn't have that right as a human... But he did so anyway as a consequence of wanting power. These were the feelings that would come to him forever, the cost of such beautiful growth. Was it really worth it?

Shinjin still felt the same about the Witch, assuming she didn't want to fight because of what he'd done on their mission. How he'd secretly -and single-handedly- tried to change her opinion of Kirigakure from the burning of the innocent to the ruin of her show. She had to leave and that much was obvious, yet he couldn't see how she was wrong in this particular situation. Everything else aside, maybe she truly wanted to help him grow as a shionbi, seeing beyond village ties and borders. He was probably looking forward to the trip.

Fuck.

Shinjin thought about making it up to the boy in some fashion. Luckily being stealthy afforded him the ability to disassociate himself from the situation since his identity was unknown. If he could meet this boy at a later date, then maybe he personally see to it that he had the authentication to leave the village. Shinjin had plans to spy on Konoha anyways, so going with a genin that was familiar with the Witch would allow him easy entry into the country. Maybe if he could assist the kid on a few missions, put some money in his pocket, Shinjin would feel better about what he'd done.

The Oinin Butai disappeared, they had nothing to say to the boy and Mana once they went their separate ways. Shinjin would attempt to follow him home, and leave a note on his door.

“Unfortunately due to the circumstances surrounding the Konoha Sorceress, Kirigakure cannot allow anyone to leave the country with her. We understand your place as a shinobi and see that all shinobi must grow, so -”

He erased the thought of writing a note and went away. It wasn't his place to make the kid feel better. Had he forgotten how he was supposed to act? What if Hiroshi had eyes watching? He'd be tried and have to undergo emotional training again. No, Shinjin's suffering would be greater. He'd just have to live with it every single time he saw his face. Every time he stepped foot outside of the Country he'd forever remember the time he denied someone a simple freedom. And that price to pay, was a heavy one.

[EXIT]