Venturing the Fire within

Age : 33 Posts : 510

Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting

Finally reached the Fire country and this was very clear to Rukasu that he had a lot more to venture as he walked on this giant bridge. Having his giant sword on his back as he walked slowly on the bridge first admiring the area around him. To him everything seemed peaceful, quiet and full of happiness. The area just felt so calming to Rukasu even thought he was a criminal, he wasn't the type of person that would ignore nature. He has rather enjoyed the soft wind gently hitting his face softly as the birds in the air chirping peacefully. Rukasu always favored peaceful nature as it will always calm him down, and this was a great help when the criminal was stressing out.

The bridge was over the stream of water, that gently went down the stream. The sun was high in the sky as the trees glided with the wind. Rukasu felt that it was a perfect time to stop walking as he walked over to the side of the bridge, placing his arms on the ledge as he looked out at the water. The water showed a reflection as the criminal kept looking at himself. Noticing that the white hair was fading away, only kept telling Rukasu that it was time to go back. Rukasu still had the bandages over his mouth, but he kept it to hide his identity.

It wasn't much to hide anyways since he made a name for himself in Kiri and they all know him the way he is dressed now. Changing his appearance would be a must but at the same time he did not know if he should or shouldn't. However he kept his eyes looking at the water, as his reflection, until a little fish splashed the water. The image on the water's surface formed ripples that made the image disappear.

After the image disappeared, the criminal's eyes ended up looking upward at the clear blue sky. It was still unclear to him, but he knew that coming to the fire country was a good move on his part. Knowing what to do was a difficult question as he asked himself plenty of times, but he just kept walking when he was traveling to the fire country.

Now that he reached the fire country to get stronger in mind, body, and soul. He wondered about the people in this country if they were nice or would they attack Rukasu without asking questions. Not knowing a lot about a country was a bit worrisome, however the criminal will not let anything bother him when it came down to it.

Traveled From: Grass Country

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Ever since she returned to Konoha after being chased by an unstoppable force of nature Mana wanted to go back to the Rabbit caves and check on how did the rabbits deal with the epic battle that ensued above them. Since she was one of the two sides clashing in the battle between her and the legendary killer known only as the Leech, Mana was partially responsible for any damage caused to the intricate cave system that the rabbits lived in. Since the magician loved the ninja rabbits and cared for them greatly she wanted to see if there was anything she could've helped them with.

It seemed that there could have been no better day than that day. The sky was clear and the sun was doing its thing making people’s hearts warm and keeping them happy. Sometimes the young woman wanted to be like the sun, to make people happy, to bring warmth into their lives. The public opinion about her took a deep dip after the people found out that she faked her death. It wasn’t anything too bad, definitely nowhere near the time she lost all of her public approval when she beat Guru Ayushi up. Still, some small amount of distrust could’ve still been picked up.

People everywhere looked at her strange, most of them had already been informed that the magician did what she did to save the village from casualties and damage that the Leech would’ve caused. Knowing how epic and one of a kind the Leech is, it may as well have been the whole village that took a fall. The knowledge that by faking her death Mana saved countless lives did not go forgotten between the villagers but they still doubted if what she did to them was the right way to act.

Of course such distrust hurt Mana’s heart quite a bit, her own friends didn’t even think that the measures she took were appropriate. The magician knew what she was up for, she knew that if she was ever to come back from her faked death situation that the people would be hurt and offended by her actions, still thinking and knowing about something was not the same as actually seeing the eyes of those people. The eyes that tried to act as if they still adored Mana and cheered her on as a hero when in reality they weren’t sure if they trusted her.

People knew that in theory the young woman did a great deed – she prevented countless casualties and more collateral damage than most people could imagine. If the crater in the Forest of Death was any indicator to how the battle may have gone more than half of the village may have been brought to the ground. Even more if all of the village ninja fought the Leech, Mana was too afraid to think how strong he may have gotten… This nightmare scenario was for another day.

The gate guards didn’t stop Mana or ask where she was going, that was odd. Usually they always did so, if not for professional business then for their own curiosity. As a Sennin Mana was allowed to roam the village and the Fire Country as she pleased but the guards still loved to listen to her stories of where she was actually going. Now they simply kept out of her way. The young woman sighed with her head down, it will take time to mend this lost trust, even if there wasn’t supposed to be any in the first place.

It didn’t take too long for Mana to leave the village behind her and leave into the endless forests of the Fire Country. The young woman had roamed them many times in her child years, ever since she become a ninja she had to leave the village walls for one reason or another. Be it errands for her neighbor or the endless jobs she did in Shukuba town. “I should visit Shukuba sometime. I wonder how the town has been…” the magician wondered to herself looking into the clear spring sky.

The conditions at which Mana last visited Shukuba couldn’t have been more dire and unfortunate – she was looking for a crazy killer who had recently escaped imprisonment. She didn’t have much time to explore the town and see what changed, she soon found out that the killer knew she was after her and beat her to the punch and was waiting for her home in Konoha… Mana was too afraid to even go to the memories of what happened next.

The magician decided to take a shortcut to the area she was heading to, if she cut her road by crossing a big bridge over a strong and wide river she’d save more than an hour of time heading there. Usually the young woman didn’t like taking that path – it was too open and obvious, it was far too fancy to consider when one was trying to hide from someone. It just so happened that such were the circumstances of most of Mana’s trips through this area.

Right as the young Sennin left the cover of the forest and stepped onto the bridge she felt a chakra signature further on the bridge, it was a signature completely unknown to the magician which intrigued her a bit. She knew most chakra around the village, she couldn’t pinpoint every chakra in the village but over time she felt most of them. This signature didn’t feel like anything Mana has felt in Konoha. Granted there was nothing special sensing a chakra signature outside village territory – many bandits and travelers roamed these parts. Especially since Mana chose such a well known and fancy shortcut.

Without attempting to hide the young woman approached the person whom the chakra belonged to giving him a bit more than 10 meters of personal space. He appeared to be admiring the view and the local nature which suggested that there was a slight chance of him not being from around these parts. Only three kinds of people passed through these parts: travelers, ninja and bandits. Over the last month and a half of being chased and roaming the whole Fire Country in hopes of survival Mana met all three kinds of people and she had to admit that this young man looked mostly like a bandit.

“Hello there, you don’t look like you’re from around these parts. Are you a traveler or a bandit?” the magician asked openly.

The purpose of this question was to figure out the intent of the young man. Based on his look and his heavy equipment he definitely couldn’t have been a traveler, no traveler carries such heavy weapons when this spot can be used for supplies. If the young man lied to her, Mana would know that he is up to no good and may encourage him to turn back and go where he came from, if he told her the truth she may have had reason to think that while he is a criminal he may not be here for criminal purposes.

“I could swear I saw this face in the Bingo book…” Mana wondered. Even if the bandit admitted being a criminal she may not have resorted to hurting him, she no longer did crime busting, not after a crazy killer murdered her own mother in front of her.

Spoiler:

Age : 33 Posts : 510

WINGS OF LIGHT AND DARK SPREAD AFAR
SHE GUIDES US TO BLISS, HER GIFT EVERLASTING

So Calm, so relax.

No negative thoughts running through his mind. Just empty thoughts as he looked out at the amazing view.

Even though Rukasu evil soul had grown since he started his first journey to the grass country. This evil kept on growing, but no matter what, he would take some time from his life and look at the amazing view that this world had to offer.

“Hello there, you don’t look like you’re from around these parts. Are you a traveler or a bandit?” and unexpected voice came from behind Rukasu, turning his head around he noticed a young lady standing there. Rukasu did not know there was anyone around due to the amazing view he cleared his mind already so he was not expecting someone to actually say something to him.

"Hello. Well I am a Traveler. I been traveling the world in search for something. This is my first time In the fire country." Rukasu looked at the young lady. For some strange reason the evil criminal did not have an evil thought about her. Usually almost about everyone he sees there is a thought in his mind that is pure evil, but at this very moment there was no evil thought. Most likely he couldn't think of anything because his mind was clear.

Rukasu knew for a fact that if this young lady is a strong Shinobi from this country than she could possibly kill Rukasu. There was something about her that showed strong willed, fierce, and within her eyes showed nothing but emptiness. This could be wrong, but it was all prejudge by Rukasu when he first looked at her. It wasn't right for him to stare, but he just did not know what else to do. It only had a few minutes of silence but this silence was starting to get awkward for the criminal.

"Well I will also like to say that I am sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Rukasu. What is your name?" Rukasu asked as he still was serious from the moment he met her, and with his voice being deep could show the young lady that he will do the wrong thing. He hoped that he did not make a wrong impression, but he also knew that if he was attacked then he would have to fight back. He for some reason had a thought about if it came down to a fight would he actually make it out alive. The criminal did not want to look as if he was on the defensive or hiding something. He really did come to the fire country looking for something but he wasn't sure of what exactly and he knew that once he finds whatever he was looking for it will help him grow.

So he kept his cool as he leaned his back against the bridge wall. Maybe Rukasu could actually try this friendship thing out first instead of killing people. It was something that he just did not know about. Friendship, Comrades, and happy thoughts were things he left behind long ago, but for some reason for this journey he felt the need to try some new things out even if he had no clue how to do it.

It was just the two of them, what will the young lady say, and what will she do next.

CP: 60/60

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

The suspiciously looking young man replied that he was just a traveler wandering the world, looking for no one knows what. Mana knew that he was lying, he just looked way too well armed and had far too powerful of a chakra signature for a traveler. If there was one thing she learned during her days on the run after faking her death, it was telling a traveler from a bandit. That was a skill one had to acquire as soon as possible, it was adapt or perish kind of thing. Travelers had plenty of supplies, they rarely relied on their own equipment to defend them, they just planned their trips so that there were ninja in close vicinity who may have defended them.

Still, Mana was not the kind of person to just attack this man. To begin conflict was very much unlike her. He may have been a bandit but his reasons of being here may have peaceful, he may have lied about his status but not the reason. Had he told anyone that he was a criminal whose face was in the Bingo book and had a reward on his name he would’ve been taken down by anyone despite his reason of being in the country.

One other thing that Mana picked up was that he didn’t know who she was, that was actually so rare that it was a feature of its own. He may not have known that she was a Konohagakure Sennin but he should’ve known that she was the Konoha’s Sorceress, pretty much everyone in both Fire and Water country knew of her because she performed in both those places. This young man looked way too pale skinned to be from the Cloud village so that strengthened Mana’s suspicions of the man being a nukenin even more.

“My name is Nakotsumi Mana, I am an entertainer known in Konoha and Kirigakure as Konoha’s Sorceress.” the magician also introduced herself. She did have some pride in her name and the stage name that became her de facto nickname she was best known as. Still, the fact that this suspicious youth didn’t know who she was really stumped the young woman. Even most nukenin knew who she was, a bunch of them tried to kidnap her for ransom when she traveled to Kirigakure… “Maybe he just doesn’t visit villages much…” the Sennin thought to herself.

She leaned on to the bridge for support so that she could join the young man in admiring the beautiful sight. She left the man his personal space and kept her sensory open so that she could properly respond if he tried anything funny. Even if Mana didn’t intend to fight him it didn’t mean that the nukenin may not have been tempted to. For all she knew he may have known who she was and was just playing dumb so that she lowered her guard. Maybe he just wanted ransom for her dead body, knowing her high rank there was a high ransom on the black market.

“I know you’re a criminal, Rukasu. The thing is that I’m not the kind of person to fight people just because they have some sort of status. As long as you don’t stir any trouble or hurt any of the local people you’re fine with me. I don’t enjoy fighting too much but don’t be mistaken, if you hurt anyone in this country, I’ll take you down.” Mana spoke calmly. Based on her tone she may as well have been talking about the weather.

She just wanted Rukasu to know that there was no use toying around with her and he could have told her the truth. If his intentions really were peaceful and all he wanted to do was just search for whatever he was looking for, whatever spiritual quest he was on, Mana just wanted to let him know she won’t hold his status against him. She may as well have been a criminal herself just couple of days ago but her intentions for being one were as noble as they got.

“So… The view here is pretty nice. Have you been in many places?” Mana asked with a softer tone. She wanted Rukasu to know that she didn’t want to offend him or impose on him, just wanted to clear things out. Even if he is a criminal, if he behaved, there was no reason for the two of them to be enemies. Not unless he wanted the magician as his enemy.

“I’ve only been in Konoha and Kirigakure, I’ve seen a bit of Fire and Water country but for some reason I still like Fire Country the most. I guess there really is no place like home…” Mana added. Over her time doing missions she had the opportunity to see most of the momentous sights in Fire Country and the only place she didn’t visit was the Mountain Graveyard. From what she heard, the place wasn’t much of a sight anyway. It was just a pisshole for all sorts of crowd to gather.

Knowing her reputation around criminals the second the magician stepped her foot in there she’d be public enemy number one. It would be the cause of so much violence and it would force Mana to fight, something she didn’t enjoy too much even if the people she’d be fighting probably deserved it. The sennin took a short moment to look at her new acquaintance and wondered if he was smart enough to avoid trouble. For some reason she was a bit worried for him.

“Look at me, worrying about a guy who would probably kill me for a deer leg…” the young woman thought recalling an unpleasant run in with some criminals during the month she spent on the run. The three fellows tried to attack her and kill her for just a lousy deer leg which Mana had for leftovers from that day’s dinner. The magician really didn’t want Rukasu to be that kind of guy. There was really no need for any violence from any of their sides.

Age : 33 Posts : 510

WINGS OF LIGHT AND DARK SPREAD AFAR
SHE GUIDES US TO BLISS, HER GIFT EVERLASTING

“My name is Nakotsumi Mana, I am an entertainer known in Konoha and Kirigakure as Konoha’s Sorceress.” Mana said as Rukasu thought for a moment and he remembered hearing about her around the little villages that spoke about her. Her fame followed her greatly. Since the criminal was young when he left Kiri and he left most of his memories there. Also while hiding in Kiri he always kept in the darkest part so he would not be spotted. Since the criminal always went into hiding he never paid any attention to anything but himself. So was it wrong that he really did not know about this young lady, but it was also wrong of Rukasu to not pay any attention. She walked up to Rukasu and leaned near him. Was it her plan to do so, Rukasu did not know what to do but to listen to whatever she had to say.

“I know you’re a criminal, Rukasu. The thing is that I’m not the kind of person to fight people just because they have some sort of status. As long as you don’t stir any trouble or hurt any of the local people you’re fine with me. I don’t enjoy fighting too much, but don’t be mistaken, if you hurt anyone in this country, I’ll take you down.” Mana said in a calm tone. Rukasu glanced over quickly and chuckled. He did not expect to be noticed in the fire country so quickly and he admires her about it. He did wonder how did she knew about him and he knew nothing about her.

"Well, I am honestly shocked that you know who I am, and I am greatly sorry that I lied to you but people in this world judge too quickly. Once someone knows I am a criminal their first act is to attack. This life that I live is a hard life. I did not come here in kill anyone, but just to get stronger." Rukasu said as he looked back at the view that he greatly appreciated.

“So… The view here is pretty nice. Have you been in many places?” Mana said as her tone in her voice was softer than before. Rukasu did not say anything yet, but he knew that this part of his journey might actually be a sign of a better future. “I’ve only been in Konoha and Kirigakure, I’ve seen a bit of Fire and Water country, but for some reason I still like Fire Country the most. I guess there really is no place like home…” Mana also said as Rukasu looked at her once more, he knew she was being nice to him even though he was a criminal. Was she that strong that she did not care if he was a criminal or not or was she very welcoming.

"After I left Kirigakure, I hid in the water country for a few years until I recently left the water country to go to the grass country. Since i left and was in hiding I only heard of you from people's gossip. I left to get stronger, and once I received the power I needed in the grass country, it was my next choice to come here to the fire country. While in this country I am only trying to get stronger, yes I will not lie to you I am a criminal and you could probably already tell just by looking at me that the evil in my heart is growing." Rukasu said as he did not know why he said this and even though he had only paused for a few seconds before talking again. This was probably the most he had ever spoke to anyone in years.

"I won't attack you, nor attack anyone in this country or your fellow Shinobi, however I will say this if I get provoked I will fight back and whatever happens happens. If the worse happens and you choose to track me down, then I won't blame you go right ahead. Its how this world works and just by looking into your eyes I can tell that you seen a lot of things in your life that helped you grow up into the person you are today. I like that you're nice to me since I am a criminal so I will return the favor and be nice back. Please forgive me if I am straight forward, Its just who I am. It is nice to meet you Mana." Rukasu said without hesitating as during the conversation he looked back at the view.

He felt that this person was different from anyone else he had ever encountered. He just wanted to see where this was going to go and he hoped that maybe they could be friends to help me him in his journey to be stronger than he ever was. However most things will go as planned so he also thought about just going with it and hoping for the best.

She could be nice to trick me, but even if I think about that for some strange reason my heart is not believing she would, Rukasu thought to himself as he just knew that something good to come out of this. This was different from the criminal only because she didn't attack first nor she was going to, and this was something the young man would never have thought of being true. Once he realized that this young lady was not going to attack him, he felt somewhat relieved since he for some reason did not want to start trouble right from the start.

The two just watched the view and it became apparent that they both wanted a good conversation and not a troublesome battle that will end in tragedy.

60/60 CP

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Rukasu’s reaction to being exposed as a criminal was interesting to say the least. One couldn’t have predicted how someone would react after words accusing them of having lied previously and calling them a criminal. Mana wouldn’t have been too shocked if the young man attacked her right after the words left her mouth. No significant action or violence came from the side of the white haired nukenin, only a slight chuckle. People dealt with such situations in different ways but Mana could tell that Rukasu wasn’t used to someone not trying to kill him after knowing who he was.

Maybe there was sense behind this tradition of killing all criminals? Mana could’ve been pulling the most stupid thing she’s ever done by not taking this young man in for questioning and arrest. Right after the magician informed the rogue ninja that she knew of his criminal status, based mostly on her previous experiences with that kind of people, he apologized for lying to her. That was a welcome sign, he didn’t have to do so. He may have just as easily just abused the magician’s trust and ignored the fact that he lied to her. Mana didn’t like lying or being lied to so she appreciated this gesture.

“You don’t have to tell me about it, I’ve lived this life so very recently…” Mana replied to Rukasu’s apology and explanation as to why he had to lie to her. It made sense for one to lie to preserve their life, the young woman wouldn’t have done it but it made sense. “However I’d greatly appreciate if you wouldn’t lie to me anymore, it’s rather rude. Also I don’t lie to people so I feel kind of stupid being the only honest one around…” the magician said with the same relaxed tone. The calm and gentle sights of nature helped her portray her calm and kind emotions perfectly.

As far as Mana was concerned lying would’ve only made it more difficult for the young criminal. She wasn’t the kind of person to fight someone just because of a name or status but if the youth continuously lied to her she may have started becoming more suspicious about his true intentions. The young woman was already feeling a bit guilty as it is for not taking the criminal in for questioning into Konoha. She had her sensible reasons not to, if Rukasu decided to hurt innocent people she’d be just giving him a free pass into the village this way. It isn’t too hard to get through questioning, maybe spend a night in the arrest house but the next morning he’d be wandering Konoha with whatever intentions he truly had with no one having any objections about how he got inside the village.

Hearing Rukasu’s story was interesting, it just so happened that this young man was originally from the Water Country. For some reason after her visit to Kirigakure her history with the Water Country just kept catching up to her. Tatsuo, the Leech, now this criminal… It was almost like the whole damned country wanted to move, the worst part was that all of them were at each other’s throats. As a person whose heart was beyond village walls Mana found it hard to keep the peace between the two sides.

Rukasu mentioned that his heart contained evil which was growing as he got stronger, it was almost like he took great pride in that. Almost like the young man considered that very evil one of his strengths, the magician took a moment to identify his chakra. After getting a better feel to it she could identify this young man anywhere he goes, whatever disguise he wears. It wasn’t like the magician was intending to use this gift to track Rukasu. She just wanted to know in the future if she wasn’t going to regret this day, if one day she won’t be facing this man as an international S rank criminal and forced to leave him comatose.

It was true that darkness was in Rukasu’s heart, his very essence reeked of it. Darkness surpassed only by Yamanaka Kiyomi, ironically enough, one of her best friends… “Heh, you speak as if you’re doomed to do horrible things just because your heart has darkness in it. I know a person with more darkness in her heart and yet she is a splendid ninja, a protector of what’s right. One who does great things. Darkness doesn’t decide who you are, you do. Don’t you dare blaming this growing evil for your actions. Also don’t attribute your achievements and strength to it. You are the one who’s strong, in the end of the day you decide who you want to be. I’ve seen and done horrible things as well, pretty much everyone has, still I keep going with the same desire to help people, to be a hero who inspires them and leave this world better than I found it. Inside you’re just as strong as I am, I know it, you’re way above petty crimes, whether the next level is acts of greatness or terror is yet to be seen.”

Mana had to take a break, she lost herself in speech pretty easily. It wasn’t that uncommon for her, ever since people started to take her words to their hearts she kept talking. Talking as if she knew anything, as if she had experience in life when she was actually not even an adult yet. “Anyways, blunt honesty is actually a change more welcome to me than any pleasant lie, don’t be ashamed of it. You know, if you told me what kind of strength you seek, maybe I could help you with it. I don’t know if I’m actually that strong but if I could help with something I’d be glad to…” Mana suggested.

There were numerous reasons for this suggestion. One of them was genuine desire to help this man’s growth, maybe in acquiring strength he will gain wisdom, maybe he’ll stop hurting people for his own gains like most criminals do. The other one was simple – if Rukasu has what he came here for he won’t be sticking around too much longer. If he won’t be around – he won’t hurt anyone or get hurt himself.

Age : 33 Posts : 510

My soul, corrupted by vengeance
Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey
In my own salvation
And your eternal slumber

“You don’t have to tell me about it, I’ve lived this life so very recently…” Mana said in response to what Rukasu had said but it was still something different. “However I’d greatly appreciate if you wouldn’t lie to me anymore, it’s rather rude. Also I don’t lie to people so I feel kind of stupid being the only honest one around…” Mana also said and now it was clear to Rukasu glance over to her realizing what she had said.

Not to lie? Isn't life based on lying. I lie to almost everyone everyday but this is something I had never encountered before. I wonder where this would lead, Rukasu thought to himself. Even if Rukasu was a lair he also knew that maybe it wasn't wrong to tell the truth once in a while. However this criminal did not know what to do, but he still had to figure out what this conversation will lead to.

It was now mid afternoon, the day slowly dragged by as the two were having a good conversation, even though they were different sides of the table. One good and one evil. It was clear that they both will be the balance this world needs, but good cannot live along side of evil. So why didn't she attack? Something was unclear and this was something that Rukasu stilled played in the back of his mind. She did not attack and she is more like just talking to the criminal to help him feel like he is right at home.

“Heh, you speak as if you’re doomed to do horrible things just because your heart has darkness in it. I know a person with more darkness in her heart and yet she is a splendid ninja, a protector of what’s right. One who does great things. Darkness doesn’t decide who you are, you do. Don’t you dare blame this growing evil for your actions. Also, don’t attribute your achievements and strength to it. You are the one who’s strong, in the end of the day you decide who you want to be. I’ve seen and done horrible things as well, pretty much everyone has, still I keep going with the same desire to help people, to be a hero who inspires them and leave this world better than I found it. Inside you’re just as strong as I am, I know it, you’re way above petty crimes, whether the next level is acts of greatness or terror is yet to be seen.” Mana said as she clearly had talked her head off, so to speak, but when it came down to it, and the fact were somewhat there. She talked about having a life experience, but was it all true. Like in the world, there are many things in life that we all experience, but it is what we do, or say that helps us grow in our lives.

After a short few seconds she had caught her breath and she started talking again, “Anyways, blunt honesty is actually a change more welcome to me than any pleasant lie, don’t be ashamed of it. You know, if you told me what kind of strength you seek, maybe I could help you with it. I don’t know if I’m actually that strong, but if I could help with something I’d be glad to…” Mana said and this intrigued Rukasu to some degree, his eyebrow raised as he quickly looked at her with the corner of his eye. Something about her was different, and he couldn't put his finger on it, but why was she trying to help Rukasu. It wasn't clear, but he did know that he should take advantage of the situation more than anyone should. He did not know what moves she had but if she could teach him something, then this road to power will help him grow up faster.

"I am honored..." Rukasu paused for a second as he realized he had said that he was honored. It was a shock to him, who were this women, did she have the power to change Rukasu. He couldn't resist, and that was odd. "... I am a swordsman, water, and electric user. I also am a summoner. I use the mist to my advantage and I am great at the term silent killing. Your friend with the darkness, well from what you just told me she must of had friends that supported her. I don't have any friends and I don't have the use of them. People are different and we all have our paths that will help us grow. My path has led me in gain power where ever I can. I want to be the strongest and feared by everyone. My evil will guide me to the future that will inspire me to do something that I still have yet to find out. That is why this journey will inspire me to keep walking further, and no matter what happens, I will show the world who I am." Rukasu said as he kept his eyes forward knowing that he had basically told her about himself and why this journey will help him grow but why would he do that. He did not even know here and yet he told her a lot about himself.

He had never met someone that was not trying to kill him, and this was a relaxation because for the first time he is relaxed and having a great conversation. Now the two are basically on equal terms, this will most likely all for a bond to create and who knows how will this end. It was most likely decided by fate, but the two did not know it or it was something that was meant to happen. Whatever the case may be, these two Shinobi met each other and if Mana does teach Rukasu something then what will Rukasu do in return.Some questions are yet to be answered and it would be best left unanswered.

60/60 CP

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Mana found her glance slipping to look at Rukasu more and more. She just saw this young nukenin as a pretty interesting guy, most of it because of how different he was. There wasn’t really something unique to his beliefs, some would say that he was very much a cliché bad boy with a sad backstory but the very fact that the magician got to talk to him was fascinating. Usually she was too busy crippling the criminals she met for life or leaving them hospitalized, she never had a moment to talk to one and understand how they thought.

The young sennin was certainly someone who loved exchanging philosophies and seeing how they compared with views of another. Even more fun if that other person was such a rare kind of conversant one could meet. She was a person whose beliefs and principles described who she was and how she approached every situation so she had to check if they still were strong and right every so often. Mana had to clash her ideals with some different ones so that her heart stays in the right and doesn’t slip into the extremes.

Still, Mana knew that she was playing a dangerous game. She knew that the price of this exchange of thoughts was that she would let this potentially dangerous individual slip and while there were good logical reasons for her inaction they weren’t the main reasons why Mana did it. Hearing Rukasu speak of his own darkness and continuously reminding her how dark and dangerous he was only rubbed it into Mana’s face. Basing it on his description of his abilities his whole skillset relied on killing people, he was a killer - born and raised. An exact opposite of what the magician stood for…

“Well… I have to say that there isn’t much I can help you with. Some people say I’m a ninjutsu prodigy, I’ve even heard some call me Queen of Illusions but the only department I could be of use to you in is Raiton ninjutsu.” Mana sighed. She knew that Rukasu only viewed her as a tool. The very moment that Mana showed him kindness he must’ve switched his mind from “fight or flight” into “what use is this person for me?” mode. This was a very common thing to happen for the Sennin, even people she could’ve only described as good folk looked at her as a chest of things they could take from her.

For some reason the young woman was strangely okay with that, she didn’t mind being treated as just a tool to serve some use. “As for you saying that you have no friends… You only have as many friends as you want to. For example I love everyone in this world, everyone begins as my friend, only when they hurt me do they become less and less of a friend. In fact, I guess you could say I consider you a friend too. As long as you don’t bring harm to my loved ones I’ll also love you as a friend, remember that when you tell someone of how lonely you are.” Mana smiled.

She really didn’t understand Rukasu’s way of thinking, especially since it was so common between criminals. They usually had something dark happen to them and let that event define their entire lives, they let that darkness inside and let it pester and grow into something that corrupted them. Was that it? Was that what defined evil? No. Kiyomi was dark inside her heart too but she was a nice and kind person, at least Mana wanted to believe so.

They also used that darkness as an excuse to be lonely, which was their excuse to why they were messed up. They kept pushing people away only so that they could whine to other people about how no one loved them. The magician just couldn’t understand that, she was drawn in more and more by the way of thought that Rukasu had and every idea he voiced just raised her more and more questions that she was too shy to ask him about. They just sounded too silly or offensive, it is likely that once Mana told her rogue friend that he is the one to blame for his loneliness and misery he would just push her away like he did to the rest of his friends.

Mana couldn’t help but giggle when she heard that Rukasu would’ve been honored to have her help him. That was such a funny thing to say for someone of his status, it was like seeing the Leech prancing around with a tutu. Not that it was bad, it just felt so unnatural that the young Sennin couldn’t help but express her excitement. Was it wrong for her to help him out in his quest for power? Most likely not, her own skills aren’t skills of a killer so she won’t be teaching him to kill. Mana had plenty of power but she didn’t view it as power, to her it was like art, an accidental result of her own curiosity.

“Well then, if you want to help with that Raiton ninjutsu, I guess it would be nice if you showed me the way you use it. Show me a Lightning Release technique, I’ll tell you if there is something I can help you improve with it.” the magician suggested. As the person who invented all of her own jutsu she had a grasp at even the most intricate aspects of the natures of fire, wind and lightning. While her genjutsu expertise would be useless to Rukasu, her skill at controlling the three elements that she has just might have some use.

“Should I feel guilty for helping him? I mean if I teach him something related to ninjutsu I’d have taught him more about it than my own student… Then again, Heishi doesn’t really need help with those things, he’s capable to deal with them himself…” Mana thought to herself as she waited for Rukasu’s response.

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong…
That is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

“Well… I have to say that there isn’t much I can help you with. Some people say I’m a Ninjutsu prodigy, I’ve even heard some call me Queen of Illusions but the only department I could be of use to you in is Raiton Ninjutsu.” Mana said as he this raised an eye brow from Rukasu. He just felt close to her, but why? Was it her style, the way she viewed life, or how she somewhat had an impact on his life. This was something that intrigued him to some degree and his felt something he had never felt before in his life. What was this feeling. “As for you saying that you have no friends… You only have as many friends as you want to. For example, I love everyone in this world, everyone begins as my friend, only when they hurt me, do they become less and less of a friend. In fact, I guess you could say I consider you a friend too. As long as you don’t bring harm to my loved ones, I’ll also love you as a friend, remember that when you tell someone about how lonely you are.” Mana said and this was one thing Rukasu had never heard in his life ever.

A friend? What is she talking about, why does she consider me as her friend. This is strange of her to say that, but then again, maybe this is how she lives her life. She looks so happy but why do I feel this pain coming from her, I just don't get it. Is she trying to justify her actions she did in the past to be my friend? However I just don't know what it is about her that is allowing me to be so nice to her. This is strange to me and I just don't know how to put this. I am utterly confused, but at the same time I feel that this friendship could work. Rukasu thought to himself as he kept on looking at her, for some reason he couldn't stop looking at her, as if the amazing view was nothing to him. This young lady had all of his attention.

“Well then, if you want to help with that Raiton Ninjutsu, I guess it would be nice if you showed me the way you use it. Show me a Lightning Release technique, I’ll tell you if there is something I can help you improve with it.” Mana said as Rukasu nodded his head, he backed off the wall of the bridge walked forward a bit then he looked straight at Mana. This was crazy, but at the same time he felt comfortable to do this in front of her. He felt calm, focused and he had his thoughts together. She put him on blast to do something for her, but in the end he still had no hesitation to do so. Rukasu felt that he could do anything when he was around her, but he himself couldn't understand that at all. Keeping his focus, he started breathing slowly as he thought for a moment on what to show these women.

It was silent, Rukasu placed both his hands together forming a hand seal, then without further hesitation, he quickly change the position of each hand forming different seals, then once the final seal was formed he quickly swung his arms to each side as electricity came out of each hand and finger tip sent out a wave of electricity to each side. It was slowly getting dark as the sun was starting to set as the light of the electricity shined so bright and he hope he impressed her.

"I am grateful that you are willing to help me out in my journey, and I will promise that everyone in the Fire country is safe from me. You can trust me, because for some reason this meeting between us is showing me something new. I never expected anyone to have me as a friend. Look at me, I have criminal written all over me, and this is something that I got used to over the years. This white hair is not my real hair color and I covered my face after I left Kirigakure. If what you say is true and you cherish the friendship more than anything, then I would not mind being your friend. I am also going to be honest with you, I don't know how to be friends with someone and I especially have not encountered a woman like you in my life. There is something about you that I like, and honestly, I don't like anyone." Rukasu said as he had really never told the truth to anyone in his life like that before, and he had said all of this as the electricity slowly faded.

This was remarkable as the white haired criminal put his hands back down to his side. There is something about her, and I can't put my finger on it. Who is she, and why does she have an affect on me?, Rukasu thought to himself as the sun was slowly setting. The sky was turning orange and similar colors that would make you fall in love with that view. However in this case, Rukasu's eyes kept his locked on Mana and it was a look that was not bad. It was just different, nor good or bad, but in the same case it was just something he shouldn't question since he would not have the answer himself.

As the sun settled slowly, the two faced each other as for some reason they really don't have to tell each other but a bond was start. Though it may be strange since where they had come from but maybe there is a reason for that.

[-5CP] 55/60 CP

Jutsu Used:

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Seeing Rukasu just follow her suggestion invited weird feelings, was this how it felt helping someone grow? Was this how it felt teaching someone? Was Mana really strong, old and wise enough to pass on her knowledge? The young woman stood back from the edge of the bridge and focused on the white haired nukenin as he prepared to perform the technique. The magician hasn’t yet seen these handseals before yet from the combination and the accumulating chakra inside Rukasu she could feel that it was a fairly basic jutsu. Maybe it was for the better, basics best illustrated the overall technique of the user.

There was a small part of the young woman that expected Rukasu to try and attack her now that he had his chance, it wasn’t likely but she was still ready for it. For a moment she even felt guilty about it, looking at the eyes of the young man it certainly didn’t look like he hated her or wanted her to die. He actually did look like a misunderstood youth who just had a rough start in his life and just kept making wrong choices. Some sort of feelings woke up inside Mana, she wanted to help this youth, to fix him and make him into a great ninja.

For some reason this dream looked a little bit too good to be true. Still, the young woman decided to at the very least give Rukasu a chance to let her help him. To try and move past his darkness, to accept it not as the thing that defines his fate but instead as his tool to do great things. Maybe he’ll like it and eventually start using the power of his darkness to protect people. The Sennin observed the young man’s movements carefully, it would’ve been better if she knew this jutsu but it was actually basic enough for her to quickly pick up how it’s done. With a little practice she may have actually learned it…

The young Sennin wondered how exactly would Rukasu perform the jutsu, if he would aim it at her or if he would ask her how he should do it. Seeing him turn the jutsu to the sides so that he didn’t hurt the natural beauty of the nature around showed Mana that he could think like a hero if he wanted to. If only he could be taught to value human life over even his own, if only he could be taught to be just as careful and kind towards people as he was towards the natural beauty. The magician took a couple of moments to think about what she saw and then tried to voice her thoughts.

“Your handseals are actually quite alright, yet they were slow enough that I identified and memorized them just by seeing them once, it means the enemy has way too much time to counter it. I don’t think that it requires much training to mend this, just some casual practice with the seals. When you find a peaceful moment, before your sleep or otherwise, just sit down and close your eyes and imagine yourself going through the same seals again and again. Every so often practice going through them to make yourself more accustomed to the seals and using the jutsu, make it so that your body doesn’t feel like it’s much more than moving your arm. Have your body own those movements.” Mana said calmly.

“Also the consistency of your chakra felt strange, there is definitely place for improvement for the strength of this technique but this isn’t your fault. This technique is pretty basic and I’m sure with enough training it might get stronger and the chakra would get more intense.” she added. The young woman raised her arms into the air and let a charge of lightning chakra shoot out a thunderbolt into the air.

“This is Raiton chakra when it is emitted in a beam, it is powerful enough to break bones, maybe incapacitate at best, it’s perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to take lives but for people who don’t have these principles it might be a bit too weak.” the magician allowed her hands flash through a number of hand seals and raised them into the air again firing off an awesome bolt of dragon shaped bolt of lightning. The young woman was a prodigy at performing hand seals at the speed of a flash to the point where her hands blurred to an unperceptive eye.

“This is a Lightning Release technique when you have your chakra vibrate instead of being released as a beam, it’s not a pinnacle of this vibration, but if you want raw power of your Raiton jutsu try focusing on vibrating your chakra. It might be the key to ranking up your technique.” Mana finished her short lesson on how Rukasu can improve his technique. She then gently moved a strand of her hair behind her ear as it got out of order during the violent burst of the jutsu and smiled to Rukasu.

“Don’t take these words as a sign that I think you’re weak or unskilled. Far from it, I just figured that you wanted me to spare you my compliments and focus on what you could do to improve. You’re definitely a powerful ninja, otherwise you wouldn’t have survived as long as you have. Your technique is strong and your execution is pretty good, all it needs is a bit of grinding.” the magician added to her speech. She felt herself blush a little, complimenting people felt a little weird. She couldn’t take or dish compliments out as it appeared.

The magician then lowered her top hat to hide her slight blush and went on to go past her new rogue friend. After passing through him and moving towards the forest on the other side of the bridge she turned back at him. Her mouth was slightly open but she hesitated before speaking, Mana didn’t know if she was over her limits asking him this. “I’m going to what is known in Konoha as the Forest of Death. My contract species the ninja rabbits live there in a system of caves, I’m going there to train and help them rebuild after a recent calamity. This might be your chance to get stronger and do something good, to use your inner darkness to help people instead of hurting them. You can come with me if you want to…” Mana said and then continued walking. Whether Rukasu wanted to follow or not was up to him, after all, it was also up to him how he wanted to live his life. This may have been a chance for him to try something new…

[EXIT]

Spoiler:

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong…
that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

“Your handseals are actually quite alright, yet they were slow enough that I identified and memorized them just by seeing them once, it means the enemy has way too much time to counter it. I don’t think that It requires much training to mend this, just some casual practice with the seals. When you find a peaceful moment, before you sleep or otherwise, just sit down and close your eyes and imagine yourself going through the same seals again and again. Every so often practice going through them to make yourself more accustomed to the seals and using the jutsu, make it so that your body doesn’t feel like it’s much more than moving your arm. Have your body own those movements.” She said to Rukasu, and honestly she was right. She knew what she was talking about and Rukasu respected that and he already knew not to talk back to her because he never knew what she was really capable of.

Rukasu did not care at the moment that he was being told how to do something, and that was because of her. “Also the consistency of your chakra felt strange, there is definitely place for improvement in the strength of this technique but this isn’t your fault. This technique is pretty basic and I’m sure with enough training it might get stronger and the chakra would get more intense.” She also added as Rukasu just watched her carefully. He did not think he was going to be able to learn more about Raiton, but sure enough here he is, as someone is talking to him and teaching him different ways of Raiton. Since Rukasu wasn't very good at Raiton and he knew that, and that is why he would never pass up this opportunity ever.

Rukasu watched as she raised her arm into the air, and a bright beam shoots out of her hand and into the air. Rukasu eyebrow went back up, so intrigued by what she just did as he felt that he could do something like that. “This is Raiton chakra when it is emitted in a beam, it is powerful enough to break bones, maybe incapacitate at best, it’s perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to take lives, but for people who don’t have these principles it might be a bit too weak.” She said, but still that kind of jutsu can still come in handy since stalled an opponent is a perfect plan then it will all work out just as well. Rukasu knew in his mind he could do something like that. He actually wanted to try it, but he notices that the young lady was not finished yet.

He watched her, but what he saw was unreal, he couldn't see the hand signs. Her hands were moving so fast that right after he blink, she raised her arm once more and shot out a giant electric dragon. "This is a Lightning Release technique when you have your chakra vibrate instead of being released as a beam, it’s not a pinnacle of this vibration, but if you want raw power of your Raiton jutsu try focusing on vibrating your chakra. It might be the key to ranking up your technique.” Mana said as Rukasu's eyes were so wide that he could not believe what he just saw. There was one thing that caught Rukasu's eye more than anything that happen and that was her smile. To him that was a very cute smile and the strange feelings kept growing.

This lady is strong, more that I ever expected. I must make sure she never leaves my sight, I need her to train me. Also in return I will have to fine a way to repay her back. Rukasu thought to himself as he could not still keep his eyes off of her. He just couldn't and if he did the image of her smile will be imprinted in his mind and that was not a good sign. Only because when he needed to focus on something important that smile will appear in his mind and now he was worried if that smile would appear when he is about to kill someone. Would Rukasu stop or will he fight to ignore it. It was too early to tell, but in the end, she had already affected him somehow.

“Don’t take these words as a sign that I think you’re weak or unskilled. Far from it, I just figured that you wanted me to spare you my compliments and focus on what you could do to improve. You’re definitely a powerful ninja, otherwise you wouldn’t have survived as long as you have. Your technique is strong and your execution is pretty good, all it needs is a bit of grinding.” Mana said as he notice something else that caught his eye and that was her blushing. This was something that he could not believe nor did he understood what was going on but for some reason he knew that everything that just happen was meant for good. Rukasu just did not care about what she said, so far he just admired her strength and beauty. This criminal had lost it, but he was not going to show it. He knew that he must stay strong no matter what happens next.

“Don’t take these words as a sign that I think you’re weak or unskilled. Far from it, I just figured that you wanted me to spare you my compliments and focus on what you could do to improve. You’re definitely a powerful ninja, otherwise you wouldn’t have survived as long as you have. Your technique is strong and your execution is pretty good, all it needs is a bit of grinding.” Mana finally said as this hit Rukasu very hard. He just looked at her as she slowly walked away. Was he going to follow her or take a different path. She was right, this could be the criminal's only chance to get power.

Use my darkness to help others?, Rukasu thought to himself in confusion as he felt weird about it but maybe she was right. Or maybe she just had her own point of view, but without thinking Rukasu had already taken his first step to follow her. Was it destiny that the two of them were to meet or was it fate. Rukasu did not know how to save people and maybe that was something he needed to learn. After seeing Moku back at Kiri, he remembered that he wasn't all that evil and he was very strong.

Maybe this is a sign that following her will lead to the power I seek, but what about my darkness and evil I held onto for so long. Does she believe in me or something that i could change that quickly. Well I must keep up before I get lost in this big place. Rukasu thought to himself as he was only a few feet behind the young lady. This was a new journey that Rukasu had never encountered nor he would in years, but he felt this determination to keep going no matter what. Now both of them were headed in the same direction, to train and gain a new perceptive on life. Will this help Rukasu grow up more and become a better person or will the darkness consume him more as the evil continues to grow.

Now as Night rose the two can travel without being seen, which was a very good thing for Rukasu and Mana.

[Exit]