Nature Walk(Closed)

Posts : 542

The day was crisp and young. The lazy sun was not even completely clear of the craggy mountains to the north of Konoha. The animated chirps of birds rustling amongst the trees gave the morning a musical sound track. The leaves bathed in the waters of the early dew. Here and there the squiring of a small animal that searched for cover as it looked for breakfast trying to not become it itself. The exuberance and vitality of nature filled the young Genin’s vision as he walked through the wooded forest of the fire country. Ken did not really know what had spurred this sudden trek into the wilds of the Hi no Kuni, but he was here and he was glad he had. The wind was fresh from the mountains, descending and filling the woods as if from the holy mouths of some divine beings. Ken inhaled deeply, feeling the fresh air cool his insides, invigorating him. He opened extended his hands to his sides, letting his fingers touch the moist flora. The receptors in his hands took in every little detail. From the soft silky petals of the wild flowers royalty dressed in colors only rich ladies could dream of, to the rough barks of the trees, strong guardians and habitants of the olden forests.

Ken wondered at the sights these trees had seen, the ages they had seen pass. Perhaps, with some luck, his own mother had walked this path and conversed with the trees. The young Genin sighed, he felt really small and UN important in the overall nature of things. His life was but a wisp in the great circle of life. The thought itself made him squint his big, brown doe eyes. The resolution the save life and to serve a purpose rekindled inside his heart. As of late, he had felt that he had not been doing enough. His actions of little consequence in the bigger picture. Or so he felt. There were so many people out there making a difference in this world, and yet he was still there, not even a Medical Nin. His mother no doubt had already performed great deeds already. For crying out loud, she had already gone to war and survived. The more he thought of his short comings, the more Ken felt useless. His hand would strike the trunk of a nearby tree, but not in anger but helplessness.

The cool wind now served to soothe his skin which had turned feverish at the sudden wave of frustration that had assailed him. Ken was not prone to bouts of feelings and that made this recent one all the more unsettling. Of late, he had been getting shorts of returned memory. A name more than anything had stuck in his head and he could not help but feel a certain familiarity with it. Kinoshi, Kana every time he said it or even thought about it, it would send a wave of chills down his spine. That name meant something and he hated not knowing what. Perhaps if he was smarter or skilled, he would have come to a conclusion, yet he was nothing more than a boy, with not family and no real talent. All that he was, he had achieved through rigorous study and hard work.

His mind was occupied but soon it relaxed again. He could not maintain such dark thoughts when nature itself, a place of kill or be killed. A place of only the strong survive, could produces such lovely images. If such a place was at peace, why should he not? Ken took another deep breath to stabilize himself. He looked at the struck tree and silently apologized. His hand turned from a fist into that of a tender caressing palm. He welcomed the sturdiness the tree represented. Even when cut down the tree was useful and so Ken someday hoped his death would be of worth. He sat at the foot of the tree. Perhaps he could learn something of the ancient giant. Stability and permanence would do the young Genin well. Life was far over the horizon but, the day was crisp and young.

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

It was a slow morning, one that Saitou had slowly woken up to. Laziness seemed everywhere, in the sun hanging so low, the few birds singing a cheerful song near absentmindedly. Nature itself seemed drowsy, as if it had woken from a sleep a few winks short of forty. The leaves held up a soft dew, the light reflecting under the canopy, making a small sparkling glint. Animals of all kind went about their daily business, and a refreshing, cooling wind swept from the mountains. Reds and purples, whites and blues littered the floor in no order, swing about softly in the air, filling all that could be seen with a majestic color, scents of all kinds wondering around, looking for a nose to appease.

Saitou sat in the arm of an aging oak, high from the ground. His eyes fixed on a book, the only sounds from him, his soft breathing, and the gentle flip of a delicate page. Today was a rare occasion, for the purple haired boy had decided against white or black, and come into the welcoming forest dressed in a dark blue. The air was fresh, and his belly was slowly emptying. He gazed high into the trees, watching them sway lazily, to and fro. This spot was one the young genin frequented when he was in need of an escape. He'd come here today to relax, admire nature's beauty, and get away from the bustling streets of konoha. Letting out a silent yawn, something caught his eye.

A figure stood there, swathed in grey, with large brown eyes and scruffy brown hair. Saitou watched as he punched a tree, but from what he could tell, it wasn't from pure seething rage. Closer inspection showed the young boy that the figure was in fact a ninja, and didn't look much older than him. He wondered if the boy knew he was being watched. The person continued to walk in the young genins direction. Deciding to get a closer look, Saitou leapt down from his vantage point, book in hand, before grabbing the branch of a tree and swinging to the ground, narrowly avoiding a clump of nettles. "Hi, I'm Masaki, Saitou. Who are you, and what brings you here?"

Posts : 542

Ken had been lost in thought, something about the forest made him think of the various flora and fauna. Some he had seen in the many books he read, some he cataloged in his head in case he came upon them later. Kana as always was wearing something many would not consider fashionable. He had a grey t-shirt on that seemed too big for his frame. His usual khaki t-shirt was much too ruined and beyond repair. So the young Genin had splurged and bought his current one from a second hand store. It was plain gray and definitely used. He wore his usual Khaki pants which were relaxed and bloused at the shins. His hair was salt and pepper looking and hung down to just past his shoulders. On his feet he wore sturdy leather boots instead of the usual shinobi sandals. Perhaps they were not as quiet but he found them much more resilient.

So lost in thought was the young bronzed stranger that he did not notice the figure flying through the air until his shadow passed a flower Ken had been looking at. Instinctively, Ken tensed and his arm reached for his pouch with the ease and efficiency born of training. His feet would spread slightly and bend at the knees ready to jump backwards or to either side should he require it. His left hand would come up to be at the same height as his face but with the forearm parallel to the ground, ready to deflect a surprise attack. Ken really was not skittish, but with many missing Nin found in solitary places, one could not be too careful. Even here, in the forests of the great fire country, vigilance was required.

His eyes followed the figure until its last resting spot not two meters from him. The glint of a forehead protector caught his eye and the familiar leaf symbol he also wore relaxed his stance. He would straighten up and his hands would fall to his side as he bowed slightly to the newcomer. “It is a pleasure to meet you Masaki-san. I am Kinoshi, Kana. A Genin of Konoha. Truth be told, I merely felt drawn to this place. There is no particular reason yet I could not help but follow inkling in me. I do apologize if I have disturbed you.” Ken felt a little uneasy about having given the other person that name. Once again, it had flown from his mouth with such ease that he hardly knew he had said it until it was said. Could that be his own name? Ken was not his given name either and he could not use his grandfathers clan name, so Kinoshi, Kana would do for now.

Ken noticed the book in the young man’s hand and the title seemed familiar. Yet, because of how it was being held he could not know for sure. He bowed again to the young man and said apologetically. “Please forgive me if I have disturbed your reading. It was not my intention. I shall leave you alone if you so desire.” He was sorry, though Ken, or Kana as he had called himself, would much rather stay and talk to the young man. He seemed interesting to him. The purple hair was a definite but the book the other carried would perhaps prove more so.

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

As Saitou landed expertly on the grass and spoke, he was surprised to find the ninja apologizing, before answering his question formally. The ground were he stood had been home to no flowers, thankfully, and soft enough for his feet to have taken the fall easily, with only a small pain to his right ankle. Taking a closer look at the boy, they purple haired genin noted his hair was longer than he'd first thought, and not quite as brown. His skin was darker than he'd believed it to be, and he wore large sturdy boots instead of the normal sandals. As expected, the boy who'd introduced himself as Kana had been ready to jump into action as soon as the other had landed. Smirking, the violet eyed genin spoke. "Please, call me Saitou, and don't worry, you have not disturbed me,"

The wildlife around them hadn't stopped at the meeting. Birds still sang, but now they were above Saitou. The wind was calmer and warmer down here, and the canopy let less sun through. The flowers that he'd ever so narrowly missed seemed even more beautiful this close, their scent much clearer.

Book in hand, the boy grabbed a small cloth bag of sweets from a pouch at the back of his pocket, pulling the drawstring and plucking one from the pile of multi-colored delights. "Shall we walk together?" without waiting for a reply, Saitou began to walk, before offering the other a sweet. "Tell me a bit about yourself, Kana-San, if you have no reason not to," His smile wasn't as wide now, but still there, friendly looking, at least he hoped so. Saitou still held his book, his hand firm on the spine, the title reading clearly in gold wording 'The Sage's apprentice'.

Posts : 542

Kana would bow slightly again. “Very well Saitou-san. I am relieved that I did not disturb you. This place does seem like the kind some would visit to get away from the reconstruction and daily life in the village.” The young Genin was surprised how friendly and nonchalant the other was, as he without warning, not only offered him a piece of sweet, something Kana had great affinity for as he did not enjoy such morsels frequently, and asked him about himself. As was to be expected, Kana did not have any ulterior motives and he did not question the sudden interest in his past life. Truth be told, his ‘past life’ only dated back a few months.

Kana bowed slightly to Saitou as he took the candy but did not immediately put it in his mouth. He felt speaking with his mouth full would be disrespectful and he also did not want to appear famished as he devoured the delicious treat. Instead, he kept it in the palm of his hand as he told the new found Shinobi what few details he had to tell.

“As I have told you, I am Kinoshi, Kana. Or at least, I think that is what my name is. You see, I only recently awoke in the Konoha Hospital a few months ago. From what they tell me, I arrived by a summoned Elk in the arms of my mother which passed away a few minutes after. I was in critical condition but pulled through. Something that still baffles the medics; as a result of my mysterious affliction I have temporary memory loss. Though it is uncertain how long this will last. I do get flashes of what my past life could have been like but nothing concrete that I can hold on to. My late grandfather, Inuzuka Ryuuko, took me in after he learned of my existence. It seems my mother was once a Konoha shinobi. When she lost her companion dog to the war, she disappeared. Thinking of following my mother’s legacy, I became a shinobi through unorthodox means. I took a proctored exam since I could not attend the Academy. Only a couple of months ago did I gain the title of Genin. I aim to become a Medical Nin. That, Saitou –san, is my entire tale.”

Kana was silent at this point, wondering if the other would think him a liar. There was a few in the village that would have called him so. His circumstances were so extreme and strange that no logical explanation could be found. Perhaps that was the reason why Kana attempted to mingle and greet all that he saw. Perhaps someday he might be acknowledged as part of the village and not just as a stranger the Hokage and precious few took in. He was memory less, family less and clan less. In truth he was even name less. But he intended to keep the name he had given Saitou, it held a small part of his past. Perhaps it would help him anchor his future.

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

Kana-san took the candy, bowing once again, seemingly grateful. Saitou had never met someone with this level of manners, even strangers hoping to make some money, but he knew it was good natured and let it drop. The purple haired boy's new companion went onto explain his life. Saitou was stunned at the story, and was sad to hear of Kinoshi's mother's death. He could imagine that it would've been traumatic, but his drive to be a medical nin and help others, it inspired the genin.

After Kana had finished, he went silent. Saitou might've disregarded the boy's story entirely, it seemed quite absurd. But to make THAT up on the spot was ridiculous. Something made him believe that it was true. Remembering seeing his companion punch the tree, the genin was sure the other wasn't lying. Before the silence could stretch out, the purple haired boy replied "... Wow Kana, that must've been hard... Well, I'm Saitou, my tale is slightly more ordinary. I live in a flat alone, my father is a hunter, my mother runs a shop. My luck with the ladies is... I don't pathetic emphasizes it enough..." smirking, Saitou carried on "My dream is to become an asset to the village, to help it and it's citizens in a time of need... I am driven by a hatred of seeing those I love helpless in despair, and I want to be there for them all,"

Smiling, the young genin took in a deep breath, before plopping a sweet into his mouth, and taking a deep breath. The sweet air was filled with the delicate scent of wild flowers, and the sun seemed to be rising higher. Looking at Kana, Saitou felt a large respect for him. He wanted to be like him. He wanted to be strong. Sighing, he looked around. Determined to break the ice and make friends with the boy, Saitou spoke once more. "So then, do you have any particular hobbies? interests?"

Posts : 542

Kana was glad the other Genin had not taken his story as a fib or jest. “I thank you for caring. It was hard mainly because I could not remember my mother or anything from my past. I let me feel out of place. Perhaps that is the reason why I strive so hard to become a good Medical Nin, so that my life can have a purpose and my mother’s life not have been wasted in delivering me to Konoha.” He went silent for a second or two trying to suppress a lump that had sneaked his way onto his throat. Clearing the obstruction, Kana continued.

“Forgive me, Saitou-san, but I must disagree with you. Not one life is ordinary. It may seem like that to you but the mere fact that your parents hold such jobs makes them interact with many people. One fears a feather may not be missed but the bird to which such feather belongs to will surely miss it. Should you not be here right now, I would not have had the chance to speak to a person that is the living legacy of Konoha. Many people died to bring us the peace we now enjoy. It warms my heart about your life. I do not mean to be presumptuous but I do assume and know that your mark will echo in eternity. I am sure that your drive to protect those you love will be the solid stone that will build up your legacy.”

Kana feared that he had talked down to the other Genin and so changed his tone and the topic. Instead, he ventured the information that Saitou requested. “I am afraid I do not really have hobbies. My aim is to learn. If any, I would say that books of all sorts interest me. There is nothing that I do not consider interesting or would shun from learning. Take the book you have there in your hand for example. The title seemed familiar to me at first but the one I have read deals with a non fictitious plot of a distant land(India). I do not believe that to be the plot of this “Sage’s Apprentice” am I correct?”

The bronzed Genin wanted to learn more of his current partner. Even if Saitou believed his life to be of no consequence, Kana knew that he must be quite capable as a Genin. Konoha was not known for passing just anybody. Each and every member of the Shinobi force had something to offer. The young Genin knew that diversity in skills and abilities were the tools that conquered in battle. A general that could use each piece in his arsenal to the best of its abilities was considered invincible. The Hokage was sure to know each and every Nin under his command. After all, the Hokage was the parent figure of all Konoha and as such cared for and protected all.

There was nothing that Saitou could tell Kana that the bronzed Genin would consider useless or without merit. He knew that his father must be a hunter of great skill and the mother a business woman of good rapport. If this was not so, Saitou would not feel the urge to tell Kana about them. There was no shame in his voice when he mentioned them. To live by himself meant that the other Genin either participated in many missions to earn his living or had the support and love of his entrepreneurial parents. Kana waited for any response from his walking partner.

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

Saitou was bemused by Kana's words, but he whole-heartedly agreed with them. The purple haired genin was inspired, and hung on to every sound his new companion said. Clearly the other boy believed every word he was saying, and so did he. "Kana-san, I can tell you are very dedicated, even though i don't know you very well. If your mother is watching you, I am sure that she would be proud of what you've achieved already,"

Kana quickly changed topic, talking about the book Saitou held, and telling him about how he strove to learn. The young genin was astounded by the others personality. He was wise yet modest, and dedicated and committed to help Konoha. Another surprise that came to him was when Kana-san went on to say how the book seemed familiar to him, yet he must've been mistaken. "well, you clearly know quite a fair bit about your literature. You are right, this book is in fact a story based on a true tale of a shinobi who trained under a legendary sage, spending years learning about all types of jutsu, poisons, remedies and strategies, before the master went on to betray his village, and how he had to face him. I suspect the confrontation will end in ethers death, although I'm not quite finished," smirking, he continued "As you can imagine, little is known about certain parts, and some have clearly been exaggerated. It goes into a lot of detail about some locations, teachings and such, whilst it says nearly nothing about others. It would seem that as the story has been passed on more and more fiction has been twined and weaved into it, until you get this," Saitou said, before pulling out the book and gesturing to it. Normally he would've been worried that the long speech would've bored his walking partner, but Kana-san clearly had a great knowledge of books, and may've been interested.

Taking a deep breath, Saitou felt glad he'd ventured into the forest today. The hustle and bustle of Konoha's streets wasn't a great place to meet new people, certainly not as intriguing as this.

Posts : 542

Kana could think of nothing to do regarding the remark that his mother would be proud of his actions but bow to his companion. The mere thought that his mother would look down with favor upon him brought an extreme sense of gladness into his being. It was not that he felt he deserved praise or any sort of recognition but Kana would desperately seek an approval from his mother and grandfather. Even a pat on the back from his mentor and friend, Akima Nabuto, meant the world to him it meant that he was not useless and that Konoha had use of him. Taking a deep breath he voiced his thanks to the young purple haired Genin at his side. “You have done me a great honor in believing that my mother would be proud. You perhaps have no idea what it means to me to hear that what I do would cause her pride. I think that I have not achieved nearly enough nor do I feel that I have reached the point where I can seek her approval. Perhaps one day I can look to the heavens and know she smiles with approval.”

The emotion in his voice changed suddenly and drastically at the mention of the theme of the book in his Saitou’s hands. Betrayal was the worst sin anybody could commit in Kana’s eyes. Even a fictional book, or one based on events long in the dust brought an intense rage to fire up in his heart. The mere thought of betraying friends, family and village was something Kana would never allow. His big doe eyes flared at the book as if seeing the treacherous master. Yet, as soon as his anger flared the eyes softened into a sad complexion. There was nothing Kana could think of that would drive a person to such betrayal but Kana had figured that such people deserved pity more than anything. Wondering if his fellow shinobi took note of the sudden transformation in his demeanor Kana offered. “I do apologize for my rampant and sudden flare. I believe loyalty is something that it is in your choice to give and that once given it should not change. The people of Konoha have taken me in and my own legacy starter here, I will give my life if such a small price can secure the legacy my mother believed in”

There was a small bit of shame in the tone of the bronzed Genin, he felt he was too much of an open book to the person he had just met. Not that it made him uncomfortable, there was nothing to hide, but he did not want his companion to be uncomfortable. Speaking of book, he went back to speaking of the subject at hand. “You are indeed right; I have not read the book you now hold in your hands. If you recommend it and it is available perhaps one day I may travel its pages. Tell me Saitou-san, and be truthful, when you look at me, my person and my mind, which has been spilled far too easily to you that perhaps you care for, do you see a person you could fight along side with?” The question came from nowhere, it had popped in his mind and it was out before Kana could help it. The inquiry in the air, there was little to do than wait for an answer.

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

Kana-san gracefully thanked Saitou for the words he had spoken, even though he was little more than a stranger, as of yet. As the purple haired boy went on to explain the book, he was quite surprised by his companions reaction. His eyes seemed to hide a blazing fire, before they softened. His tone went cold, changing drastically, but like his eyes, it changed as suddenly as it had came. The look he gave now was one of pity. The young genin was worried he might've touched on a sensitive manner somewhere, although he didn't know what. Racking his brain, he tried to think about what he'd said that may've offended him. Kana-san quickly explained however, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief. Again, the salt-and-pepper haired boy gave yet another touching speech. Saitou wondered how often he loosened down. Maybe he didn't have any hobbies, but everybody needed time to relax. "I agree with your views on loyalty, but i think we must never follow undoubtedly. I too would fight for Konoha until the end, but I always question the motives behind it's actions. It certainly does noble work for noble causes, but errors can be made. But as shinobi, I guess it's our duty to fight for what we love and stand for," Saitou said, his tone becoming more serious.

The other genin's voice let out a hint of emotion, one that Saitou hardly heard. He only just picked it up, and couldn't quite tell what it was. He shrugged to himself and thought it was nothing. The bronzed genin went back to the topic of the book, before asking out of the blue, a question Saitou could not recall being asked before. He thought for a moment or two, before replying "That's certainly not something I'm used to being asked, Kana-san. I do not know you as well as others may, but from what I do know, there is no doubt you would be a valuable teammate, in any group. Clearly your loyal and dedicated, things which should be largely valued... however, I have never seen you fight," Saitou ran a hand through his purple hair. The road had widened, the trees forming a rough circle around them, vegetation spilling out in all directions. "I dont mean to be forward, Kana-san, but perhaps that could be changed. If you have all that you'd need, of course," The challenge came out in a complete whim. Saitou wasn't sure wether or not to regret it. He would like to see Kana fight, and he had his kit, as always. His clothes were similar to those he wore when on duty, but he hadn't fully woken up yet. Perhaps this was the way to do it

Posts : 542

The challenge was a surprise to Kana as well. He had meant his question to be something more philosophical more of acceptance than actual skill. He felt that he had done little to be accepted in the battle field by other shinobi and he had no idea why he had asked Saitou but he had. The surprise fluttered on his face momentarily as a startled shadow quickly crossing his countenance. His big doe eyes widening not in fear but as the startled animal after which his eyes were fashioned. Yet the surprise ended quickly enough, after all, this was the shinobi world and fist meant more than words sometimes. He only hoped that his own portrayed his true feelings of comradeship and loyalty. Kana grinned, not a smug one as if considering his partner less than him, but one that told his walking partner that he would agree to the request. Kana did not consider him self a fighter. In his eyes, he was no more than an apprentice. He yearned to be taught by a Chunnin or ideally a Jounin, but the war had depleted the ranks of the shinobi force so much that teams were far and few in between. That was another reason he wanted to spar, he wanted others to see him as a valuable asset to a team so that more missions could be contacted and the village may gain the popularity it once held.

Kana nodded his head towards Saitou. “I indeed do and I can think of no greater honor than to spar with a fellow ninja.” Placing his hands tight to his outer thighs with the palms pressing against his legs, he bowed deeply and respectfully to wards the other Genin. Though they were around the same age and maybe even the same skill, the bow communicated to Saitou that Kana honored him as his superior. The bronzed stranger held the pose for a second or two, his salt and pepper hair falling around his shoulders and in front of his face. The other Genin could not see Kana’s face but the young Genin’s eyes were closed in total respect and trust that Saitou would not attack him. Kana knew that Saitou was honorable, and though a ninja is supposed to be ready at all times, he knew that in an honorable match, the other would wait until the sparring ninja was ready to begin.

“Thank you for this honor” The voice came firm but soft. With that, Kana ended his pose and walking to the edge of the circular clearing in the road adopted what he assumed was a decent fighting stance, nodded towards Saitou. “I am ready to commence Saitou-san. Please forgive me if I present little challenge to you, I shall try my utmost to try and make this interesting for you.” His piece being said, Kana tensed and relaxed his muscles at the same time in anticipation of what was sure to be a friendly but fierce fight.

(exit to be continued in a private thread)

Age : 25 Posts : 1767

Kana-san seemed surprised fleetingly by the challenge, but gracefully, as always, accepted, before giving Saitou a low, honored bow. It was all he could do to keep from blushing in embarrassment. The other genin was acting so formally, whilst the purple haired boy had been much more casual and friendly. He assumed that was just the way Kana was, and he didn't mind it. The bronzed boy held his bow longer than usual, which surprised Saitou. He could've attacked there and then, his opponents guard was down, but no. His new companion treated him with respect, and he would do the same. And where was the honor, or the use, in winning an easy fight? No, he wanted a challenge, and he new Kana-san could provide just that. Clearly, the boy cared greatly about his skill; Saitou could see few better opportunities to train. A spar against an enemy you little of was much closer to the real battles of a shinobi. If he was to be strong, he needed to know how to handle himself against many types of ninja. He'd never fought a medic ninja before, and he felt it would be an interesting change.

Saitou smiled at Kana, before taking a few strides back, getting into a low fighting pose, hands ready.

- Topic End -