Strengthening Clan Ties [Travel To Lightning Country]

Age : 28 Posts : 2538

Shikaruto stood at the gates of Konohagakure no Sato, waiting for his team mate for the upcoming mission to arrive. He knew the name of his team mate was Kaguya, Matsunaka, but other than that, he didn’t know anything about him. This was because the two shinobi had been briefed on the mission separately, due to conflicting schedules. Shikaruto had been rather busy as of late. Nevertheless, he was off on yet another mission, fully prepared to perform his duties for his village. At least, that was what he was telling himself. It was better to delude himself from reality, so his lies were convincing, should anybody question him on his loyalty. He was fully aware that his priorities lied solely in getting out of the village and going to Kumogakure no Sato in Kaminari no Kuni. He had never visited the Lightning Country himself before, having never left Hi no Kuni. He had, however, heard great things about the land; the abundance of hot springs, the vast mountain ranges, and the many rivers which flowed to the sea, creating a very crooked coastline that displayed an impressive oceanic beauty.

Konohagakure no Sato was situated very much inland of Hi no Kuni, so Shikaruto had only seen the ocean a few times before in his life, when he had been on holiday with his clan. He knew the ocean was beautiful. He could remember how it glistened under the relentless beams from the sun, shining in the cloudless blue sky. A memory of paddling in the sea with his father as a young boy whilst his mother sunbathed on the beach flashed across his mind, causing him to flinch in pain. He didn’t like to think about his father too much; it made him too sad. Now wasn’t a time to be sad. He was finally getting to address his innate drive to travel the world and explore. Now was a time for celebration!

Shikaruto had also heard about the violent thunderstorms which gave the Lightning Country its namesake. Despite understanding the danger of said storms, part of Shikaruto hoped one occurred whilst he was there, because thunderstorms were scarce in Hi no Kuni and he knew he would love to see such a destructive force of nature in action. Destruction is just another form of creation. Shikaruto liked harsh and unusual whether, which didn’t really happen much in Konoha. Their weather was usually always warm and banal. Sure, the weather changed with the seasons, but there were rarely any extreme conditions.

Tapping his foot softly against the ground in a mixture of anticipation and irritation, Shikaruto waited as patiently as possible for his fellow Konoha shinobi to arrive. He knew he was early, as they were not supposed to meet at the gates for another few minutes, but he hadn’t had anything else to do that morning apart from wait around and kill time. His mother had laughed at his excitement, doubling over as he spilt his cereals on the floor because he was bouncing around the house so much. He was so excited to set off that he would rather be early than late. His mind wandered to the Kaguya. He thought about what he would look like, how he would act and how they would get along. He hoped their experience was positive, considering they would be alone together for quite a journey. Turning to face the village, Shikaruto scanned the streets to see if he could see any shinobi approaching him.

Posts : 235

If there was truly Gods in the high palace above the clouds looking down upon the lowly creatures that inhabited the earth and decided their many fates they obvious were highly sadistic and comical entities that found enjoyment in the pain of his simple existence. The early morning light that greeted him as he rose to experience another day was a simple reminder of the hell that the village loved to give him. Rising to his feet he began to stretch to his entire body length. Each vertebrae snapping into perfect alignment along his spine, his bones cracking and snapping back into precise position. Letting his hands fall down to his sides he quickly walk over to the dedicated spot he had set aside that housed his mission bag and equipment. Stepping lightly with a grace that was not associated with his large frame he reached his equipment and began to prepare for the coming trip and what might happen. Sliding on his pants he checked the pockets, each pants leg naturally fitting above his knee to allow for him to move freely. Putting on his high tabi socks and black rubber soled combat boots, he was prepared to stomp out any person that didn't respect him. Sliding on his long sleeve black shirt he took his white flak jacket and slid it on over his shirt leaving it open so it wouldn't restrict his movements.

Leaning over is mission pack he check through the backpack making sure he had his extra equipment but he was sure that he didn't really need the metal weapons when his entire skeleton was a diverse system of weapons. Taking his pack into his hands Matsunaka slid the bag onto his shoulder making sure it fit snugly on his back. Turning around he reached down and scratched the ears of the large panther that he called his comrade and bestfriend. "Rise Tetsu we are leaving." The large black cat stretched out and quickly got to his feet, his large cat eyes sharp with born animal instinct. Turning to walk toward the door with tetsu on his heels he looked over his humble home memorizing the way things looked and left out the door. Closing the door behind him Matsunaka sauntered down the steps thinking about where the mission meeting spot was. The man he was supposed to meet was Nara, Shikaruto. Matsunaka didn't know this guy other than that he was from the Nara clan and that he would be travelling with him as his companion on the mission to strengthen the ties of the his clan and the nara with representatives in kumo. They would be official diplomats for konoha and Matsunaka still couldn't understand how he would fare in the diplomat situation he wasn't much for one to talk and the only reason for him to go would be only to help him in the furthering of his plans for the kaguya clan. Looking into the distance he saw a lone shinobi standing by the village gate. Judging from the large pack on his body that was his contact and traveling companion. As Matsunaka and tetsu approached the young man the thoughts of his travel destination ran though his head, and what he would find when he got there.

The land of lightning would be probably be filled with ninja that had skill in the art of raiton chakra and he hopefully could learn to better use his chakra affinity element on a higher degree. Plus the large mountainous range, along with large thunderstorms that often occur it would be an interesting place of nature. As he reached his companion, he went to the gate support pillar and leaned up against it with tetsu kaiden lying down next to him. "Nara, Shikaruto if your him lets go. I dont want to waste time and nor do I care if you want to be friends. All I have to say is that you just walk and don't talk too much."

Age : 28 Posts : 2538

Shikaruto hadn’t been waiting long, just watching the people of Konohagakure no Sato go about their business. A shinobi came around the corner and walked down the main street of Konoha, looking at Shikaruto with interest. He must be my comrade, Shikaruto thought to himself, pushing himself off of the wall he had been leaning against and standing up straight. Shikaruto had been able to identify the incoming man as a shinobi because of the forehead protector he wore around his neck, the metal plate gleaming in the sunshine. His black hair fell down to his waist, with white strips on either side of it. The man was several years older than Shikaruto, being several inches taller and having a lot heavier build. His clothes were rather unusual. His shorts were black, with white panthers on them, and they ended at his knees. Beneath his knees, he wore black tabi socks, which were pulled all the way up, so from a distance it looked like he was just wearing black pants. He donned black combat boots which clapped against the ground as he approached.

On his upper body, the shinobi wore a white shirt, covered by a black flak jacket which unusually, had a fur collar. Shikaruto was intrigued by the design, analysing the shinobi’s attire in even more detail as he approached. The black flak jacket had bars across it and was covered in holes, presumably from his Kaguya bones. Shikaruto wondered how he would fair with this Kaguya, compared to Yoroi. They hadn’t had such an excellent start. The shinobi’s white shirt came out from underneath the flak jacket at the shinobi’s arms, and fitted him perfectly. He carried with him a backpack over his shoulder, which helped Shikaruto to identify him as his mission partner. Shinobi didn’t often carry backpacks around with them unless they were travelling, preferring to keep a light load. Walking beside the shinobi was a large black panther. Shikaruto had never seen a panther in person before, so he would already excited by the prospects this mission was bringing him.

As the shinobi reached Shikaruto, he leaned up against the gate support pillar Shikaruto had previously been leaning on and the panther lied down next to him. Immediately, Shikaruto felt the sense of comradeship between the two and he knew that they had a close bond. Shikaruto was admiring the panther’s glossy black coat, when the shinobi spoke. “Nara, Shikaruto. Shikaruto looked up at the mention of his name. His eyes met the shinobi’s and he was astonished to see they were a brilliant shade of violet. Already, Shikaruto was intrigued by this man. He had never seen such eyes before. The shinobi seemed unaware of the effect he was having on Shikaruto. “If you’re him, let’s go. I don’t want to waste time, nor do I care if you want to be friends. All I have to say is that you just walk, and don’t talk too much.”

Shikaruto was taken aback by how blunt his tone was. He was beginning to think these types of personalities were common with the Kaguya clan. So much for being wiped out, Shikaruto thought bitterly to himself, keeping his face passive. Nodding as confirmation of his identity, the two boys set off towards Kaminari no Kuni in silence, the only sounds were that of their feet as they ran. Shikaruto wanted nothing more than to talk to this man, he was so interested in him. But he didn’t want to badger the guy, so he had an internal battle of conscience as they travelled. As they kept running, Shikaruto began to focus more on the journey than deciding whether or not to talk to his comrade. They could always talk when they arrived. Right now, Shikaruto was running with anticipation. He couldn’t remember the last time he had ran with such vigour. He wanted to reach the Lightning Country as soon as he could. He felt the excitement shivering through his bones and several times he had to stop himself from smiling like an idiot at the prospect of exploring the world. He knew that the Kaguya probably wouldn’t take to kindly to such immaturity, considering the introduction he had just given Shikaruto.

Posts : 235

Liberation was the feeling that flooded his body as they left the village gate. This would be his first time leaving the village since first being brought there as a child so long ago. The air was sweet from the fresh plants that provided their path. He became more in tuned with the feeling of nature that surrounded him as they neared the dock. Supposedly when they got there it would be a boat for them so that they could immediately get on with travelling. He heard the captain was a friend of the village so it was safe to say that there would be no betrayal. Looking ahead of him he noticed that the Nara was light on feet, the fishnet that he wore on his body allowed him to move with fluid grace. For the first he could that their was blonde strands of hair among the dark black ones. It reminded him of his own hair, except his was much longer than his traveling companion. Focusing on the area around him he could feel the sun disappearing as the tree canopy would cover him as they went deeper into the forest. He could hear the animals of the forest stir as the two ninja invaded their territory. Yet he knew that they would not challenge them for tetsu kaiden traveled with them and his large size and dark menace would deter any upstart being from attacking them. Looking back ahead he felt the air begin to slightly change as he tasted a bit of salt in the air. They were close to the pier and it would be soon that they could continue on with the longest part of their journey.

"Slow down,piers coming up." He brought his body to slower pace as the air got saltier and saltier with each passing moment. Tetsu kaiden appeared beside him, the look on his face telling him that he would not like being on the water. "I understand, but stop being scared you won't die." The large cat growled and continued onward, "Big baby." Matsunaka continued onward hoping they would soon break the treeline and continue on toward the land of lightning.

Age : 28 Posts : 2538

As they approached their destination, Shikaruto could almost sense a change in the atmosphere. They were headed for the docks of Port City, the largest docks in all of Hi no Kuni, and the most frequently used by Konoha when shinobi needed to travel to other lands by water. Shikaruto could already feel the cold sea breeze and smell the excess salt in the air, despite still being shielded by the trees. The forest’s animal inhabitants stirred and ran away as Shikaruto and Mastunaka flew through their territory mercilessly. Behind him, the large black panther ran loyally beside the Kaguya, never breaking rank with him. It was probably the presence of such a predator which caused the wildlife to flee from them so rapidly. Shikaruto wished he had his own bond with an animal like that. To have something so utterly devoted to you, without the complexity of doubt within it’s mind. Shikaruto sighed quietly with envy, not wanting Matsunaka to hear him.

"Slow down, pier’s coming up." Matsunaka said, pulling Shikaruto out of his thoughts. Shikaruto was surprised that Matsunaka had spoken first, but followed his orders regardless. After all, Matsunaka was the elder of the two and Shikaruto knew his strengths lay in a supportive role, rather than that of a leader. The shinobi slowed their pace slightly as they continued on towards the docks, but they never stopped entirely. "I understand, but stop being scared. You won't die." Matsunaka spoke again, but his words didn’t make sense to Shikaruto. He turned around to face Matsunaka as he ran, and just as he was about to ask Matsunaka if he was talking to him, the panther growled in response, low and deep. Shikaruto turned again to face the front, so Matsunaka didn’t see him. He was completely shocked that the shinobi and his panther could understand and communicate with one another. It made Shikaruto only more jealous of their bond. He didn’t feel connected to anyone in such a way, not even his own mother.

Maybe there’s something wrong with me, Shikaruto thought, worriedly. ”Big baby," Matsunaka muttered, and Shikaruto was about to respond affrontedly, when he realised that Matsunaka couldn’t have been talking to him, unless he could read minds. He realised how paranoid he was being away, and almost laughed at himself. As they travelled, Shikaruto found it weird listening to Matsunaka’s conversation with his panther, only being able to understand one half of it. He didn’t say anything, because he didn’t want to offend the Kaguya. He wished he could understand what the panther was saying. He was just glad they weren’t travelling in silence anymore.

Eventually they broke the treeline of the forest and ran out into the open of Port City. The actual port was on the other side of the city, so Shikaruto and Matsunaka, accompanied by his panther, made their way through the bustling port. It wasn’t a shinobi city, so they got weird looks as they walked through, mostly for the panther that was accompanying them. Shikaruto could understand, it wasn’t exactly an ordinary animal to walk around with. Above all, though, they got respect. Port City was part of Hi no Kuni and as such, was under the protection of Konohagakure no Sato. Once people saw their Konoha forehead protectors, they moved out of their way for them and smiled at them as they did so, regardless of how much of an inconvenience it may have been for them. Shikaruto responded politely as people treated him with the utmost respect, without even knowing him.

Finally they arrived at the actual port, with several wooden piers extending fifteen to twenty metres into the glistening ocean. Shikaruto lead the way to port seven, where the Hokage had instructed him that a boat would be waiting for them, to take them directly to Kaminari no Kuni. His sandals clapping along the pier, Shikaruto stopped in front of a sailor who was stood in the boat and asked him, “This is the transport for Nara, Shikaruto and Kaguya, Matsunaka to Kaminari no Kuni, correct? The sailor nodded in confirmation and Shikaruto jumped aboard, waiting for Matsunaka to follow, so they could make their way to the Land of Lightning and start their mission.

Posts : 235

The strong smell of salty air assaulted his sense of smell as they broke through the heavy forest treeline. The bright sun and rocky coast was a new sight to the young man. It had been many years since he had been out on sea. Yet he felt more at home among the bright crystal clear lagoon and rocks far away from the village and the enclosed space. The air that blew threw his hair made it flow outwards in a ripple fashion. Matsunaka looked ahead and saw that Shikaruto had proceeded on ahead but he wasn't worried. He knew that he had been short with the kid and in this recent years he has learned to take a different approach to some things but if there is one thing he is going to find out in his life. Everything in a ninja life can be short, no matter how precious or worthy it may seem. Tetsu walked up to him and growled, "I know, but he'll learn." Gathering himself he walked toward the edge of the pier and toward their water transport. The boat was a small nimble craft most likely for quick travel and in case of attack provide quick escape on the open water. As Shikaruto confirmed that this boat was their way of getting to the land of lightning were a professional ninja escort would be there to receive them.

Nearing the gangplank Matsunaka confidently strode up the wood, his large boots providing a commanding crunch as they bent the wood underneath. Turning to look he noticed that Tetsu kaiden was hesitant coming up the wooden plank. "Tetsu its just water, we don't have all day." The panther growled in response before shooting up the wooden board with quick and nimble efficiency. "I don't want to hear it. kills without remorse yet afraid of an unanimate object." Tetsu muffled a stiff growl and strolled passed the deck hands fear in their eyes at the sight of the killer beast. Tetsu sauntered over to the front of the boat and laid down basking the sun closing his eyes as he began to sleep. "Tch big kitten." Taking the initiative of his companion Matsunaka walk past the deckhands they went back to diligently working a ninja being a regular sight for them. Sitting down at the front of the boat he turned to the captain. " Shikaruto decides when we leave. "

Age : 28 Posts : 2538

Shikaruto sat in the boat, which was rocking gently as it was tied to the pier. The waves were nothing more than mere ripples by the time they reached the pier, as there was not much wind that day. The ripples collided with the sides of the boat, making soothing washing noises. As he waited, Shikaruto looked out to sea. It was easy to lose yourself in the ocean. The water stretched on further than the eye could see in every direction. The horizon twinkled in the sunlight and Shikaruto couldn’t wait to set sail. Turning his gaze back towards the pier, Shikaruto saw Matsunaka walking along the wood, his panther striding loyally beside him. “I know, but he’ll learn,” Matsunaka said and Shikaruto turned towards him with interest. It was going to be hard to remember that Matsunaka wasn’t conversing with him, but instead with his panther.

Shikaruto couldn’t help but feel they were talking about him. What will I learn? Shikaruto questioned himself, his eyebrows raised subconsciously. He couldn’t think what he might have done wrong, to offend Matsunaka. Shikaruto watched Matsunaka walk across the gangplank inconspicuously, not wanting to annoy his team mate. The gangplank dipped beneath Matsunaka’s weight, and Shikaruto noticed that his panther seemed hesitant to board the boat. Matsunaka must have sensed the absence of his partner, because he turned around and spoke to the panther once more, “Tetsu, it’s just water, we don’t have all day.” Tetsu, so that’s the panther’s name, Shikaruto thought to himself, interested as ever by the interaction between the man and his feline friend. Tetsu growled in response before shooting up the wooden board with a quick and nimble efficiency. “I don't want to hear it. Kills without remorse, yet afraid of an inanimate object." Matsunaka seemed exasperated by his companion, as he sauntered aboard the boat. Tetsu muffled yet another growl, but the panther didn’t really seem to be annoyed at his master, just affronted. The large animal strolled past the deckhands, and even Shikaruto could see the fear in their eyes as they were presented with such a deadly creature.

Shikaruto watched the back of Tetsu as the creature made its way towards the front of the boat and laid down, the sun reflecting off of its glorious black coat. Tetsu closed its eyes, and Shikaruto assumed the panther was going to sleep. “Tch, big kitten,” Matsunaka tutted, and Shikaruto almost made the mistake of assuming Matsunaka was talking to him. Matsunaka soon followed his companion and walked towards the front of the boat and turned to the captain, sitting down beside him, “Shikaruto decides when we leave.” The captain turned around to face Shikaruto for instructions. So shocked by Matsunaka’s words, Shikaruto barely even nodded, but he knew he must have made some movement of confirmation, because one of the deckhands ran past Shikaruto towards the back of the boat and untied it from the pier. The deckhands returned to walk, obviously having adjusted to the presence of a panther on board, which was now sleeping soundly and was of little threat to anyone aboard.

The boat took off from the pier and the sudden movement jolted Shikaruto into his seat. He sat down and watched as the deckhands set to work, and the captain directed them on their actions. He was fascinated by how ships were directed, but after awhile, he couldn’t keep up, so he stopped listening. Closing his eyes, he thought about how Matsunaka had delegated leadership to him. It was such an odd thing for him to do, and seemingly out of character, for what Shikaruto had deduced so far. It badgered Shikaruto that Matsunaka’s actions contrasted his analysis, because that meant Shikaruto had been wrong; something he didn’t like being. Squeezing his eyes tight to avoid the thoughts of failure, Shikaruto calmed his breathing and waited for sleep to overcome him, knowing there was nothing for him to do on this lengthy journey towards Kaminari no Kuni.

Shikaruto was shaken awake by one of the deckhands, who seemed exhausted by their journey. Shikaruto’s body ached and he felt disorientated, which he put down to all the movement, what with sleeping on a moving boat. The difference in environment was astounding. They definitely weren’t in Hi no Kuni anymore. We’re here, Shikaruto thought to himself, a broad smile erupting on his face. He couldn’t wait to get going, and start their mission.

Topic Exit~