Awakening and Adjustment (Open)

[Nanashi]

Akane awoke with a start, the thunder of her pulse audible in her ears. Forcing her breathing to slow and her mind to empty itself of panic and begin assessing her surroundings, she took in her situation. As she did, she attempted to make sense of the jumbled amalgam of pain, weariness, fear, and rage that stood in place of recent memory. Looking to her left...and her right? She caught sight of...she was going to need some other way of thinking about it. Eventually. For now, her other self worked as well as anything. She felt an instinctive spike of adrenaline and aggression as both bodies' began producing adrenaline at the sight of the face responsible for their (in one case near-) death. Gritting both sets of teeth, she begrudgingly let herself slip back to the lessons she'd learned at her stepfather's unkind tutelage. Bank the coals, still the mind. Save the anger for when it serves a purpose. Do not let go, but neither let emotion control you. Emotion was power, but power one could not control was just another form of weakness.

Allowing those reflections to center herself(?), she properly took stock of her circumstances. She wasn't dying. She was no longer in significant pain. She...was clad in one of those flimsy hospital gowns...both of (her?) were. She frowned, wondering what her next move ought be. It would probably help if she knew where she was. Somewhere in Kaze no Kuni, she was relatively confident. Most of the recent hash that passed for memory involved heat or cold and sand beyond what she could see. Frowning, she peered at her selves, each face scrutinizing the other to make out what had changed with those unfamiliar eyes. Gone were the familiar black eyes, ones which could blossom into a deep crimson with a rush of her chakra. Now this silvery hue expanded beyond iris and pupil. There was only lids and the gleaming rings. A sudden fear cut into her gut like ice. That...that didn't mean she'd lost her...no, surely not.

Focusing her chakra into her eyes, she willed her sharingan to life, hoping desperately to see the all-too-familiar chakra-ghosts of her clan's doujutsu. To her simultaneous relief and consternation, she did. But at the same time, her other pair of eyes could see that her original eyes remained that silvered hue, with a set of six tomoe revolving around each pupil. That...was new. Certainly nothing she'd ever heard, seen, or read the equivaent to fit this. Frowning, she considered calling upon her mangekyou, but decided against it in light of her uncertain circumstances. Better she conserved her chakra. Casting her view about the room, she looked for her own possession--becuse damnit, she made that dress--or the Iwa-nin's ningu. Neither presented themselves. Brushing her scarlet locks back from her face, she rose and, taking care not to stare at either of her own butts, she eased the door open and both of herself padded out, barefoot, into the corridor outside her room.

 

[Takahashi]

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"The Way Home"
by
Sleep Dealer​

Time had a strange way of slipping through your fingers. When you were anticipating something or waiting, the seconds felt like they'd been multiplied ten fold. When you couldn't care less, what felt like minutes easily turned into hours. Jin'ichi had fallen into the niche of those who couldn't possibly care any less, and as consequence his perception of time became muddled. A number of events transpired over the passed few days, but ultimately nothing that would mean anything to the young man. The biggest of them all, since his return from Soon's Haven, had been a pair of foreigners showing up at the entrance. As fate would have it, Jin'ichi had found himself in a situation that called for him to play a role he'd never have chosen for himself: Gate Guardian

The couple he'd seen had been in terrible shape, to where Jin'ichi had to consider whether or not they were diseased. His rank didn't give him the authority to let anyone in, or turn them away, so he did the next best thing by setting off a signal flare. When all was said and done, he'd have met a legend and been told to escort the eventually healed pair inside the Toraono Dojo itself. Kuro, the Sennin and patron of the gates himself had shown up and given the orders. While it was the first time he'd seen the man, it was far from the first time he'd heard of him. In Sunagakure, the man was essentially famous and for good reason. The armor he'd seen Kuro wearing at the gates, it was different from but reminiscent of the sketches he'd seen of the ANBU uniform. That would prompt him to return to studying the branches and their ranking systems for a couple days after, ignoring the world and having papers strewn about Sousuke's living room.

In the life he had before choosing this new one for himself, Jin'ichi knew next to nothing about Shinobi. The only thing he'd known about them were that they were extraordinary individuals capable of legendary feats. These feats were obscured by many a myth from the mouths of normal men, but every myth had some basis in truth. When important politicians were killed, or anything of such grand scale, the Shinobi were always blamed. Living on that little island off the coast isolated Jin'ichi from the Shinobi world as a whole, putting him in a realm where they were the stuff of stories and games. It was exciting at first when he learned of his father's former ties, but the excitement was short-lived considering his father had been such a detestable man. He wasn't following in that man's footsteps by joining Sungakure, he was seeking to carve a path that would lead to that man's absolute demise. Finally having made it to the village, and being accepted by his estranged cousin as a part of their family, he suddenly had access to things he never did before. This included information and training methods that filled him with curiosity and swallowed his consciousness for hours at a time.

During the first couple of weeks, the residual bravado gained from time in the streets proved to be a liability. If he wanted to change things, then he'd have to change himself in a number of ways first. The mind of the self was the first hurdle in any progress within the human being, but it was a larger one than he'd expected. Despite joining Sunagakure, he'd come to the realization that it wouldn't be enough in and of itself. With the specialized ranks, a myriad of options presented themselves before him. Among those options, was the possible chance of being inducted into the ANBU. The likelihood of the accepting a more or less overgrown and untrained person like himself was slim to none, but the thoughts wouldn't go away. He'd read about how some of the ANBU formed special units, specifically designed to hunt and track down rogue Shinobi. If anyone could teach him what he'd need to know in order to even begin tracking his father, it would be them. While expecting denial and refusal, his heart throbbed inside his chest and made sure he couldn't rest until he at least asked about it. Sousuke was busy, and it wouldn't do to ask his cousin for too much... He didn't want anyone to start throwing slander at the steward, claiming that he was showing favoritism to an untalented bum. So, he'd head into the Toraono Dojo and seek out Kuro.

Coming from the inside of the village, he found himself entering through the eastern portion of the building. He'd pass through the Byakko family's compound and into the eastern wing. The place was only mildly familiar to him, having been there only once before. The interior of the Toraono Dojo was something he always avoided when leaving or entering the village, as he felt he hadn't any business being there until he could at least perform basic feats. It was only when he'd escort the nameless pair of foreigners that he'd be forced to navigate the halls and lead them to their safety. While walking ahead of them, Jin'ichi hadn't made any effort whatsoever to start a conversation or anything. Ultimately, he had brought them to their room and left with a simplistic nod and wave over his shoulder without looking back. He was an unimportant face, and he didn't need to be getting involved in anything beyond his pay grade. It was ironic that he'd wind up in the very same corridor, while his geta briskly tapped against the floor sending echoes throughout the area. Though he was looking down, something caused him to stop... Dark eyes lifted and noticed the same pair he'd escorted inside, standing in hospital gowns and looking quite bewildered. Entirely out of place.

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Instantly, his face went from nearly blank and pensive to irate. At first he didn't say a word, merely observing as each tried their best to cover up their backside. It was the woman's eyes that called to his attention though, now containing several tomoe in a curious pattern. Giving a mild shrug and continuing to walk, his face kept the same locked jaw and hardened gaze. His contorted features and posture wouldn't suggest true ire or hatred, but he firmly remembered the behavior of both. The way that the woman had looked at him, the same way even his mother had at times- Unimpressed and as though he was more trouble than he was worth. Stopping a few feet away from them, with his thumbs buried in the pockets of his shorts, he'd actually initiate conversation this time around. "I see you're both doing alright."<i></i> A little bit standoffish, but really he didn't know what to expect from them. There he was, alone with these two strangers again. Fate was a cruel mistress and Jin'ichi was getting sick and tired of her games. "It looks like you both just got up, at the same time no less."<i></i> It was becoming more and more obvious how close the two before him were with one another. Would his words be swatted away? It wouldn't matter to him any way, Kuro was his destination... This little stop, it was a matter of respect for the Toraono domain and them being under Kuro's jurisdiction more than anything else. Showing respect to them might garner some of it back in his own direction, but if it didn't he'd respond accordingly.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Stepping from the walls itself with a flicker of chakra from using a warp transport ward. Kuro appeared just as Jin-ichi and Nanashi met up in the corridor.

As she stepped from her chamber a large horned male in a black fighting gi with a leonine tail whose tuft of hair was actually aflame with violet chakra flames that did not burn the flesh or hair but gave off a soft light and a reassuring but supernatural heat. As she looked upon the large dark skinned oxen horned warrior she would be able to see that his eyes were actually alot like hers but far more demonic. Where her own were silver with tomoe his were violet with a gold slit and black tomoe a set of six like her own but in a strange pattern. He smiled genuinely revealing slightly feline but all too human teeth. His silver hair fell upon massive shoulders and crested his mid back. She would be able to sense his genuine mirth and happiness about the situation as his eyes looked directly into hers unabashedly. "I am glad to see you awake, I am certain you have questions but first let me tell you who and what I am to ease and alert your mind. I am a part of Toraono Kuro Sennin of Sunagakure, his Sharingan avatar. I have some of the same abilities as you yourself have which is why it was so easy for my healing avatar to recognize your potential and your outright capacity. I can also tell you that although we share some basic capabilities and likenesses my well spring of energies and abilities are from a far darker source of spiritual chakra than your own. I can train you on how to control your abilities and grant you asylum here until you decide who you are and what you want to be. Last but not least I will never bring harm upon you unless you bring harm upon Sunagakure and its people. Otherwise unless you go on some kind of rampage you are free to go where you please. In return for your freedom I ask three things. I ask for your name, your trust, and your choice in colors for some decent clothing I have a tailor waiting around the clock for guests and she gets paid extra for special rush orders."

Sharingan kuro leaned against the corridor wall while SHE and HE made up her dual mind.

Kuro then motioned to Jin'ichi with a nod...
"I've read the few reports we have on you, I understand you were born without knowledge of your true heritage or capacity, if you desire I can train you as well."

 

[Nanashi]

Hyouhaku​

<i></i>

Just as the pair attempted to pad silently down the hallway, the clack of geta upon the flooring drew her attention. Around the corner came a figure, one she at once could not place, yet felt a sense of recognition toward. Easily reading the anger in his stance, she tried to ignore the sudden feeling of a lump in her throat, schooling her faces to show none of the bemusement she initially felt. Well, in the Iwa-nin's face's case, she did her best. The expressions that came naturally to it differed from her own, and she hadn't had anywhere near time enough to adjust to a new body with its own ingrained muscle memory and reflexes. As her sense of puzzlement cleared, swiftly being replaced by a sense of utter mortification, she tried harder not to show her embarrassment, but a cursory glance from the corner of her other eyes showed her skin swiftly shading up from its usual pallor toward the bloody hue her hair held.

Drawing in a slow breath and slowly releasing it, she furrowed her brow, her other body's lips drawing into a thin line. "If what I vaguely almost remember happened and wasn't a hallucination, I...owe you thanks." Her voice was rusty, disused. It cracked on the last word and she had to clear it with a cough. "Thanks as well as an apology. I thought you meant to kill me." She jerked a thumb over her shoulder at her other body, "Like he tried to do." Flexing her toes against the floor to try to work out some of the awkward energy she felt, she made herself continue. "That in no way makes up for it. But, well, a week in the desert with minimal rest and constant threat of imminent, explosive death will make a body more than a little paranoid." She laughed hoarsely. "Hell, being a shinobi'll do that on its own." Face still flushed a vivid red, she made herself look up to meet his eyes with all four of her own. As she did, she saw another unfamiliar figure, this one with a chakra which radiated malevolence and...and yet very much like her own in a way she couldn't pin down.

Her throat going drier than before, she listened carefully to the silver-locked sennin speak. An innate curiosity ate at her. She needed to know what she had become, what these eyes, this extra body, all of it. She doubted she could find a way to address that easily elsewhere. "I...can't satisfy your requirements." She shrugged, "At least, not all of them. The person whose name I had before...let's just call her dead. That makes it easier. And he," she gestured to blondie beside her, "didn't exactly feel the need to tell me his name before I killed him. So as for a name...I don't have one." She considered another moment. "Usually I go with red," she fingered a lank strand of her long, crimson hair, "but red's also what Iwagakure ninja wear, and seeing him in anything like his old togs is apt to make me more than a little jumpy. So...I don't know. Black? It generally goes with everything."

 

[Takahashi]

The concurrent movements of the nonnative duo whilst they acknowledge him proved eerie. Since entering the village, he'd been exposed to a surplus of diversity among its inhabitants. Sunagakure's rich culture was shared by many clansmen of all types, having relocated to the desert in times forgotten. He'd seen people with four arms instead of two, eyes that seemed entirely white, and even peoples who's skin looked like chiseled stone. Yet, amidst all the salient traits were hidden undetectable techniques and psychic abilities. However; nothing like the two before him had ever crossed his eyes on a scroll or walking through the streets. The violaceous silver of their eyes were serrated by replicated rings, like ripples in a pond. Interim silence in the most awkward manner passed over them all, until the eventually blushing female ended it.

Jin'ichi wasn't a saint, and cared little for giving off such an impression either. His dark mud colored gaze traced her form for a moment, and wholesome thoughts were hard for him to come by. Instead, ideas that would warrant a firm slap across his whiskered face took root. It wouldn't show upon his face, but he near accusatory frown had dissipated. Still not smiling, he wore a dull expression with slightly reddened sclera. He'd been busy, and he'd also been a little intoxicated. Being new as he was, the officials seemed to take their time finding missions suited for his special situation. Downtime was something he didn't like very much, and all of it couldn't be spent studying. After all, old habits were hard to break.

For the moment entirely disregarding the male at her side, Jin'ichi listened to the woman's gratitude and apology. There was something like a small laugh from him when she mentioned the mistake of perceiving him as a threat. Only when she pointed to the man once more did he look over at the blond, eyes piercing as she mentioned the attempted slaying. The rest of her situation sounded as bad as it had looked when they met. Six eyes met once the strange maiden looked up, and Jin'ichi's own shifted from left to right cautiously. She ended it all with a valid point, involving the paranoia dangerous experiences led to having. "I can see what you mean by that... "</COLOR><i></i> He added casually. It was enough to make him crack a little grin and chuckle to himself afterwards. Maybe his sense of humor was just dry if not a little grim. Who knew. Whatever the case was between these three, Kuro's sudden entrance would change the tone immediately.

The Sennin came through the walls, twisted chakra flickering in his wake. There were minor differences in his appearance, but Jin'ichi was sure that it was the same man. It was then and there he noted the similar rings, layered over the leonine's more purple irises. Bovine horns akin to those of the supposed Devil himself curved from his temples. The young Takahashi's skin was darker than average, but Kuro's had a far more powerful shade. The concentration of melanin within his epidermis added a more efficient conversion system from light to energy, and all matter was composed of light and vibratory frequencies. Sharpened teeth and pale hair ended the figure's finer features, a near abomination in the eyes of many. Silently waiting to be addressed, Jin'ichi listened to the Sennin speak. Introducing him as a mere part of the Sennin, Jin'ichi quickly caught on once he heard the word avatar. Growing up he'd read and watched a lot of science fiction on late nights, played a few games, and had become generally familiar with a lot of terms. All this was aided by the fact that he had an unannounced passion for science to some degree. Putting two and two together, and hearing Kuro's assurances to the nameless woman he knew they both had divided consciousnesses.

This Toraono Kuro, referred to itself as the Sharingan avatar distinctly. Making the Genin shift his gaze back to the young woman's, looking at the tomoe patterns around her pupils. The man behind her was a mere avatar, spoils of war after a fail aggressive actions taken against the seemingly average woman. Minus the details, it was safe to conclude that after the altercation she somehow ended up in both bodies, the male seeming slightly more absentminded. The flinching, the reactions to pain, and sound... Jin'ichi might not have been powerful but he didn't live to the age of twenty six by being a complete fool. The Sennin decreed an offer to help the woman learn to control her special gifts, something Jin'ichi himself seemed in short supply of. There were mandatory warnings and such, but it sounded more obligatory then threatening by tone of voice. He asked for her name and a few other things, but she'd give him nothing in the end.

Claiming that the person she was before had died she didn't even offer a nickname. The blond hadn't given her a name prior to assaulting her, but Jin'ichi had recognized the attire as being from Stone, having read it once recently. Quickly, the nameless woman confirmed his suspicions. Why were they about to offer safe haven to a fugitive? If there was some sort of battle going on between the Stone Shinobi and another faction, why would Sand get involved? There were so many problems that the village faced on a daily basis, it was hard to believe they could handle an international war over something so trivial. However; the young man was less than basic infantry among the Shinobi of his village and had no right to speak on such matters... So his tongue was bitten and eyes rolled as if to waive consideration of a later catastrophe for present deeds.

There wouldn't have been much time to say a word though, because soon Kuro's attention was on Jin'ichi himself. His eyes shifted momentarily when it was mentioned that Kuro had been looking into his files. Why would anyone be digging through his background at this point? He was a scrub that got in because the steward that's playing Kazekage is his cousin. Sure, he was able to handle thugs and low-lives here and there on a street level, but there was nothing special about him. Manipulating Chakra was still an obstacle for him, harnessed best while fighting rather than meditation or calmer efforts. It was interesting, but nothing impressive. When Kuro brought up his heritage, and offered training his face went actually blank for a moment. His eyes shifted to lock intently on Kuro's before giving a slight bow. "Yeah, my father's garbage that deserted Sunagakure before I was born. Deserted my family after as well. The best way to kill an ex-ninja is to learn from ninja, and who better than a village that shares my enemy?"<i></i> Standing and grinning a little, he'd give another small nod in gratitude for what he was about to say. "I'd be honored for the opportunity, sir."

He was speaking with the appropriate manner for a man of his station, but his tone was relaxed and too calm to be considered ass kissing. He simply knew that there was no friendship among them, and everything was business. There was a strict hierarchy he had to abide by in order to be considered minimally competent, he'd cross no lines. "i don't have much to offer, but I'll give it everything I've got 'til I drop." There was something playful about his tone, even though he knew how deadly tutelage under such a creature could be. He wasn't expecting a walk in the park, and knew that his life would be on the line quickly. It was a feeling he had become accustomed to before reaching Sunagakure though... In the rough neighborhoods of the metropolis on that island far away, he'd face death numerous times. Jin'ichi's cavalier attitude might never change, regardless of any level of enlightenment reached.

Giving a slight cough he'd nod in the red-head's direction and then turn on a heel to face her. <COLOR color="red">"That's bullshit though, we've got to call you something. How 'bout Nanashi? I mean, it's not like you're giving us anything else."<i></i> Perhaps for the first time, he was speaking truly out of turn. How would either of the other consciousnesses respond to his verbal intrusion? It wasn't as though he was actually qualified for anything more than cleaning up what Sunagakure's best was far too busy to deal with. While his missions didn't have outcomes that changes the face of history, he'd at least granted peace to a few people through these harsh times. That was more than enough to hold him over until his strength grew, grew to a point where he could face that man and put him down for good.

WC: 1,470
Notes: Marked for Dojo/Ability training.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded at Jin'ichi having already figured out why the young man might be here, vengeance especially against blood required a special type of training and sacrifice of certain good natured characteristics. For the young lady however Kuro felt a certain pity and obligation, Kuro was born into his powers. He was trained and then he was told he would be forced to kill not because he needed to but because others would leave him no other option and then he was taught not to waste the power their deaths could leave behind and through his demonic blood and overwhelming chakra he could take over and alter the bodies of those he was forced to slay and have some degree of the previous being's natural power. What Akai or Nanashi as Jin'ichi was suggesting for her name had done was a simple takeover she had yet to master manipulation of the chakra and blood to truly make the body she had taken her own instead of using it as a separate vessel to her own will. She had also never learned how to properly split her spiritual presence and limit energy expenditure even now she was using her sharingan too much and not simply recycling the chakra available to her.

"Akai (Red) or Nanashi seem appropriate, as for the nature of the being you were forced to harness as a vessel I can teach you to truly make that vessel your own, but the price for that is to become this young apprentice Takahashi's partner. That way I can train you both at the same time without having to use separate avatars as too many of me in one place actually causes other problems while the more spread out and diversified my activities the easier it is for me to concentrate. You will find that out about yourself in the time to come. If both of you accept being trained by me then I will grant you both seals of oath and faith and your training will begin immediately. What do the two of you have to say to my offer?; I am patient but I am also busy so the sooner you make your decisions the sooner I can make arrangements on my schedules."

 

[Nanashi]

A Deserter's Decision​

Affixing Jin'ichi with a stare as arid as the air outside at noon, the nameless shinobi closed her sharingan briefly, opening them to show the bare rings of the Rinnegan, bereft of adorning tomoe. She had made her decision. Though in no way did she relish becoming a shinobi again, she was tired of terror. Tired of just beginning to set roost in a place before she had to leave and keep wandering, lest word of her filter out. She was tired of hiding. She would find or make a life for herself. Here was as good a place as any. At least then, neither the Uchiha or the Senju should be able to track her down to drag her back to Konoha to make her pay for the 'crimes' she refused to so much as consider such.

Letting go of her sharingan was a tremendous leap of faith. The power of her Mangekyou was perhaps the only remaining advantage she had, short of being able to figure out the clay bomb techniques Gin over there had so harried her with. But when your back was to the wall, better to stick to what you know...after all, that was the point of properly disciplined drilling. If you ingrained a reaction strongly enough, you didn't have to consciously consider it. You simply acted. Deliberately letting go of that tightly clutched trump card was taking a step out on a limb. She sorely doubted she could escape shinobi again in her present condition without the clan doujutsu. Then again, if the person offering tutelage here was as strong as she suspected, she almost certainly would have stood no chance from the outset, sharingan or no.

For all that he appeared older than her, Nanashi could not help but feel there was a great deal that remained childish about Takahashi's mindset and approach. So cut, so dried, so straightforward. She couldn't help it, she began to laugh. Both voices met in harmonized hilarity as she tried to get over the sheer absurdity of this situation. Catching her breath, she nodded to Takahashi. "You don't trust me. You probably never will." She affixed him with a flat stare. "I don't care. I do not require your trust, merely your cooperation. But as a gesture of good faith, I will tell what I had not, lest it be of an impact upon future work." She returned her own eyes to Kuro's while the Gin body watched Takashi and his reactions. "My name at birth was Uchiha Akane. Do not call me this. As I have said, she died years ago, everything that made her who she was slowly bled from her until all that remained was a weapon, a tool to be pointed at foes or used to provide leverage for the advancement of a madman. A thing of purpose, but a thing cold." Fixing her full gaze upon Takahashi, she continued. "Yes, I was a nuke-nin. You would probably put it that I was trash that deserted her village in its hour of greatest need." She crossed her arms over her chest, shifting her weight on her feet. "During the war, I saw and did things that will haunt me to my dying day. I made a decision that I would not die for the ambitions of the Senju. I would not even die to save their miserable lives. So I left. I kept moving to keep from being caught. I stayed away from the single greatest mistake that nearly all rogue ninja make: I did not try to remain a ninja. I used my abilities only in instances where it was necessary to preserve my own life.
This continued for years with relatively little incident, a few times I had to kill bandits that accosted me, a few others a shinobi or another realized what I concealed. A short time ago, I attempted to enter the Earth Country to continue on as before and move beyond any that might be still seeking me. I was stopped at the country's borders. When searched, he," she jabbed her thumb at Gin, "found a...keepsake of mine. He mistook it for a sign that I was a shinobi of Leaf attempting to covertly infiltrate his nation for espionage. He would not listen to anything I said. I fled. He pursued. He died. I nearly did. And that brings us to now." She returned her attention to Kuro. "I would prefer Nanashi to anything so close to the name of a dead girl. I would apply for ANBU in part because the very experiences that make it unlikely Takahashi here will trust me give me vital context and information about the behavior of rogue ninja. You set a thief to catch a thief, after all." She shrugged. "I see little choice in my own case but to accept your offer. If I continue to try to run, the paranoia it breeds will consume me. I will make mistakes. I will die." She gave a dry, wry smile. "Obviously, I would prefer that not happen."

She frowned a moment, then tilted her head and asked Kuro an eerie question in an innocuous tone. "What I did to the Iwa-nin. He had to be dead for that to work, didn't he? I couldn't do likewise to someone living, I assume."

MFT
WC: 890

 

[Toraono Kuro]

OOC: Breaking posting pace since it is just the 3 of us feel free to post whenever you like.
Kuro nodded to Jin'ichi in agreement to his brash but truthful words. As she spoke Kuro felt her energies spiral with her emotions and using his demon side he could see the truth of her words. Since his sharingan was semi permanent Kuro did not have to relinquish his to conserve chakra unless he used his full doujutsu. After listening to her story Kuro reconfirmed his decision, she would become one of his children and she would be safe. "You could do it to someone living but it would only temporarily restrain their actions but once their souls have been released, devoured, or removed you can take over nearly ANY vessel. Jin'ichi give me a quick moment to set Nanashi straight, and then I will set you upon the path of your desires as well."

Kuro smirked for a moment then reached out a massive but gentle hand as he used his own mangekyou sharingan to pass on information to the nin formerly known as Akane in a manner that Jin'ichi would not hear... ((The SENJU clan are actually brethren to the Toraono Clan and you need no longer fear them, they too came here searching for a new home and were welcomed with open arms, I will not turn you away and I will ensure you have a future here. First, I will grant you some of my own blood and power and within that power a seal to protect you and link you to me so that if ever you are in danger I will be able to know the general area and your state of being. I won't be able to spy on you or read your mind without eye to eye or my demon hand in contact with your head. Second, through my blood you will gain the ability to alter the bodies of those you are forced to kill to mimic your own except their natural ability will always remain only their body structure will mimic yours allowing you greater control over the bodies you wield. Third, you will be able to alter yourself in a manner that no one will ever truly recognize you again unless you will it. Your chakra will remain your chakra unless you use mine, and even then your chakra will stand free. If you are ready for the transfer simply bite my arm and take a swallow. I know that sounds horrid and barbaric but ingestion is the quickest way. Once you have my blood your sealing will begin and you will be able to transform to suit your needs. After that is complete you will be able to modify your second avatar if you so wish it or he can remain exactly as he is. When you are ready simply reactivate your sharingan and we will transfer the information mind to mind, you will be able to see all I know and eventually grasp it bit by bit. Do not be overwhelmed, you were born with a mind capable of literally learning anything you could see and naturally mimic. Release your limits and take some of my essence and all the knowledge you can handle. I have no secrets, I have nothing but the earnest desire to see you free and strong. Combine our powers and rise anew Nanashi."))

MFT
WC: 540

 

[Takahashi]

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"Kill Jester"
Mogwai​

Jin'ichi was a young man incapable of setting himself apart from reality, at least in its entirety. The what is mattered infinitely more than what was, and marginally more than what could be. Had the delving into personal history ended there, he'd have been more than comfortable with the decision. Kuro had agreed to calling the woman Nanashi, but threw in an eventually rejected suggestion of his own as well. As the flow of the conversation moved towards pairing the two together under the Sharingan avatar's personal tutelage. There was a brief mention of seals and oaths, things that somehow made Jin'ichi contemplative. That wasn't to say Nanashi's story and opinions hadn't any effect, contrary to that they increased his internal monologue. Rather than appearing insulted by anything she said, he showed a mildly impressed face above anything else... Complete with frown.

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By the time Nanashi had finished her tail, Jin'ichi was visibly scratching the top of his head. Heavy lids noted the scars he could see through the hospital gown, unhindered by the feminine blond's added field of vision. A quick sigh and an even quicker chuckle revealed his apparent lack of sensitivity. Without so much as giving him a chance to respond to anything, the two Doujutsu users moved on to specifics about the avatar possessions. "Just a second, if we're going to work together she needs to get a few things straight."<i></i> Stepping forward, unconcerned with the power difference between him and the rest. His dark and unsympathetic eyes shifted from Nanashi, to Kuro, and then back. Settling on the woman and letting his eyes relax in a more nonchalant manner he chimed in. "You don't know me, so let's not pretend you do. I'll never make the mistake of pretending to do that to you or anyone else."<i></i> His words may have seemed biting or sharp based on the specific ones chosen, but the tone carrying them off his tongue had such a subdued and indifferent manner they'd clashed and almost seemed benign.

"You're right, I don't trust you. Don't take it personal though."<i></i> Shifting his gaze towards Kuro's would allow the almost flaming chakra to reflect on the dark surface of his eyes. "I don't trust anyone."<i></i> Closing his eyes with a small shrug and looking back to Nanashi, grinning rather mischievously. "You're someone who's thrown her name away, and I'm a nobody with some name. It ends there."<i></i> He wouldn't make any attempts at breaking into her shell, or getting to know the real Nanashi. None of those things mattered. He hadn't sacrificed everything so that he could fasten himself in someone else's business. Whatever her story was, however sad it may be, was her story to bear. Likewise, beyond what was mentioned by the Sennin the Takahashi offered nothing else about himself. "So long as we're keeping things professional, I'm in."<i></i> A statement that would hint at Jin'ichi not viewing the situation with his father to be a very personal one at all, or at least not treating it as very sacred. Falling silent rather easily, he waited for Kuro and Nanashi to their thing. Deciding to take a step back and turn his gaze down the corridor and into the darkness for a moment, his mind began to wander.

WC: 547
Notes: Marked for training.

 

[Nanashi]

As the red-headed kunoichi body stayed in place, only relaxing slightly after the stiffening of posture she displayed on being touched, the blonde body turned its head, listening intently to Takahashi. A smirk began to break the stony expression, however, and after a few moments, they held up a hand (complete with a smirking mouth of its own) and said in a tremulous voice, "H-hang on. I...heh, Hnnehehehe," before dissolving into a fit of raucous laughter.

Still focusing her silvered gaze upon Kuro, the kunoichi-form's mind radiated a quiet, wry amusement, though it covered an undercurrent of quiet panic as well. Memories buried deep stirred at the presence of a hand on her head, but were not permitted to bubble to the surface.

I tell you I was shaped to be a killer, to be pointed at an enemy and loosed. That I fought in civil war. And your first assumption is that I'll be squeamish?

Standing a few feet away, the blonde-haired body added, "Now, we can hash out all the ways in which you apparently weren't listening to what I said later, but for now: You don't have to address that body to speak to me. I was using it to do most of the talking because of a combination of habit and not being sure how it'd be regarded. I'm me. This body is me. That body is me. They're both me.
But I'm getting sidetracked. Sorry for laughing. It wasn't at you. The sennin there just said something really funny. Do you have a kunai I can borrow? Or a shuriken?"

 

[Takahashi]

With the blond now focusing its attention on Jin'ichi, he was unfazed by the interjecting laughter. Throughout the whole fit of laughter, Jin'ichi remained mostly still save for relaxed breaths and the sway of his clothes. Letting his left arm finally from drop where it was raised to scratch his head, the Takahashi clansman scoffed. "I'll address whichever form I feel like. It's the same consciousness, so why get picky about it?"</COLOR><i></i> Releasing a pensive groan afterwards let it be known he wasn't exactly used to the colorful personalities of most Shinobi. "With her being the source of the consciousness that unlocked the potential of your shared abilities, technically she's the real you, or was. That's not to say I care what you choose to think, it's your mind after all. So from here on, think what you want of me in it. Just keep it to yourself. What others think of me is none of my damned business any way."<i></i> Perhaps he was being a bit touchy. If he hadn't made it clear before that he was all business, that should have done it for anyone.

The Sennin hadn't said anything amusing at all, but he did ask for a moment of privacy with Nanashi. Nothing had changed, and then suddenly the blond avatar was laughing. There was some supernatural form of communication going on, and that's all Jin'ichi needed to know. He didn't really want to get involved with anything or anyone more than he had to. People died all the time. Others rolled in and out of your lives as easily as the fog did on a cold mountain morning. It was a waste of time to get too close, to start getting familiar with someone who probably would exist tomorrow. Even if they'd survive until the morning, there was no guarantee that Jin'ichi himself or anyone else would. He knew what he wanted, and Kuro was giving him an opportunity to get it. That's all that mattered, and he wasn't about to foul it up. As for the weaponry requests- "Nah. I don't really mess around with projectiles." A true statement, the only things he had capable of being tossed also went 'boom' and caused a lot of damage. Instinctively he figured those wouldn't have served her purposes any way. <COLOR color="red">"Sorry."<i></i> Blunt and dry as ever.

 

[Nanashi]

Letting out a sigh, Nanashi continued. "Look. I'm trying to be businesslike here. I need a blade. Unfortunately, the staff didn't exactly leave them in the room with the random shinobi they grabbed at the border. I could do this the simple but messy way, but I figured since he's apparently offering something of value, I'd do the guy a favor and draw his blood through a small cut that's easy to heal rather than a messy bite that causes bruising and bleeding, which was his suggestion. Do you have a blade? Any blade?"

 

[Takahashi]

There was a sudden tightening of the jaw. Jin'ichi's fists that dangled at his sides clenched together more firmly as well. His blade never left his side, and here he was faced with that reality. Would denial of the request be viewed as a refusal of cooperation? Would it make Kuro less inclined to offer tutelage? He couldn't ruin his chances now, not when he was so close. Lips retreated from one another, baring sharper teeth and cuspids than one would expect of a normal man. Reaching over his shoulder, he'd quickly grip and unsheathe his short sword. The sound of metal grating against the sheath's casing echoed up and down the corridor. Twirling the hilt between his fingers, the blade went round in a circular motion, reflecting the light from Kuro's energy across them all. Extending the same hand forward and grabbing the hilt firmly again, he presented the weapon to Nanashi.

He'd have preferred if the woman used one of her own, or that belonging to her corpse avatar. Yet, given the circumstances he would have to aid his new comrade. The hospital gown made it unlikely she or the other carried anything capable of making the cut. There may not have been anything extremely important about his weapon, but the fact remained that it was his own. Once Nanashi would accept the blade, Jin'ichi would have a change in facade. Outwardly he became more serious, and with eyes that screamed of impatience. He wanted that weapon back, the way a dog wanted a bone they've claimed as their own. Bestial nature wasn't merely limited to combat, and a primal sense of territory and ownership didn't fade quite so easily. Rather than telling her to bite him any way, the young man had conceded and now awaited the return of his sword. Once she was finished, he'd almost snatch it back swiftly and much quicker than one his station should be capable of. The wolf needed its fang...

 

[Nanashi]

As the blonde body reached to take hold of the blade, an impulse tickled the back of her mind. Glancing over with her Sharingan, Nanashi sighed with the Iwa-nin's mouth. "Tell you what. Just make a small cut on Kuro's arm for me? That way no one else touches your blade?"

To Kuro, she sends, with a lingering hint of that amusement from before:

Very well. Shall I proceed.

Her bit said, she activated her Mangekyou and awaited the cut.

 

[Takahashi]

A sudden wave of heat spread across his forehead. The ebony vortexes he called pupils shivered and threatened to change. His grip tightened around his weapon's hilt, smoothly returning it to its sheath. There was a small laugh before he rubbed his forehead. With his eyes closed he decided to speak up. "You know what? On second thought, I don't mind learning at a slower pace. I don't want to get in anyone's way with my petty little vendettas. Nanashi over there is obviously destined to be some major asset to the village."</COLOR><i></i> Having chosen not to do Nanashi any favors by cutting Kuro's skin, he seemed focused on something else entirely. "Me? There's a good chance I'll die seeking what I want. Then be forgotten any way." His laugh almost sounded bitter, but a decision had been made.

"I really shouldn't be here right now anyhow." Fastening his sword into its sheathe a bit more, the Takahashi clansman would take several steps backwards. His tone was unable to hide the impatience that drove forth his amorphous behavior. "I made a mistake coming here, I'm way out of my league. I've read up on the ANBU, and they're lots of dirty tricks operations involved. Never been my style at all, and I can't swear an oath in under five minutes. Not without understanding the philosophy."<i></i> There was a displeased tone that increased with each passing moment. "I thought long and hard before even stepping out of my house to join the Hidden Sand Village. Now that I've officially done that, I'll just keep working within my range for now. You know, Main Branch shit. Thugs here, deliveries there, escorting there. I don't even know why I bothered, sir."<i></i> By the time he was finished he was already almost completely turned around. Words came out lazily and his movements stayed fluid.

His back now facing the Sennin and the foreigner, Jin'ichi would wave idly over his shoulder. <COLOR color="red">"Sorry to have wasted your time, Toraono-san." Just like that, his inclinations had changed. There was something that clicked inside him, an awareness. "You take care now, Nanashi." With his near feral nature it wouldn't be impossible to say that he'd perceive subtle changes in mood and persona. Was there something he sensed that he hadn't liked? Maybe it was the word oath, maybe something about Nanashi wanting a sharp object in the first place. The dead Stone Shinobi controlled by the Sharingan using girl was in itself a liability. If Sand hadn't any issues with Iwagakure now, what if someone from there recognized the corpse? Either way, he didn't want any part of it. Sousuke had been right to put him on street duty, there was too much Jin'ichi wouldn't compromise. Perhaps his cousin had seen that from the very start.</FONTFACE>

[Topic Left]​

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OC: Sorry fellas, going to have to back out of this one for now.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro started to stop him before he felt the feral energy of the young Takahashi vaguely reminiscent of his own although he couldn't place his the feeling at the moment. As Jin'ichi left Kuro sent him heartfelt predatorial feelings that only a warrior whom stood alone would understand. It was a simple but effective manner between bestial warriors. Noting that Nanashi was hesitant to bite him Kuro nodded and drew his honor blade and made a small cut across his left palm. He placed his blood on her forehead so that it would roll down her face into her mouth to speed up the process of sealing and transformation. The blood upon her flesh would allow the seal to integrate with her physical and spiritual form without causing her to desynchronize with her second form. If accepted once the blood entered her system Kuro would activate it as a catalyst and painlessly place a lunar seal upon Nanashi. He had mastered his low level seals to the point that he rarely needed any other focus besides his own flesh and physical contact.

 

[Nanashi]

Quirking a brow at Kuro, Nanashi reached up and drank from his bleeding skin once his blood had smeared over her forehead, sending to him,Just tell me when. Eventually you will explain why you deem me worth this. She lets out a brief snort, And don't try to tell me I didn't warn you.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro smiled as he explained ((It is quite simple... YOU NEED HELP... as someone whom has potential like my own and is in need and by the grace of fate that you are on my doorstep means that I WILL help you. After I have taught you all I can I will simply wait to see the results of your training and tutelage. You will experience a surge of strength as the dark chakra creates a secondary chakra system that mimics one of my own. Do not fear, this seal grants me no direct control over you. This seal allows me to sense you and for you to sense me. ))

Kuro grants Nanashi a custom role play jutsu if she accepts:
Name: Akuma Ishindenshin ((Devil Link))

Effect: Light telepathic bond, when in the same thread may speak telepathically, also grants a two way link to know general knowledge of whereabouts (this is not exact, just the location of the country or city each linked is located in) and general health/ emotional state (i.e. we know if eachother is alive and whether one another is happy or sad)
Information:
[spoilername="Akuma Ishindenshin"]- Using a demonic blood transfusion, and a cursed seal Kuro forms a light telepathic link with the bearer of his seal. Once this link is established it can be broken by evil sealing, and five elemental sealing which disrupts the chakra paths so violently that telepathy cannot be maintained. This seal also causes an alteration of some physical aspect of the bearer. That physical aspect can be changed through rp.

The aspects changeable by choice are hair, eyes, fingernails, growth of a catlike tail, tiny horns, extra long tongue, and last but not least skin darkening.
Up to two of these aspects can be changed.
This jutsu is a seal and not a genjutsu or a taijutsu.
It does not have any effect other than to provide the location and health of the bearer to Kuro or other bearers of a cursed seal given by Kuro.

Note:
The telepathy is broken by evil sealing, five elemental seal, and special abilities like those possessed by ghost walkers, and Yamanaka's. The link can be reset by intense concentration of both parties. Because of the specific strengths of the abilities and the rare abilities required to break this link it is an A rank Jutsu. Those in use of the link can only tell what Country the person with the seal is in, but as they get closer to said individual they are able to home in on them.[/spoilername]

(( You will now find yourself capable of a near permanent transformation into a being more fit to walk the desert. You will also be able to alter any avatar you take on to be near exact duplicate of you excluding certain bloodline characteristics and sizes. You will also find your ninjutsu functions much more effectively but don't use this seal unless you truly need to because it draws upon both your life force and your latent potential in the long run. Take the knowledge I have passed onto you via battle blood and sharingan genjutsu slowly into assimilation so that you don't overwhelm yourself. I suggest you return to your chambers and rest I will send a seamstress and our master tailor to visit you within an hour or so. We will have you complete your oath of allegiance in a day or two. Welcome to Sunagakure.))<i></i>

A soft crimson cursed seal marking appears on Nanashi's original body's cheek ever so briefly before disappearing. Her lunar seal was complete.

​

WC: 570
MFS
Marked for Sealing
-35 training points on next training for Kuro dedicated to Lunar seal for Nanashi

 

[Nanashi]

Tasting the metal tang of blood on her tongue, she permitted the well of dark chakra she could feel just beyond her reach engulf and then suffuse her. Drawing upon knowledge sent by the sennin, she absorbed in the fell chakra and let it work upon her system, reinforcing pathways within herself. her mangekyou irising wide, she caught every detail of the transformation the power wrought upon her. As she watched, she saw her nails grow outward, curving into clawed points like talons. Suddenly falling to her knees she begins to clutch at her throat as her breathing becomes obstructed. Clawing at her throat, she managed to draw blood-welling scratches onto the pale skin of her neck before she managed to cough a breath free and take in gulping lungfuls of air.

That...was new.

Panting, she rose back to her feet and glanced over to where the once-blonde body stood, now sporting a pair of short, pointed horns sticking up from around his now blood-colored hair. Blinking back the tears her brief suffocation had drawn from her eyes, she turned to her unexpected benefactor.

Always a woman of few words when not angry, simply sent to Kuro, Is there someone I should report to for assignment to a branch?

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Noting she had allowed the avatar to stay male Kuro nodded in appreciation for red hair was his favorite. It was the color of his wife's hair and another reason he had helped the young woman. "I will assign you to the ANBU corps after your training is complete, there is much to learn to be a good officer in the Special Forces Police. Due to your eyes however it will not be all that difficult. I also noted that you left your avatar as a male. It is good for you to understand life on both sides of the coin just try not to be too aghast when women hit on your male side, you may be surprised to find that your male side is functional and carries both his own and your dna, not to mention he now maintains a portion of your chakra. The further apart you are from one another the stronger your individual capacities will be. It is kind of an inverse reaction but the closer together you are the harder it is to maintain separate foci and you and your avatar will begin to act as one. All my avatars are exact copies of my original form except one that was incapable of being my actual size although facially we are true duplicates without his armor upon him. With this ability I use my avatars as clones of my original self and that way few are the wiser as to what my avatars truly are. For many they believe I use a permanent form of kage bunshin and in a sense they are right. Even though the actual Kage bunshin jutsu is only possible in theory due to the near impossible amount of chakra necessary to complete it. You may wish to alter your avatar further, when you are ready you need only meditate and use the knowledge I have passed on to you in small increments so that you don't overwhelm yourself. For now you should rest and we will have your oath of allegiance ceremony in a few days. This will give you time to acclimate. While you rest ca tailor and a seamstress will check you over and create a few sets of clothing for both your avatars. Please concentrate on our link if you need me and I will come as soon as possible. Do you have any other questions?"