Back into the Belly of the Beast [Tutor]

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo had made his way over as soon as the message arrived. At first he thought it might be some sort of joke, what were the chances that a cheese merchant could get rich by the help of two shinobi. Tatsuo did care deeply about the two, so it was worth checking out. It took him a few days to finally get back to the Lightning country, but from here on it was to be a questionable path.

He had a vague memory of his travel to this foreign land. Unfortunately he spent most of his time with his head down in protest missing many of the beauties the land had to offer him. At least with age he was now able to more appreciate the beauty this land offered. Just the thought of his childish ignorance brought red to Tatsuo’s cheeks. He tried to blame it on him just being young, but he never got any closure on it. There was still all these people, who he would probably never see again who thought of him as some spoiled brat. It haunted him, he never got to clear his name to many and he definitely let off a bad impression. It made him cringe just to think about, but luckily he was kept company with the overwhelming sense of adventure he had travelling alone.

Puberty was kind to Tatsuo. While it was still obvious he was a youth, no longer did he have that childish and goofy demeanor, now replaced with a more content and jovial look. The air of arrogance he had in the past was now replaced with a much more confident one. He grew nearly a foot in the short period, it would seem the sprout really began to grow. He would have a long way to go before he became a tree, but he was on his way to being a man.

After many days of uneventful travelling Tatsuo finally arrived to the massive Port Cirrus. It took him nearly half a day to find the tavern in question, whilst the instructions were clear the city was difficult to navigate as a foreigner without a guide. He had arrived early in the morning and it was nearly noon before he found the simple tavern labeled “Azaki’s Homestead.” A humble name for a humble tavern, Tatsuo thought to himself as he made his way through the large wooden door.

The inside was just the same, a simple rectangle room with a bar, a few tables, and a set of stairs up to the living spaces. There was a comfy carpet laid across the floor, which helped add to the relaxing atmosphere of the small fireplace crackling in the corner. It was nice to settle down in a place like this after a long bout of travelling. For every breathtaking view the Lighting country had, it lacked many comforts you would find in other fairer climates.

Tatsuo went to one of the tables and was quickly greeted by a cheerful waitress who happily took his order. As she left, he took some time to scan his surroundings hopefully spotting the woman he was looking for. He doubted she’d spend all of her days here waiting for him to arrive which he may never have. He might be waiting here for a while, might as well get comfortable. He had enough Yen to stay here for weeks so he was in no hurry. He then placed his feet up on the opposite chair of his and closed his eyes for a minute. Letting his guard down and relaxed as he waited for his food to arrive.

[MFT]

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

He could see the age in his pale, olive orbs as he looked into the reflection on the flat of his blade. His hand then crossed his view with a white cloth coated in oil, resuming his ritual of cleaning Eelspine, along with the many other sharp pieces he kept on himself when at work. It was a fine morning, closer to noon by his estimation as he sat beneath a gazebo, at a workbench behind his home. Just enough sunlight cut through the tall trees of the forest where he kept his residence these days, offering peaceful shade. The place was an old, yellow chalet bungalow with a ghost problem, but he called it home when he wasn’t out on another adventure abroad. And those adventures were always so abundant, rarely giving Kaji Okada days like this one to simply enjoy being at home. Usually, if he wasn’t working his time went to his ladylove, but today she was busy, and he had a laundry list of things he could do with the free time.

Moments like this were for some reflection; a time where he considered where he was and just how far he had come: from his troubling youth spent hunting his master’s targets through the alleys of Maruishi, to his tenure at the Academy in Konoha, uprooting Black Scorpion schemes. He often considered just how he ended up in this new northern land— while his Bluebird stole his Raven heart, it was first the call of adventure that invited Kaji to the Land of Lightning. Kaji had gone many places, done many things, and shared his wisdom with plenty of temporary pupils, but few clung to his memory like the brash spirit of Tatsuo Ranna. Kaji had new pupils now, both Hirateuchi and Sayomi, but he often worked and brought them to heel with thoughts of Tatsuo coming to mind. After all, Kaji believed that it wasn’t just a shinobi’s deeds that made their legacy, but the wisdom they passed on that determined their impact on the world.

Kaji was almost lost in a recollection of that time they raced through the valley Momento Deo during the thick of winter, chased by a horde of giant spiders when the sound of a wheel crushing grass broke his concentration. Kaji turned his gaze to find a male courier shinobi with a slim build walking his bike into the yard. Surprised, Kaji greeted his company and arose to face him in the yard. It seemed as if a year in the land hadn’t changed Kaji much, physically. His build was about the same, perhaps a bit more muscle-toned since his increase in activity as an ANBU again, but nothing to gawk at. After a very brief exchange of words, Kaji handed the courier a silver yen pieces as a tip and began unfurling a scroll as the bike-riding courier sped away. His eyebrows perked at the surprise he read— it appeared that the past couldn’t let go of him, either.

Again, adventure had crept its way into his supposed respite. Not even two hours later, Kaji emerged from a train, back again in the city of Port Cirrus. He traded the casual collared shirt and suspenders for his favored studded leather flak jacket and adventuring clothing. He waded through large crowds and occasionally took to the rooftops, making his way for Azaki Homestead to find more familiar faces than he would have ever expected on a day with such humble beginnings. When Kaji entered the inn, the year-long chill of the country’s winds disrupted the scene until the entrance swept closed behind him. He peeled back the hood of his haze gray cloak, revealing his timeless look with scanning eyes. His hair was still shoulder length with curls, with some tied back to keep his eyes clear of obstruction. Kaji expected familiar faces, but he nearly missed the sight of Tatsuo seated there— oh what a difference a year’s time had on them.

Kaji Okada has entered the thread.

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

As Kaji arrived into the tavern, bringing a gust of cold wind with him. The waitress had arrived with Tatsuo’s hot coffee much to the boy’s pleasure. As she placed it on the table, he tossed the creamer to the side and drank it black. Despite the boy maturing some, he was still as quick to action as ever and now it resulted in a scalded mouth. Placing the mug down be began to pant in an exaggerated way to try and cool his tongue.

By his side was another testament to Tatsuo’s sensei’s instruction. A long blade sat on his lap poking through the side of the booth. He was sitting facing away from the door so Kaji’s entrance didn’t even stir a movement from him. He was too busy trying to cool down his tongue after the scalding first sip. After his mouth finally cooled down he rubbed his face tiredly, the boy hadn’t had a great nights rest since he left the Leaf Village. A combination of stress from travel, sleepless nights, and the thought of that old man in trouble didn’t let him relax.

Tatsuo was sitting with his back from the door, perhaps not the best idea for a foreign ninja. His headband was hidden away in the many crevices of his jacket and other than the curved sword in his lap there was nothing hinting at the appearance the boy was capable of combat. The sword was simple, nothing like the legendary weapon Eelspine, it was still an ode to his past teacher. Tatsuo was no different in that his thoughts were plagued by memories of his sensei.

Kaji’s first attempts to talk to the boy after joining the Cloud Village were met with stubborn, nationalistic, anger. As time grew on, Kaji’s attempts got slower but Tatsuo no longer ignored them by anger. But by embarrassment. His behavior was something that would haunt him forever, as he lost more than just a teacher.

While Tatsuo was here, he thought more of Kaji and many of the Cloud ninjas he had met here. He thought mostly of Kikei and Yuii, he still felt embarrassed at his earlier conduct. Especially towards Yuii, perhaps he was just jealous that he had to share the attention of his sensei? Maybe that’s why he was so angry. He wondered if it was being back here in the Lightning country that brought him to think of these things more often. Back in the Leaf Village he was able to keep it under wraps most of the time. However here, despite everything being foreign, it was coated in the feeling of embarrassment he had once experienced.

Unbeknownst a fragment of his embarrassed past with this country was right behind him. He continued to sip his coffee letting his eyes flitter across the room for anything that might have been of interest until his food arrived.

[MFT]

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

Unrecognizing his old apprentice’s presence at first, Kaji made his way through the tavern and found the bar, where he began to place an order. He leaned against the counter rather casually and took a few complimentary peanuts from a bowl to help pass the time. The conversation between Kaji and the barkeep was unremarkable at first, but once the man behind the bar started operating his espresso machine, Kaji had to raise his voice to be heard. “I’m waiting for a woman by the name of Miyu Munoto, has anyone by that name stopped by yet today?” The barkeep shook his head, and Kaji turned to scan the room once more. It was perhaps then that he caught the attention of Tatsuo at the mention of their common interest in the situation— the acquaintance who brought this meeting to pass.

Lacking any kind of apprehension, Kaji began to make his way towards Tatsuo. If there was any doubt in Tatsuo that this was, in fact, Kaji, Eelspine was on his hip and swinging slightly with every step. The emerald in its pommel had the same vivid refraction of light, and the Mythril handle hadn’t lost a bit of its sheen. “Well, I’ll be… Tatsuo, is that you?” Kaji observed the boy with a grin growing from cheek to cheek. Despite how their last encounter had ended, it appeared that time had cleansed Kaji of any ill will he might have had for Tatsuo before the lad returned to Konoha. If anything, he was more awe-stricken by how much the boy had grown in such a stint of time they spent apart. It was the closest Kaji had ever felt to being some parent who spent time away from their child; it was as if he had just come home from some long campaign. “What a chance meeting you here,” he said with his mind linking things together, “did Miyu send for you as well? Good on her for making the effort, I wouldn’t want anyone else coming along for this one.”

What was a year between friends? Without bothering to ask, Kaji pulled back a seat at Tatsuo’s table and welcomed himself to it. Just in time, one of the wait staff came over with Tatsuo’s meal, and Kaji’s espresso on a tea plate. Just as in the past, Kaji liked his coffee but now his taste had refined since spending time in the cloud. Foam frothed at the top of the cup, artistically making the image of a leaf. As Kaji leaned back, light from the window made the silver pendant designating him as a guardian of the Will of Fire shined softly— it was the emblem of his last home at the Leaf. It was a role he would not lay to rest until given authority to do so. “Time flies, huh kid,” he said, passively noting the year which quickly sped by in a full rotation. "Tell me, how have you been?”

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

By the time Kaji had gotten to the bar Tatsuo realized it was him, his gait, the way he carried himself, even his voice were easy tells for his prior student. Eelspine was only the conformation he needed to be sent into a spiral of self doubt. His newfound maturity usually prevented moments like these, but as this country poked a hole into his heart of a place he’d kept hidden away. It was Kaji who ripped it from his very core and brought it front and center. Now all of those emotions were brought back to him, the frustration of being mocked, the pain of pushing away his friends but most of all the companionship he shared with his sensei.

He listened to Kaji converse with the patrons at the bar, Tatsuo was torn in between wanting him to just come and go as a suspicious coincidence. Another part of him wanted Kaji to confront him here and there so he could say all of the things he should have said so long ago. The minutes went by like days, eyes staring intently at the back of Kaji’s head. He realized then just how much he missed him. The days travelling, training, the sage like advice Kaji would offer him. The near infinite patience, despite it never coming from his mouth, Tatsuo sought to be like Kaji more and more every day. He was the father figure that he never had. Just as Tatsuo built the confidence to go greet him, Kaji did it for him. Another thing he would have to thank him for.

Tatsuo timidly bit his bottom lip as Kaji spoke to him, there was no way he could lie. His face had already given it away, he scanned his face for a moment looking for anything that could betray Kaji’s friendly guise. Maybe this was just an act? To get him to open up so Kaji could hit him where it hurt most? Internally Tatsuo shook his head, there was no way he could do something like that. While it felt like hours to Tatsuo, his response followed Kaji’s quickly. “Yes, sensei.” he said standing offering Kaji an obedient bow. As he reached the middle of his bow, he paused for a moment. “I mean Kaji.” He did not wish to anger him, with thoughts of still being eligible to be his student. He rose from his bow and as Kaji explained how he was looking forward to this mission with Tatsuo he was flooded the emotions of his once past adventures.

Tatsuo was still standing as the waitress arrived with his food. Barely giving her any notice, he nodded to her and returned looking to Kaji. “Thank you.” he said to her before looking back to Kaji. He nodded instantly at the thought of time flying, but his second question was met with more thought. What could he even say? What should he say? Realizing he had to say something, he began with. “I am sorry.” it was all the boy could muster. Those three words were all he had been wanting to say since the day he realized how immature he was being. In the past year he had lost a lot, but there were few things he missed as much as his sensei.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

Intuition is an incredibly useful trait when you aren’t sure what to make of things. And now, as Kaji sat across from Tatsuo, he had to rely heavily on that intuition as he and the boy had an awkward exchange of sorts. The reverence that came from Tatsuo was a bit unexpected but admittedly appreciated in a way Kaji had difficulty pinpointing. He rubbed the side of his forehead clumsily as the waitress made her way around the bowing apprentice. It was the same kind of humble display Sayomi displayed that frigid night on the rooftop when the Lion Volt struck, and the same overtly polite greeting Kaji made when he interrupted the Raikage’s breakfast meeting with Yuii… a show of respect in a deep saikei-rei bow. The display always seemed so gauche from the receiving end, even though it was a truly a symbol of respect. Kaji hurriedly offered several nodding bows from his seat. The waitress reluctantly moved around Tatsuo, hurrying to set down the plates and get out of the way.

Kaji gave the server a thankful nod as she went along her way. Kaji was taking a sip of his coffee as the boy gave a sudden apology— it might have been appropriate but not for any reasons Kaji could identify right away. At first, Kaji thought to question why Tatsuo was apologizing but chose the path of empathy instead and simply accepted the statement. “Apology accepted,” Kaji answered as he returned his glass to the tea plate. “Though, I hope you’re apologizing for not coming back to visit the Cloud sooner. With any luck, these marauder’s holding Mister Munoto hostage put up a fight.” Attentive as always, of course, Kaji noticed the weapon he was toting as well, but he wouldn’t address that right away. “Rest assured that a review of your skill progression is in order— though I’m sure you have come a long way, and have a few new tricks up your sleeve.”

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

The acceptance of his apology immediately resulted in a flush of relief in the boy. His smile grew from cheek to cheek. “Well, I haven’t visited the Cloud Village yet. I think we’re still in Port Cirrus, but last time I protested too much to learn anything I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the capital.” He shook his head, the red once returning from embarrassment. “I really was a dumb kid, huh?” He said tapping on the table with his fork. The fried fish and rice was enticing but the sudden rush of emotions made him lose his appetite. He wanted to speak more than he wanted to eat.

“How is Lady uh-- the one you are now with? Is she doing well? Does she still hate me?” He said as he used his fork to poke his food. “I wouldn’t blame her, if she did.” Tatsuo shrugged his shoulders thinking back to how he’d insult her any chance he got. His very motivation of doing that was blur to him now, it filled him more with embarrassment than anything.

There were things he wanted to tell Kaji, but he felt that simple conversation would probably be the best place to start. At least for the two to rekindle their friendship. A lot changed in the last year for Tatsuo, whilst he still loved his home country he did not want to go back anytime soon. Whether Kaji just wanted him to be a guest and leave or continue their adventures was yet to be found and he felt like it was too early to ask. He would just do his best to enjoy the mission they were on together. Part of him wished that it would go back to how it was before, but Tatsuo grew a lot more jaded in the last year. As much as he wished, he wouldn’t get his hopes too high.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

Kaji was on the verge of opposing him when Tatsuo noted that he had not visited The Cloud yet, but the disagreeing curve in his eyebrows and sneer softened when the boy elaborated. Tatsuo went on to blame his past actions, playing off his past decisions as merely a youth in revolt. With his shoulders lifting, Kaji found some humor, “you were never the jackass, but you were about as stubborn as one.” Sharing a laugh, it was relieving for such a positive energy to be found between the old master and apprentice after such a long time without communicating. The taste of the espresso was immaculate as well, and Kaji indulged in another sip of the brew. Good times all around.

In time their subject transitioned to another one close to Kaji; the love of his life, whom he answered as “Lady Kagetsu. Aye, I would say she is doing fine, though I’m sure she’d be excited to see you and tell you herself if you came to visit. I doubt your outspokenness left any scars on Yuii, she’s tough when she has to be. It’s one of the things I really like about her.” Adamantly, Kaji was beginning to sound like a relative attempting to send young Tatsuo on a guilt trip for not coming around enough. Kaji considered the irony though. And with thoughts of the time that passed, he also contemplated how long he had been so close to the woman he affectionately called Blue. “Time really flies; it doesn’t even feel like it's been a year already... though, I can’t pretend that I have been entirely unaware.”

Almost unexpectedly, Kaji reached into a pocket underneath the jacket-like layer of his armor, revealing a small wooden box. He then set the box on the table but didn’t slide it over to Tatsuo or open it. It was clearly designed for something small and precious. “You might have appeared with some perfect timing— with any luck, we’ll have some good news to share soon, barring some complications don’t hinder things.” Kaji then set a hand on the wooden box and pried it open with a tiny squeak ringing from the tight, newly-crafted joints. It was revealed to be a jewelry box with a soft interior, however, the box was empty. “I never had any doubts about what I think of her— the world, but I know there is a process to what I have in mind.” He then closed the case with a snap and put it away. Kaji knew how to make Yuii happy, that much always seemed simple, but he knew accomplishing what he had in mind could be incredibly difficult, if not impossible with the Kagetsu family most-likely opposing. Losing his cheerful glow in favor of his usual stern nature, he’d say “Some things just can’t be learned in the academy. ‘Like, how to propose.”

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

Tatsuo laughed along as he was, justly, called stubborn. “Yeah that is something I can agree with. Over the past year i’ve become a lot more agreeable, I like to think.” Offering a sort of defense but for the most part poking fun at his previous behavior. Taking now this chance to taste his food as the two shared stories and laughter of their year apart. A few times Tatsuo thought to tell him what he really wanted to say but he was hesitant he wished not to spoil such a nostalgic reunion with bad news.

The talk of Kaji’s girlfriend genuinely interested him. He never gave her the fair chance, a mixture of racism and jealousy could do that to even the best of men. His previous emotions of distraught were replaced with a sense of happiness for Kaji. He really didn’t understand romantic love yet but even at his age he could appreciate it and it was obvious to him that Kaji had nothing but love for his ‘Lady Kagetsu’. “She sounds great for you, Kaji-sensei.” He beamed smiling. “I sure hope you’re right, maybe she’ll enjoy my company more this time.” If she was even half as forgiving as Kaji was, she would, but who knows women were weird. Tatsuo figured that out long ago.

When the box was revealed it didn’t take long for Tatsuo to figure out what Kaji had in mind. It brought him an unexplainable sense of joy. Even he could tell the difference in Kaji from when they first met. Kaji was never mean, but he was always cold and distant. Perhaps it was just the atmosphere that changed him but the student was more observant than that. From the moment he’d met Yuii he had become a different person and not at all in a bad way. She had brought out something that Tatsuo would appreciate plenty in his sensei. Something he would have to one day thank for her. And as Kaji explained his difficulty with proposing Tatuso followed with a quip. “Well, I didn’t do too well in the academy, but I think you need a ring before you can propose.” A smile pulled at his cheek bringing on the sight of two deep dimples. “I’m sure you know that though.” he said offering one final jab.

Thinking for a moment he realized that he was as comfortable around Kaji as when they were travelling through the mountains the first time. When he explained he wasn’t good at school and all of those other things he never cared to admit to anyone else. Once again he felt the comfort to share such things. “Kaji-sensei. I have something to tell you.” The boy looked down to his plate, as if to hide his face away. “My mother.. She passed away earlier this year.” His fork scrapped across the plate as he busied his hands as if to ignore his own statement.

“She got sick, like my aunt but she wasn’t as tough.” Feeling the tears well behind his eyes he wiped his face with his free hand. “My father.. Well he didn’t take it so well. He never lik--” the boy coughed a bit before finishing. “Well we never got along in the first place. Soon after he kicked me out.” The boy took a deep breath gathering whatever composure remained. “I don’t mean to ruin your moment. I really don’t. I just, I haven’t told anyone. I didn’t trust anyone to tell.” It wasn’t often Tatsuo laid himself out, from an early age he hated feeling vulnerable. Part of the reason he would cause so much havoc was so he could at least feel justified in some of the more arbitrary punishments he received as a child.

“I don’t want to go back home, I love Konoha but I have no where to stay there. I was barely scraping by with whatever missions I could complete. I mean you know a Genin’s wage isn’t that much.” Tatsuo instantly felt like his stomach dropped, it wasn’t his intention to put this burden on Kaji. It wasn’t fair for him too. He had his own life to worry about and his own problems. Tatsuo was also not really of the age to be asking for handouts anymore. However it was too late now, he had already asked.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

All things considered, the conversation was going better than expected. Normally, he might not have broken the news to the lad, but in truth, the news of Kaji’s planned proposal was something he had been keeping to himself for months. For a year’s time, his relationship with Yuii Kagetsu remained a secret kept from all who might let the word of it trickle back to her family. He was unable to share the secret with any of the Kumogakure natives. Until now, Kaji could only hold one-sided conversations with his horse about his plan.

And through sharing his personal news, Kaji relinked the bond between them, which weathered the test of time well. However, Kaji wasn’t expecting to hear the burdening news Tatsuo had to share; a total contrast to the joy he feeling beforehand. “Oh, my…” Kaji began, somewhat at a loss for words as the unfortunate news of Tatsuo’s treatment by his father was compounded on top of the passing of his mother. “I am sorry for your loss, Tatsuo. ‘Her time may have come, but at least you can be certain that she is still watching over you from the aether— I’m sure she is proud of the young man you are becoming.” Kaji was almost ashamed of himself, feeling as if he was giving Tatsuo some scripted response. But, what else should he say? “And… I think you should cast aside any hard feelings you may have towards your father for the way he has treated you. I’m sure it won’t seem clear to you right now, but his decisions have probably been (a poorly dealt with) coping mechanism more than anything.” Here he was, the calm and cool Kaji who always seemed to have a handle on things. You could say it was one of his better qualities, even if he did not say what you wanted to hear.

“When I was thirteen I ran away from home and went to Maruishi, where I joined the Hidden Stone’s Shinobi Academy. ‘Needless to say, I never looked back, and have been on my own ever since.” He suddenly recalled the lonely years of his youth, facing the harsh shinobi system while was proven to create hardened warriors, but with many costs to their senses of compassion and appreciation for life. “Casting you out was a crummy move on your father’s part, sure, but what it has done is made you stronger and more self-reliant as a result. More importantly, you still have the warmth of your mother’s love within, and that will protect you no matter how cold the world may treat you.” Kaji then took a pause to indulge in his espresso again, and perhaps to not overwhelm Tatsuo with his musings of wisdom.

“The truth is that I couldn’t have made it by myself— no one can. The shinobi world will devour you if no one will show you the way; through the darkness or light. When I was your age I was lost, and who found me was the Stone’s ANBU Black Ops… they took me in, but what became of me from there was a thing no kid should ever have to experience— a depth no shinobi should be lowered to. And it’s something I won’t allow for you, either.” Kaji may have been a bit forward thinking, but it was in a good way. As a sensei, there were tenants of the role which he took to heart and believed in wholly.

“How long have you been back in the Lightning Country? ‘I know how committed you are to the Leaf, and wouldn’t recommend anything for you that would lead you astray, but, why don’t you consider spending some time away, and visit The Cloud for a while? There is still plenty of work to be done between The Leaf and Cloud’s alliance, and I’m sure I could arrange a position for you in helping with Diplomacy. I imagine the Leaf will need someone here in my stead... once I follow through with my plans, my citizenship will most-likely change to this country, permanently.”

Almost rarely, Kaji was committing to an idea before he really considered the weight of it, however, he couldn’t refuse to aid Tatsuo and still call himself a decent sensei. To turn his back on the boy now was to betray everything he strove for as a shinobi trying to do good. “I have a home in the Cloud now, and spare rooms. Your chump of a dad might have put you out, but you will have a place to lay your head. You just better clean up after yourself, or I’ll put you in the stable with Kukki… and she snores. How does that sound?”

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

Kaji’s near infinite wisdom brought the boy little comfort. Many people who knew of the situation said many of the things. As if it was something adults just said to people who lost someone. Inside Tatsuo knew he meant well. And the advice about not harboring hard feelings to his father barely affected. One of the things that hurt Tatsuo most, was that he didn’t miss his father. He barely even cared that was a bridge that was burned long ago, if it was ever built in the first place. He continued to listen to Kaji as he lectured and comforted the boy on the way life was and things that he just wasn’t old enough to understand completely.

He wiped the tears from his face as Kaji began to speak of his own childhood, something he rarely spoke of, at least to Tatsuo. For just a moment, Tatsuo was almost happy all this happened. Before, he never thought in a million years would Kaji ever open up to him like this. It was as if he began to see him in a different light and the more he spoke, Tatsuo gained a newfound respect for him. Not just the general reverence that comes from someone being your superior, but a genuine feeling of admiration for him. It was someone he would like to emulate in his daily life. Kaji was like the father he never had.

When Kaji spoke of how he couldn’t handle it by himself, it filled him with a new aspiration to make sure he wouldn’t have to. Tatsuo stayed awfully quiet offering next to nothing in noise other than the occasional snort as he tried to collect himself. He continued to think and he made a promise to himself, that whenever Kaji needed him he would be there. Just like he was for him now.

When finally posed with a question, the boy spoke up. “It’s been less than a week. Travelling is easy when you’re on your own.” He said as if he finally regained his composure. When he followed up with his questions, of his loyalty to the leaf and perhaps him visiting the Cloud, a small smile filled his face as he nodded. “Yeah I’d like that.” When Kaji mentioned abandoning his position as a ninja of the Leaf his face twisted into a short frown but Tatsuo tried his best to act like it didn’t bother him, but Kaji would’ve seen it.

When Kaji offered Tatsuo a home, he broke. In between cries he was able to let out a soft “That sounds great.” but it wasn’t long before he buried his head in his hands crying. It wasn’t a happy cry, but honestly Tatsuo hadn’t cried since his mother’s passing. This was the period of mourning he never actually had. Better late than never his mother would always say.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

It would have been too optimistic of Kaji to expect everything he had to say to go over so well with Tatsuo, not when the boy was so obstinate in their past. Kaji remembered every lesson sort of going in one ear and out the other, but Tatsuo was apparently much different now, and humbled by the inevitable cruelties of life. Wiser men have said that you are never truly an adult until you lose your parents’ guidance— perhaps it was that loss which brought Tatsuo to this point in his maturity. Kaji knew it was a cold way of viewing the boy’s loss, but at least that loss wasn’t for naught.

Kaji’s proposition of having Tatsuo spend time within the protection of the Hidden Cloud went over as he expected, as now was no time for Tatsuo to be wandering on his own. The yellow bungalow on the edge of the ancient forest often felt empty and as lonely as ever whenever Yuii wasn’t visiting to keep Kaji company; he was sure the place would feel more like him with Tatsuo helping to breathe more life into it. “Once we’re caught up with what’s going on with the Munoto family, we’ll head back to the village and I’ll show you the place… I mean, it’s pretty decent for a deed I received for free— the only problem is that it’s haunted, but I’m working on that. So far, the ghost doesn’t keep me up at night or anything, but I don’t think it likes when I bring certain items into the house… It’s weird.” Kaji simply folded his arms and sighed deeply. “I’ve been too busy to deal with it, I guess. But hey, the view of the forest is nice, and we have a neighbor… There’s a little green dojo near a bend in the trail. So, I expect you to keep your training up, at least.”

With some small talk on the menu, a bit of coffee left in his mug, and some food still on Tatsuo’s plate, it seemed that things were off to a cracking start, and the old adventures were afoot again. “Oh, and I guess when we get a chance, I’ll have to introduce you to your new uhhh, teammates. You could say I have been assigned a couple more apprentices— Hirateuchi and Sayomi. I’m sure you three will get along just fine.”

To be continued.
Topic left unless stopped. Heh heh hehhhh.

 

[Tatsuo]

Re: Back into the Belly of the Beast

While Kaji was not mistaken in Tatsuo’s obstinate past, his wisdom was not lost on the boy. Many things in which Kaji told him so long ago still stuck true to the boy’s heart and he used that to carry himself. The past few years were indeed difficult on the boy, but the guidance by Kaji prepared him for the worst. Even if neither of them realized it. When left with nearly nothing, he used his old Sensei as a way to behave and that definitely made his life easier when facing the plethora of problems he conquered in the past year.

Tatsuo began to wonder if he was just jesting about the ghost, it wasn’t uncommon for people to make folk stories to keep children in line even if Tatsuo thought he was a bit old for that. However Tatsuo was incredibly superstitious, he wouldn’t walk under ladders, cross black cats, and he always knocked on wood if he wanted to ward away bad luck. Though he’d act tough for now and face the ghost later, he’d probably have more dangerous things to deal with in the coming days anyway.

At mention of the dojo Tatsuo grinned, “Oh yeah? Is it Hoshi’s? I helped build it!” He never got the chance to mention it to Kaji but the duo had became pretty good friends despite the small spat they had at the end of Kaji’s duel with Kaen. “He needed help reinforcing the beams and who would’ve guessed Moukton was so good for that kind of stuff.” he said smirking. He was now pretty excited about the thought of training once again with Hoshi. Tatsuo was awfully tired the last time they had hung out, he really didn’t get to train with him as he’d have liked. The two were pretty similar as far as Tatsuo saw it.

“Hirateuchi and Sayomi? Weird names, but they must be pretty good if they’re your students. Think I can keep up with them?” Tatsuo never really had a squad or teamates, the closest thing he had to that was Akira but he hadn’t seen him in so long. He guessed his dad forbid him for hanging out with Tatsuo for whatever reason. “Well either way I look forward to train with them, maybe they can show me a thing or two.”