Before the fall. [Open]

[Myakashi Migoya]

It was a difficult time, and for the new med-nin chief his duty was paramount - to ensure the safety of Konohagakure, and despite his methods, Migoya intended to protect the village.

He had been directing the distribution of emergency medical supplies to the valiant leaf guardians - the unsung heroes that stood watch over the gate and the walls of Konohagakure. In the event of an invasion, something which was growing by the day, at least these guards would have something to help staunch their wounds and pick up their spirits.

“Warrior pills here, energy drinks over there,” he said towards some MiT recruits, motioning towards various ‘safe’ points along the wall. He had emergency rations and the like given to squad leaders, and knew that Ziren would take care of those med-nin venturing outside the gates with similar supplies. Each contained enough of everything to bring a shinobi back from the verge of death to a point where they could continue fighting - if there was a break in the battle that is. His own concoction - a mixture of chakra and warrior pill - were supplied, despite certain individuals doubting his ability to craft such things.

Whilst this enterprise was being undertaken, Migoya made sure that the everyday lives of people were not interfered with. A city under siege was a hotbed of possible crime, fear and violence and reminding them of their plight only increased the chances of that happening. Certainly, if he wanted to do something… wrong now would be the time, but the simple truth was that Migoya was loyal to the village.

The goods were placed in a timely fashion, with Migoya nodding a wordless thanks to those involved. The Byoin would undoubtedly be busy soon, so it was wise to let them rest. He didn’t sleep so it was not a problem. The only thing that weiried him was those things of the mind. Accusations. Unwise decisions. Each thing that affected his clan…

It was a simple feat, leaping to the top of the grand wall, overlooking the vast forests that acted as another barrier to the village. The sun was setting, the greens of the foliage darkening as it retreated in its daily jaunt. Soon those green leaves would turn to orange and brown as fall arrived. His eyes looked over the forest now, knowing that there was a threat out there and he was stuck in here. It was at this time that he envied his brother for his freedom - but responsibility would win out.

He sat down, his legs dangling over the edge of the wall. Normally he would be asked to move on, but the guards knew him from his shock of white hair, and whilst he was wearing a simple darkened chuunin vest, a white armband indicated his rank. His red gaze would continue to drift over the forest as he felt a presence coming near to him.

“Nice evening isn’t it.”

 

[Minamoto Daisuke]

Minamoto Daisuke had been watching for some time now, his father Minamoto Suyashi had been hard at work aiding teams of medical ninja; but the boy knew not where exactly his parent was stationed. He had been aware of the gathering supplies for some time now and the Medical ninja that seemed to be overseeing the operation – for such a significant management position to be assigned to a shinobi they had to be someone of importance. Someone of high rank. Daisuke assumed the man was of at least high chuunin level, if not jounin. For a while the blonde boy watched on from the shadows, taking mental notes of those present as well as their equipment and supplies. It was all very interesting but the boy would not admit that. In truth he looked for what it meant to be shinobi and how the village was being prepared for an almost imminent attack. At least that’s what whispers were saying.

The academy student had his notebook in hand, it was only a small pad of paper but that was all he needed. Details that would easily escape his mind were jotted down for future reference, there was no intention of forgetting anything even if details had to be painstakingly noted in the book. Pencil rubbed against paper for hours on end as the boy simply watched the goings on of the medical branch. He himself wasn’t sure where his future in the village would take him but it was nice to know what options lay ahead should he need to make a decision for himself.

As the sunlight began to dwindle slightly, so did the number of medical ninja attending to the supplies atop the wall. Eventually only one shinobi remained: the one in charge. Daisuke sat for a little while longer, contemplating the events of the soon to be passing day. It was a lot to take in for the fledgling shinobi who was still yet to acquire a headband of his own. His right hand raised up toward his face, gently placing the tips of his fingers on top of the tattoo below his right eye. There was soon to be war, the day had been more than enough evidence of that, but why was war necessary. After all it was only a war between humans, kin against kin so it seemed. A wave of confusion and sorrow ran through his brain but that secret would not be betrayed by the expression on his face.

Soon enough he felt it time to exit his hiding spot and take a closer look atop the walls that surrounded the village. The shinobi in command at that moment had leapt up with little effort but the same would not go for Daisuke. Instead of attempting the feat himself, the boy began pumping chakra into his feet and approached the wall. It took him a little while to walk up the surface but in the end he managed.

His presence was soon acknowledged by the man with a simple interrogative statement. In truth Daisuke had no interest in the weather or however fair the evening had become but he wouldn’t say that. It would be best to get to know the man first rather than batting away his question. His expression was that of no emotion, as was his tone of voice as he spoke up – however there was still an air of respect about him. “It is.” He paused for a second or so, it was time to test if his observations had been correct. “I have been watching the activity here for a while now. I have come to ask what you’ve been doing and if there’s anything you need help with?”

MFT
WC: 622
[Topic entered]

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

“We know.” A small smirk graced the corner’s of Migoya’s mouth. After all, it wasn’t every day that someone of his… station sat openly in visible sight on top of a wall during wartime. Bait they tended to call it. As soon as the young man had arrived, notebook in hand, he was monitored - one could never be too careful. The silent figures that had been watching slunk back into the shadows, but their gaze lingered. He was cleared however, his branding indicating his link to one of his own med-nin collegues’ clan - a detail that would suggest that he was no spy.

Or at least a very, very good one.

“And, like most of your generation, you offer help when all the work is done,” he added with a hint of annoyance in his voice. This didn’t last long before he started to chuckle. “I always found that to be a very effective way out of doing the dishes when I was young!”

Turning his head to look at the young man for the first time Migoya’s pale face looked more amused than anything else. He often added some sort of emotion to his guise in order to better elicit information, still it was remarkable that a young person - perhaps an academy student as displayed by his use of chakra but missing headband - would openly walk up and ask what he was doing, and offer help. Such tenacity was in short supply and needed cultivation.

“Thank you for the offer. Another pair of eyes is always welcome, though make sure that you are behind one of the bullistrades. A stray kunai… well, we wouldn’t want a promising career ending too early. Currently we are doing a simple re-stock, keeping the troops in tip-top fighting state.” Again the dry chuckle - obviously Migoya had a rather strange sense of humour.

Rummaging around in his side knapsack, a worn-out leather creature that was older than most of the people in the village, he pulled out a mandarine. Making an ever-so-slight movement with his finger the fruit decided to cut itself in half - a simple jutsu he’d picked up. One half was offered to the boy.

“So. Does this budding helper have a name? And… I’m interested in your opinion. How are the people in the village handling things… As in, have you noticed anything different? Odd? How are the other academy students handling the situation?”

 

[Kuru Watashi]

Ryujou didn't like waking up early for guard duty. It was boring and tiring and it hurt his eyes. Continuously rubbing his eyes, Ryujou felt like the more he rubbed them, the more they hurt. Chalking that up to symptoms of guard duty, he kept at it until he realized that there were a bunch of weirdos on his gate. Hearing that there were energy drinks, Ryujou hefted his new cool holy stick and decided to check the situation out. Hearing that there were energy drinks, he grabbed one and opened it up, investigating to see if there were criminals hiding inside of it. After discerning that there were indeed no Frost criminals hiding inside of the energy drink, he dropped some of his crystalized honey inside of the drink and tried it out. He continued to add honey until he could no longer taste the original energy drink. Mm, good stuff, the energy drink tasted perfect.

He continued to look out at the forest and sip from the honey with bits of energy drink throughout the rest of the day. Completely oblivious to everything that happened around him, Ryujou was content just watching the forest and imagining all of the cool stuff that he could be doing out there instead. As day turned to nightfall and it was soon going to be Ryujou's turn to leave for the day, he realized that there was some weirdo sitting on top of the wall talking with a student. Figuring that he should at least show some semblance of taking his job seriously, Ryujou walked over with his stick to poke at them or something.

Seeing that they seemed to be Leaf shinobi, Ryujou relaxed his guard slightly before poking at the air in their direction. "So uhh, what are you guys doing here?" Rather new to his job and not one for socializing normally, he had no clue who either of the two were. Taking note of the fact that one of them looked to be a med-nin, he waved his stick around in the air. "Hey, do you know stone bullet lady!? Has a big old shiny coat and makes super big stone bullets! What a cool person!" Continuing to wave the stick and starting to jump around, he looked at Daisuke. "So are you having like a class up here or something? I thought those were in classrooms but I guess I've had a class in a weirder spot!"

"Ontop of a big stone bullet! I didn't realize that I had been tricked into going to class until later though, bah! Pink Eyed-Maik should have told me sooner!" Spinning in place as he hopped and waved the stick, he started pretending to fight invisible Frosties with it. "Man guard duty is boring! Occasionally you have some fun stuff happens but usually it's just watching chimps with sticks order you around!" He tugged down at his honey covered trench coat. Ryujou had replaced the standard guard wear with his standard Bee Man wear only a few days into the job. It wasn't the new coat that he had tucked away but it was still better than that lame armor. Slowing down the hopping and spinning, Ryujou started looking around for more of those nearby supply boxes that had magically appeared. He didn't know what was with those energy drinks or what they were supposed to do, but Ryujou figured with his extraordinary detective Bee sense that they were supposed to give energy or something. "You guys seen any more of those drinks around? They seem pretty cool!"

 

[Minamoto Daisuke]

Of course, it was to be expected that almost any shinobi of any sort of calibre beyond Genin would be aware of the presence of the Minamoto boy. If they weren’t then either they were incapable, or Daisuke was extremely talented – however that was not the case as the high-ranking medical ninja had been aware of the blonde lad for some time now it seemed. Nevertheless, time spent practicing both his stealth and observation skills was not wasted even if the outcome wasn’t ideal. It was clear that the medical ninja atop the wall had been analysing Daisuke as much if not more than the boy had in return. It was a very interest point to stand at, to be the object of analysis was something that Daisuke hadn’t quite experienced during his time at the academy.

“I didn’t intend to avoid work, but it seemed as though everything was under control. Besides the manpower you had earlier has dissipated so that’s why I came forward.” He paused for a moment to contemplate the reflection given by Migoya. “Chores are chores, unimportant in comparison to most things but if left then they become mountains of trouble. Dishes in particular.” If there was to be any essence of humour in the boy’s speech, this was it despite the lack of tonality implying it. Daisuke’s voice remained calm and without intonation – this was something he had been continually practicing for some time now.

“My name is Daisuke, to give one’s full name isn’t wise in this world. At least that’s what I’ve read.” He brought his right index finger sharply up towards the blue tattoo under his right eye. “This is the symbol of the Minamoto clan, not something easy to disguise so now it seems you have my full name.” For now his tone was one of the utmost respect, yet still no emotion was displayed. “Can I ask your name sir?” He took a step back while waiting for a response, making sure to keep his frame covered by the wall defences.

To say the arrival of the Aburame boy was unexpected would be an understatement, but the surprise was nothing in comparison to his composure. Daisuke’s judging blue eyes scanned the figure, one of a similar age to him comparatively yet with an outward level of energy that contrasted the Minamoto boy’s displays tenfold. “This isn’t a class. I came to see what the duties of shinobi includes inside the village walls.” He had no time to completely analyse the newcomer, but suffice to say his mannerisms were strange to say the least. Ryujou seemed to speak in some sort of code, possibly referring to events or people that made up his inner circle of friends and experiences. In truth Daisuke didn’t quite know how to respond. Instead he returned his focus to the older shinobi of the three present.

“As for academy students, it seems my peers are handling things… well. To be honest I haven’t been that well informed about the situation beyond the gates, from what I’ve gathered we’re at war but that hasn’t seemed to phase many of the other shinobi in the village.” In reality Daisuke was incredibly nervous about the possibility of the war breaching the gates, at his level of skill it would be a miracle if he could combat more than one or two low-level Frost Shinobi to a stalemate. Yet even with this anxiety, the boy controlled his breathing and heartrate while maintaining a blank slate of a face. It was better he observed for now. That was part of the reason he was here anyway.

MFT
WC: 606

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

The boy was generally impressive, keeping his composure to a level that only could be achieved with focused effort. The issue however was that directly singled you out as someone who had something to hide.

"A very good point Daisuke-san. Id hate to think what would happen if someone did not clean out the bedpans..." he added with a chuckle. Noting that the boy had ignored his offered goodie, he simply flicked it up into the air where a passing bird snapped it up in its eager and greedy beak. "Migoya of clan Myakashi. And a free bit of advice my young friend... First - give a complete false name to your enemies rather than a shortened version. They will torture you for what you don't give. Likewise, it is better to manipulate your emotions to something realistic than have none at all. That tends to cause people to be suspicious of you..."

It was then that an... enthusiastic young man arrived, dressed in equally enthusiastic attire, resembling that of a bee or wasp. He claimed to be part of the guard duty for the gates but that seemed to be the duty of Genin, and this fellow was unknown to Migoya nor did he display any indication of rank. His crimson gaze looked at the boy who seemed to be poking and waving a stick in the air, asking about more energy drinks.

Migoya turned to look at Daisuke, an amused smirk on his face. "Though sometimes you really wish others could control theirs."

He returned to look at the strange one. "Well, yes there are plenty of energy drinks... in the shop. Stealing from the front line is not a particularly wise thing to do - Id hate it if you were confused as a frost shinobi. The ANBU around here are rather trigger happy. Please, have a seat over here if you want, just... don't make a target of yourself."

His gaze returned to watch the setting sun, the hint of coolness on the wind to indicate the change in seasons. The words of the Minamoto clan member were oddly troubling, and not for the reasons most would delve into. Migoya was a strange one who pulled on the strings of fate, but the greatest weapon against his tools was apathy.

"Hmm... Perhaps the others are worried that it will upset those who are still training. I do not agree with that - I believe everyone should be aware of the threat before us. Academy students were assigned, last I heard, to shepard and protect the civilians to the protective bunkers should the need arise. Konoha is indeed at war against a strong foe, but we will take care of them soon enough." Migoya's tone seemed to have lost its humorous edge, replaced by a sort of grim determination. "That is, if we stick together. There are times for us to be immature, to play around and to test boundaries, but there are times we need to put aside our own entertainment and interests for the greater good."

Takeshi... perhaps you need to learn that lesson most of all.

"Tell me Daisuke and, err - sorry I do not have your name, what have you been taught is the meaning of the 'Will of Fire?' Do you agree with it?"

A shadow passed over Migoya's face, as if he had come to a decision.

"My apologies... something has come up. I hope to continue this conversation another time." His body a blur, Migoya sped away, clearly upset about something.

[Topic Left - apologies... Im kinda forced to do this!]

 

[Kuru Watashi]

Ryujou nodded and listened for a bit before flailing his hands and arms in the air as he ran back to one of the boxes that were filled with supplies. He didn't know what was in these drinks but for some reason, when you mixed them with honey, they seemed to be able to give people more energy! More proof, he reasoned, for honey being the best thing in the world! Add it to a bland, boring drink and you get a cool energy one! Grabbing one in his left hand and dumping it into the jar of honey in his right, Ryujou ran back to Migoya and Daisuke, splashing both the whole way back. Wiping his mouth on the sleeve of his coat, Ryujou struck a pose to be a cool guy to the academy student.

[OOC: image for reference, but instead it's cool guy Ryujou]

"Here on the walls, we defend the village from all of the bad guys!" Ryujou shouted, happy to have people to talk to now that his friends were off somewhere doing not-guard things, "That means people from Frost, from cults, and the local tribe of monkeys that occasionally comes and throws stuff at the wall!" Pointing around at people on the wall but failing to find the chunin commander, he whispered quietly to the two so that he wouldn't be heard by anyone else, "Occasionally we throw sticks back at them like the boss says but I don't think that's very nice."

Energy drinks didn't really seem to mesh well with Ryujou and feeling a bit jittery, he began jumping all around their section of the wall, making "whoooosh"ing sounds as he swung his stick left and right. "My name is Ryuuujou Aburame! I came so that I could get out of washing the dishes! Dad doesn't like it when I stay outside instead of doing my chores but I'm uhh, defending the village!" Deciding that it would be best to help give the others a taste of what had happened the other day, he began trying to recreate the events of the Frost invasion, complete with all of the sound effects that would be needed. "So just a while ago there was a bunch of Frost cultists that came and attacked! They shot something at the wall and then we threw something at them and then they ate it!"

Taking another swig from his honeyed drink, Ryujou starting punching his hands into each other to simulate the fight more, "So then they were all BLAM! But then our commander dude told them to come up and fight him like a man! So all of the cultists ran up to the gate and the commander guy asked for help! That's when we showed up and we were all BLAM BLAM WHAM! And then we beat them all up and we went home and everything was happily ever after! As long as we're here, nothing bad could possibly happen to the gates, don't worry!"

"Besides, I bet the Hokage Hat guy and the Masky Dudes are all doing there jobs and hiding somewhere ready to jump out and help if the Frost guys break in! I think I'd feel pretty safe in the village knowing that we got a bunch of super strong people defending us and cool doctor coat guys reading to make big stone bullets. It's not like they're taking a vacation or something while the village is in danger, y'know? Otherwise I'd really feel sad with them making us do our part while they're sitting back. I'm out here getting up early and standing here even though it's super boring because it's what's good for the Leaf after all!"

Before Migoya left, Ryujou thought about his question before shrugging. "I haven't really been taught about any of that but if there's one thing that God and the other kids have shown me, it's that you do what you think is right! There's not always going to be someone pointing out the right choices in life - that's not God's methods. If you follow what you believe in and make sure that it gets done, no one can blame you too much if you fly too close to the sun. That's Honey God's domain after all!" Ryujou waved as the medical chief blurred off into the distance and sighed before turning back to Daiksure, "Man, what was that all about?" He was really going to have to drink more of those honey drinks if people were gonna keep being dark and gloomy.