[fontsize="15"]~ Hameru Ren ~[/fontsize]
[fontsize="12"]~ Basic Information ~[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]First Name : Ren
Last Name : Hameru
Gender : Male
Age : 21
Village : Kumogakure
Rank : ANBU Elite
Yen : 24,550.00
Advanced Shop Points : 11[/fontsize]
[fontsize="12"]~ Recorded Information ~[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]~ Appearance ~[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]~ Personality ~[/fontsize][fontsize="11"]Standing at just over 6 feet tall, Ren has the demeanor of a serious man. He has short, black hair which stubbornly refuses to respect his comb’s wishes. His black eyes often sport a wondering – almost aloof type of look underneath his thick, straight eyebrows. Ren speaks in a somewhat slower but steady voice.
Ren has a lean and muscular build, thanks to the many years of Shinobi training. A tattoo of a Koi fish adorns his right arm – black ink contrasted with red flowers petals. On his left arm the tattoo is continued with the depiction of a red dragon, descending towards his hand on skin inked black. Several scars can be traced along his body – the most prominent of which a thin line on his right hip, about 4 inches long.
Ren generally keeps the tattoos covered up however - as his usual attire is composed of the standard ANBU outfit while on-duty and a simple dress suit when he has time off. His position within the ANBU of Kumogakure also granted him his ANBU Mask – the plain white porcelain marred with an artistic black swirl across the right half of the mask.[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]~ History ~[/fontsize][fontsize="11"]Keeping in line with his outlook – Ren is a serious man. He’ll be most often found reading stuffy old books or reviewing his previous missions and working on improving himself. Quick to feel challenged – his main desire is to rise above and prove his own superiority. This can manifest itself in many forms – from combat prowess to mental skills to mission performance. Because of the latter, he holds a high standard for himself and subsequently also his team.
This level of fervent dedication was not always the case however – when he was younger Ren had always felt like the odd one out in his family. He looked up to his cousins who proudly and skillfully showcased their Yamanaka abilities. He himself did not have the level of mastery or even skill as Shinobi to compete. His black hair also made him an oddity in a family of overwhelming blondes. This caused him to have a low self-esteem and hide away from any attention. Ever since a mission gone wrong where he faced his innermost turmoil – he has found the self-confidence he needed and now works tirelessly to never fall to such a level again.
He dislikes direct combat – much preferring to stay in his supporting role as communication relay and strategist. When confronted in hand-to-hand combat, Ren will attempt to stall his opponent until reinforcements arrive or he can setup the battlefield to overwhelming advantage.
Furthermore, Ren enjoys reading – from old poetry to user manuals on how to operate the newest gadgets. His favorite music style is jazz, though his secret guilty pleasure is the more whimsical tunes from Raiden no Me’s musical shows. He’s not a picky eater, even able to claim the sometimes-dreadful field rations aren’t half bad. He claims he can make a killer pasta – though no one has been able to verify it is him doing the actual cooking rather than arranging food delivery.[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]“Cousin Moki, why is my hair not blonde like yours?” A young Ren asked, self-doubt clear in his voice. His older cousin had simply smiled down at him, ruffling his hair and telling him not to fuss about it. Takai, Moki’s brother and likewise blonde-haired cousin to Ren had guffawed. “Genetics work in odd ways sometimes, little Ren. For example, I have dashing good looks – and my younger sibling here does not!” Ren couldn’t help but laugh at the insulted brother’s reaction but the laugh quickly fell away. They hadn’t answered his question. Not really. Grasping at his own dark hair, then youngest Hameru boy felt quite literally like the black sheep of his family. Moki pulled his attention away from his sulking with the proposal of a snowball fight however – and the rumbling in the child’s mind was forgotten.
Spring – Year 40
“It’s not working!” A pouting Ren complained. He’d grown a few years older by now. He still had his black hair of course, but finally his capabilities as a Yamanaka had manifested. Somewhat, at the very least. Overexcited at finally having something in common with his cousins, the boy had started working on controlling the abilities of his family. Yet weeks had passed now – and he could not manage much more than a brief touch at another’s mind. “You shouldn’t push yourself so hard Ren!” Moki chastised. “You have to focus and retain your calmness to achieve any success.” Ren let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine!” He tried again but once more failed to do more than poke at his cousin’s consciousness. Why am I not as strong and skilled as they are?! He thought frustrated. His mind held no answer – none that he could comprehend in any case. Ascend To The Sky!
Summer – Year 46
Ren sighed as he tucked the envelope into a hidden pocket of his jacket. He’d always imagined life to be much more.. exciting when he’d become a Ninja. Suspense-filled missions and daring combat – the stuff from storybooks! Not this. Not delivering messages around the Village. Sure, he knew the entire spiel of how it made all of the logistics possible and how vital it was to have the right information at the right time. And yes – admittedly, he’d requested a position in the Village because, well, why leave the luxury of being able to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day?
No - he was lying to himself. He had done it because he was ashamed of himself. So badly had he wanted to prove to his family that he had all the makings of a successful Shinobi, just like his cousins. Both Takai and Moki had superb mastery over their families’ abilities and had done well for themselves. Takai had become a scholar and treasure hunter of sorts – often carrying out missions for the Bibliotheca Conscientiae. Moki had joined the ranks of ANBU and was out of the Village more often than not. Whenever he’d return he had grand tales of how his team had defeated their opponents. Furthermore, he’d become the more handsome of the brothers after all, often seen with yet another girl in his arms.
Yet here Ren had barely progressed in unlocking the secrets of the Yamanaka abilities. He’d tried over and over, sometimes alone and sometimes with the guidance of his cousins. He’d turned to his parents; but they couldn’t help him either. The Yamanaka abilities had seemingly skipped his mother in the direct line to his grandmother who had possessed the ability. So he’d turned to his aunts, who told him the same story. They hadn’t been able to help their own children either; the boys had simply grown into their powers on their own. It left Ren feeling very hopeless and alone. His parents tried cheering him up – even going so far as to recommend dropping the Shinobi business altogether. But Ren’d stubbornly clung to his hopes.
Now the boy found himself often wondering if he hadn’t made the wrong decision back then. He had struggled through the Academy, taking 3 years to get up to Genin. Once he’d been acknowledged as a Kumo-nin, he’d eagerly gone on as many missions as he could get his hands on. However – due to a lack of a team wanting to take in the boy, he’d not made a lot of friends in the academy by keeping to himself, and his mediocre skills – he’d found himself relegated to the Communication Office more and more. His organizational skills lent themselves well to the type of assignments he’d receive and eventually he’d be offered the chance to join the office on a more permanent basis rather than being hired for a mission each time.
Ren felt conflicted about the opportunity. Too often had he tried to make it as a “real” Shinobi – was this truly the limit of his skills? The boy decided he’d try one final mission. If this time I again only barely scrape by, he reasoned, I’ll accept the position in the Communication Office. The mission assigned was a simple one by the face of it. Provide assistance to a town nestled in the lowlands of De Cevitate Attonbitus as they prepared their harvest and wanted no troubles with any bandits harassing them. A simple task which would be simple enough for the Genin, but if anything happened – it could provide his chance to prove himself. Soar Into The Heavens!
Autumn – Year 46
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Ren huffed. Repelling bandits from raiding a Village had sounded daring in his mind. Being relegated to helping out with the actual harvesting however.. The Shinobi had begrudgingly joined the farmers in the fields, swiping away at the crops with a heavy scythe. In the distance, he could make out the mayor of the town strolling alongside the field flanked by a Chunin. Akatora Damashi. It turned out the Chunin had been the real guard for the town. Ren had just been taken along as extra muscle. It was a bitter feeling – especially as the boy resolved that this was his final mission. Farming was most certainly not what he’d become a Shinobi for. The Communication Office would be good enough. Eventually he’d likely be able to rise to the rank of supervisor there and that would make a decent living, surely? Claim What Is Yours Truly!
The Genin rubbed his temples. The heat of the sun and the physical labor was probably getting to him. Or perhaps he should drink some more, to lessen his headache. Making his way to the refreshment area, the young man was startled by a sudden shriek. Looking around, he spotted a woman running in terror – a bit further behind her a man falling towards the ground. Quickly making his way towards the scene, he could see the Chunin doing the same. Hopefully he wouldn’t be scolded for leaving his work. Arriving at the same moment, Ren had had somewhat of a headstart distance-wise, the Shinobi approached the lying man.
“Is he dead?” Ren inquired. The Chunin made his way over to the body, reaching down to feel a pulse. With the reflexes trained over years however, he lurched backwards just before a spike of earth erupted beneath his feet. It caught the man’s foot and a sickening noise indicated that it had pierced flesh. The Chunin showed nothing of the pain however – taking on a defensive stance, eyes sweeping the area. Behind him, the young Genin did the same. It wasn’t the first time he’d encountered combat – but he had not expected it here or now, despite his secret longing for some action. “Oh – You dodged? Not bad.”
Ren froze as he heard the words. He knew that voice. But he’d never known it to sound so sadistic. A Kunai whizzing through the air forced him out of his stupor however, and he threw himself to the side. The blade passed him uncaringly as it sailed towards the Chunin. “Behind!” Was all he could call out – but the Chunin had paid heed and a log replaced him as target for the Kunai. “A second time, my my! Then how about..” The voice spoke once more, it’s source still hidden from view. Clutching his Kunai – Ren felt himself conflicted. That voice sounded so similar, but surely it couldn’t be his cousin? Hameru Moki was an ANBU for Kumogakure. Why’d he attack a Chunin from the very same village?
The Chunin shouted a painful cry and his body convulsed. Then, with sharp, jerking motions his arm moved to the side leaving his body exposed. The fingers moved, though with great effort, before dropping the tanto the man had wielded. Then they reached for the man’s own throat. Again, the effort to get them around his neck seemed very strained – to the point that one of the fingers refused clenching until, with a loud snap, it was dislocated. “Fuck!” The cursed came from his left – and the man seemed to slump downwards. His eyes flashed with a brief victorious glint – before he collapsed unconsciously to the ground. “He sure had a lot of self-control, resisting me like that.” A man stepped out of the building. Ren’s fear was confirmed – the man in front of him was no other than Hameru Moki, his beloved cousin.
“Moki! What are you doing?!” He shouted, voice a mix of confusion, anger and fear. The man froze him in place with a single glare. Even if it hadn’t been for the Genjutsu laced onto him, Ren would have frozen due to the hatred visible in those familiar eyes. “Ren? You shouldn’t be here! You should be in the Village! Hadn’t you accepted your life as one of those boring paper-pushers?” The mockery in the voice stung as if he’d been punched in the face. “Regardless. I guess now you finally had a chance to witness the destructive power our blood possesses, eh? Not like you’d ever be capable of it yourself. Hah!” Ren’s cheeks flushed red with shame. “What a pitiful excuse for a Hameru are you anyway? Not having the Yamanaka line is one thing – after all, our parents did not achieve it either. But to be so.. weak! Bah! And what is with that black hair anyway? You know, I always wondered if auntie Nayu had been sleeping around.. Perhaps just so eh?”
“You know – Akane hasn’t told me what to do with any stragglers but.. Perhaps I should just clean this all up eh? Who knows – maybe you could take my place as the killer?” His cousin reasoned aloud. “Then again, who would believe you could best that bag of shit Akatora over there eh? For all the scummy things he did – he was no slouch as a Shinobi..” The ANBU seemed to be contemplating this and he took of his mask. Ren had been hoping – despite all the proof – that it somehow wasn’t Moki after all. But that face, that Raiden damned face all the girls would swoon for, seemed no different than usual. “Ah – I’ve decided. I’ll make it look like you were the culprit! Then I’ll wipe your mind. Mess with it until you’re nothing but a babbling mess best suited to living as a chamber plant!” And with a gleeful expression, the elder Yamanaka unleashed his mind onto the younger one with a terrifying fury.
It was an odd sensation – to be pushed back into the recesses of your own mind. Ren could still experience all his body normally would. His senses remained connected to his own mind. But his body refused to listen. In a strange way, the Yamanaka could tell that Moki’s consciousness was inhabiting his body. He’d almost be able to point out exactly where. If only his body would listen. But it did not. His cousin was in complete control – once more displaying the difference in ability. Ren found it bitterly ironic. All his life he’d desperately wanted nothing more but to experience the abilities lying dormant in his blood. And now he did – in an almost perverse manner. At least Moki will make me forget all this. He thought solemnly. In a few minutes, I won’t be able to comprehend anything – and maybe that is for the best.
No. A defiant voice demanded. Ren felt confused. Had it been him who’d said that? It was not Moki – and no one else was here – in this odd space of his mind. He looked around but found only darkness. Hadn’t he been able to look around before? He’d been able to see at the very least – now everything was black. But he didn’t need light – did he? Not when Moki had forced him into this hiding hole. Indignation sparked up in him. He’d always been envious of their abilities, had always looked up at them. It was not fair that they had been given that power – and he had not. He had as much right! He had as much claim! And in this body he should have absolute claim to his mind! None should take that from him! Too long had he accepted that he was less. No longer! He’d not be snuffed out like a candle – a name to be forgotten. What had all his dreams and desires been for otherwise?
Finally you realize, do you not? Good! Now show them! Show the world!
Ren pushed out Moki – he could not otherwise have explained it – and regained control. Eyes ablaze with righteous fury and anger, he looked up at his cousin. Surprise was clear in the blonde’s expression. Then anger. “Well well, think we can play with the big boys eh Ren?” He spat viciously. Once more the ANBU launched a mental assault, but this time found he could not force the younger Yamanaka into submission. The Genin steeled his resolve. He too had realized this. He clenched his fists and reached back into his mind. The words that had been spoken earlier ringed true – and he found the truth of them in himself.
This is the you I have been waiting for.. At long last your will is truly your own! .. I am thou, thou are I .. Ascend Into The Sky, Soar Into The Heavens, Claim What Is Yours Truly!
Thank you, Icarus. Ren appeared wreathed in flames, licking at him hungrily, before settling into the shape of two pairs of wings upon his back. It felt familiar and odd all at once. But the boy also felt that it was right. As if it had burned away the chains holding back a part of him. Hidden for too long and now aching to be free. Aching to be unleashed. And he did. With just a few handseals, he set his mind onto Moki’s, just like he’d been targeted before. The feeble barrier his cousin had put up was smashed to pieces as he invaded the man’s mind. It felt so satisfying. Finally he could perform the feats that had been denied to him for too long! He felt as if there were no limits for him now – as if he could reshape the ANBU’s mind from the ground up. But something held him back.
A whimpering shape sat before him. It resembled Moki, only it did not. This version was weak and scared. It was hideous and repulsive. “No! No!” It cried, over and over. “Why did you do this? What have I done wrong to you cousin? How has Akatora Damashi wronged you?” Ren demanded. The shape bolted upright – both surprised and afraid that it had been discovered. “So they would not think me weak! So they would not trample over me like they do with you! So they will admire me and love me! I’d show Akatora that I’m superior after his little display in the Colliseum! And him touching Akane.. How dare he! She was mine to with as I please! She admired me and then he’d go around my back and lay his hands on her?! No! I told her I’d fix him right up.”
Ren felt uncomfortable, seeing this nature of his cousin. Was this the doubts Moki had had all his life? Had this been his cousin’s shadow – just like his had been the version that accepted he was less than the others? Would each person have this dark pit inside of them? Yes, they would. But not all would conquer it like he just had. Would not form a.. pact like the one he’d made with Icarus. But perhaps he could offer Moki the chance. Reaching out for the whimpering form, he’d grab him as if with a mental claw and dragged him out into the open. Ren wanted to tell his cousin. This would be his chance for repentance. To prove that he was the shining example the young boy had always looked up to. But as the shadow manifested, Ren felt his consciousness begin to wane. He collapsed into a pile, exhausted beyond belief.
Autumn – Year 45
“Very well – thank you for the detailed account, Hameru-san. Is there anything else you’d like to add?” The psychologist asked. Ren had woken up in one of the rooms of Kumogakure’s Aesculapium several days after the incident. It had taken but a few hours after him waking up and an okay from the Medical Chief before two ANBU had entered the room. The hospital had also provided a psychologist, once he’d explained the initial assault of Moki’s assault on his mind. It helped clear out some of the parts the boy himself had been woozy on – and had helped provide a report of the happenings to the ANBU. Ren had been worried about his cousin – despite the man’s horrific behavior. None had wanted to answered his questions however – stating they had not received permission to divulge any information regarding the ANBU operative.
When Takai arrived in his room a day later – Ren had begged him for answers on the topic as well. It took some convincing, but eventually Moki’s elder brother relented. “He’s.. not well. From what I understand – he faced a manifestation of his mind? Or a part of it?” Ren nodded, though his expression revealed that he himself did not fully understand what he’d inflicted on his cousin. “The ANBU squad which retrieved you both as well as Akatora Damashi found Moki huddled in one of the rooms mumbling to himself. He’s been administered to the psychological ward of the Aesculapium ever since. There was some commotion on his presence there – as he was supposed to be in Marsh country on a mission. To think he’d forsaken his mission for something so pitiful..”
Spring – Year 46
“Ah, have you come to visit me again, young Hameru?” The older man greeted. “You better have my treats with you!” Ren laughed, tossing a box of donuts onto the table next to the man’s bed. “I have, Do-Sama. Chocolate topping – your favorite. I even got them from Masaki’s, so you know they’re good!” An appreciative nod showed that the younger of the two had made the right choice. “I’ll enjoy them later then. So, tell me, have you come to a decision?” That was the core of why Ren had come over after all. He’d been mulling over on how to proceed with.. well, with everything really. His career as a Shinobi, his feelings towards his cousin, .. When he’d awoken in the hospital bed those weeks ago – he’d postponed it as long as he felt was reasonable, but time had caught up on him.
Truthfully, the young man had been grateful to have met the older Do Natsu. He hadn’t recognized the man as Kumogakure’s old Spymaster at first. Within the Communications Office they had sometimes spoken about the man – the Spymaster had so often made use of their services after all – but he’d disappeared from the public eye not long after the death of his Sennin, Takaki Masao. When Natsu had informed Ren that he was indeed one and the same – he’d offered an explanation on why he’d stopped as Spymaster. “It wasn’t exactly by my own choice. You know, I was meant to take the mantle from Masao as Main Branch Sennin. I didn’t feel ready to fill the hole he’d left, but I vowed to do the best I could anyway. It was a promise I’d made him once – and one I felt I had to keep up to the rest of the Main Branch as well.”
“Unfortunately, my body failed me. A very aggressive tumor in my thyroid glans, which – as a Kaguya – proved very critical yet also very difficult to remedy. At one point, I turned to Cursed powers to help my body fight the disease but.. It backfired. While I’m no longer in risk of immediate death – I struggle with even just walking. It was agreed with the Raikage that it was best I’d disappear to the background.” It clearly still did not sit well with the ex-Spymaster. The man listened to Ren’s story as well however – and had encouraged the boy to continue with his career as a Shinobi. Just like Takai had; though his cousin had gone a step further with his suggestion.
“You want me to join the ANBU?” Ren asked unbelieving. Takai nodded in response. “But – my skills aren’t up to par, surely? A few weeks ago I was considering dropping from the Shinobi Corpse!” “Perhaps – but things have changed; haven’t they now?” The younger Hameru halted in doubt. “I haven’t had the courage to try using the Yamanaka abilties again. Besides – I still don’t understand where the power comes from. I believe it to be my own – but what if it was not?” On a deep level, Ren knew that it was. But all those years of shying away of the spotlight were not so easily thrown away. “Then train! Train so you remain in control of your power – and your life! Wasn’t that the reason you managed to overcome Moki? Believing in yourself after all that time?” Ren stared at the ground – trying to make up his mind.
“Speaking of, please do it for him. For Moki.” At this, he looked up and stared at his older cousin. “What?! After all h-“ How could Takai ask that of him? Even if Ren had felt worried about the damage he’d inflicted Moki, he hadn’t forgiven the man. How could he, his life had almost been ruined by a man he’d trusted and adored for so long! But Takai interrupted his outcry. “I know the wrongs he has done. But you said yourself what you saw in his mind. What his reasons were. They do not justify his actions but perhaps you can achieve what he wanted without falling so deep. And in that become an example for him. Please, consider it at the very least, Ren?” With that request, as well as Natsu’s recommendation to continue as a Shinobi, the youngest Hameru had been left to stew and make sense of his future.
Ren looked up at Natsu. “Yes, I have. I will apply at the ANBU Corpse. I will train harder than before and I will prove to everyone that I am capable of all that I set my mind to!” It was an almost childish aspiration – but then again, he was only fourteen still. “I would request that you tutor me however, Do-Sama. I’ll accept any knowledge you have to share, from Classical Kumo to methods of infiltration as a master spy!” The statement provoked an outburst of laughter from the ex-Shinobi. “My – what big words! Very well. Just like Takai and Moki once tutored me in the ancient tongue of Kumo, so will I tutor you.. But we’ll not start before I finish these treats and you tell me about this Icarus of yours.”
Autumn – Year 47
“Stand up, Kyogi.” The masked ANBU in front of him ordered formally. Ren stood from his kneeled position, blank mask in hand. “Given your track record over the past year, showing your courage, skill and loyalty over the course of multiple trials and missions – you are hereby granted the rank of Mempo by grace of the ANBU Sennin and our Lord Raikage.” The newly promoted ANBU bowed, before being led away by another of the SOD division. “I’ll show you to the quarters of the Mask Making staff to finalize the event and grant you your custom mask.” Ren nodded, excited despite his attempts at keeping up with the formality. His colleague no longer adhered to that however, as he prodded the man in the ribs. “And then we’ll go booze! You're 16 since a few weeks now, aren't you? Good enough in some countries, good enough for us! I informed the squad and booked a karaoke room for the entire night!”
Summer – Year 52 (Current year – 1)
Ren found himself in a room familiar to the one of five years prior – when had been bestowed the rank of ANBU. It was even the same ANBU in front of him. One of the Taichous he’d worked with one several missions over the past years. He knew him only by the man's codename of Serpent. “Kyogi. You joined us six years ago. You became one of us five years ago. It is with pleasure I can inform you that today, you are granted the rank of ANBU Elite. You have carried out every mission given to you, with an impressive success rate. You have shown dedication and persistence in the face of great odds. You have shown initiative and capability of leadership when required of you. You have shown intelligence and adaptability to overcome hurdles thrown your way.”
“This rank does not denote any special privileges above that of Mempo. It is a recognition of the services you’ve rendered and the value the branch places unto you. Furthermore, it shows to your colleagues that you are an example for them all and that you will give your all to guide them in times of hardship and danger. Keep up your hard work and strive for better as ever more. Do this and perhaps we will meet again in this room to speak of your promotion to the rank of Taichou. Dismissed.” The man nodded, before waving Ren away.
Five years of hard labor had yielded their sweet fruit. It had been a long and arduous route. Ren had honed his skills with his bloodline’s abilities, his Genjutsu and his Taijutsu. He’d risen to the rank of Hameru Moki, his cousin who’d turned from his idol to a living nightmare. And now he’d surpassed it. He’d taken every ounce of guidance Do Natsu, former Spymaster in the Main Branch, had offered him and applied it into his repertoire where he could. He’d attended missions to root out problems plaguing Kumogakure from within and -out. He’d struck at the Raikage’s enemies and guarded his fellow villagers. When missions had gone awry, he’d forced them back on the rails – sometimes alone but more often thanks to the cooperation with his teammates. On increasingly frequent occasions, he’d assumed command of a squad to lead them to the mission objectives.
Most of all, he had remained true to Icarus’ values. Ren had committed himself to improving himself – to never again accept another as being stronger or more skilled than him based on words alone. And if his opponent proved his skills, Ren would train until he’d rival those skills and rise above the challenge. So that all would recognize him and his abilities. He’d learned to soar in the skies. He’d climb even higher, into the heavens, and not even the sun would be able to melt his wings.[/fontsize]
[fontsize="12"]~ Career Information ~[/fontsize]
[fontsize="11"]~ Career Path ~[/fontsize]~ Genin [Genin]
ANBU in Training [Genin]
ANBU [Chunin]
ANBU Elite [Jounin]
[fontsize="11"]~ Missions ~[/fontsize]~