Old Character Name: Hayata Shin
Old Village/Missing: Cloud
OCR Type: Rebirth
Last Known Where-abouts: Cloud
Old IC Rank: Raikage
New Character Name: Sakaki Shu
Preferred Username: Shu
New Village: Cloud
New BL/CA: Ghostwalker
Custom Class: Observance
IC Rank: Jounin
Character Age: 88 ~ 1st Raikage generation
Gender: Male
Character's Physical Description: As a man who wants his identity a secret he generally wears a gray ninja gear with an accompanied hood. His face is mostly covered in bandage except for his perecing brown eyes. On his forehead is a decorated but old head gear that looks similar to the modern head protectors from Kumogakure.
Character's Mental Description: Shu is as normal as you can get. He strongly believes in balance and that ever action has a purpose whether good or evil but all things point to the good of all. He is a man believes in progression and is disheartened by anything that leads to stagnation. He despises selfishness and disorder.
Multiple Personality Application: N/A
Character History: The younger of the two known children of Sakak Isoruko and Sakak Ran. Isoruko was a shinobi general which would be considered an ANBU in the modern era and his wife a medical nin. During the times before the modern era there was little time to raise a family so most of the time the boys will be in the care of their grandmother and sometimes their mother when she was in the battlefield aiding the sick. Life was good for a while until the pains of war began to crept in the lives of Saka brothers --- Shu and Kenshin. The mother and father died prematurely leaving the raikage no choice but to enlist the children into the shinobi military. The grandmother made every attempt to block the newly forming village from taking the children away but the best that she could was continue to be the children's legal guardian. The two boys continue to be conquerors of war as they accomplish ever task and assignment to them albeit too well. In time the two grew tired of the endless battle perhaps due to their pertinacious grandmother constantly begging them to stop being shinobi or perhaps they were just bored of the war. Fortunately, this was soon to changte at a time they would least expected. The day that it happened was like any ordinary day relatively speaking, they had just captured a shinobi from the enemy forces with Kenshin being the one responsible for interrogating the man. The time was close to dusk with the sun resetting at it hide beneath the cool horizon waiting for the next cycle. The light could barely been seen in the dark void of the cave illuminating the countenance of a bound man still trying to escape. stood at the far corner resting his back on the wall. Shu fiddled with a kunai balancing the sharp tip of the blade against his finger not paying attention to the interrogation. It was not much of an interrogation physically speaking as Shu and the prisoner just stared at each. Kenshin had spent most of his time harnessing his skills as a genjutsu specialist and what better way to get information by breaking another man's will. It was highly more effective than physical torture, unfortunately today his skills betrayed him.
"This guy is a tough bastard..." Kenshin said as he grabbed the man by the head examine the clearly distraught man.
"You should just kill him and take his body. I don't understand why you are persistent in keeping him alive anyway." Shu said as he twirled the kuani like a spinning pinwheel before returning it back into his kunai holster,
"You are very quick to kill brother and to think you were less eager to join the military when mother and father died." Kenshin said as he turned his head toward his younger brother.
It only took a moment before the man was able to struggle and move away from Kenshin before tripping and breaking his own neck. There was such a sense of sadness in Kenshin's eyes as he saw another man die so senselessly despite being an enemy. Shu was simply curious as to how such a skilled shinobi could die so easily. Kenshin darted his eyes back at his younger brother with a blank look in his eyes thinking that he was somewhat responsible. Shu responded by shaking his head expressing showing he was not involved in the man's demise.
Kenshin sighed. "Well, you got your wish." He began to shuffle the body but was stopped by a flash of purple light. The body began to rise up to its fit with the head still erected to the side. A great light of purple and black illuminated the body the caustic sun. The once lifeless body grab its head and turn it frontward creating a loud crackling sound. The body began to speak and it wasn't the voice that the two brothers heard from before. "That was one chink in the neck and no it was not Shu's fault" The voice said with a snide grin. Before he could say any word the two brothers rushed forward to attack not wishing to know what or how the man was able to raise himself from death. The body quickly defended itself as it casted a wave of bright purple light that crashed and sparked between the blades like the sharpening of a blade. The body deflected to strikes before exerting an invisible force from the palm of its hand causing the two men to crash into the walls with Kenshin taking the full hit. Their cognitive abilities served them well as they were able to react according replacing their bodies with logs that crashed into the wall weak timber.
"Hold your horses dudes. That was some hug you were trying to give me. You miss me didn't you." The body said clasping his hands against his waist as he proceeded to smile at them gingerly. "Perhaps an introduction is in order, my name is Ango or simply cipher." He made a sardonic bow still smiling.
The two boys receded their assault understanding that they were no match or perhaps they were just curious. There were rumors of spiritual beings entering the physical realm albeit at random times most encounters were labeled as men turning crazing or freak natural events. No one has really seen any spiritual being.
"What is it that you want...Ango-san?" Kenshin inquired as he returned his kunai blades into his holsters.
"I want what you want of course, to end this war." Ango responded.
"Really and what exactly would you gain from helping us? The only thing you accomplished is saving the trouble of killing that man...can't even remember his name..." Shu said attempting to recall the identify of their prisoner. He was a nobody it was unfortunate that they could not gather any information before this dunce killed him.
"I can assure you that all I have are glad tidings. Unfortunately, this body is useless, you know with a broken neck and all. I can give you great power...no strings attached." He said.
"I am going to have to pass." Shu said. "I have all the power I need."
Kenshin concurred but with more tact than his candid brother.
"Very well but I will leave with these words. Everyone desires power to control. It does not matter if it comes from the depth of darkness or the outreached sun. Until we meet again and I am sure it is very soon." Ango simply smiled as he departed away from the body returning it back to a lifeless husk.
"Well that happened." Shu said.
"Why are you being so obtuse about this, Shu? You know that was a youkai." Kenshin remarked surprised as his younger brother's callous attitude.
"We don't know what it was or what we saw was really there. It could have been an after effect from a jutsu. The only thing we can do know is return to camp and report what we have found."
Shu sighed. "Fine..."
They began to pick up their equipment and began to head out of the desalinate cave unknown to them two invisible figures lingered in the ether watching the brothers leave the cave.
"What are you planning, Ango. You know we are not permitted to associate ourselves with mortals. They can not know the truth of our abilities."
"Or what.... the world will end." Ango chuckled. "My name is Ango for a reason brother. I only say what is needed to be heard besides are you not curious if they will the follow same path as us?"
"Do as you wish" The figure said.
---
The journey was calm and quiet as they rushed toward their camp site unabated by enemies and supernatural entities.
It was until their eyes bestowed upon the destruction upon them. Everything was left in ruins from the burnings tents to the lifeless bodies. There was much too much damage to count the number of causalities; this could not have been done by an enemy. The two brothers both were both shock still trying to process what had happened. They were able to find a barely unconscious shinobi behind a rock trying groaning as he attempted to signal the young men toward him. When they reach him he was barely recognizable. He was highly ranked shinobi what would be considered an ANBU captain. His body was as if dipped in blood with only thing visible was his scarred face. He pressed his hand against his chest as he tried to sit upright to face the two boys.
"Captain...who did this..." Kenshin said.
"No, this enemy was much different..." He said gritted his teeth and grimaced as he moved his back against a wall.
"Listen to me this enemy is not to be trifled with go back and report this to Lady Kiyo." The captain said as he pulled against Shu's leave showing the urgency in his words."
"You should probably listen to your sensei." A shadowy figure emerged like a guff of smoke with glowing white eyes.
Suddenly, the scene froze and became grayscale like one of those old CRT screens in the 90s. The whole world went full stopped.
"Stop...Stop..." A jocular voice cried out sarcastically. The same man who called himself Ango emerged in front of as if addressing an audience in a play. He was wearing a flamboyant black hat and simple but suave black suit nothing touch his body but pure silk.
"[color]Who wrote this s***. You give youkai a bad name. Yeah I am talking to you.[/color]" Ango said as he thrust his index finger as if pointing at some imaginary outsider. "I mean really I have seen better writing in School Days. Okay lets roll the tape a bit and start over."
He clapped his hand twice and disappeared into the ether as the scene began to rewind itself far enough to the point where Kenshin and Shu left the cave still bewildered at what they encountered. Instead of reaching a camp filled with gloom and doom, everyone looked fine attending to their business. They were greeted by of shinobi dressed in dirty brown vests the trademark vests of present day chunnin, apparently they were scouting the area.
"Kenshin-san. Shu-san." They said in unison as they bowed fervently. "The captain is waiting for your report in the tent." One of the men said as he pointed toward the open tent.
The captain was standing over a large map that rested on a makeshift round table. There were two other shinobi who highly decorated as shown by the colored robes and sashes. They were in a heated argument with noses flaring and fingers pointing. "We need this land I do not see how else we can get it."
"But you are talking about genocide. There are hundreds of civilians who should not be involved in any of this. Captain, we should contact Lady Kyo." The man darted his eyes making sure the captain understood the gravity of the situation.
"We don't have time for that you know this Jiro-san. In only a couple of hours the area will be more fortified than it already is. We should prime the bomb now."
The captain sighed cleared agitated by the whole affair to the point where he nearly did not notice the two boys entering the tent.
"Boys, Καλώς ήρθατε και πάλι."
"δύο Taicho." They said in unison.
"Were you able to find any thing in your reconnaissance mission?" He asked.
There was a sense of easiness in their faces but there stern training was able to waver any doubt in the captain.
"Our captive was killed during interrogation. He did not have...." Kenshin began to speak but stopped abruptly. He noticed a silvery ephemeral wave emanating near the two men standing at the side of the captain.
"Is there a problem Kenshin-san?" He asked noticing the strange pause. Shu was curious as well but he kept his composure as he waited for his brother.
"Sorry Taicho. It has been a long day. I was saying that the man did not have much information to give but were able to gather some old resting grounds that can be of some use to use." He continued as he pulled a parchment from underneath his coat. Kenshin walked closer to the table as he began to hand the parchment to his superior. The strange vision that he saw from before got stronger as he could see a dark and light figuring linger around the two men. He ignored the scene not wishing to make a commotion about what he was seeing if what he was actually seeing was real.
Kenshin backed away from the table and bowed his head. "If I may I would like to retire for the day, Taicho".
The captain nodded his head and allowed the two boys to leave.
"What the hell was that about?" Shu asked as they walked out the tent.
"What do you mean?" Kenshin asked pretending as if he did not know what Shu was talking about.
"Yeah what was that all about." A man said as he callously laid his arms across their shoulders grinning ear to ear.
The two boys took no time to draw their clandestine kunai near the man's throat but making no scene whatsoever. The man was quick to react as he backed away.
"Oh right, I forgot you shinobi are quick to act like. What do you human call it being trigger happy?"
"Ango. It is not a pleasure to meet you again." Kenshin asked.
"Well it is for me. You just witness something very few see in a lifetime. Well except when you are dead or maybe that is a misconception." Ango said. Their small encounter with Ango lead them to a forest a bit away from the campsite. Ango jumped on a large tree branch before continuing his thought.
"What are you droning on about, youkai." Shu remarked clearly irritated at his arrival.
"Did you see them, Kenshin -- the spiritual beings one was a youkai and the other from the kami clan or whatever clan the earth realm call them these days." Ango said with a more stern and austere voice.
Shu looked at his brother finally understanding what was going on.
"I am sure you would have seen them if you head was not up your ass, Shu-chan."
"What the hell is going on Ango?" Kenshin said.
"The better question is what has been going on. You see this war and the many wars you foolish humans having prattling on for centuries has been going. It is a bit meaningless." Ango chuckled at his own joke. He cough as he composed himself. "The kami have their ways and the youkai have theirs, each with their own opinions."
"What is your point?" Shu asked still irritated by this youkai lack of respect..
"My point is Shu-chan is I can provide you a purpose -- a whole new world that will give you meaning and a balance mind." Ango replied.
"What if we refuse." Kenshin responded not truly convinced at what this creature was offering.
"Do what you want I will just find another but there is one thing that won't change is that bomb is going to off. What will your choice be? Whatever it I will be waiting, ja ne." He said. With those final words he left the body that he was inhabited as it fell down to the ground breaking its neck. It was not clear whether or not the body was alive or dead before Ango entered but that was not as important right now.
"What do you think?" Shu said as he walked closer to the body to examine.
"I think we need to hide this body before we rise suspicion." Kenshin responded.
"No, I mean what Ango said about this whole war. I never really thought off life after death perhaps everything that we are doing is meaningless." Shu turned around with curious eyes.
"Where is the stout and courageous Shu? You seriously believe the words of a manic. Regardless of what he said we did hear about the bomb and we must investigate the matter further." Kenshin said.
"You are a f****** hypocrite, Kenshin. You could have easily told the captain but you decided against it. You are just as convinced with Ango's words as I am." Kenshin said.
Kenshin did not respond not because what his brother said could be true but that there was no point in arguing. They needed to reflect on everything regardless if the message was a lie. Everything derived from truth.
"Do what you must Shu. I am returning to the village." He said and like the gust of the wind he disappeared into the woods.
Shu sighed as he made a simple seal causing the body to ignite like a lit candle. The caustic heat quickly turned the body into ash.
Suddenly, Shu could hear a rustling noise surrounding the bushes. He quickly drew his kunai preparing himself for what would happen next.
--------
Kenshin continued on his journey toward the camp jumping from tree branch to tree branch. His mind was still preoccupied by the passing events that he did not realized how fast it took him to return to the village. It was rather dark when he arrived except the camp fires. The smoke was low enough to prevent attention from the outside but the light was bright enough that Kenshin could see the captain sitting among a his peers. Everyone was having a good time with exchanging their sincere grins and jocular laughter.
"Excuse me, taicho." Kenshin said as he venerated himself before his superior with a bow.
"Kenshin. Please come and sit we were just talking about Saito's encounter with..."
"No that is alright. Actually, I came here to have a word with you." Kenshin said with a serene tone. The young man did not want to intrude on the captain's leisure but there was no other time to speak to him but the present.
"It is urgent." Kenshin exhorted.
The captain stood up as he walked with Kenshin to more private area.
"What is it Kenshin-san?" The captain inquired.
"Yes. I know from earlier this afternoon you were discussing about possible use of a bomb to be used in one of the missions for tomorrow." Kenshin said.
"Yes I figured you overheard. It is an ongoing discussion. You should not be concerned with the details." The captain replied.
"I think you should reconsider...I have sources that would say otherwise." Kenshin said.
The captain crossed his arms with his dark maroon eyes gleaming in the moonlight as Kenshin began to earn his captain's attention. "Where did you get this information."
Kenshin could not tell him where not because of the unscrupulous manner of which he got it. He could not tell him that it was something that Kenshin had not expected. Who would have thought he would be visited by the supernatural. Kenshin still was having a hard time believing it. Regardless, he had to tell his captain something.
"It is getting late perhaps we can continue this conversation in the morning? I planning on having a meeting before we embark."
"Hai, taicho." Kenshin solemnly bowed his head. At least he would have time to gather his thoughts. Kenshin began to walk the other direction but was intercepted by a figure within the bushes. Kenshin quickly drew his kunai but before he could defend himself he realized the figure was his brother partially covered in mud and blood.
"[color]What...[/color]" Kenshin said but was hushed by his younger.
Shu pushed him closer to him to ensure Kenshin can hear his words.
"Did you tell the captain about the bomb." Shu said wincing a bit in pain.
"What happened to you?" Kenshin inquired show concern for his younger brother.
Shu waved his brother's question off as he continue to pester him about the bomb.
"No I was unable to tell him." Kenshin replied.
"Good because we need that bomb. The enemy knows our position." Shu continued.
"Is that why you are covered in holes. You know the damage that bomb is going to have in the region. It is not just a bomb." Kenshin said.
"You know you can stop complaining and help tend my wounds." Shu said as he began to walk toward their tent caressing his shoulder.
"I am not doing a single thing until you tell me what is going on." Kenshin exhorted as walked beside his brother.
Shu quietly entered the tent which was in near complete darkness except for the illuminating lantern that stood at the center. He sat down on the ground and rummaged through several pouches before pulling out a small vale and began to pour it over his wounds.
"Fine.." Shu said sighing. "I was attacked by two couriers."
"At the same place where I left you; how is that possible?" Kenshin said with his arms folded against his chest clearly disturbed at what he was hearing. The camping grounds have been secured for several months how could anyone just happen to find it.
"Yes I know. I fear that there is a traitor among us. I was barely able to kill my assailants before retrieving any information. It way by accident but I am not going to let more of them to come."
"You need to rest, Shu-san. There is not enough information to go even if we tell the captain. You know this." Kenshin said as he rested his hand against his brother's shoulder. They both knew that there was nothing they could do.
--------
It was morning as the dawning sun broke free from its slumber. There was a lot of commotion as Kenshin left the tent. His brother still resting from the day before. Shu could see the captain standing on top of a great boulder addressing his subordinates about the day's agenda.
"Shinobi and kunochi I have gotten word from Kagetsu Kyo that we are commissioned to use the bomb and we should use it quickly if we ever going to get a chance to end this war."
Kenshin quickly heard his decree and stood against it. "Taicho, please reconsider the aftermath will be catastrophic. With all due respect, Lady Kyo does not understand the implications. Many people will die including our own and for what to secure a piece of land."
"Am I hearing subordination, Kenshin-san" The captain said with fire in his eyes. "Is this what you were trying to tell me last night? What source do you have to prove this."
Kenshin could not speak. The flashes of the brother's meeting with Ango were returning to the surface. Even if he were to explain to the captain how he got the information the man would not believe him. It was not like a youkai's words could be trustworthy anyways.
"[color=blue[I apologize perhaps my emotions are getting the better of me.[/color]" Kenshin said with a solemn tone. The sonorous sounds of whispers could be heard around Kenshin. His comrades were all too familiar with his defiance for violence always trying to find a civil solution but Kenshin was acting far more passive than usual.
Kenshin remained silent for the remainder of the morning not attempting to make any commotion. Once the sunlight hide against the cumulus clouds it was time to depart. Shu accompanied Kenshin as they aided in planting the bombs surrounding the area. The bomb was comprised of several smaller bombs that emitted a chakra wave where when collided would produce constructive waves large enough to cause serious damage. This was the first time such an item thus there was no telling what the damage would be.
The process took several hours before they retreated outside the estimated blast range. The entire group with their gas masks on stood by as they waited for their explosion. Everyone was there except for Kenshin. "Where is Kenshin? He was right in front of me just a minute ago." One of the shinobi asked. Shu was surprised as they were but he knew his brother was still in the woods. "That idiot." Shu said under his breath as he began to rush forward into the woods. Shu could hear his name being called as they warned him that the bomb would engulfed him if he tried to reach his brother. Despite these warnings, Shu was not going to let his only brother be destroyed. It did not take him long to find him once he heard his voice from a distant. Finally, he found him speaking to a group of people, apparently civilians from the looks of their attires. Shu was perplexed to discover that there was actually civilization in this area. He had assumed that the bomb would not reach any population.
"Kenshin. We need to go." He said as he grabbed his brother's shoulder.
"We can't allow these people to die." Kenshin said as he shuffled his shoulders to remove his brother's dominating hand.
"What...they are going to listen to some scary shinobi. You are wasting your time and you are going to get us killed!" Shu exclaimed gnashing his teeth at him.
"Forget it! I am not going to let any more innocents to die just because of our feud. This needs to end." Kenshin exclaimed.
Shu had enough of his brother's foolish ideology. What sense did an assassin have to protect life? "I will break both your arms and legs if I have to." Shu threaten him.
"Try me." Kenshin said.
Shu had enough as he quickly thrust his leg at his brother side but not enough to push him back as Kenshin quickly parred the attack with his arm. The civilians started to become agitated as they were afraid of being devoured by the brother's confrontation; however, this was nothing compared to what happened moments later. The sound of sonic boom could be heard from afar; the impact was so strong that the brothers and the civilians could feel the earth rumbling underneath their feet.
It was not until they saw the great flash of light to know what was coming toward them. They quickly formed a ephemeral chakra barrier hopefully strong enough to protect themselves and the civilians around them. However, the barrier was not strong enough as the flash of light began to crack the shield. Before the barrier caved in they could see a looming shadow appear before them but they could not identify it as they became engulfed in the light.
There was nothing but darkness for a few moments until the two brothers were able to open their eyes. They were no longer in the forest instead in standing in empty white space. There was not telling the depth or length of the area. The brothers turned around surveying the area trying to figure out what was going on. They stopped at a white dressed figure perhaps a youkai.
"If we are dead I am so going to kill you." Shu said with a sarcastic sneer. Kenshin said nothing. It was not until the figure walked closer that they realized who it was.
"Welcome to the afterlife kiddies. You are dead and I am Kami." The figure with austere tone.
"On second thought I take that back." Shu said.
"Enough of your jokes, Ango. Where are we?" Kenshin said.
"I just told you this is the afterlife, your dead, and I am Kami." Ango replied.
Kenshin could not help but laugh. "You are not Kami Ango."
"Blaspheme you are fortunate that I don't smite you or something...." Ango paused. "Ok forget it you guys are seriously no fun." He quickly removed the white robe revealing a suave black and white suit and top black hat.
"You are in a vacuum in space time...your spirits that is. I guess you humans call in limbo." Ango continued.
"So we really are dead." Shu said somberly.
"Didn't you hear me or did that wave knocked out your senses." Ango retorted. "You have more important things to worry about. I am still waiting for your answer."
"So you saved us just to get an answer. You know you could have prevented this mass genocide. I can only even imagine how many civilians are going to die when the bomb reaches them." Kenshin said. Shu did not argue as his brother was not wrong about that.
"Like I give a s***. You all are going to die the important thing is when death brings a purpose. I told you that there is a purpose for both good and evil but you continuously bother yourself with the petty details. There is so much that you don't know." Ango said.
"Why do you care anyway." Kenshin asked.
"You intrigue me, there is nothing else to say. You could find out more if you accept my offer or you go to where all dead souls go." Ango responded.
They sighed perhaps there was something to discover.
"So be it." They said in unison.
"Excellent. You will not be disappointed or you will who knows. Now time to wake up." Ango said as he clapped his hands. The two brother woke up as if rising from a dream --- or nightmare. They were on the cold surface of an examining table with several nins with gas masks surrounding them. The medical nin were startled by their sudden resurrection as they moved away from them.
"What the hell happened." Shu asked.
Kenshin was just as confused as he messaged his temple when he is normally confused. The confused countenance on Kenshin contrast with the startled but composed medical nins. One of the medical nins came forward apparently he was the one in charge by the his stout posture as if he was heading his men in battle, facing someone like Shu really felt like a battle.
“To get to the point, you two have been clinically dead for the past three months. I say clinically because you held no vitals signs nor brain functions. However, you were still producing chakra coils as normal. In fact the energy reading were so high that your skin could not be broken by any of our medical equipment.”
The two brothers glanced at each other thinking the same thing. All of this was Ango but the only thing they didn’t know was how. Of course, the medical nin were just as curious as they were but there was no way that the brothers would even begin to explain what had happened to them. It was better to simply keep this as a miracle -- a miracle that was be with them for the rest of their lives.
There was a brief moment of silence before Kenshin broke the silence. “I guess it was a miracle after all. We still don’t know completely what chakra does.” He retorted.
“Yes…” The head mednin said with a weary tone. He was not convinced that this ordeal would be over, granted who would be. “You will need to be tested regularly so that we can actually understand this phenomenon. Also, you will need to report to the Raikage...ugh Lady Kiyo after we complete your diagnosis. She would be interested in hearing your story.”
“Wait you said Raikage. Why is she called that.” Shu inquired. It was rumored by Lady Kiyo would elected to be leader of the clan if they were successful in the war but that would imply that they won the war right?
“If you asking whether or not we won the war then the answer is yes. You and your brother have some part in all of this since you were part of the original division. Unfortunately, your rewards were postmortem considering the circumstances”
“Amazing...the war is over...” Kenshin said stunned at the sudden revelation. Shu was just as stunned as his brother but far more furious as Kenshin’s empathy. It was the only reason why neither of them could see the glory of victory.
“I forgot to mention that your selfless act in protecting that village near the cataclysm presented us with new opportunities in establishing new contracts with them.”
“Hmm...” Shu muttered crossing his arms in disdain.
Kenshin chuckled. “Well, I am hoping we can gain some accommodations considering we just rose from the dead.”
“Yes, of course but you will need to return regular for testing.” The chief said as he nodding his head. The rest of the mednin escorted the two brothers out of the facility.
The next couple of days was more than eventful having interviews with the Raikage and the constant testing from the medical team. It would seem that the two boys were never given any privacy except their loving grandmother who was growing rather old in her years now bed ridden.
“Good morning boys.” She said with a weak smile. She looked onto the brothers as they entered her room. They were accompanies a medical doctor, a regular visitor he came to check on the boy’s grandmother. Her health has been declining ever since the end of the war; fortunately, the village had supply the old woman with medicine and a doctor to help her by the order of the Raikage. It was the least she could given what the boys accomplished during the war. However, it never felt like the aide was enough. The two boys stood by as they examine their grandmother with contempt. She gazed at the boys with loving eyes as she reached out to the boys to caress their worn cheeks.
“I wish you two would leave the war.” She said as she tried to warm their somber eyes.
“Grandma what war? Didn’t we tell you that the war is over.” Kenshin said.
“I know but you remain as you continue on as shinobi. I just don’t want to lose you as I have lost your parents. I don’t know if I could take it.” She responded. Fortunately, for them, their deaths and sudden resurrection was unbeknown to her. She was simply told that they were working on a private project and could not been seen. At least they were not dead for too long the old woman would have died.
“Please rest grandma you need it.” Shu said as she pulled over up her covers. They both gently kissed her on the forehead as they departed to speak with the doctor in private.
“How is she doing?” Kenshin inquired.
“Her illness is still progressing. All we can do is give her time.” The doctor said as he perused his notes on the wooden clipboard he was holding. “The results from her last examination does not bode well for me.”
He shook his head. “You should at least prepare for the worse.”
“F***.....” Shu said muttering to himself and Kenshin rubbed his head profusely. Despite shinobi who could manipulate fire but could not save their beloved grandmother --- unless they defied nature itself.
Shu considered it at one point but at the defiance of his brother.
“You know this is Ango’s plan all along. You are just playing his game.” Kenshin exclaimed as he threw the scroll onto the ground. They had just completed a training session with the youkai who mentioned briefly about spiritual transformation. He warned that such a technique was considered forbidden or at least needed to be mastered before attempting it.
“He wants us to use it to see what happens.” Kenshin continued.
“What do you want grandmother to just die. It might be Ango’s fault that this has happened.” Shu replied.
Kenshin remained quiet not knowing how to respond to that. They both cared for their grandmother and would do anything to protect but would they go this far.
Kenshin sighed. “You are my brother. Whatever you decide I will be on your side.” He rested his arm around Shu comforting him.
As time passed on their grandmother did passed away but it did not stop the brothers from attempting to bring back their beloved. The transfer was successful for a time until the body began to break down and her mental faculties began to drift away. Strangely enough the doctor was the least phase at the recent development. He took them to a secluded place near the forest.
“If this isn’t ominous I don’t know what is.” Kenshin whispered to his brother as they suddenly began to stop.
“Are you mean to tell me that you still don’t know who I am. I know you two are dense but you should know who I am.” The doctor said as he turned toward him.
His appearance and tone of voice drastically changed from the austere professional countenance to something between jocular and sarcastic.
“I knew you would try to use that technique even though I warned you not....”He continued.
“Before we kill you just answer this question. Are you the one responsible for our grandmother’s death.” Shu said quickly interrupting Ango. Neither of the boys had time for Shu’s frivolous games.
“What if I tell you that I am just a vessel. Are you going to quit your training? Are you going to wusss out now? Idiots. Your human attachments are laughable at best.” Ango said chuckling.
Shu clenched his fist ready to tear this caricature doctor out of existing but his brother held him back as he pressed his hand against his shoulder pacifying him.
“See, your brother understands. There really is no point arguing. Your grandmother is going to die as all living being. If you call evil for doing this just remember it is your selfishness that brought her back.”
They could not deny that the youkai was right.
“If you truly wish to seek your pointless peace you must accept the good and the evil.” Ango said.
----
These were the words that remained with the boys for many years. Now in the common era, Shu and Kenshin were old man living their lives away from the shinobi life. Kenshin had retreated to be a hermit and Shu was living his days as a simple farmer. In these days, Ango did not bother with them apparently they had given up their life of knowledge and truth and accepting the simple life they had missed before the wars. It was not until a young man from the borders of Kumogakure enter their lives.
Clan Request: N/A
Death/Retirement Thread: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=14131
Old Profile: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1085
Old Training: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=2664
Old Dojo: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=2748
Old FAQ: N/A
Special Usergroups: Advertisement Team
Old Stats: All capped, with 595 ASP
Old OOC Rank: S
Stat Cut: Character death in combat
New Stats: Capped
New OOC Rank: S
Justu Mastery Swaps: Pending
Note: Keep in mind, that you are required to sell all old jutsus that you are getting rid of and buying all jutsus you are swapping over. If you do not have the money to afford this now, you may buy the new ones when you can afford them. Once you've stated that certain jutsu are meant for swapping, it means your new character can no longer use your old jutsu at their old ranks.[/i]
Name of any Contract you currently own: Youkai, as awarded by Kushin.
- If Retiring character, list link to obtaining the Contract. You will regain this contract upon rebirth back into this character. Contracts do not carry over to new characters.
Name of any Cursed Seals you currently own: N/A
- If Retiring character, list link to obtaining the cursed seal (from village request). You will regain this contract upon rebirth back into this character. Curse Seals do not carry over to new characters.
Name of Kinjutsu you own: Dark Sage
- If retiring character, list link to obtaining the kinjutsu (from your village request). You will regain this kinjutsu upon rebirth back into this character. Kinjutsus do not carry over to new character. Also, you may choose any kinjutsu fr your new character, but you will need to apply for it with your new character.
Still actively roleplaying in any other threads? None
Upon death, roleplayers in ANY of your other incomplete thread(s) are to vote whether they can deal with your non-existence from the beginning of these thread(s). Whether you joined these thread(s) before or after you entered the battle that got you killed, you are still considered a part of these thread(s).
- If players vote yes, you get to move on to your next life.
- If players vote no, you must stay in those threads as if you were still alive.
Old Village/Missing: Cloud
OCR Type: Rebirth
Last Known Where-abouts: Cloud
Old IC Rank: Raikage
New Character Name: Sakaki Shu
Preferred Username: Shu
New Village: Cloud
New BL/CA: Ghostwalker
Custom Class: Observance
Main Branch/ANBU/Med-Nin: ANBUCustom Class said:
IC Rank: Jounin
Character Age: 88 ~ 1st Raikage generation
Gender: Male
Character's Physical Description: As a man who wants his identity a secret he generally wears a gray ninja gear with an accompanied hood. His face is mostly covered in bandage except for his perecing brown eyes. On his forehead is a decorated but old head gear that looks similar to the modern head protectors from Kumogakure.
Character's Mental Description: Shu is as normal as you can get. He strongly believes in balance and that ever action has a purpose whether good or evil but all things point to the good of all. He is a man believes in progression and is disheartened by anything that leads to stagnation. He despises selfishness and disorder.
Multiple Personality Application: N/A
Character History: The younger of the two known children of Sakak Isoruko and Sakak Ran. Isoruko was a shinobi general which would be considered an ANBU in the modern era and his wife a medical nin. During the times before the modern era there was little time to raise a family so most of the time the boys will be in the care of their grandmother and sometimes their mother when she was in the battlefield aiding the sick. Life was good for a while until the pains of war began to crept in the lives of Saka brothers --- Shu and Kenshin. The mother and father died prematurely leaving the raikage no choice but to enlist the children into the shinobi military. The grandmother made every attempt to block the newly forming village from taking the children away but the best that she could was continue to be the children's legal guardian. The two boys continue to be conquerors of war as they accomplish ever task and assignment to them albeit too well. In time the two grew tired of the endless battle perhaps due to their pertinacious grandmother constantly begging them to stop being shinobi or perhaps they were just bored of the war. Fortunately, this was soon to changte at a time they would least expected. The day that it happened was like any ordinary day relatively speaking, they had just captured a shinobi from the enemy forces with Kenshin being the one responsible for interrogating the man. The time was close to dusk with the sun resetting at it hide beneath the cool horizon waiting for the next cycle. The light could barely been seen in the dark void of the cave illuminating the countenance of a bound man still trying to escape. stood at the far corner resting his back on the wall. Shu fiddled with a kunai balancing the sharp tip of the blade against his finger not paying attention to the interrogation. It was not much of an interrogation physically speaking as Shu and the prisoner just stared at each. Kenshin had spent most of his time harnessing his skills as a genjutsu specialist and what better way to get information by breaking another man's will. It was highly more effective than physical torture, unfortunately today his skills betrayed him.
"This guy is a tough bastard..." Kenshin said as he grabbed the man by the head examine the clearly distraught man.
"You should just kill him and take his body. I don't understand why you are persistent in keeping him alive anyway." Shu said as he twirled the kuani like a spinning pinwheel before returning it back into his kunai holster,
"You are very quick to kill brother and to think you were less eager to join the military when mother and father died." Kenshin said as he turned his head toward his younger brother.
It only took a moment before the man was able to struggle and move away from Kenshin before tripping and breaking his own neck. There was such a sense of sadness in Kenshin's eyes as he saw another man die so senselessly despite being an enemy. Shu was simply curious as to how such a skilled shinobi could die so easily. Kenshin darted his eyes back at his younger brother with a blank look in his eyes thinking that he was somewhat responsible. Shu responded by shaking his head expressing showing he was not involved in the man's demise.
Kenshin sighed. "Well, you got your wish." He began to shuffle the body but was stopped by a flash of purple light. The body began to rise up to its fit with the head still erected to the side. A great light of purple and black illuminated the body the caustic sun. The once lifeless body grab its head and turn it frontward creating a loud crackling sound. The body began to speak and it wasn't the voice that the two brothers heard from before. "That was one chink in the neck and no it was not Shu's fault" The voice said with a snide grin. Before he could say any word the two brothers rushed forward to attack not wishing to know what or how the man was able to raise himself from death. The body quickly defended itself as it casted a wave of bright purple light that crashed and sparked between the blades like the sharpening of a blade. The body deflected to strikes before exerting an invisible force from the palm of its hand causing the two men to crash into the walls with Kenshin taking the full hit. Their cognitive abilities served them well as they were able to react according replacing their bodies with logs that crashed into the wall weak timber.
"Hold your horses dudes. That was some hug you were trying to give me. You miss me didn't you." The body said clasping his hands against his waist as he proceeded to smile at them gingerly. "Perhaps an introduction is in order, my name is Ango or simply cipher." He made a sardonic bow still smiling.
The two boys receded their assault understanding that they were no match or perhaps they were just curious. There were rumors of spiritual beings entering the physical realm albeit at random times most encounters were labeled as men turning crazing or freak natural events. No one has really seen any spiritual being.
"What is it that you want...Ango-san?" Kenshin inquired as he returned his kunai blades into his holsters.
"I want what you want of course, to end this war." Ango responded.
"Really and what exactly would you gain from helping us? The only thing you accomplished is saving the trouble of killing that man...can't even remember his name..." Shu said attempting to recall the identify of their prisoner. He was a nobody it was unfortunate that they could not gather any information before this dunce killed him.
"I can assure you that all I have are glad tidings. Unfortunately, this body is useless, you know with a broken neck and all. I can give you great power...no strings attached." He said.
"I am going to have to pass." Shu said. "I have all the power I need."
Kenshin concurred but with more tact than his candid brother.
"Very well but I will leave with these words. Everyone desires power to control. It does not matter if it comes from the depth of darkness or the outreached sun. Until we meet again and I am sure it is very soon." Ango simply smiled as he departed away from the body returning it back to a lifeless husk.
"Well that happened." Shu said.
"Why are you being so obtuse about this, Shu? You know that was a youkai." Kenshin remarked surprised as his younger brother's callous attitude.
"We don't know what it was or what we saw was really there. It could have been an after effect from a jutsu. The only thing we can do know is return to camp and report what we have found."
Shu sighed. "Fine..."
They began to pick up their equipment and began to head out of the desalinate cave unknown to them two invisible figures lingered in the ether watching the brothers leave the cave.
"What are you planning, Ango. You know we are not permitted to associate ourselves with mortals. They can not know the truth of our abilities."
"Or what.... the world will end." Ango chuckled. "My name is Ango for a reason brother. I only say what is needed to be heard besides are you not curious if they will the follow same path as us?"
"Do as you wish" The figure said.
---
The journey was calm and quiet as they rushed toward their camp site unabated by enemies and supernatural entities.
It was until their eyes bestowed upon the destruction upon them. Everything was left in ruins from the burnings tents to the lifeless bodies. There was much too much damage to count the number of causalities; this could not have been done by an enemy. The two brothers both were both shock still trying to process what had happened. They were able to find a barely unconscious shinobi behind a rock trying groaning as he attempted to signal the young men toward him. When they reach him he was barely recognizable. He was highly ranked shinobi what would be considered an ANBU captain. His body was as if dipped in blood with only thing visible was his scarred face. He pressed his hand against his chest as he tried to sit upright to face the two boys.
"Captain...who did this..." Kenshin said.
"No, this enemy was much different..." He said gritted his teeth and grimaced as he moved his back against a wall.
"Listen to me this enemy is not to be trifled with go back and report this to Lady Kiyo." The captain said as he pulled against Shu's leave showing the urgency in his words."
"You should probably listen to your sensei." A shadowy figure emerged like a guff of smoke with glowing white eyes.
Suddenly, the scene froze and became grayscale like one of those old CRT screens in the 90s. The whole world went full stopped.
"Stop...Stop..." A jocular voice cried out sarcastically. The same man who called himself Ango emerged in front of as if addressing an audience in a play. He was wearing a flamboyant black hat and simple but suave black suit nothing touch his body but pure silk.
"[color]Who wrote this s***. You give youkai a bad name. Yeah I am talking to you.[/color]" Ango said as he thrust his index finger as if pointing at some imaginary outsider. "I mean really I have seen better writing in School Days. Okay lets roll the tape a bit and start over."
He clapped his hand twice and disappeared into the ether as the scene began to rewind itself far enough to the point where Kenshin and Shu left the cave still bewildered at what they encountered. Instead of reaching a camp filled with gloom and doom, everyone looked fine attending to their business. They were greeted by of shinobi dressed in dirty brown vests the trademark vests of present day chunnin, apparently they were scouting the area.
"Kenshin-san. Shu-san." They said in unison as they bowed fervently. "The captain is waiting for your report in the tent." One of the men said as he pointed toward the open tent.
The captain was standing over a large map that rested on a makeshift round table. There were two other shinobi who highly decorated as shown by the colored robes and sashes. They were in a heated argument with noses flaring and fingers pointing. "We need this land I do not see how else we can get it."
"But you are talking about genocide. There are hundreds of civilians who should not be involved in any of this. Captain, we should contact Lady Kyo." The man darted his eyes making sure the captain understood the gravity of the situation.
"We don't have time for that you know this Jiro-san. In only a couple of hours the area will be more fortified than it already is. We should prime the bomb now."
The captain sighed cleared agitated by the whole affair to the point where he nearly did not notice the two boys entering the tent.
"Boys, Καλώς ήρθατε και πάλι."
"δύο Taicho." They said in unison.
"Were you able to find any thing in your reconnaissance mission?" He asked.
There was a sense of easiness in their faces but there stern training was able to waver any doubt in the captain.
"Our captive was killed during interrogation. He did not have...." Kenshin began to speak but stopped abruptly. He noticed a silvery ephemeral wave emanating near the two men standing at the side of the captain.
"Is there a problem Kenshin-san?" He asked noticing the strange pause. Shu was curious as well but he kept his composure as he waited for his brother.
"Sorry Taicho. It has been a long day. I was saying that the man did not have much information to give but were able to gather some old resting grounds that can be of some use to use." He continued as he pulled a parchment from underneath his coat. Kenshin walked closer to the table as he began to hand the parchment to his superior. The strange vision that he saw from before got stronger as he could see a dark and light figuring linger around the two men. He ignored the scene not wishing to make a commotion about what he was seeing if what he was actually seeing was real.
Kenshin backed away from the table and bowed his head. "If I may I would like to retire for the day, Taicho".
The captain nodded his head and allowed the two boys to leave.
"What the hell was that about?" Shu asked as they walked out the tent.
"What do you mean?" Kenshin asked pretending as if he did not know what Shu was talking about.
"Yeah what was that all about." A man said as he callously laid his arms across their shoulders grinning ear to ear.
The two boys took no time to draw their clandestine kunai near the man's throat but making no scene whatsoever. The man was quick to react as he backed away.
"Oh right, I forgot you shinobi are quick to act like. What do you human call it being trigger happy?"
"Ango. It is not a pleasure to meet you again." Kenshin asked.
"Well it is for me. You just witness something very few see in a lifetime. Well except when you are dead or maybe that is a misconception." Ango said. Their small encounter with Ango lead them to a forest a bit away from the campsite. Ango jumped on a large tree branch before continuing his thought.
"What are you droning on about, youkai." Shu remarked clearly irritated at his arrival.
"Did you see them, Kenshin -- the spiritual beings one was a youkai and the other from the kami clan or whatever clan the earth realm call them these days." Ango said with a more stern and austere voice.
Shu looked at his brother finally understanding what was going on.
"I am sure you would have seen them if you head was not up your ass, Shu-chan."
"What the hell is going on Ango?" Kenshin said.
"The better question is what has been going on. You see this war and the many wars you foolish humans having prattling on for centuries has been going. It is a bit meaningless." Ango chuckled at his own joke. He cough as he composed himself. "The kami have their ways and the youkai have theirs, each with their own opinions."
"What is your point?" Shu asked still irritated by this youkai lack of respect..
"My point is Shu-chan is I can provide you a purpose -- a whole new world that will give you meaning and a balance mind." Ango replied.
"What if we refuse." Kenshin responded not truly convinced at what this creature was offering.
"Do what you want I will just find another but there is one thing that won't change is that bomb is going to off. What will your choice be? Whatever it I will be waiting, ja ne." He said. With those final words he left the body that he was inhabited as it fell down to the ground breaking its neck. It was not clear whether or not the body was alive or dead before Ango entered but that was not as important right now.
"What do you think?" Shu said as he walked closer to the body to examine.
"I think we need to hide this body before we rise suspicion." Kenshin responded.
"No, I mean what Ango said about this whole war. I never really thought off life after death perhaps everything that we are doing is meaningless." Shu turned around with curious eyes.
"Where is the stout and courageous Shu? You seriously believe the words of a manic. Regardless of what he said we did hear about the bomb and we must investigate the matter further." Kenshin said.
"You are a f****** hypocrite, Kenshin. You could have easily told the captain but you decided against it. You are just as convinced with Ango's words as I am." Kenshin said.
Kenshin did not respond not because what his brother said could be true but that there was no point in arguing. They needed to reflect on everything regardless if the message was a lie. Everything derived from truth.
"Do what you must Shu. I am returning to the village." He said and like the gust of the wind he disappeared into the woods.
Shu sighed as he made a simple seal causing the body to ignite like a lit candle. The caustic heat quickly turned the body into ash.
Suddenly, Shu could hear a rustling noise surrounding the bushes. He quickly drew his kunai preparing himself for what would happen next.
--------
Kenshin continued on his journey toward the camp jumping from tree branch to tree branch. His mind was still preoccupied by the passing events that he did not realized how fast it took him to return to the village. It was rather dark when he arrived except the camp fires. The smoke was low enough to prevent attention from the outside but the light was bright enough that Kenshin could see the captain sitting among a his peers. Everyone was having a good time with exchanging their sincere grins and jocular laughter.
"Excuse me, taicho." Kenshin said as he venerated himself before his superior with a bow.
"Kenshin. Please come and sit we were just talking about Saito's encounter with..."
"No that is alright. Actually, I came here to have a word with you." Kenshin said with a serene tone. The young man did not want to intrude on the captain's leisure but there was no other time to speak to him but the present.
"It is urgent." Kenshin exhorted.
The captain stood up as he walked with Kenshin to more private area.
"What is it Kenshin-san?" The captain inquired.
"Yes. I know from earlier this afternoon you were discussing about possible use of a bomb to be used in one of the missions for tomorrow." Kenshin said.
"Yes I figured you overheard. It is an ongoing discussion. You should not be concerned with the details." The captain replied.
"I think you should reconsider...I have sources that would say otherwise." Kenshin said.
The captain crossed his arms with his dark maroon eyes gleaming in the moonlight as Kenshin began to earn his captain's attention. "Where did you get this information."
Kenshin could not tell him where not because of the unscrupulous manner of which he got it. He could not tell him that it was something that Kenshin had not expected. Who would have thought he would be visited by the supernatural. Kenshin still was having a hard time believing it. Regardless, he had to tell his captain something.
"It is getting late perhaps we can continue this conversation in the morning? I planning on having a meeting before we embark."
"Hai, taicho." Kenshin solemnly bowed his head. At least he would have time to gather his thoughts. Kenshin began to walk the other direction but was intercepted by a figure within the bushes. Kenshin quickly drew his kunai but before he could defend himself he realized the figure was his brother partially covered in mud and blood.
"[color]What...[/color]" Kenshin said but was hushed by his younger.
Shu pushed him closer to him to ensure Kenshin can hear his words.
"Did you tell the captain about the bomb." Shu said wincing a bit in pain.
"What happened to you?" Kenshin inquired show concern for his younger brother.
Shu waved his brother's question off as he continue to pester him about the bomb.
"No I was unable to tell him." Kenshin replied.
"Good because we need that bomb. The enemy knows our position." Shu continued.
"Is that why you are covered in holes. You know the damage that bomb is going to have in the region. It is not just a bomb." Kenshin said.
"You know you can stop complaining and help tend my wounds." Shu said as he began to walk toward their tent caressing his shoulder.
"I am not doing a single thing until you tell me what is going on." Kenshin exhorted as walked beside his brother.
Shu quietly entered the tent which was in near complete darkness except for the illuminating lantern that stood at the center. He sat down on the ground and rummaged through several pouches before pulling out a small vale and began to pour it over his wounds.
"Fine.." Shu said sighing. "I was attacked by two couriers."
"At the same place where I left you; how is that possible?" Kenshin said with his arms folded against his chest clearly disturbed at what he was hearing. The camping grounds have been secured for several months how could anyone just happen to find it.
"Yes I know. I fear that there is a traitor among us. I was barely able to kill my assailants before retrieving any information. It way by accident but I am not going to let more of them to come."
"You need to rest, Shu-san. There is not enough information to go even if we tell the captain. You know this." Kenshin said as he rested his hand against his brother's shoulder. They both knew that there was nothing they could do.
--------
It was morning as the dawning sun broke free from its slumber. There was a lot of commotion as Kenshin left the tent. His brother still resting from the day before. Shu could see the captain standing on top of a great boulder addressing his subordinates about the day's agenda.
"Shinobi and kunochi I have gotten word from Kagetsu Kyo that we are commissioned to use the bomb and we should use it quickly if we ever going to get a chance to end this war."
Kenshin quickly heard his decree and stood against it. "Taicho, please reconsider the aftermath will be catastrophic. With all due respect, Lady Kyo does not understand the implications. Many people will die including our own and for what to secure a piece of land."
"Am I hearing subordination, Kenshin-san" The captain said with fire in his eyes. "Is this what you were trying to tell me last night? What source do you have to prove this."
Kenshin could not speak. The flashes of the brother's meeting with Ango were returning to the surface. Even if he were to explain to the captain how he got the information the man would not believe him. It was not like a youkai's words could be trustworthy anyways.
"[color=blue[I apologize perhaps my emotions are getting the better of me.[/color]" Kenshin said with a solemn tone. The sonorous sounds of whispers could be heard around Kenshin. His comrades were all too familiar with his defiance for violence always trying to find a civil solution but Kenshin was acting far more passive than usual.
Kenshin remained silent for the remainder of the morning not attempting to make any commotion. Once the sunlight hide against the cumulus clouds it was time to depart. Shu accompanied Kenshin as they aided in planting the bombs surrounding the area. The bomb was comprised of several smaller bombs that emitted a chakra wave where when collided would produce constructive waves large enough to cause serious damage. This was the first time such an item thus there was no telling what the damage would be.
The process took several hours before they retreated outside the estimated blast range. The entire group with their gas masks on stood by as they waited for their explosion. Everyone was there except for Kenshin. "Where is Kenshin? He was right in front of me just a minute ago." One of the shinobi asked. Shu was surprised as they were but he knew his brother was still in the woods. "That idiot." Shu said under his breath as he began to rush forward into the woods. Shu could hear his name being called as they warned him that the bomb would engulfed him if he tried to reach his brother. Despite these warnings, Shu was not going to let his only brother be destroyed. It did not take him long to find him once he heard his voice from a distant. Finally, he found him speaking to a group of people, apparently civilians from the looks of their attires. Shu was perplexed to discover that there was actually civilization in this area. He had assumed that the bomb would not reach any population.
"Kenshin. We need to go." He said as he grabbed his brother's shoulder.
"We can't allow these people to die." Kenshin said as he shuffled his shoulders to remove his brother's dominating hand.
"What...they are going to listen to some scary shinobi. You are wasting your time and you are going to get us killed!" Shu exclaimed gnashing his teeth at him.
"Forget it! I am not going to let any more innocents to die just because of our feud. This needs to end." Kenshin exclaimed.
Shu had enough of his brother's foolish ideology. What sense did an assassin have to protect life? "I will break both your arms and legs if I have to." Shu threaten him.
"Try me." Kenshin said.
Shu had enough as he quickly thrust his leg at his brother side but not enough to push him back as Kenshin quickly parred the attack with his arm. The civilians started to become agitated as they were afraid of being devoured by the brother's confrontation; however, this was nothing compared to what happened moments later. The sound of sonic boom could be heard from afar; the impact was so strong that the brothers and the civilians could feel the earth rumbling underneath their feet.
It was not until they saw the great flash of light to know what was coming toward them. They quickly formed a ephemeral chakra barrier hopefully strong enough to protect themselves and the civilians around them. However, the barrier was not strong enough as the flash of light began to crack the shield. Before the barrier caved in they could see a looming shadow appear before them but they could not identify it as they became engulfed in the light.
There was nothing but darkness for a few moments until the two brothers were able to open their eyes. They were no longer in the forest instead in standing in empty white space. There was not telling the depth or length of the area. The brothers turned around surveying the area trying to figure out what was going on. They stopped at a white dressed figure perhaps a youkai.
"If we are dead I am so going to kill you." Shu said with a sarcastic sneer. Kenshin said nothing. It was not until the figure walked closer that they realized who it was.
"Welcome to the afterlife kiddies. You are dead and I am Kami." The figure with austere tone.
"On second thought I take that back." Shu said.
"Enough of your jokes, Ango. Where are we?" Kenshin said.
"I just told you this is the afterlife, your dead, and I am Kami." Ango replied.
Kenshin could not help but laugh. "You are not Kami Ango."
"Blaspheme you are fortunate that I don't smite you or something...." Ango paused. "Ok forget it you guys are seriously no fun." He quickly removed the white robe revealing a suave black and white suit and top black hat.
"You are in a vacuum in space time...your spirits that is. I guess you humans call in limbo." Ango continued.
"So we really are dead." Shu said somberly.
"Didn't you hear me or did that wave knocked out your senses." Ango retorted. "You have more important things to worry about. I am still waiting for your answer."
"So you saved us just to get an answer. You know you could have prevented this mass genocide. I can only even imagine how many civilians are going to die when the bomb reaches them." Kenshin said. Shu did not argue as his brother was not wrong about that.
"Like I give a s***. You all are going to die the important thing is when death brings a purpose. I told you that there is a purpose for both good and evil but you continuously bother yourself with the petty details. There is so much that you don't know." Ango said.
"Why do you care anyway." Kenshin asked.
"You intrigue me, there is nothing else to say. You could find out more if you accept my offer or you go to where all dead souls go." Ango responded.
They sighed perhaps there was something to discover.
"So be it." They said in unison.
"Excellent. You will not be disappointed or you will who knows. Now time to wake up." Ango said as he clapped his hands. The two brother woke up as if rising from a dream --- or nightmare. They were on the cold surface of an examining table with several nins with gas masks surrounding them. The medical nin were startled by their sudden resurrection as they moved away from them.
"What the hell happened." Shu asked.
Kenshin was just as confused as he messaged his temple when he is normally confused. The confused countenance on Kenshin contrast with the startled but composed medical nins. One of the medical nins came forward apparently he was the one in charge by the his stout posture as if he was heading his men in battle, facing someone like Shu really felt like a battle.
“To get to the point, you two have been clinically dead for the past three months. I say clinically because you held no vitals signs nor brain functions. However, you were still producing chakra coils as normal. In fact the energy reading were so high that your skin could not be broken by any of our medical equipment.”
The two brothers glanced at each other thinking the same thing. All of this was Ango but the only thing they didn’t know was how. Of course, the medical nin were just as curious as they were but there was no way that the brothers would even begin to explain what had happened to them. It was better to simply keep this as a miracle -- a miracle that was be with them for the rest of their lives.
There was a brief moment of silence before Kenshin broke the silence. “I guess it was a miracle after all. We still don’t know completely what chakra does.” He retorted.
“Yes…” The head mednin said with a weary tone. He was not convinced that this ordeal would be over, granted who would be. “You will need to be tested regularly so that we can actually understand this phenomenon. Also, you will need to report to the Raikage...ugh Lady Kiyo after we complete your diagnosis. She would be interested in hearing your story.”
“Wait you said Raikage. Why is she called that.” Shu inquired. It was rumored by Lady Kiyo would elected to be leader of the clan if they were successful in the war but that would imply that they won the war right?
“If you asking whether or not we won the war then the answer is yes. You and your brother have some part in all of this since you were part of the original division. Unfortunately, your rewards were postmortem considering the circumstances”
“Amazing...the war is over...” Kenshin said stunned at the sudden revelation. Shu was just as stunned as his brother but far more furious as Kenshin’s empathy. It was the only reason why neither of them could see the glory of victory.
“I forgot to mention that your selfless act in protecting that village near the cataclysm presented us with new opportunities in establishing new contracts with them.”
“Hmm...” Shu muttered crossing his arms in disdain.
Kenshin chuckled. “Well, I am hoping we can gain some accommodations considering we just rose from the dead.”
“Yes, of course but you will need to return regular for testing.” The chief said as he nodding his head. The rest of the mednin escorted the two brothers out of the facility.
The next couple of days was more than eventful having interviews with the Raikage and the constant testing from the medical team. It would seem that the two boys were never given any privacy except their loving grandmother who was growing rather old in her years now bed ridden.
“Good morning boys.” She said with a weak smile. She looked onto the brothers as they entered her room. They were accompanies a medical doctor, a regular visitor he came to check on the boy’s grandmother. Her health has been declining ever since the end of the war; fortunately, the village had supply the old woman with medicine and a doctor to help her by the order of the Raikage. It was the least she could given what the boys accomplished during the war. However, it never felt like the aide was enough. The two boys stood by as they examine their grandmother with contempt. She gazed at the boys with loving eyes as she reached out to the boys to caress their worn cheeks.
“I wish you two would leave the war.” She said as she tried to warm their somber eyes.
“Grandma what war? Didn’t we tell you that the war is over.” Kenshin said.
“I know but you remain as you continue on as shinobi. I just don’t want to lose you as I have lost your parents. I don’t know if I could take it.” She responded. Fortunately, for them, their deaths and sudden resurrection was unbeknown to her. She was simply told that they were working on a private project and could not been seen. At least they were not dead for too long the old woman would have died.
“Please rest grandma you need it.” Shu said as she pulled over up her covers. They both gently kissed her on the forehead as they departed to speak with the doctor in private.
“How is she doing?” Kenshin inquired.
“Her illness is still progressing. All we can do is give her time.” The doctor said as he perused his notes on the wooden clipboard he was holding. “The results from her last examination does not bode well for me.”
He shook his head. “You should at least prepare for the worse.”
“F***.....” Shu said muttering to himself and Kenshin rubbed his head profusely. Despite shinobi who could manipulate fire but could not save their beloved grandmother --- unless they defied nature itself.
Shu considered it at one point but at the defiance of his brother.
“You know this is Ango’s plan all along. You are just playing his game.” Kenshin exclaimed as he threw the scroll onto the ground. They had just completed a training session with the youkai who mentioned briefly about spiritual transformation. He warned that such a technique was considered forbidden or at least needed to be mastered before attempting it.
“He wants us to use it to see what happens.” Kenshin continued.
“What do you want grandmother to just die. It might be Ango’s fault that this has happened.” Shu replied.
Kenshin remained quiet not knowing how to respond to that. They both cared for their grandmother and would do anything to protect but would they go this far.
Kenshin sighed. “You are my brother. Whatever you decide I will be on your side.” He rested his arm around Shu comforting him.
As time passed on their grandmother did passed away but it did not stop the brothers from attempting to bring back their beloved. The transfer was successful for a time until the body began to break down and her mental faculties began to drift away. Strangely enough the doctor was the least phase at the recent development. He took them to a secluded place near the forest.
“If this isn’t ominous I don’t know what is.” Kenshin whispered to his brother as they suddenly began to stop.
“Are you mean to tell me that you still don’t know who I am. I know you two are dense but you should know who I am.” The doctor said as he turned toward him.
His appearance and tone of voice drastically changed from the austere professional countenance to something between jocular and sarcastic.
“I knew you would try to use that technique even though I warned you not....”He continued.
“Before we kill you just answer this question. Are you the one responsible for our grandmother’s death.” Shu said quickly interrupting Ango. Neither of the boys had time for Shu’s frivolous games.
“What if I tell you that I am just a vessel. Are you going to quit your training? Are you going to wusss out now? Idiots. Your human attachments are laughable at best.” Ango said chuckling.
Shu clenched his fist ready to tear this caricature doctor out of existing but his brother held him back as he pressed his hand against his shoulder pacifying him.
“See, your brother understands. There really is no point arguing. Your grandmother is going to die as all living being. If you call evil for doing this just remember it is your selfishness that brought her back.”
They could not deny that the youkai was right.
“If you truly wish to seek your pointless peace you must accept the good and the evil.” Ango said.
----
These were the words that remained with the boys for many years. Now in the common era, Shu and Kenshin were old man living their lives away from the shinobi life. Kenshin had retreated to be a hermit and Shu was living his days as a simple farmer. In these days, Ango did not bother with them apparently they had given up their life of knowledge and truth and accepting the simple life they had missed before the wars. It was not until a young man from the borders of Kumogakure enter their lives.
Clan Request: N/A
Death/Retirement Thread: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=320&t=14131
Old Profile: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1085
Old Training: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=2664
Old Dojo: http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/forum/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=2748
Old FAQ: N/A
Special Usergroups: Advertisement Team
Old Stats: All capped, with 595 ASP
Old OOC Rank: S
Stat Cut: Character death in combat
New Stats: Capped
New OOC Rank: S
Justu Mastery Swaps: Pending
Note: Keep in mind, that you are required to sell all old jutsus that you are getting rid of and buying all jutsus you are swapping over. If you do not have the money to afford this now, you may buy the new ones when you can afford them. Once you've stated that certain jutsu are meant for swapping, it means your new character can no longer use your old jutsu at their old ranks.[/i]
Name of any Contract you currently own: Youkai, as awarded by Kushin.
- If Retiring character, list link to obtaining the Contract. You will regain this contract upon rebirth back into this character. Contracts do not carry over to new characters.
Name of any Cursed Seals you currently own: N/A
- If Retiring character, list link to obtaining the cursed seal (from village request). You will regain this contract upon rebirth back into this character. Curse Seals do not carry over to new characters.
Name of Kinjutsu you own: Dark Sage
- If retiring character, list link to obtaining the kinjutsu (from your village request). You will regain this kinjutsu upon rebirth back into this character. Kinjutsus do not carry over to new character. Also, you may choose any kinjutsu fr your new character, but you will need to apply for it with your new character.
Still actively roleplaying in any other threads? None
Upon death, roleplayers in ANY of your other incomplete thread(s) are to vote whether they can deal with your non-existence from the beginning of these thread(s). Whether you joined these thread(s) before or after you entered the battle that got you killed, you are still considered a part of these thread(s).
- If players vote yes, you get to move on to your next life.
- If players vote no, you must stay in those threads as if you were still alive.
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