The young boy with the white hair and blue eyes looked behind him. Would he miss the village? Probably not. He could see how they all looked at him with fear, for the bad omen he was born under was truly a vicious one. He never felt truly a part of a family. He was alone, forsaken by those around him. Especially his mother. He felt as if she blamed him for her husband's disappearance in the night. She was probably right. But who needed that kind of environment, that scenery? Karito knew he was different. He knew he was stronger than anyone there. He felt it when he looked upon their weak eyes.
The young boy smiled. He looked down at the ceremonial map he was given, the one which showed where he could head to learn more about his talents. However, he had to get past this forest first. He knew how to kill and skin animals- he has been doing it in services to his village. He was a boy, so he learned as much as he could since he knew he would one day go on this journey to get stronger.
"Why go away if all they want me to do is come back? Hell no..."
He smiled again. He truly enjoyed leaving. However, he realized that being lost in thought for a couple of moments left him right where he began- at the beginning of the forest. He moved, step by step, towards where he presumed would be someone who could teach him to harness his abilities. As the day passed, he realized he was getting further and further from the village. The previous thoughts plagued him, but he went on. Did he think this was a good idea? He was young, so he was a bit afraid of what was out there. However, he was prepared.
As the day turned into night, Karito started feeling the pains of hunger. He had not eaten all day, both out of adrenaline and a strange missing-home feeling. He realized he was also getting extremely tired. So he went and found a young animal to eat- it happened to be a squirrel. He used the knife that was given to him, and killed and started eating the squirrel. He looked at the bright starry night overhead, put his bag on the ground, and lay his head on it. He was going to become a great shinobi one day, and make everyone regret looking down on him.
As the days passed, Karito felt like he was never going to find anyone. Perhaps this journey was not one of enlightenment, but one of punishment, to give him grief for looking down on the village. He looked down at the squirrel he was eating. It was getting cold. He started crying, thoughts turning to his mother's home cooking. Why was he being punished? Why did he have to feel so lonely, so empty without his home? Even with the animosity surrounding him, he still missed having a roof over his head. Being so young, leaving so early...
As Karito drowsed out of sleep, he felt a small breeze on his face. He opened his eyes, and saw it wasn't a breeze, but rain. Lots and lots of rain. He ran to the closest tree, looking for some cover. His luck was awful. And he had no way to get warmth. He looked at his hands, hoping, wondering when he will feel the warmth of his bed or his home. As he was crying he felt a breeze again. He looked around, looking for some wind. But the rain was falling vertical. He wondered what it was.
Karito looked down at his hands, hoping for some sort of warmth. A ghost blue spark shined across his palms. Karito started concentrating, hoping to build up the power within him. He wanted to be warmer again, wanted to feel the homeliness he sought. The blue spark turned into a tiny blue wave, emanating from the palms. He looked down at the luminous material. It was unlike anything he ever seen. He felt the heat, much like fire, but it flowed like water. He did not understand what was going on, but he felt warmer. Using this, he surrounded himself with the energy, shielding from the cold rain. His spirits a bit brighter, he kept on walking.
As the rain stopped, so did Karito's misfortune. He found the clearing he was looking for. And with it, the beginning of a new adventure- to find a master shinobi to teach him. As Karito looked at the map, he noticed that the closest village was sand- there had to be an academy there! With backpack in hand, and map in another, he walked towards the village. Although the village was in the middle of the desert, Karito had enough provisions that he saved up from the forest, being an accomplished hunter. He was able to save up enough water for his journey. It would be the first step to his destination, to the goal that he sought for. He would make it to the village of Sand weeks later.
--*--*--*--Two Years Later --*--*--*--
Karito sat in the front of the classroom, smiling. He has found a small home to live in, paying it off with the money he had in his bag. He also finally joined the shinobi academy, where he learned everything he could. He was a fantastic student, but he showed no sign of genius. Just very hard work and dedication to the craft. He was above average in every aspect, but nothing that would make him stand out. He didn't want to stand out- he knew it would get in the way of his plans to be the best. As this was the final week, he knew that this test would ensure his promotion to genin. From there, he could surely find a master to teach him the ways... or at least, a better way then what he was learning. Karito felt that the school did not teach enough meaningful ways to utilize the chakra he held within him. It was all simple stuff, stuff he felt he didn't need.
As the final test came out, passing it with flying colors of course, Karito sat down with his new Sand headband. He has finally achieved another step on his journey towards greatness. Now he had to find his master. As he was allowed to have missions and see other lands, he knew that the only way to find his master was to look for the strongest person they meet. When he found a team that was heading off to a deeper, darker area of the continent, he took it immediately. Due to his immense grades and skills, there was no worries with him accompanying some Chunnin on a B rank mission. It was simple, the only reason it being B rank was the area they were heading too. It wasn't anything dangerous. The Sand Chunnin themselves packed light. Karito also packed light, and tied his headband around his head. He was a little taller than when he first arrived, but still shorter than the Chunnin.
"Say, Karito, apparently you are pretty good for a genin. Perhaps you should carry out supplies?" One of the Chunnin said, a condescending smile on his face.
Some people loved to bully for the sake of bullying. Karito smiled himself, understanding the nature of the request. He didn't care about the fools around him, he was there to get more experience on how the world works, so that he may get to the top one day. It was a clear hierarchical order.
This mission was a protection mission. The team was given a member of the wealthy to guard, and they would escort him to his destination. The reason Karito was allowed to come was because the destination was fairly close, and not within any enemy threat. It was straightforward, and easy money.
When the team reached their destination the 4 shinobi sat down, waiting for their escort. They were going to walk next to a horse drawn carriage, and needed to save some strength just in case there were some low level robbers on the way.
"Our master is ready now, shinobi." The servant said. Apparently the four were expendable, at least to the "master". As the horse drawn carriage rolled up and everything was set up, the group started moving towards the destination. They were moving slowly, but nothing exciting was happening. The chunnin were joking, while Karito was walking, his hands in his pocket, looking at the scenery around him. It felt like such a good area for a massacre. He didn't understand why he had that thought. But he knew he wanted something to occur, to prove his strength.
All of a sudden the horses stopping, whining very loudly. They sensed something, and within this path it was odd. Their destination was a day away- it wasn't very far. Yet the Chunnin disappeared, taking their places that they strategized. Karito did as well. He was too protect the Master. Screams were heard as limbs flew right into the carriage.
"PROTECT ME. YOU SERVE ME!"
The "master" tried using Karito as a shield, hiding behind him and holding him in front. Karito was tired of it. His adrenaline running high, he took the masters hand off.
"Do not touch me..." Karito said.
The assassin that was sent came into the carriage just a moment before, watching the scene. He was a massive man, holding a huge sword over his shoulder. It was this man who killed the Chunnin. Or at least, killed 2 of them. There was one he was holding by the arm, the Chunnin clearly alive still. Karito noted it was the same Chunnin who looked down at him at the beginning. But Karito knew he had a mission. He threw a fire jutsu at the man, hoping to distract him. The man sliced his jutsu in half with the fearsome sword.
"Cute".
His voice was just as large as he was. He smiled menacingly, throwing the chunnin at Karito.
"I sensed something different about you, young one. You don't hold the same righteous aura these three shinobi have. I enjoy your presence. I want you to be my apprentice."
His voice rang through Karito's ears. He stumbled a bit. What was going on? This man clearly did an evil thing, but he did not seem evil. The Master started screaming as the Chunnin got up and did a defensive stance.
"You will not win..."
Karito stood next to him, both out of fear of the man and to get this mission so he may be stronger. But... there was a unique opportunity in front of him. A man who would teach him to be strong. Karito did not know what to do. He knew the right thing to do would be to die protecting the master, but at the same time... the master was an evil person himself, looking down at others.
Karito then took out a single kunai, and sliced the masters throat, to the Chunnin's surprise.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
In the moment of confusion, Karito started concentrating, and sent out the mysterious blue chakra that has welled up inside of him. He kept it secret, as he knew it was something too unique for someone of his level to have. He shot the chakra at the man in a straight beam, the blue energy creating a hole in the chest of the Chunnin. The Chunnin fell down, the fear on his face forever plastered.
The large man laughed heartily.
"You have potential. I knew I felt something different about you."
The large man smiled, gesturing for Karito to step out. As soon as he did, the man disappeared, bringing back all the bodies he killed.
"Don't want anyone finding out what happened here, right?" He asked Karito.
Before Karito could answer, the man burned everything, leaving behind no scraps. No evidence. Karito looked at the man, wondering what he meant by that question. The man made no attempt to explain where they were going, who he was, or anything. Karito just felt right following him. The man's long strides, however, were making it tough for Karito to follow him. He was much shorter, after all.
The man all of a sudden stopped walking.
"We are here. Are you ready to begin, young one? What is your name, perchance?"
The man spoke in an odd fashion, almost akin to an older time. Karito was a bit startled. Now that he had a chance to look, this man's sword was massive. It was the size of the man and then some. Karito knew that he was the man to ask, so he just went away with it:
"I am Karitoriki. What is my blue chakra called?"
The man laughed heartily again, his hands clutching his stomach.
"Getting right to it, eh? That was plasma chakra, if I recall correctly. Very rare for someone your age to master fire and lightning and combine it into one so early. Perhaps it was innate? My name is Otoko Masuta. I have chosen you for you interest me. Do not fail me, Karitoriki. If you do, you die."
Karito winced quickly. This man wasn't one to hide much. He seemed extremely outspoken, truthful, and willing to follow his own rules. He started quickly becoming a favorite of Karitoriki. This was a first, so the man instantly became a role model.
"Come, Karitoriki. You will make a fine shinobi."
They went deeper, going into a mountainous area where there was hardly any signs of civilization. From there, they began training. Although it was sudden, Karitoriki knew he could trust the man. After all, Masuta spared his life...
--*--*--Couple of Weeks Later--*--*--
Karito sat in the room, the head interrogator peering down at him. This interrogation was because of the disappearance of the chunnin and the failed mission. He knew that he was the main suspect- but his master taught him well in the couple of weeks they were together. This was to raise no suspicion, for the plan was going to need to proceed.
"So, Karitoriki... this is your explanation for what happened? You couldn't save anyone, and the mercenaries captured you. However, you seem unharmed. How is that?"
Karito sighed. He knew it seemed too weird, but he had an answer prepared.
"They were looking to sell me to the highest bidder- I am a shinobi, a sand one as well. I am a valuable commodity, and can be used for slavery. They wanted me to be groomed and cleaned so that I am more attractive to the potential buyer... I wasn't too strong to overcome them, but I was able to find a way out... They were too cocky."
The interrogator nodded. This was what was in the official reports, and it seemed to be what was in the pipeline as well. There were rumors of a shinobi being sold, then gone. The story worked out.
"You are free to go Karitoriki."
Karito nodded, got up and left. As he was leaving the building, he was smiling to himself. The plan worked so well. Now he needed permission to go back to his "village" and not be treated like a missing-nin. This would work perfectly, as it was his master's plan.
--*--*--Years later--*--*--
The sounds of swords hitting each other could be heard. Clash after clash, the sounds seemed to be in different places all at the same time.
"GOOD, GOOD KARITO. YOU ARE STRONG."
Masuta was laughing as he was fighting, knowingly taking it easy on the young boy. He was 18 at the time, and knew he was growing at a rapid pace. He was listening, and truly getting the abilities he has. Both to see the space-time around him, as well as the plasma energy within him.
"STOP!"
Both stopped speeding around, their breaths heavy in the air. They spar like this every day, after days of training.
"You have done extremely well for the past couple of years, young one. It is time for me to give you a gift. Something that will make you a true apprentice of the Sword."
Masuta went over to a place behind the creek, and took out a massive sword.
Image
"Much like what you practiced, this is a nodachi. However, it isn't like other swords. This is a sword of one of the first generation fallen Kontonshuseisuru, a man with abilities much like yours. His name was Arashi, and he was a very accomplished swordsman. Its name is Nihil Vesica, and it will be yours. It will fit your abilities well. But be warned, it must accept you first."
Karito nodded as he took the sword, in awe of being handed something of such great value... this would increase his strength dramatically, for sure. He was getting closer to reaching his goal. However, the Kontonshuseisuru seemed like the perfect group to reach it with. So, he will stay with them.
"We keep the balance. It is what we do. This sword is the ultimate sword of one who did keep the balance."
As soon as Karito touched the sword, an amazing thing occurred. He felt like he was being dragged into the sword's world itself. He awoke to what felt like hours later. In front of him stood some sort of dragon demon... It was a massive beast.
Image
"I am Hakai. I am the Plasma Demon. I have judged you the moment you have touched this sword. You exhibit the proud traits I look for in a human to wield my powerful weapon, an extension of myself. Should you ever need it, you may call upon my energy and combine with it, further increasing your power at no cost to your health."
Karito stood there in awe, and as soon as the demon finished, a rushing sound was heard. It was an incredible sound, and just as it started, it finished. Karito was on the ground, with the nodachi at his side.
"Nihil Vesica..."
The word rang with a beautiful tone in his mouth. This was his sword, his ally in his journey. It suited him perfectly, the proud nature proving itself to him as well.
"You know, I've seen hundreds of apprentices touch that same weapon, and die. You are a great one, just like I knew when I first met you all those years ago..."
--*--*--One Year Later--*--*--
"Have you finished with your previous... allegiances? Are you finally going to stay here, where you first came? We cannot let you go anywhere else. It has been too long already. And you haven't even taken your chunnin test, let alone your jounin test. You have a long way to go, Karitoriki."
The ANBU interviewer stared at the man in front of him. He was indeed strong. But he was suspicious, as he was only given a year of leave, but came back in 5. He was deemed a missing, but after giving up information on some outlaws that were wanted by the village, he was let back in, on the circumstance that he must dedicate his life to the protection of the village. As well as not leave the village for at least 5 years. It was an punishment, but one that would allow him to continue.
"Why would you want to be an ANBU?"
The question stroke Karitoriki. It was a just one, of course. That was the reason he was there. He wanted to find out who killed his village. He didn't understand why it mattered to him, as they all hated him... but not being able to find his mother in the wreckage reminded him of the loss felt by having no father. He also had a mission to fulfill that was extra-village. His master wanted him to solidify himself as a part of the shadow corps, to be able to learn the ways of tracking better, as well as get a position high up in the world. It would help tremendously for the overall plan of the Kontonshuseisuru, which was a new group NOT THE SEVEN SWORDSMAN that had to do with fixing the chaos of the world. Karito didn't care, but he knew the members were strong, so he followed the rules, for now.
"I want to help people... and protect this village. I have the capabilities. I want to track and find those who killed my old village as well... my mother was not found."
It wasn't the best answer, but Karito's thoughts were convoluted with anger. He knew that being an ANBU would help him. His talents were well suited with that as well, as he was able to be at many places at once in a room.
"If you say so Karitoriki... we can test you."
Karito smiled. It was going his way... and he will pass the test with flying colors. It was his duty. He wanted to start off right with the Sand village. And he wanted to continue on his journey to be a strong nin as well.
