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Ninpocho Chronicles

Ninpocho Chronicles is a fantasy-ish setting storyline, set in an alternate universe World of Ninjas, where the Naruto and Boruto series take place. This means that none of the canon characters exists, or existed here.

Each ninja starts from the bottom and start their training as an Academy Student. From there they develop abilities akin to that of demigods as they grow in age and experience.

Along the way they gain new friends (or enemies), take on jobs and complete contracts and missions for their respective villages where their training and skill will be tested to their limits.

The sky is the limit as the blank page you see before you can be filled with countless of adventures with your character in the game.

This is Ninpocho Chronicles.

Current Ninpocho Time:

It's About Time (Yume)

"The competitive spirit usually works best when two are competing in the same spirit as it drives others to become the best at..."<i></i> Sousuke paused for a moment. "Oh. Oh! Yes. This makes perfect sense now."<i></i> Shiji was pushing Yume to be a better gambler. This would be an excellent way of pushing her so. Sousuke drank from his tea. When he saw what Shinji had wrote down, Sousuke's eyes widened. Brawling lessons? Okay. Sure. That was perfectly fine. Sousuke was a disciplined fighter. He had styles and codes to uphold. He kind of wish he didn't deal himself out. The odds were not in his favour as he had calculated. Still though there was the possibility that--

Mako slammed her fist down on the table. "CHEAP-SKATE."<i></i> His grandmother declared. "Sousuke over there. He can armour himself up into all sorts of things, and call the shadows to him. Yume?! She could probably cut people up into fine ribbons if she applied chakra and medical jutsus for more battle oriented purposes. Ms. Brunette? She could probably poison someone because of the chemical knowledge she has, she merely needs the correct timing. I don't care if I lose this. I'm calling this shit right here, right now. Show down pup!"<i></i>

"Grandmother, please stop, even I would have enjoyed brawling lessons... I don't think that's--"<i></i> Sousuke tried to interject. The Veteran flipped Sousuke the bird and showed her hand and threw down her cars. It was a low pair. Two sevens. She sat down and simply glared at Shinji. Clearly she had been driven to her ends. She was smoldering. Sousuke sighed and shook his head. He listened to Yume speak of how the tea could be worse, having it taste like fish. "Well. So far the flavours have been working on opposites. I guess the opposite to fish might be beef or poultry. It would be ... something worth trying to find out what happens.<i></i> Sousuke tried to make light of situation given his grandmother blowing up at the table. His grandmother's actions had embarrassed him slightly. His grandmother's chances of winning were low. Shinji unconsciously had triggered her, and forced her to reveal her hand. It meant that Shinji maybe had a higher hand. Yume and Tsukiko were more conservative in their approaching. He was thinking the higher card would come out of the two of them. Sousuke learned towards Yume and gave her a hug. He was mindful not to look at her cards, he closed his eyes tightly as he embraced her. He didn't want to see her hand.

As Ika had curled around Aki, the child had rested his head against her back, sort of. Aki had in arms the Lyron kitten who was contently purring away enjoying the attention. Maximus watching the scenario unfold threw in his own commentary. You would never guess that the Purple-Elder is related to the Purple-Pride Leader. He shows so little emotion, and your pet seems to have just angered her greatly.<i></i> Maximus's gaze shifted to Ika. I'm very glad that I've never had a mate that loud or obnoxious. This is actually ...insulting to the Pride-leader. He can't control her... but how would he?<i></i>

(MFT 526)
 
Mako’s outburst did little to ruffle the cocky Sagasu. Offering her a grin, he hears her out as he reclines back and lets her finish. With a side nod to Sousuke, he concedes the Stewards half-point as the veteran has none of it and calls the bluff. Dropping his jaw, he dons a look of mock surprise which reverts back to a shit-eating grin without delay.

Really went all out there but you’re a sore loser, unfortunately. I admire your bravado though. Your grandson was correct, thought I might have misunderstood where he was going with his point. Brawling isn’t just fighting. It’s physical hand-to-hand that you can’t get from chakra or mechanical means. It’s… primal! Now, unless the other ladies have something to contend with my pair, I guess that means I win.

Turning his cards over, a ten of clubs and jack of diamonds look up at the woman to reveal his pair of jacks. A barking laugh erupts from Tsukiko and Yume pulls her sights away from Sousuke long enough to offer a chuckle. With one hand, the younger Sagasu flips her cards to show her five of hearts and Queen of spades before losing interest in the game and snuggling closer under the Steward’s arm, her head nuzzling against his shoulder as she enjoys her tea. Ruffling his hair, Shinji’s face drains of enthusiasm and utters a simple non-committal ‘hum’ of feigned interest.

You’ll have to teach me how to do that, Yume. It’s not often that Shinji is speechless. Let me try!

If it were possible his jaw dropped lower when the three of spades and King of clubs was revealed to show Tsukiko having the highest hand with a pair of Kings. Looking up from the table to his date, it would seem that Mako wasn’t the only one who wasn’t used to loosing. With the visage of a kicked puppy, he watches as she makes a point of keeping her eyes on locked to his while she pulls the pot towards her, batting lashes.

I genuinely look forward to cashing in the IOUs. Give me a chance to get to know you all better.

Leaning forward so that only Shinji could hear, she whispers a hint of how she would like him to teach her how to brawl. Swallowing hard, he does his best to keep from breaking into a grin at the suggestion, turning back to the table and clearing his throat before sipping the remnants of his drink.

I… uh… suppose you can’t win… everything.

Finally exhausted, CuRua ventures back to where the child and other floor dwelling creatures were curled up, daring to lay down as close to Kitchy as he could manage. Every now and then, he would scoot a little closer to the husky, still unsure how she would react to his advances. It wasn’t like he was looking for a future but if Yume was happy around the Steward, he would have to focus his attentions else where. Placing her head down, the jackal crosses her paws under her chin as she lets out a little huff.

I find that sometimes the easiest way to control someone is to just let them tire themselves out. The Stewards youngling, for instance. It would have done no good to keep him still. He had to run around until he became exhausted. All CuRua and I could do was make sure he didn’t hurt himself. Same with the Veteran. I don’t think you really could control her directly…
 
Mako found herself an exit as she stormed out. At this point Sousuke had face palmed. His grandmother had a habit of making an ass out of herself. "Apologies everyone."<i></i> When he removed his hand from his face he looked very much defeated. "Not exactly the best of ways to introduce my family."<i></i> Seeing Shinji's face was most amusing. Seeing that he was bested by Yume, and then his girlfriend caused a smirk to surface on Sousuke's face. It almost seemed like his face was going to break. "One defeat after another. I had already figured out the probability. My hand was horrible to begin with."<i></i> He revealed his cards. "I may have lost the IOU, but I still get to keep my pocket change... and more importantly my cool."<i></i> He turned his head slightly so as to rub noses with Yume. A more foreign sign of affection known as an Eskimo kiss. It somehow had made its way into modern mannerisms of showing affection. Shinji piped up about how he couldn't win at everything. "Some victories are sweeter than others, others slightly bitter. My victory lies in having ... spent time away from the office and with Yume... and getting to know the two of you all the better."<i></i> Sousuke would then cough, and in a lower voice add. "...and I had a chance to showcase my cooking... which was disastrous but it was not cataclysmic in nature."<i></i> It was quite a bit to be said under his breath.

Kitchy said nothing initially to CuRua as he made his approach. When he did get close, the husky turned her head slightly. She had both her eyes closed, but then one of them opened. She asked the little fox if he was cold, which is why she had thought was why she was getting so close. Ika spoke up of how it was best to let some people wear themselves out. Maximus sniffed the air. He let out a low growl about how that was some sage advice coming from Ika. Maximus shifted his gaze over to Sousuke, the proud Lyron muttered under his breath about having to do that himself in order to assert dominance over the household.

"Going back to earlier, yes... quite. There is a difference between brawling and merely fighting. Brawling isn't disciplined, and is ... well one could simply brawl at the drop of a dime so to speak."<i></i> He paused for a moment. "Of course that is to say ... brawling doesn't always win, sometimes when a fight drags out ... most brawlers seem to... fall empty on the metaphorical gas tank of their stamina."<i></i> He was very grateful that his grandmother did not reveal that his mastery of the shadows also meant he could transform into a 'bladed shadowy entity' which was ... very Mikaboshian. "What is that song lyric...? Love is a battlefield?"<i></i>
 
Yume looked to the Steward with fondness as he mourned his cooking again. It would seem that she would never be able to convince him of the delight his unique creations had to offer. One hand would be mindlessly playing with the soft curls of hair at the back of his neck, scratching lightly with her nails. It warmed Shinji’s heart to see his younger sister so content with the Steward. Her eyes were heavy lidded as she rubbed noses with him, a gentle rouge tingeing her cheeks. He was used to her being clinical and stand-offish. There were moments when she would smile and enjoy herself but she controlled those emotions with a tight fist. Seeing such unfeigned sentiment made him a little jealous; he had his women but it wasn’t the same as having a love. Putting his arm around Tsukiko, he places a kiss to the side of her head and squeezes her shoulders. What they had was barely even friends but they understood each other and for two souls that guarded themselves against letting anyone in, that was a lot.

Stamina comes with practice. It’s no different than Ninjutsu and chakra in that regard. As for love, it certainly is but sometimes pain can make the moments of peace that more enjoyable. I think we should be going though. I’m certain your grandmother won’t want to be running into us again. Next time we’ll have to play something that’s less competitive or let her win.

I’ll see you when I get home. I’d like to stay a little longer, if that’s not intruding. I can help you put Aki to bed.

Standing up, Shinji attempts to be the best gentleman he can, offering Tsukiko a hand from her chair and helping her put on her jacket at the door. Turning to Sousuke, he offers his hand for a shake and thanks him for the evening, pulling him into a one armed man-hug. Getting up from her spot, Ika stretches forward and down before trotting out the door, nuzzling the Steward’s leg in appreciation. CuRua had taken the opportunity in Kitchy’s suggestion and admitted to being a little cold to curl up closer with the husky. Hearing Yume say it was Aki’s bedtime, he gets up and nuzzles against the child. Ika leaving would have disrupted him but the interaction from the fennec was intended to encourage him to get up. Giving her brother and coworker a hug before they went to the door, Yume stayed behind and crouched next to Aki.

How about you show me how you get ready for bed. Do you brush your teeth first? Or change into night clothes? Would you like me to carry you?

She would open her arms, giving him the chance to be picked up if he wanted. Either way she would allow him to lead her through his nightly routine, basking in the feeling of caring for a child. She usually had no strong feelings for other people’s children but tending to Aki, especially in the Takahashi’s home, was fulfilling.

[MFT; WC: 513]
 
Sousuke's expression was one of slight confusion with Shinji's man hug. His eyes were sort of wide and blank and he returned the motion out of politeness. Sousuke blinked several times but not to Shinji's awareness as he was being hugged. "You take care Shinji."<i></i> Sousuke went to the door with Yume and watched his company depart. He watched as Shinji with Tsukiko. He lingered for a moment keeping an eye on them. He did not want to turn his back just yet only to have them being attacked on his street. It wasn't like Shinji was incapable, he was there at the first Magentica battle, but Shinji and Sousuke were very different fighters. Sousuke turned to regard Aki and Yume. He smiles as he watched Yume interact with Aki inquiring with him about how he prepares for bed. The child exchanges glances with Sousuke, and then with Yume. He reaches out and takes Yume by the hand and leads her up stairs. From time to time, Aki had to let go of her hand as he climbed the stairs. As each stair was climbed he once again took her hold by the hand until they got to the very top. Sousuke followed the pair. Aki at one point stopped to turn around to make sure he was there too, the child received a small and a motion of the hands to keep going.

Once at the top of the stairs, Aki showed Yume around. He pointed out ShiShi's room. He pointed out Sousuke's room, then gragrama and gragrapa's room, which of course he meant Judori and Chiyoko. He then ran back and pointed out the bathroom. Sousuke heard the sound of a thump. "Be back in a moment. I need to check on Maximus. I think he got himself stuck again."<i></i> Sousuke ran off to check on the male Lyron. In the back Yume would hear Sousuke not grumbling, but coaxing the Lyron not to walk a certain way.

"Maxi sometimes get stuck in door. He get smaller, like Aki."<i></i> The child spoke as he pulled out a standing step. When Sousuke got back, the Steward got out the toothpaste and the brushes. The two of them amazingly brushed their teeth in unison, and even gurgled water. Aki was done a bit quicker but he paused and waited for his ward to catch up with him. "Clean! Clean!"<i></i> He proclaimed as he placed his fingers in his mouth to show his pearly white teeth. Sousuke patted Aki on the head, who then hugged his 'mine' as it were. Although Sousuke was not his father, it was clear that the two were sharing attributes. Usually the child asked Sousuke to carry him, but this time he walked over to Yume and motioned he wanted to be taken up. "Starry time next, and sleep sleep."<i></i> He insisted.

(MFT)
 
Yume allows herself to be lead by the boy, taking each step slowly to keep pace with his short legs. There was something almost normal about how the evening had played out, allowing her to feel like maybe the Cabal occupation had been a nightmare and she was waking up. Perhaps she had inhaled fumes at Keystone and hallucinated the whole thing; if it weren’t for the devastation outside it would be an easy thing to believe. The tour was short and sweet, and the mention of a ‘ShiShi’ made the mednin curious. She wasn’t familiar with anyone close to that name that might be living there unless that was how the boy affectionately referred to Mako.

She leaned on the door frame, watching the ward and steward get ready for bed, trying not to let a fond blush take hold of her features. Yes. This was what normal should feel like. Stepping out of their way to let them exit, she’s surprised when Aki approaches her with uplifted arms. Leaning down, she sweeps the boy up and wraps one arm under his bottom, corralling him against her side with the other.

Do you have a favourite storybook? Or does your Mine recite them from memory?

Getting to his room, she puts him down and watches him run to where his pajamas are sitting near his bed, striping down without a second though. Averting her eyes, Yume is a little unsure how to handle the situation. She’s used to helping children at the hospital but this is a little different; One thing is for sure is that his shamelessness is certainly reminiscent of his mother. Once he was dressed, she turns down the covers and lifts him with a ‘whoop!’, laying him down and tucking him in. Taking up a seat on the foot of his bed she ventures to tell him a story, hoping it wasn’t to ‘girly’ for him.

There once was a common girl who people of her village thought was a bit odd. She spent all her time inside reading books, venturing out only to go to the market. One day, there was an event taking place at the Palace at the far end of town and the whole village was invited. She was thrilled! Never had she been to a big party before. When she showed up, there were beautiful lights that sparkled like stars and food everywhere. She wandered the party, taking in all of the excitement. Across the room she sees a stoic man with purple hair.

“Who is he?” She asks.

“Why that’s the prince.” She’s told. She had never met the prince, only seen him from a distance as he spent his time with his own studies. She wanted to meet him because she was curious but she was very shy. The evening ended and the common girl went home… dreaming of the day she could meet the prince. What she didn’t know was that she had caught his eye.

He searched out the common girl and requested her help to teach him how to cook, for you see his mother had banned him from practicing at home. She gladly welcomed him in and taught him to make soup, showing him how the different pieces came together to make something tasty. To the prince’s dismay, the lesson didn’t turn out quite as planned but the common girl barely noticed. She was happy to able to see him in away that was more than just the ruler of the land. She saw him as man and felt… like she was someone’s mine.

Yume was smiling by the end of the story, casting glances to Sousuke. It wasn’t quite how the story went but it was a little complicated for a young boy. Even in this telling, she was worried that it would be too much for Aki to take in or that it would bore him. She could have told him the adventure her father told her, of him coming to Sunna and meeting her mother but that wasn’t her story. This one was.
 
Aki giggled as he was lifted into bed and tucked in. While Yume sat on one side, Sousuke stood by as the child looked back and forth between the two. The child listened intently to the story, from time to time his eyes slowly blinking as he was getting sleepy. He was fighting the sleep as much as he could as he wanted to hear the whole story. A little yawn escaped the child part way through the most wondrous tales. He had never heard of this story before. He was used to hearing tales about the Black Knight and his journeys to solve the world of its many problems and its mysteries. One such story was of the Black Knight who went to retrieve the moon goddess who was locked up in a tower. Another was of the Black Knight who united Seven Dwarves to battle against a great monster who threatened to devour their homeworld. The Prince was something different, but was still a most acceptable story to be held. As Yume finished the story, Aki looked to Sousuke. "Common girl and Mine together? Aki like that. Girl isn't just girl. Girl is Yu-Ma. Yu-Ma, Aki like much."<i></i> Another slow blink of the eyes as the child was falling asleep. The child feel into a sleep.

Sousuke knelt down and kissed the boy on the forehead. "Sleep well and pleasant dreams Aki."<i></i> He patted the sleeping child on the head. While this was not his child by blood, it was his by succession? Each day passed it seemed less and less that Okibi would return, and that troubled him. Aki was ultimately owed the truth, and some day he would know. Not now or for many years to come yet. "Thank-you Yume."<i></i> He placed his arm on her shoulder. "I used to read to Okibi, but I never had experienced this. This is something different, something to be treasured and kept sacred and whole."<i></i> Sousuke would motion for Yume to follow him out of the room and back to the living room. He took her by the hand gently. "Thank you again. I think Aki very much enjoyed that story. He listened very intently and very happily. It was very different compared to the stories that I read to him... difference is good."<i></i> He paused for a moment. "Aki is so very different from Okibi, but this always go back to the concept of nature and nurture. Aki's life has been ... filled with love and people who care for him. I hope that his mind does not return to the state of things during his birth. I know he has gotten used to my father and mother who love him dearly. Even Prime Diamund of the Kirishii taught him his first word, and of course the time he's spent with you. All of it is something I've been very grateful for, and I hope it continues. This is ... something different for me too even, but it is something I am happy with. Spending time together as a family, that is. A proper one... or at least that is how I see it."<i></i>
 
Brushing her fingers over Aki’s forehead as she gets up to leave, she pauses a moment to smile down at the boy. A low rumble, barely audible, would slip through her lips as she wished the boy sweet dreams in her family’s language. She followed behind her mate as they made their way to the living area, watching his back and smiling. She was relaxed. She felt safe.

Medically speaking, it’s unlikely that he will remember any of it. Was… was he exposed to their conduct?

Yume had been one of the few who had met Okibi at the gates. It was where she met Uri and her first encounter with Tama. Two of them had been accounted for but would likely remain away from the village. Given the circumstance, Yume could understand why Okibi wouldn’t want to be around Aki; to be reminded of what she had been through. However it puzzled the mednin: why had they rescued him? Had it been Sousuke to save the boy? These were not questions she felt she should ask after such a pleasant evening.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a proper family. I had a happy childhood but it was a little broken. My mother did her best to keep my father’s memory alive but it’s not the same as having them there with you. Slowly… it’s coming back together for me. You’re lucky, Sousuke, and so is Aki. To be given a chance to have a happy childhood is something that would have been impossible if you hadn’t left for the surface when you did. The journey may have been fueled by revenge but sometimes the most amazing things can come from terrible pains.

Stepping close to him, she grips his hand tight and laces their fingers together. She rests her head on his shoulder, turned to the side to listen to his heart. Closing her eyes, she feels her consciousness lulled by the rhythm, threatening to fall asleep in his arms. Opening them again, she looks up with the intention to part ways but is greeted with a view of his lips. Without thought, she rises on her toes and meets him with a kiss. Her free hand finds the back of his neck to pull him close. It wouldn’t last more than a few seconds but it was more than a simple good night kiss. Biting her lip, she blushes and looks away. It had been very forward of her to kiss him in his office the first time; now one might say it was almost improper to be so passionate in his family home.

Perhaps that was too brazen. I should wish you good night.
 
It took Sousuke a moment to understand what Yume was inquiring about. It was two folded. "Okibi and Tama? No. The people holding him? Well... he was locked up in a cage. Malnourished. Unclean. Experimented on. Things did not get any better for him when we tried to re-enter Suna. Okibi shielded his eyes from the display of corpses Shouki had left there. I kept him out of that conflict, and in the care of Prime Diamund. Her practices were most motherly... but then again she is the matriarch of Kirishii and is used to dealing with children. Given that they are primate like in features, a human child isn't all that different."<i></i> He explained. All in all, Aki had a very different upbringing. Since coming to Suna Aki had been shown love and affection. Judori and Chiyoko adored the child. To them it was like having a proper grandchild. More so his father seemed to be the most difficult to read. His father was overjoyed with Aki, but seemed to ... be indifferent in terms of Okibi's disappearance. Perhaps it was a generational thing where men and women owed up to their problems and dealt with them instead of flee. Perhaps it was because Sousuke was so broken over the loss of Okibi, that he maintained a stronger face to keep his son going.

Yume's remark about the alternative situation caused the man to pause. "If things had worked out properly I would have returned with Okibi, Tama, and Aki. I lost both of them... and it still upsets me."<i></i> He paused for a moment. "I've lost Okibi twice now... and I fear of losing Aki, or you or..."<i></i> Yume held his hand, and he stopped speaking. The look she gave him was something that had placed his fears and disappointments aside, furthermore she kissed him. Actions were usually better than words to disrupt things. Actions were simpler and far more effective. Yume broke away from her kiss, and spoke of how she was being brazen. Sousuke said nothing and held her face gently like the time he did at his birthday party over a year ago. He said nothing and simply returned the kiss she had given him. One good night kiss, certainly deserved another.
 
Yume allowed her lids to flutter closed as her mate returned the affection. Deprived of sight, her other senses became refined. His caress warmed her cheek as his scent invited her to pull him into a tighter embrace. Ambient sound became dulled while the rhythm of his heart echoed hers. The seconds felt like minutes, leaving her reluctant to release the Steward. Through heavy lashes the room slowly comes into focus as the kiss ends, her gaze being met by azure irises. It seemed to have snuck up on her while she was busy being crazy; somehow in her lovers absence her feral desires awoke. Her mind felt stuck on repeat, trying to convince her faculties that one more wouldn’t hurt. At this rate the sun would rise above ground and they would still be standing there.

I missed you…

She hoped the words carried everything she wanted to say but feared that they would sound flat. Their logical pragmatism was something that drew them together but the absence stirred a longing within the Inuzuka that unsettled her. Her hands found his and squeezed them tight as she lost herself in his stare, afraid to say anything more in case her emotions betrayed her. It would be inappropriate to linger and she wasn’t certain she wouldn’t try anything unseemly if she stayed. With a fond smile, she raised his hands to her lips one at a time and kissed them. The smirk burst into a grin and the mednin found herself swaying like a shy schoolgirl. With a small bow, she releases Sousuke and makes her way to the door, slipping her shoes on and opening the portal to the streets.

My father left his family in Amegakure to stay with my mother in Suna. I’m sure word of his home’s destruction aided that decision, however everyone has their path. Okibi and Tama are no exception. They found each other and they are together. Loss will drive you mad if you let it.

There was so much more to say, and she wanted to say it all. She wanted to tell him how addled she became in his absence yet didn’t want to burden him with the knowledge of her grief. Taking one last long look at her mate, she turns to the night and steps into the dark. Shinji and Tsukiko would be preoccupied with each other for the time being, leaving the mednin to busy herself for an hour or two.

[Topic left, unless stopped]
 
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