New-ninja shenanigans, a terrible training method?

[Yumiko]

Sietch Zensunna was where Yumiko had basically grown up. While she was no stranger to the city at large (Save for the particularly dangerous areas, such as the worst-off areas of the Grand Palais) these were the streets she had known all her life, though none had probably noticed until today. The Shinobi Foundation Complex, she reasoned, was a nice place, but given her progress the last few months she was afraid of looking... let's be honest, completely inept in front of her now-fellow Shinobi, and so she shied away from it. The more secluded areas were either Off-limits to her or completely unsafe, both due to recent events and a few having just always been like that. That left her with Sietch Zensunna, and an improperly solved dilemma.

She sprinted as fast as she dared through the streets, partially out of an attempt to draw less attention, and partially because she had already learned the hard way that attempting to train at a full sprint was grounds for getting exhausted in minutes and didn't really help development. In fact she'd been set back several days because she'd torn a muscle doing it. How many people were looking at her now? Just a few curious glances for the moment. And... punch! Punch! She did them extremely slowly, getting a feel for the movement that would have to become second nature in the future.

Even at barely above a jog, she found herself tiring embarrassingly quickly and had to force herself to keep going. It was more effective than you'd think. Maybe not so much as far as learning Taijutsu combat is concerned, but the pace she was setting through the streets had her primarily having to dodge and weave through various circumstances as she snaked her path less in a circle and more in a bizarre series of squiggly lines around the area, continuing to draw unwanted attention as she did so.

She flushed, both out of minor embarrassment and slight exhaustion. She was doing better than she had... any other day, but she still didn't feel very Ninja-y or even athletic. She wiped her brow and leaned against a wall. Since she'd stopped caring no one seemed to particularly care for her presence, so she was free to catch her breath. She kept an eye on the crowd, just in case. Soon she'd have to get moving again, but for the moment she felt safe taking a break.

[MFT]

 

[Enatsu]

Since the start of these events many things had happened. Time was becoming hard to decipher with the numerous movements Koga had made. It was like a weird struggle to keep hold of everything going on. As of late Koga was stripping himself to the basics, re-learning things he needed to know. The rules of war, the way of the warrior, and what it meant to be a shinobi. There weren't enough books in braille to teach him what he needed to know on his own. Koga was fortunate enough to have loyal clansmen who took time to read the information for him. They also translated into braille for him using a pen and lightly pressing the back of a paper. It created raised indents to which he could identify as letters. He was truly happy to have people like them in his life it made this transition so much easier.

Today he wanted to do recon going into the streets blindfolded and toting a cane. While his hearing was getting sharper he was still untrained in preciseness. By combining the guide stick and a unique clicking to mimic echolocation he could make his trek that much easier. Even so Koga still continued usage of the Harmonization jutsu to fine tune his hearing and enhance what he couldn't already hear. There was an abandoned cafe, tattered by a raid but the thieves were kind enough to leave the seats. Helping himself with a cheerful hum he'd plop himself down into one and pull out a scroll from his belt pouch. It was one of the translated scrolls about what it meant to be a ninja. It came from an old obscure historical text when chakra manipulators were still rising and not everyone relied so heavily on death wreaking jutsu.
[spoilername="Old Story Text"]
"From the Diary of Miyazama Kenshi:
Today we met with a young group of slaves who we had salvaged from traders. The traders were taken out silently and swiftly all from the use of our poison, needles and some simple disguises. We set up a plot to have one of our own sell our women to them for the night under cheap prices. In return he wanted to spend an hour with one of their children. They thought him to be some pervert but the child they chose was the one they forced to cook. It was simple to coerce the child with a chance at freedom when all they had to was poison the trader's food and wine. It was simple and the child did splendid work. After the poison was administered our women awaited for the first signs before drawing their hairpins which were sharpened as weapons. It was a good day of death as they eliminated each trader. We took the slaves looking to turn them into our own bringing them to the caverns to train them in the ninja way.

Our cardinal rule that every shinobi follows is to get the job done by any means necessary. We leave honor, on the rice mats where those dogs bow to their masters. We follow our own rules and live to preserve ourselves. It does not mean we are heartless but on the battlefield in our dojos, we live a life only fit for hardened warriors. Killers is what we want, people who will accomplish their mission life and limb. Sacrificing their morals for the greater well being of the ninja clan. I've told these children this and tomorrow the true test begins. We will see how many of them survive mentally and physically. Those who not will be buried in the sands to waste away...."
[/spoilername]

Koga stopped reading as he digested the information. True story or not this was the epitome of what it meant to be a ninja. To accomplish your mission by any means necessary. To use any tool to get the job done whether it be your values or a child. There was much he learned from these scrolls and many of them would teach him the error of his ways. For one his attire needed to be more in line with blending into the darkness when needed. Poison would also need to become a greater tool to Koga as he needed to formulate striking death unto his enemies better. However he was not very well versed in the art of poisons however with his skill for Genjutsu he could accomplish that, plaguing their mind with illusions.

As the blind one continued to mull over his idea of a shinobi and their place in war he heard something passing by him. It seemed like someone was jogging but their heart beat was faster than those rare few who continued to pursue freely walking the streets. Koga would take his cane and begin to follow the footsteps keeping a distance from the person whom made the racket. The heartbeat became murmurs as Koga noted the odd foot patterns this person was making. It was as if they were running an odd course, possibly scared of being followed or found. He saw this as a chance to catch up with either a citizen in danger, a shinobi in planning or even a member of the Cabal.

Eventually the footsteps stopped and he knew he would be within range of the strange runner. Koga would come from the opposite direction they ran hoping to give them a full view of himself before approaching. Who would suspect a blind man of following them after all? The Ikojin warrior would tap his cane from side to side listening for the world around him, until he came upon the slightly tired jogger. His eyes were blindfolded clearly making him out to be blind. Before speaking he would lift his cane and point it at them keeping his distance but showing them there were metaphorical "eyes" on them. "You realize that there's hell out here right? Just who are you and why are you running in zigzags stranger? Jogging in those awkward patterns will surely turn some heads." He knew it would seem weird calling them a stranger when he walked up on them in the first place but giving his name out to random people would just be dangerous at this point.

[MFT]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

​

As if on call an elder gentleman with a bald head and massive muscles stepped from the shadows his hands slightly crusted with blood and the tangled unconscious bodies of bandits and thieves escaped from the Obsidian palace lay neatly stacked, bound and gagged in a nearby warehouse. The man looked to be in his late fifties but he was obviously a little too fit. His eyes were much to lively but Koga could not see them, it was his presence that told Koga volumes. "That young scrapper is training for entrance to the dojo, but she doesn't know that her father has already made arrangements for her training. The current crisis however has caused for a delay in her training so she is merely training herself. She has potential and she has spirit. You however have seen better days. Perhaps I could have one of the Toraono Clan healers take a look at you we are all slowly and methodically clearing the areas of criminals escaped from the Obsidian Palace and three masters are assigned to watchover the residential areas. The stronger criminals that are a clear threat have been marked for execution or special rehabilitation by Lord Kuro himself until such time as Mikaboshi-sama is found. Seeing your current predicament if you like I myself can teach you to see without natural eyes. It is a rather simple jutsu but I would need to teach you the handseals."

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko got the distinct impression she was being watched. It was distinct because it was both obvious and true. She looked round to find herself being pointed at by a blindfolded guy with a cane. Frick. She supposed it was only a matter of time until something like this happened, but she had, at least in her head, bet on the low odds of it not. She scampered for some kind of excuse in her head- anything that sounded plausible without outing her actual intentions. She started to stammer some half-thought answer; something to do with Leather Delivery and running late, but she did not get beyond, "W-well... I..." before a second individual appeared.

This one was an old man (while not actually all that old, he was old by the standards of an 8 year old and definitely looked the park). This one quickly ruined any chance of an excuse working by speaking for her and being absolutely right. She gawked a moment and then shut her mouth. While she had started out training herself, even her undeveloped brain had played enough connect-the-dots to realize what was going on. She looked over at the blindfolded man. Ninja. Then over at the old man. Also a Ninja. She took the compliment about her spirit or whatever the old man had said (She was understandably not paying a lot of attention to the minor details at the moment as she was dealing with keeping an eye on the two strangers, not sure what was expected of her or how dangerous/malicious these two might be) and clammed up, silently hoping that they would either finish up their conversation and leave, give her the opening to do so, or at the very least do something to make the encounter feel less... tense. But hoping only goes so far. She thought for a moment.

Yumiko did the only rational thing in such a situation. Yumiko waited, silently.

 

[Enatsu]

The young girl only stammered, it was very clear she was scared or extremely nervous. Koga would put down the cane to try and make her feel at ease but before any progress could be made another individual came. His voice was older and deeper than the girls. The footsteps seemed larger than those of a smaller person he was clearly one of larger physique. Koga would extend the cane once more in front of the girl but more of a gesture that this person should not cross this line. However it did not get to a point of danger as the man began to speak for the girl.

"Training is fine, but in the dead of this chaos. Not the smartest thing one could do." Koga knew a thing or two about stupid decisions his eyes or lack of were testament to that. Still he could not help but muster a smile as this young girl still wished to train and be strong despite the danger. He continued to listen to the old man uttering no more words until he was finished. While he commended the girl it seemed that he almost was insulting Koga or criticizing his predicament. The old man went on to say that he could have the Toraono Clan healers take a look at him. This man is of the Toraono? Just how many are there doing their own duty. Koga would say in his mind. The older man would also explain that Kuro was out fighting more dangerous criminals or giving them rehabilitation.

"Lord Kuro? You are apart of the Toraono Clan but ever since meeting you people before I wonder, are you a person or just another one of his aspects? At any rate, what's your name I'm Koga. Though I doubt you didn't already know that." It was a fair question considering what Koga knew now. The last time he met the Toraono Clan he still had eyes in his head. It was supposedly only some long hours ago. Yet time seemed to move so slowly when one was in war. It couldn't be helped that he lost his sense of time being blind and in constant chaos there were far greater matters at hand. He then topped everything off with the offer of teaching him a jutsu that would teach him to see the world without his eyes. "Heh, it's funny you say that. I can still see you know, it just depends on your idea of what seeing is. I've done nothing but cram knowledge about blind people into my head going back to the basic times of man. As tempting as a jutsu sounds I think this is something I must forge myself for now. Maybe another time yeah?" He'd turn to the girl who was keeping silent. Koga would scratch his head slowly before even coming up with anything to say to her.

"I'm sorry you know, didn't mean to scare you. Things are... edgy as you can tell from the current state of affairs. I'm Ikoji Koga, just a simple sunan shinobi no need for you to be afraid. What's your name and where is your family?" Koga's voice became softer as he tried to make her feel welcome to their fold. He had a way with kids or least he liked to believe there was talent. The shinobi figured at the very least he could safeguard this girl from harm if nothing else. She seemed willing and bold but that was not enough in this world. There was a need to make sure she'd be safe in this terror. Getting to know people in an alley way may have not been the greatest place but for the moment the group was unhindered.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

​

With a smile and a shrug while rubbing his shoulders he turned to the young woman whom may one day be his student but addressed the young nin before speaking to her. "Suit yourself young man I can understand the need to master yourself. I am Master Zetsumo one of the many Taijutsu masters trained by Kaibudo sama himself father of Lord Toraono Kuro. Now as to you young lady, although I applaud your efforts, Koga san is right, Even with us here it is still dangerous to be in the open during the crisis that is sparking all over Suna. I took watch over this area specifically so I could come to greet you during my patrols. I must say I am quite impressed however, they way you run full tilt and then turn effortlessly is very good for a young ninja to be at your age. How about we both escort you home and your father and I can hammer out the details of your future training. With your permission. You do not need me to tell you what to do and what not to do until you accept a formal contract as my student."

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko didn't quite know how to feel about the turn of events. On the one hand she was being addressed and it turned out, at least from what they said (which she supposed could be trusted, at least to a certain extent) that they were friendly Ninjas. She- Wait... Right! One of them had asked her a question, "I'm, Aihara, Yumiko." she told Ikoji Koga, "My family is either at the shop or at home." she glanced around as if the general state of Suna was visible from the alley, "Probably at home. It's... nice to meet you both."

Now she was in a bind that she understood only tentatively at best; on the one hand both of these individuals were right. It was extremely dangerous out at the moment and she was more than aware of it. Her parents were likely going to be angry at her for even considering training in the manner she had chosen with things like they were, much less actually going through with it. She hadn't quite gotten to the part of her plan where she had figured out what she was going to tell them she was up to instead.

On the other hand she felt like she was far behind. While true she had no real frame of reference and Master Zetsumo, had even complimented her on her agility, but she had this strange image in her head of Academy Students being ghost-fast, Hercules strong, and Wizardly smart, and anything less would get her made fun of. A fairly implausible standard to hold herself to to be sure, but she would at least rather overprepare than underprepare. How long had she been silent this time? Eight, Ten seconds? Frick. She'd better drum up an answer for them before they got testy with her.

"Okay." she sighed, relenting, "I'll go home with you two. It's in the Levels." she tacked on that last part to sound helpful instead of just compliant, even though she was almost certain they knew at least the general area where she lived. Where else would it be? "I don't want to be left behind by the other students..." she told them, "That's why I was trying to practice despite all this. I was hoping maybe I could be average by the time class starts... now I'm just worried. I don't get the jutsu stuff at all. I'm physically fit now... kind of. But not Ninja-fit. I mean..." she stopped, realizing that she was pretty much rambling her inner-worries to near-perfect strangers. She clammed up, but not before muttering an apology. That Ninja hero-worship could have gotten her into pretty serious trouble. She was hoping to come off as confident, competent, and talented, not... struggling, but it couldn't be helped now she would just have to hope they reacted positively.

[MFT]

 

[Enatsu]

Zetsumo was neither aspect nor Toraono it seemed he was just trained by Kuro's father. Koga heard nothing but them speak of their Taijutsu highly it excited the warrior's blood in him. To experience a battle with demons, it would be better than some of his hunts. He hadn't felt a challenge since Greenskin. Kaibudo would offer their services to the young woman, not that Koga hadn't already planned on doing such so he did not feel any specific manner about the offer. It seemed Zetsumo was eager to make the girl his apprentice and wasted no time in reminding her that he would do so if she wished. "An apprentice huh? I wonder what it's like to have one. I don't think I have enough experience in my bones yet. To much work to be done." He chuckled at the idea of himself teaching another when he could barely teach himself. Sometimes however Koga sold himself far too short.

The girl finally began to speak up giving her name as Aihara Yumiko. Yumiko, what a lovely name. She was so timid but that was to be expected. A fresh student barely even able to join the ranks let alone gain the proper training for it. When Yumiko said where her parents were most likely at Koga began to tap his chin. "Walking you home is no problem at all out of curiosity what kind of store do your parents run? If they have any reserve rations, or medicine I will buy from them if possible. A lot of places were raided and the hospital is using all the resources they can. Soon... I'll be doing some activities to acquire my own but for now, I'm looking to buy." Even in the midst of danger there was still business to be made. Koga had been looking into a local crime crew who had just banded and tried making their mark. In time he would join to commit some of his own justice upon this village.

The girl's rambling about her own physical prowess was quite entertaining. He was sure that she was just toiling over what she wanted to do and how she could accomplish it. A laugh would escape the lips of Koga as he responded to he rambles. "Such innocence...Don't worry too much Yumiko just be safe and train at home or safe havens around other shinobi. Trust me we all were there at that point of feeling inadequate when scaled to the ideal warrior. I'm not even from Suna originally but with training you'll meet the shinobi standards. Now onward future kunoichi let's get you home."

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Byakko Zetsumo of the Byakko house of Clan Toraono smiled at the young girl's innocence and simple straightforward way of thinking it would make training her much easier if she didn't seek the meaning behind every action or every word and simply responded with efficiency and instinct. He would ask his daughter to be her second so that she could keep ahead of the regular academy students. As these thoughts passed over his mind Yumiko decided that she would accept an escort home. Which showed depth of understanding at her age and again he smiled as he could have simply watched her from afar just as easily. "You take point young lady Koga san will act as your second and guard your flanks and I will have rear guard, before you know it you will be a fully qualified ninja."<i></i>
With a happy smile despite the state of the village Byakko Zetsumo followed the young lady acting as rear guard while Koga kept pace.

 

[Yumiko]

(Sorry for comparatively short RP. On my phone for the moment.)

Yumiko started on the way home. They weren't all that far to be hobest, it was maybe a 25 minute walk if they went really, really slowly, but Yumiko set a decent walking pace despite her height. "I... don't think we'll be very much help." Yumiko told Koga honestly. "We might be able to dig something up, but... well, my family are leatherworkers. I didn't say 'we' because i'm no good at it... If you need a belt or a puch or something though, my dad should definitely be able to help."

Every once in awhile she glanced back to ensure the other two ninja were there. It didn't take long before they arrived at the door of a relatively avetage-looking house. "Well... here we are." Yumiko announced.

[MFT]

 

[Enatsu]

The walk was not long but it was a quiet one. Yumiko's light footsteps trailed in front of him while Zetsumo's distinctively larger ones trailed behind. Koga kept his cane out in front of him walking and tapping the ground, clicking every now and then to relay sound waves back to his ears. These waves gave him a general distinction of what was around them although the clicking sound he made with his tongue would probably get annoying to the travels. He hoped the sound could lulling possibly but he highly doubted it. If it was brought up Koga would promptly apologize to them for his habit.

Yumiko would break the mild silence by telling Koga that she did not believe her family could help. They were leather workers, and probably didn't have any type of wares that he was looking for. "Ah well it's to be expected no need to worry about it." Silence would fall over the pair as they came upon a home. Yumiko made sure to inform the two that this was their stop and the blind nin, would break apart his cane collapsing it to put back into his pouch. Koga would make a hand seal focusing his chakra to vibrate the air around him. He would flick his tongue sending out small bursts of sound waves to the surrounding area around Yumiko's home. The entire street would be his target letting the sound waves bounce off of the objects and relayed the information back to him. He was able to make out the buildings and listening even closer to the people around them. It was hard to distinguish just how many people were around but he was working on it.

He would release the handseals feeling as though his survey of the area showed them to not be in any type of danger. There didn't seem to be that many people carrying weapons or any rushed footsteps towards the group. He wasn't sure if they caught the attention of any stragglers and would have hated to leave Yumiko alone only for her to get attacked. "I guess this is where we part ways unless you'd like to be kept company until your parents arrive. Although I believe Zetsumo here wanted to speak with your father." Koga wouldn't mind staying but if the girl had no further use of his presence he would leave and begin his hunting. For now it was good enough to have gotten a young kunoichi in training home safely. The choice was theirs to make at this point.

[If not needed to stay Koga will leave if asked to stay I will remain in the topic]

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The news she had received from Judori hugged the Inuzuka like a cloak as she took her leave from the Takahashi residence. Her heart was heavy but that was eclipsed by the senseless noise that was buzzing in her brain, inhibiting her thoughts entirely. Keeping pace, her faithful companion sauntered beside her stride but did not so much as think a word aloud. He knew the weight of her silence and understood that it was best to let her process it without interruption. It took her a few steps to realize that the repetitious noises weren’t completely in her head, instead were coming from a few streets over. Keeping around corners and completely out of sight, she took advantage of her expert hearing and slunk along near the clicking individual until he met with a young girl, maybe an academy student, no more than 8 or 9 she decided once she ventured a look at them. Not even a moment later a deep voice joined them which once again prompted her to peek, leaving her wide-eyed at the sheer size of the trainer. Their conversation was hushed but the occasional lull in the ambient noise allowed her to catch smatterings of their speech.

…entrance to the dojo…

…I can still see you know…

…escort you home…

“… It’s in the Levels … I don’t want to be left behind … not ninja fit…”

The trio was on the move and Yume stayed in pursuit, relegating her presence to be out of sight either via far rooftop or by being one alleyway over. So the young girl was training to be a ninja, though it sounded to be against what the rest of her family did. Yume frowned for a moment as she contemplated how the youth must feel to be different than her family; it was a familiar thing for many of the shinobi that heralded from trade-families. Before even hearing his name Yume had already identified the clicking man as Ikoji Koga, one who had helped out during the fight with Magnetica and rallied everyone at the ruined Kage tower earlier that day but what did he mean that he could still see? Her sensibilities tried to make sense of what they were discussing but she kept being pulled back to the first comment the brute had said: She was to be trained personally by the Toraono’s. This was simply more than the fragile mednin could stand as she dropped into her vulpes form and made her way from the shadows to the group.

What do you think you’re doing?

They’re going to take her… change her… I have to warn her

You’re being foolish. You’re upset. Stop this behaviour now.

The rebuke was met with a snarl and soon the two foxes were tussling, snapping, and biting, not really appearing as more than two animals having it out with each other. Breaking apart, they would leap around each other in strange circles, making it closer and closer toward the group until Yume had positioned herself between Zetsumo and her reynard. Turning around, she leaps from the ground to the man’s chest, turning back into her human self as she lands with her toes on his hips and her knees pressed against the bottom of his ribs. Her hands gripped his ragged shirt, nails piercing the fabric, as her wild emerald eyes bore into his.

YOU CAN’T HAVE HER. You can’t have another one. No more. Not one more. I’ve seen what happens when they train at Lord Kuro’s place. They… change… they become wild and unstable. Encouraging the rash actions of once reasonable and logical individuals such as Sou-kun. Training disrespectful students like Aru to believe that they have no need of listening to their superiors. He thought it acceptable for a student to fight on the front lines at a village attack. THE FRONT LINES! This is not how Sunnan youth were meant to be raised. Cowboys like Tama and Yomoko, rushing to heal people without thinking… heal people like you suggested Ikoji-san to be healed. Oooooh!

The tirade broke down from being a sensible rant to a flail of fists as her tiny hands beat with futility against his broad chest. It was only her mention that Koga apparently needed healing that stopped her dead. Turning her upper body, she took advantage of the height where she clung to Zetsumo to look at the Ikoji clansman. His eyes were wrapped with bandages, causing her to take a moment to contemplate his existence for a moment. She had specifically mentioned his eyes that morning as he had a runic blood symbol etched on it but now the stench of dried blood and fresh wounds tickled the canine’s senses.

You had eyes this morning. Yes you did… did you loose them? It’s not like you can just take them out and put them somewhere…

Leaning back, her legs still clamped around the trainer, she lifts a flap of Koga’s blindfold and espies an open socket. Her head bobs from side to side to get a better look within the pit before letting the fabric roll back down as she lets it go and scampers to the ground, invading Koga’s personal space by pressing close against him with inquisitive interest.

Oh my! Yes you can! There’s a hole there, two I would suspect. Yes indeed! You. Have. No. EYES! My, my! I suppose that means it grants better access to your brain. What things could be discovered if I could look, yes. You should come see me at Keystone some time. However, right now I must insist that you both just… just… don’t taint her. She’s so pretty… so earnest.

Her energy would be nothing short of frenetic as she circled the blind man, sniffing a little to add his scent to her memory of people she’s met. Coming back to his front she looks him up and down once more before rushing over to the student as she makes her assertion. Wrapping one arm around her shoulders from behind to hug the student against her, she reaches up with the other to stroke her hair in a motherly fashion. Hushed mumbles would come from the Inuzuka as she acquired this girls scent as well, eyeing the two men with mild suspicion due more to her delicate mental state than anything else.

Yumiko… Yu-chan… May Mother Suna bless you in this broken village. We need thoughtful, logical people, and women need to be women. Men just don’t understand that. No, dear, they don’t. Look for Shuu-sama at the hospital. She is a wonderful teacher. Caring and firm. Lovely, just lovely. Tell her Yume sent you. She has words to say about me I’m sure, but she is a rational woman, I assure you.


[MFT; WC: 1131]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

​

Zetsumo was walking and talking with Koga when an Inuzuka woman jumped on Byakko Zetsumo ranting about how people were changed by the Toraono clan and driven wild.

YOU CAN’T HAVE HER. You can’t have another one. No more. Not one more. I’ve seen what happens when they train at Lord Kuro’s place. They… change… they become wild and unstable. Encouraging the rash actions of once reasonable and logical individuals such as Sou-kun. Training disrespectful students like Aru to believe that they have no need of listening to their superiors. He thought it acceptable for a student to fight on the front lines at a village attack. THE FRONT LINES! This is not how Sunnan youth were meant to be raised. Cowboys like Tama and Yomoko, rushing to heal people without thinking… heal people like you suggested Ikoji-san to be healed. Oooooh!

She gripped his body and beat on his chest and spoke of how people were corrupted by the Toraono Clan.

He smiled as she finished her tirade and then acknowledged her martial prowess as she let him go, she had done quite well to jump him like that his sister whom trained tigers was capable of the same thing. He nodded to her as she spoke of people that had interacted with the Toraono clan and had become what she considered unreasonable. "I am not a healer myself nor am I privy to every person trained by the Toraono clan without checking the ledgers, what I can attest to is that no one I have trained is unreasonable or unstable. We are very direct and logical in House Byakko under the clan banner Toraono. You must understand that the Toraono Clan is four houses under one banner not just the family Toraono itself. I myself teach taijutsu, and associated ninjutsu that assist in the usage of taijutsu. If a student of ours disrespected you all you need do is report them to any of our fellow clansmen and they will be disciplined. We do not change a Sunan's personality, but there are those that undergo ritual runic seals perhaps that was what made those you interacted with seem unreasonable to you. As far as the girl Yumik being mine, her parents are alive and well so she can make her own choice in all matters. I claim no rites to her other than what she and her family deem reasonable or necessary. I also apologize if any of my clan members have offended you."<i></i>

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko was... highly confused, and admittedly afraid. Especially when Sagasu Yume, pretty much a stranger hugged her, and not only addressed her by her first name alone, but by 'Yu-chan'. Not only that but the first thing she did when she showed up was assault Zetsumo, although it didn't seem to be 'for real', it was still distressing enough that for several moments she had thought they were under attack. Especially in the current state of the village.

She sort of wanted to be trained by Zetsumo, but it was probably better to wait for the confusion to fully clear before she decided on that- apparently his clan had a thing for altering people? It wouldn't do her any good if she surpassed the other Academy Students but became a different person in doing so- that wouldn't really be her doing it then, would it? It would be whatever person she turned into.

She wasn't entirely sure who Shuu-sama, but it might be worth looking into her. She needed all the help she could get after all. If it came right down to it, maybe she could get tips from both? The next minute or so would be extremely important in deciding that. Either way she was definitely going to take someone with her if she did decide to find 'Shuu-sama'... just to be safe.

Oh right, they probably wanted some kind of verbal response, "I..." she said, glancing from Yume, to Koga, then to Zetsumo, and back to Yume. Frick. What a time for her tongue to knot itself. She closed her mouth at least, her brain whirring. She glanced over at the door. Her father should be home about now... could she make it into the door and inside before someone stopped her? Probably not. Eyes back to Yume. She took a deep breath. Despite Yume's frantic actions, the fact that she had... at least seemingly tried to be soothing, so she probably wasn't planning on hurting her, or anyone else... hopefully. She swallowed. She was a Ninja now. No time for being afraid, no matter the situation. Speak. SPEAK.

"Thank you... I'll talk to her......?" she stated, not quite as confidently as she wanted to. It came out as a little bit louder than a whisper. Part of her probably didn't really want to interrupt the more important exchange going on now (The one between Zetsumo and Yume) but still wanted to answer nonetheless. Was it a lie? Most likely not, but Yumiko couldn't even really tell herself at the moment- she was still reeling from the abrupt tone change.

She looked down and slightly away to signify that she was going to let things play out now. That's when she noticed CuRua. She barely managed to stop a little squee, but it still became a small smile- How cute! She liked little animals and foxes were high on even that list. She waved a little at the fox. Well, that broke the tension! Though she did still wonder... how would things play out now?

(EDIT: Pretty much ignore this edit, just fixed a spelling error that was annoying me. There is no second b in 'Abrupt'.)

 

[Enatsu]

As a great sergeant once said "Surpise Motherf**ker". Just when Koga had loosened his guard, footsteps rushed to their vicinity. Koga's hand hardened as he was prepared to unleash the bones from within until he realized what was exactly going on. Zetsumo allied with Toraono were being shouted at by a woman who smelled of canines. Her movements were rash and frantic clearly showin signs of some trauma. He wasn't sure what snapped this woman but the Toraono were anything but normal. After meeting the Sharingan aspect of Kuro he couldn't help but feel there was something sinister about them. Whether or not they wanted to admit it, in nature their rituals were not clean. They were normal basics for the more evil things, this world had to offer, but their sage albeit being the "Demon Sage" seemed like he meant no harm to anyone. His devotion to protect Sunagakure seemed noble but he couldn't help but ponder on what this woman screamed about. After she finished the brunt of her rant she turned her attention to Koga and this he could tell from her movements. It didn't take long for her to grasp at his blindfold and forcibly take a peek under. A smirk would spread across his lips as she examined what she was looking for.

Her words were so oddly placed as she frantically exclaimed at his eyes. It was entertaining for the most part and slightly troubling until she made a comment about tainting her. The blind man would tilt his head as if he was staring at her before grasping the bridge of his nose. "Taint her? Tainting children is hardly in my M.O.... She was marked to be tainted by the shinobi world the day she signed up for the academy. Look around you, this village is in shambles they have no choice but to be enveloped by this chaos." A sigh would escape his lips as he could truly understand where this woman was coming from but Koga wouldn't impose his mistakes on this girl. Runic curses and blood seals were something he wouldn't push on anyone but himself as this was all about choice. Yumiko would have to make her own one day regardless of what anyone else wished to impose. Zetsumo himself would speak for the Toraono Clan admitting that they underwent rituals. Koga knew a thing or two about runic rituals seeing as his overdeveloped bones came from one. They tended to be more like curses but maybe this Toraono Clan did things differently. Then again parading around the title of "Demon Sage" didn't make him think anything holier could come of it.

The blind nin almost began to walk away at that point wishing to not argue until the woman began her next line of speech. The feral woman would nuzzle close to Yumiko and her words were soft like a mother or an aunt. She mentioned that Yumiko should seek out Shuu to which Koga responded "As if she's any less tainted..." While he was slightly mumbling under his breath he did not hide his disdain for that suggestion. As if Yumiko should be going to a hospital that was so open and vulnerable and more likely a target than her house. This piqued Koga' interest to stay and listen more. It wasn't until the woman said her name that he sought to speak.

"Yume is that really you? Just what happened to you?" The last time he met with Yume she was storming about looking for Sousuke. She left them at the tower dry for a moment and didn't push her role as a medical leader allowing that outsider to take charge of things. Now she was here in a twisted state to the point where Koga couldn't recognize the woman in front of him until her name was uttered. Yumiko was exceptionally quiet until she thanked Yume and agreed to seek out Shuu.

Koga would begin to tap his chin as he thought about the possibilities of what was going on. From what he knew Toraono Kuro was out somewhere fighting or whatever. His aspects were surveying the areas and his clan was doing who knew what. Shuu was in the hospital taking any and all wounded even those of the enemies which did not sit well with Koga. The girl before them had the spirit of a fighter and clear that she sought to excel in her physical sense. While he may have been blind he was not frail. His body still athletically cut, and his muscles still trained to fight. His clan were desert warriors and survived generations in the Northern Wastelands before coming to Suna. It was very clear that Yume was vehemently against the Toraono taking this young girl and the student seeking out the hospital did not sit well with Koga either. Partially for her safety and partially for his dislike of the current standings. Things weren't safe there and she could get killed on the way. He would offer another option one to appease his mind and Yume's although Zetsumo might not have been as fond.

"Rituals and such are definitely life changing. I do not know of the Toraono Clan's dealings but I have met one before who seemed rather noble. Yet even in noble attempts one may still come to a foolish crossroad. I have learned this lesson from my own blunders... This girl seems like a fighter to me, hospital work especially with their high volume may not be what's for her. Nor may it be the safest place. A compromise if you will... How about I take her under my wing. I'll watch over her, protect her, train her and let her own path flourish. She seems to want to walk the road of a warrior and my clan has a mix of unarmed combat and healing arts. I'm headed to the forest to hunt for food and gather medicine. I could take her with me give her some experience before she goes off training with the Toraono or seeking out Shuu. In the end it's up to Yumiko here and I'm sure this isn't helping her. For all we know she wants nothing to do with any of these choices and imposing on her isn't helpful. (turning to Yumiko) So what do you want to do?" He hoped his words were diplomatic enough to calm Yume and give Yumiko security in making her choice. He had also hoped that with this he could begin training children and others for his private army against the Cabal.

The cardinal rule of being a shinobi... "Get the job done by any means necessary". Leave your honor at the door and sully your hands if needed. We are in war, not peaceful times. It's time to start acting like it. We need well trained soldiers whether they be child or not. She's going to be a shinobi and needs to be trained like one.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

The brief explanation of the Toraono clan makeup eased her suspicion just a little but she still eyed the trainer with mild distrust. Similarly, Koga’s remark about Shuu was not lost to her expert ears, earning him a scowl in reply. With one last stroke of the youths head, she releases her hold and steps beside her so that they formed a sort-of circle. The fox, until now, had been keeping to himself, not wanting to encourage Yume’s behaviour but being powerless to stop it. Seeing Yumiko wave to him, he prances over and rubs against her ankles and closes his eyes with content; finally, a sane female.

She has family… Of course she has family. Considering the adult-to-child-ratio it would make sense that some of the students still had parents that were alive. You, personally, have no offended me but I have been wary of those who have trained under the Toraono tutelage as many seem to believe they’re great without proving it. Greatness is attained; it is not based on prestige of existence.

The decision is yours, Yu-chan. You certainly don’t need to stick to one mentor either. You can take experience from multiple teachers. Zetsumo seems a very reasonable individual, now that I’ve met him.

Sweeping a bow to Yumiko in apology, she whirls around and comes very close to Koga so that her hands were like talons on his chest as she leaned up so that they were almost nose to nose; the generally reserved woman we much more touchy than usual. Her main introduction would be at a normal speaking level and then she would lean in and whisper in his ear.

Yes, Ikoji Koga, it is me. Sagasu Yume of the Inuzuka clan and many things have happened to all of us, as you mentioned.

*whispered* We are no strangers to loss as shinobi. The tower has collapsed; I have been working doubles consistently since Magnetica’s attacks started months ago so sleep deprivation has been playing a part. The hospital has been a mad house with injury because people have not been careful with their conduct. Why should they? A Mednin will just heal them. And what’s more? My mate is no where to be found.

Poor little Foxy. Her brother out grew her and her world is destroyed. I’m on my way to Keystone to see just what of my world is left.

Stepping back, she addressed the group once more with her last statement and circled Koga in the process, wondering if her actions upset him at all. If they did, he hadn’t shown it yet. She nodded her agreement with his offer to also aide the student in her studies. It was nothing against either man in particular, thought maybe a little against the results she’s seen from the dojo, she simply wanted a rounded education for one that seemed so… blank and mouldable. There was much potential that this leather workers daughter had within.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Master Zetsumo bowed to Yume after she took time to think his words through. She was too much like his sister, rash, emotional, quick to expression of action in all forms. A smile graced his face and in afterthought he wondered if her fox was well fed. "No need for apologies young lady, The Toraono Clan as a whole has never had a reputation undeserving and for the same reason some like us, many more fear us. If you come across any mal contents that are acting in the name of the Toraono Clan feel free to cause them great pain and suffering."<i></i> With a nod he looked toward Yumiko and looked about the entrance to her home and waited for her to go inside and check for her parents. " As for you Kunoichi in training please go inside and check if your parents are home I will wait out here for your return. I would like to speak with them if they are available."<i></i> With that said Byakko Zetsumo went and sat down cross legged away from the home and began to meditate.

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko crouched down and happily patted CuRua for a long handful of seconds as she glanced around. It definitely helped relax her as she thought; There was a lot of information from a lot of sources going around. Koga wanted to train her now, Yume wanted Shuu to train her, and Zetsumo wanted to train her as well. She had a bunch of big decisions to make in a relatively short amount of time, but she decided to let her intuition do the talking instead of her brain, "I say.... yes. To all of you." she said. That should make everyone happy, and she would hopefully manage to catch up to and maybe even surpass the other academy students if she tried hard enough, so long as she put in the effort it would be win/win, right? She finished petting the fox. Not knowing his name, she said, "I'll be back in a minute foxie, thank you for letting me pat you."

She quickly went inside her house to check, not wanting to keep Zetsumo waiting. Outside, there was silence for... well over a minute, the walls managing to dampen the sound of whatever was going on inside. Inside she quickly caught an earful from her father. Luckily for her he had been worried beyond the ability to yell, but it was still several minutes before she was able to get enough of a word in to tell him that Toraono Kuro was waiting outside and wanted to speak to him. It took a few more before her father had finally calmed enough to relent. Her mother was quiet through the entire thing and seemed to just be happy that she hadn't come back covered in blood or something. Her brother looked miffed that his leatherworking studies had been interrupted by this tornado of events, and his eyes said that he blamed Yumiko for something, but she didn't quite know what.

Her father was a big man, bigger than you'd expect a leatherworker. He was maybe a full 6'4" and had slightly athletic muscles, though the real giveaway for his trade were his hands- toughened and marred from years of knotting and cutting and sculpting with hard and soft leather. Various scars crisscrossed them- reminders of his mistakes. He wore naught but some thin, slack pants and a highly loose vest, and it seemed to be that he had started work at the same time as things had started happening. He had probably just made it home recently.

Yumiko followed at his heels as he went to the front door, opened it, and stepped outside with Yumiko at his heels. Inside, only her brother stirred, and only to make a comforting shoulder-touch gesture to help support Yumiko's mother.

"Ah, umm..." Yumiko said to the others, "This-" she started, but she was quickly shushed. Apparently despite the worry her father was still a little bit cross at her, for good reason. Message received. She shut her mouth and only opened it to point at the people in the area, "Sagasu Yume." she pointed at the medical ninja, "Ikoji Koga." she pointed at Koga. "Zetsumo." she pointed at the now-meditating member of the Toraono Clan, "Foxie." she pointed at the CuRua. Oops, things were supposed to be more serious than that. Her father gave her a slightly hard look, and she recoiled in apology. Her father, meanwhile, walked up to Zetsumo, "Aihara, Ryota." he introduced himself.

(Just to mention it, I don't mind if any of you roleplay as Ryota, give him words/actions/reactions in your roleplays, etc. He's basically an ordinary hardworking Japanese father-type that's a bit stressed right now and that's all you really need to know. He wants Yumiko to be a good ninja and is aware of the heavy dangers involved, but he also doesn't want her doing something stupid and getting herself killed, if that makes sense.)

 

[Enatsu]

Ryota eyed Zetsumo a man larger than himself moving onto Koga and Yume. "I've already spoken to Lord Kuro about her training before. Arrangements with the best but this whole chaotic assault leaves me wary. My child... my Yumiko means the world to me you hear? She is all the innocence and preciousness her mother and I could muster. However I realize... she's far stronger than I could ever hope to be. My daughter has potential and I know her talents lie in the field of a warrior which is why I even entertained this shinobi mess, but you take her and you promise to keep her safe.I want a promise on your lives that you will keep her from harm and ensure she lives strong hear me? I know how things are out there... I'm servicing lunatics but that's all I can do. Yumiko her could do so much more, and I know keeping her from it won't do me any good it'll only make things harder. She needs senseis, direction and guidance. Proper training to ensure she can survive this chaos."

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This man simply wanted his daughter's safety to be promised. Koga couldn't help but break the bad news to him that she was never going to be safe but he understood that. While he didn't want his daughter thrown into the fray this early he knew it was inevitable. She was a simple academy student treading the path of a true kunoichi. No matter what there was danger and risk. Koga would step forward and bow to Ryuto as his words did not fall on deaf ears. "I understand how you feel very well. Children in my clan are trained to be warriors at a young age not so that they can do battle but so they can defend themselves and fight when the time is needed. No one can promise you that she'll be safe in the world out there but you already know keeping her away is pointless. What I can promise you is that I will put my life on the line to protect her as long as she's in my care. I'm headed to the forest now to hunt for food and gather herbs for healing. I will take her with me teaching her how to erase her presence to the best of her abilities. How to tactically hide from the enemy and stealth herself. If she can do that much her survival chances will increase that much more." Ryuto would stand staring at Koga for a moment before returning a bow. Even though the man said it himself he knew it was hard to hear that his baby girl wouldn't be entirely safe. It seemed that Koga' willingness to put his own life on the line while she was in his care pacified him slightly.

Koga would hold motion for Yumiko to follow as it seemed her father accepted the proposal. "We will leave now and after that I will seek either Shuu or you Zetsumo. I want to give her the basics of the shinobi and survival in order to keep her safe at least. You seem to have more pressing matters with you gang takedowns. Yumiko I'll wait for you across the road. Whenever you're ready let's go and begin your first lesson into being a shinobi. Koga would assume this meant he could take the girl for training first, but if she chose she would like to go with another he would respect her wishes. Either way he still had a hunt to pursue.

[Topic Left with Yumiko if she chooses]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Zetsumo stood from his meditation and bowed to Ryota. "I promise to safeguard her from as much harm as possible and my training is very direct and simple, she will never lose her innocence although she will most likely develop a knack for hitting things. I also place myself at her disposal whenever she is ready and promise to check on all of you from time to time. This, I Byakko Zetsumo, Master of Shishi ken from the Toraono Dojo swear."<i></i> With a quick swipe of his left pointer finger over his right palm he drew blood and made his oath before everyone and just as quickly his wound sealed and looked as if it had never happened.

Topic left to await a time he is needed