Outside The Pagoda... Pt 2 "Shouyu Hoshi's Return" [Closed for Now, REQ Ayumu]

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The young youth was strolling through on his wheelchair. He had adapted to the usage of wheels to get around. Although, his healing was going so well, he could actually use crutches. He assumed he should heed every word of the doctor’s advice and remained off his feet until he felt really comfortable walking again. He wanted a full recovery, so that he may awe his peers the next time around. As he strolled through the village, he caught sight of many familiar faces. Many of them rushed to Shouyu praising him for his survival and resolve as he just grinned awkwardly, not used to such attention.

His curiosity brought him back… to the scene of the crime. His thoughts ran back, vividly reminiscing that fateful day. He recalled just finishing some studies and a storm approaching. He wheeled up to the Pagoda entrance pausing, catching sight of the stairs he remembered walking down on before seeing Kiri. An odd Kiri, a much different Kiri… In fact, he hadn’t seen Kiri at all since then, he wondered if he too was okay. His head dropped. Though that fight only lasted minutes to what seemed like hours, no days of fighting in the moment. He sighed from the sheer pressure of recalling that day, he was sure thankful to make it out alive. But he didn’t even remember who saved him.

Shouyu looked up into the deep cloud Kumo sky, his head tilted so far back it met his chair’s headrest. He eased out another exhale, closing his pale hues, dozing off. The kid fell into a light slumber snoring lightly, right outside the pagoda in a wheelchair.

MFT [WC 277]

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Stepping out of the headmaster's office, Ayumu smiled and gave a final wave before closing the door behind him. Being the Raikage meant a lot of paperwork, but it also meant a lot of meetings. He had just been discussing curriculum with the headmaster and now he was off to return to the Torre and pick up where he left off with the paperwork. In all honesty, he was looking for a distraction- something to keep him from returning immediately to the tower. As he exited the building, he noticed the distraction sitting in a wheel chair nearly motionless aside from steady breathing. Ayumu could hear a light snore emanating from the young Genin and he chuckled lightly to himself. It was impressive that Hoshi could be so carefree, especially in the very same location where he had fought for his life not long ago.

Ayumu had first taken notice of Hoshi when the kid had been chosen to accompany Raku in escorting the Leaf-nin to the gates. He hadn't paid him much mind aside from as a name on paperwork that he signed. That was until he had made the bold statement of walking up to Ayumu in the middle of their meeting with the Leaf-nins and introducing himself alongside a declaration that he would one day be his bodyguard. It had been amusing and enough to remember his name and face, but the next time he heard the name would be even more important.

Recently there had been a disturbance at the Academy. A Genin had lost control and began rampaging around, sure to hurt somebody. The first responded to this incident was none other than Hoshi. Despite the other shinobi's clear advantage in the form of their demonic strength, Hoshi had fought hard and held them off until Junko had arrived. There was no telling who might have been hurt or worse had it not been for Hoshi and he had been brave enough to fight until he could no longer, hence the state that he was in now. Ayumu had actually been meaning to meet with Hoshi, but he had planned to do so after he had made a recovery. That said, the opportunity was here now and he needed the distraction. Walking up behind Hoshi, Ayumu aligned himself parallel with the boy's wheelchair a couple of feet away and paused. Raising a fist to his mouth, he cleared his throat loudly enough to wake the Genin before addressing him.

"Peaceful day, isn't it? How is your recovery going, Hoshi?" Ayumu asked, not bothering to introduce himself or make any mention of why he was here suddenly. It was more amusing that way.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The light snore continued, and turned to a scoffing of Hoshi catching his breath hearing something like a cough and then a statement. His eyes blinked open in a flutter, and sat erect in his seat looking around. He immediately found... Ayumu, the Raikage! Shouyu cleared his own throat and tried to straighten up, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of his lip. His hospital stays in bed made him a slight bit lazy and he was just raring to get out of this chair and back into ninja shape! He turned to Ayumu with a large boyish smile, pointing a thumb at himself.

"Haha, I'll be fine! Sara from Konoha offered to heal me with her jutsu but... She insisted I wait it out."

Just very thought of this bored the kid again, he pouted puffing his bottom lip. He began to wheel himself back and forth ever so slightly to defeat the boredom before it started. His eyes peered around at the scene, construction seemed to work pretty fast, but then again, he couldn't even really remember the damage. He also wondered if Ayumu knew what happened here, but he most likely did and so, Shouyu's head lowered a bit, and his voice was soft.

"Soooo... I assume you know what happened then huh? Hey! Don't expect this to happen to often I was just uuhh.. A little out of my league heh. Hmpf."

He was just as rambunctious as ever, sore to admit defeat but he knew for himself the tricks he had up his sleeve now. It was only a matter of time before he could shock the whole village with his new techniques. A smirk returned to his face, Shouyu rolled his wheels in opposite directions, turning his chair to face the Raikage. He chuckled a little bit, and made a curious face, scrunching his mouth to the left and rubbing his bare chin.

"Ya know, I never usually see ya around. I am overwhelmed to have seen you again! Just, not like this really."

His head fell again, ashamed with a sigh.

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Ayumu stifled a laugh as Hoshi adjusted himself from coming out of a sound sleep. Apparently the Medical shinobi from Leaf had offered him some healing but for whatever reason they hadn't gone through with it. There were surely drastic treatments that would help him get better much more quickly, but the standard treatment would do just fine and give him a chance to rest and heal more naturally. Ayumu grinned as Hoshi shamefully recalled what had happened to bring him to the state he was in now. It was understandable, and Ayumu knew that if he were in Hoshi's shoes he would probably feel similarly. However, as an outsiders Ayumu was able to see the battle from a different perspective. Hoshi had fought hard and though he didn't win, he had done well given the odds.

"Yeah, it sucks to lose a fight. Broken body, wounded pride. Chin up, you'll get 'em next time," he said. Though whether he would have the chance to fight Kiri again or not wasn't clear. Ayumu wasn't sure just yet what they would be doing with the Jinchuuriki. Fortunately for Kiri, Hoshi and Junko had stopped him from hurting anybody. A little property damage was easier to forgive than that. Still, if he couldn't be trusted to be in control of himself and not attack allies, his use to Kumo might be outweighed by the risk. He shook his head, dismissing the thoughts. He was not here to think about Kiri right now. Hoshi made mention that he didn't see Ayumu very often, which was true given that this was only their second meeting. It was funny that it happened in such a short time span.

"Being a Raikage is a very busy job, you know? People don't know the paperwork that's involved," Ayumu said with a sigh. He looked at Hoshi, whose head had dropped as he showed signs of the shame he felt. A misplaced shame. Ayumu felt nothing but pride for the young Genin. He had showed guts and skill both and despite having lost he had proven himself in Ayumu's eyes.

"Hoshi, I want you to know. You have nothing to feel ashamed about. You fought with everything you had to protect this village against overwhelming odds. From what I hear, you gave just about as good as you got. You should feel pride for laying your life on the line. If it weren't for you, somebody could have died," Ayumu said, patting Hoshi on the shoulder reassuringly. He had to know that what he did was commendable, whether or not he won the battle.

"You just need to take this experience and learn from it. It's a valuable thing to come out of a fight like that still breathing. Those are lessons you don't get out of spars," Ayumu went on. Losses were hard to take, but they taught you more about yourself than wins did. Hoshi likely knew things about himself now he hadn't before and he probably already had plans to cover the weaknesses he discovered if he wasn't too broken up about the losing part.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

With his head down, he lifted it up a bit giving a half hearted smirk at the chance to fight Kiri again. But then he wondered, what happened to Kiri, and if he'd be okay. He knew for a fact, he wasn't fighting his friend Kiri, but a possessed Kiri, and Shouyu held no grudge, only worried for his comrade.

Shouyu was wiggled in his chair, getting more comfortable, he was actually thinking about finally turning it in, and using ththen crutches he was given to start his road to recovery, and get his body back into shape. The Raikage explained how seldom visits, proclaiming there was much work to do at such a high rank. Shouyu nodded, for a second he didn't doubt a word, there had to be some tedious things that could hold you up forever, he slightly chuckled. Ayumu was probably bored and trying stall from his duties, maybe that's why he spent some time to speak with the young genin.

Hoshi had turned his head to him when Ayumu began to speak of that night, and he seemed to be commending Shouyu for his actions feat as if he done something beyond his own understanding. To him, it was just a bizarre and random fight for his life in the end, but to his own Raikage, He saw something else and was proud he guessed. His bottom lip quivered and eyes began became flooded with teary liquid, feeling so overwhelmed by joy at Ayumu's words.

Ayumu patted Shouyu on the shoulder his sniffling stopped instantly, some few tears dropping from the corner of his eyes, his left forearm wiped across his face to free his hues from the excess water. He sniffled a little bit and cleared his throat, returning a stoic look on his face.

Ayumu's last words made Hoshi's gaze fall back to the stairs of the Pagoda. His mind raced, recalling every action and drop of blood that night. Ayumu Sama was right, and Shouyu nodded in agreement fervently.

"Yes Ayumu Sama! I will always strive to learn! And train hard! This is only a stepping stone!"

He rose from his wheel chair, at this time nothing was casted, only bandaged and supported by splints, his left leg and left wrist that is. From his wheel chair he pulled a short out a short crutch, that he extended to his height at the armpit and leaned onto it with his left underarm. Shouyu turned to face Ayumu. He would salute him with his good hand, maintaining balance on the crutch.

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Hoshi seemed invigorated by Ayumu's words, to Ayumu's surprise. His motivational speaking skills were never something he considered his strong suit, but if they worked for Hoshi he was glad. Then something unexpected happened. Hoshi stood from his wheel chair without any support. Ayumu was about to proclaim that it was a miracle when he recalled that Hoshi was not actually crippled per say, just injured. Still, it was a show of impressive willfulness that his doctor would probably disapprove of. Ayumu was no doctor, however. He watched as the boy grabbed his crutch while proclaiming that he would learn from the experience and always train hard. It seemed that he hadn't given up. Maybe the results of the fight hadn't had him as down as Ayumu thought, or maybe the little encouragement he had given went further than Ayumu thought. Regardless, it was nice to see that he was in good spirits.

"Look at that, already up on your feet again," Ayumu observed, nodding with approval. "But I should get to the point. To be honest, I didn't want to talk to you just to commend you for your efforts. You may not know this, but in the past I was in charge of the ANBU as their Sennin. Presently, I am once again at the head of that branch alongside my role as Raikage. When I was Sennin, I had to keep an eye out for talent for the branch, individuals who showed exceptional drive and commitment to protecting Kumogakure by laying their lives on the line if necessary. That duty falls to me again now and from what I have seen of you, you may just fit that bill," Ayumu said, recalling the numerous interviews he had conducted as the ANBU Sennin. Usually, trainees came to him asking to join the branch. Sometimes, they were recommended. It was rare that he ever sought someone out specifically.

"What do you think? Have you ever considered joining ANBU as a trainee?" Ayumu asked.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

First the Raikage explained himself as the previous ANBU sennin, before his duty as Raikage. Eventually he cut to chase and said that he was interested in Shouyu joining the renowned special corporation of Cloud. His saluting hand fell slowly to the side. He was awestruck at the Raikage's words he mumbled out, "Ayumu... Sama..." His eyes began to wiggle.

Ayumu would ask him the question and Hoshi would respond with watery trembling pale hues and fist raised by his chin triumphantly. The kid was about to bust up into tears before he held his hand down. Now he was snickering to himself with a big grin. Again one of the back of his hands wiped away his tears.

His head shot up with a fiery passion in his eyes, and also the tone of his voice. He wanted to throw his crutch and dismantle the wheel chair he was so excited but he had to contain himself and he growled almost before answering almost yelling.

"Yes Ayumu Sama! Of course! I will be the best there is by my teenage years! And you can rest assured, whenever and wherever there is trouble, Hoshi Shouyu of the Tsuyoshi Family will ALWAYS be the first to respond!"

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Ayumu watched the boy carefully to see his response to the offer as it seemed more tears were welling up now. Hoshi was the kind to wear his heart on his sleeve by all appearances. One good thing about ANBU masks is that nobody could see you cry when you wear them. The tears transitioned to laughter and then excitement as Hoshi enthusiastically agreed to join the trainee program. There hadn't been much doubt in Ayumu's mind that the boy would. He had already expressed interest in guarding the Raikage, a job that was usually reserved for ANBU... or Yuii apparently. He also showed a great desire to protect his village, which was definitely a criteria for the job.

"That's good, Hoshi. I'm glad to hear it. Just be forewarned, training under the ANBU is not a walk in the park. You'll go through training more intense than anything you've experienced thus far. Most trainees don't make it through the program... it's that difficult. I want to see you succeed, so take it seriously, okay?" Ayumu advised Hoshi. The trainee program was famous for weeding out those who weren't prepared for the rigors of being a full ANBU. Many joined the program mesmerized by the idea of being ANBU but not prepared for the trials involved. Those were the ones that didn't make it. Ayumu had a good idea about Hoshi, however. The boy seemed very tenacious and not the kind to back down from a challenge.

"Once you recover, I'll send an ANBU your way. They will teach you how to enter the Sileo Tempestas, the ANBU base of operations. Then, you can begin your training," Ayumu explained. He wasn't going to give much else away. Hoshi would have to find out what was in store for him later. Nodding, Ayumu took a moment to check the watch under his sleeve and gave a sigh. He had probably spent as much time as he should neglecting paperwork.

"Duty calls. I'd best be on my way, unless you have any questions?" Ayumu asked, giving Hoshi a final opportunity to say or ask anything before he would head out. When nothing more was left to say, Ayumu departed to return to the tower.

[Topic Left]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

He heard, "That's good" and his eyes grew wide and wiggled. It seemed Ayumu truly found an interest in the boy and if that was the case, Shouyu had no intention of upsetting the man. His next statement was more like a warning, or heads up. And he immediately recalled his anbu introduction class with Haji. And that lesson was way out of hand towards the conclusion. His eyes fell to the ground in thought.

Ayumu believed in him, and this was more than enough motivation. The Raikage went on about a secret location where only Anbu have access too, stating that's where his training would begin. He looked at Ayumu once more and nodded.

At the moment Ayumu looked down at his watch, with a sigh. Shouyu figured he had spent too much time here with the boy and pretty much caught the message. Ayumu asked about any questions as he proceeded to excuse himself.

"No Ayumu Sama, I have no questions. I just hope that can I achieve what you entrusted to me. I believe in myself and my ability to protect. You can bet! I'll pass any trial and continue my pathway to be a legend! But, you should go Ayumu Sama, I thank you for visiting me and, and invigorating my spirits once again."

The boy leaned down, gathered his crutch and made his way back into the wheel chair. He wheeled around to face Ayumu with another salute to his exit. The boy smirked as he did so.