Shu's Profile

[Sato Daigo]

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Name: Sakaki Shu
Codename: Byyako
Age: 56
Birthdate: Unknown
Gender: Male

Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Observance
Village: Cloud (Kumogakure no Sato)
Location: Lightning Country
Occupation: Spiritualist / Sensei
Rank: ANBU

Build: Lean masculine form
Height: 6,2
Weight: 175 lbs
Main Hand: Right

Hair Color: Black with shades of gray
Eye Color: Brown
Eye Style: Wide and Sharp
Skin Pigment: Tan

Appearance: To conceal his true identity, he is rarely seen outside of ANBU gear even within the village. His face is mostly covered in bandage except for his piercing brown eyes. On his forehead is a decorated but old head gear that looks similar to the modern head protectors from Kumogakure. Wh

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History
[/size][/spoiler]

Shu is as normal as you can get. He strongly believes in balance and that ever action has a purpose whether good or evil but all things point to the good of all. He is a man believes in progression and is disheartened by anything that leads to stagnation. He despises selfishness and disorder.

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Agility: 600
Stamina: 600
Ninjutsu: 600
Taijutsu: 600
Genjutsu: 600
Chakra Control: 600

Level: 20
Power Level: 3600
Stat Average:
AP: 12.09
Hit Points: 39,000
Chakra Pool: 45,000

Observance
HP: (45 +lvl) x stamina
CP: (55 +lvl) x chakra control
Class Bonus: Kinjutsu
High: Kinjutsu
Average: Evasion, Melee Acc, Gen DC
Low: Ranged Acc, Puppet Acc

Battle Constants:
~ Thick Blood
- +10% Bleeding Resistance and Bleeding penalties are treated as one rank lower.
~Weapon Mastery
- Hidden Actions are revealed to the user through PM.
- This does not apply to Genjutsu
~Human Anatomy[/b]
The user gains +1 Critical Range to all attacks.
- All critical hits deal 2.25x Damage. Additional Critical Damage does not stack with any other Critical attack damage buffs (Opportunist, Hawkeye, etc.).
~ Ethereal (3)
~ -15% Physical damage taken

Stat Caps:
Agility: 600
Stamina: 600
Ninjutsu: 600
Taijutsu: 600
Genjutsu: 600
Chakra Control: 600

Slot One: Seishin
S-Rank - 150 Basic Damage
Slashing - Inflicts Bleeding
Accuracy: -1 Accuracy
Damage: +5%
Augment 1 - Vampiric (10% Damage goes to HP)
Augment 2 - Chakra Drain (10% Damage goes to CP)
Augment 3 - Vanguard (+5% Damage Reduction while this weapon is equipped. While in Defensive Stance, this amount is increased to +10% Damage Reduction.)
Augment 4 - Mirage (Replace Melee accuracy with Genjutsu DC for 1 attack)
Slot Two:
Slot Three:
Slot Four:
Slot Five:

"]
Ninjutsu:
~ Abysmal Harbinger - Mastered
~ Aqua Fang - Mastered
~ Anesthetic Infusion - Mastered
~ Air Bullet - Mastered
~ Ambiance Of The Forbidden - Mastered
~ Amp Field - Mastered
~ Barrier - Mastered
~ Body Flicker Shuriken - Rank One
~ Body Switch - Mastered
~ Blank Stare - Mastered
~ Block - Mastered
~ Cancel - Mastered
~ Chakra Blast - Mastered
~ Chakra Shield - Rank One
~ Chaos of the Mental Plain - Mastered
~ Chidori - Mastered
~ Chidori Control - Mastered
~ Coagulation - Mastered
~ Combination Transformation - Mastered
~ Combustion Seal - Mastered
~ Cyclone Movement - Mastered
~ Critical Exposure - Mastered
~ Crystal Eye - Rank One
~ Devastating Aura - Mastered
~ Dragon Fire - Mastered
~ Dragon Flame Bomb - Mastered
~ Eagle Vision - Rank One
~ Electrocution - Mastered
~ Electroshock - Mastered
~ Elemental Negation - Mastered
~ Elemental Clone - Mastered
~ Energy Transfer - Mastered
~ Five Elemental Seal - Mastered {Pending}
~ Flame Shield - Mastered
~ Force Guard - Rank One
~ Gale Force - Mastered
~ Gigavolt Cannon - Mastered
~ Grand Hydra Excavation - Mastered
~ Grand Waterfall - Mastered
~ Gravitational Distortion - Mastered
~ Gravitational Pull - Mastered
~ Great Wind Scythe - Mastered
~ Heat Wave - Mastered
~ Hurricane - Mastered
~ Hydro Tidal Shockwave - Mastered
~ Impaling Hydro Jet - Mastered
~ Immolation Armor - Mastered
~ Incapcitate - Rank One
~ Jutsu Sealing - Mastered
~ Kirin - Mastered
~ Lightning Beast - Mastered
~ Lightning Torrent - Mastered
~ Mental Kombat - Rank One
~ Mind Lock - Rank One
~ Mystic Hand - Mastered
~ Mystical Pond - Mastered
~ Nature's Guard - Mastered
~ Night - Rank One
~ One Element Seal - Mastered
~ Orbital Strike - Rank One
~ Perfected Rasengan - Rank One
~ Pinpoint - Mastered
~ Psionic Assault - Rank One
~ Psionic Rend - Rank One
~ Pressure Burst - Mastered
~ Pressurized Mist - Mastered
~ Raijins Revenge - Mastered
~ Reflection - Mastered
~ Repetition - Rank One
~ Rain Dance - Mastered
~ Redirection - Rank One
~ Resurrection Technique: Corpse Soil - Rank One
~ Ring of Fire - Mastered
~ Rinse Off - Mastered
~ Scalding Ash Cloud - Mastered
~ Scorn of Aquarius - Mastered
- Scorn of the Lich - Rank One
~ Searing Eruption - Mastered
~ Skeletal Fortification - Rank One
~ Shadow Play - Mastered
~ Shadow Shuriken Replication - Mastered
~ Shredding Touch - Rank One
~ Snapshot - Rank One
~ Spontaneous Combustion - Mastered
~ Stardust Nova - Mastered
~ Storm Bolt - Mastered
~ Stunt Double - Mastered
- Summoning: Impure World Resurrection - Mastered
~ Supreme Aqua Realm - Mastered
~ System Shock - Mastered
~ Tatsumaki - Mastered
~ Tempest - Mastered
~ The Reaper's Gaze - Mastered
~ Thunderclap - Mastered
~ Thunderdome - Mastered
~ Thunderfist - Mastered
~ Thunderstruck - Mastered
~ Torment of the Physical Plain
~ Transformation - Mastered
~ Vacuum Sphere - Mastered
~ Volt Charge - Mastered
~ Water Dragon Bullet - Mastered
~ Water Gun - Mastered
~ Water Prison - Mastered
~ Water Shark Bomb - Mastered
~ Whirlwind Spin - Mastered
~ Wind Release - Mastered
~ Wind Scar - Mastered
~ Wind Scythe - Mastered
~ Wind Slash - Mastered
~ Zephyrs Grace - Mastered
~ Zeus Flash - Mastered

Fire
Abysmal Harbinger - Mastered
Combustion Seal - Mastered
Dragon Flame Bomb - Mastered
Dragon Fire - Mastered
Flame Shield - Mastered
Heat Wave - Mastered
Immolation Armor - Mastered
Ring of Fire - Mastered
Scalding Ash Cloud - Mastered
Searing Eruption - Mastered
Spontaneous Combustion - Mastered

Kinesis
Force Guard - Rank One
Mind Lock - Rank One
Psionic Assault - Rank One
Psionic Rend - Rank One
Reflection - Mastered
Redirection - Rank One


Water
Aqua Fang - Mastered
Grand Hydra Excavation - Mastered
Grand Waterfall - Mastered
Hydro Tidal Shockwave - Mastered
Impaling Hydro Jet - Mastered
Mystical Pond - Mastered
Pressurized Mist - Mastered
Rain Dance - Mastered
Rinse Off - Mastered
Scorn of Aquarius - Mastered
Torrential Vortex - Mastered
Water Dragon Bullet - Mastered
Water Gun - Mastered
Water Prison - Mastered
Water Shark Bomb - Mastered



Wind
Air Bullet - Mastered
Ambiance Of The Forbidden - Mastered
Cyclone Movement - Mastered
Gale Force - Mastered
Great Wind Scythe - Mastered
Hurricane - Mastered
Pressure Burst - Mastered
Shredding Touch - Mastered
Tatsumaki - Mastered
Tempest - Mastered
Vacuum Sphere - Mastered
Wind Release - Mastered
Whirlwind Spin - Mastered
Wind Scar - Mastered
Wind Slash - Mastered
Wind Scythe - Mastered
Vacuum Sphere - Mastered
Zephyrs Grace - Mastered


Lightning
Amp Field - Mastered
Chidori - Mastered
Chidori Control - Mastered
Electrocution - Mastered
Electroshock - Mastered
Gigavolt Cannon - Mastered
Kirin - Mastered
Lightning Beast - Mastered
Lightning Torrent - Mastered
Storm Bolt - Mastered
Raijins Vengeance - Mastered
Thunderdome - Mastered
Thunderclap - Mastered
Thunderfist - Mastered
Thunderstruck - Mastered
Volt Charge - Mastered
Zeus Flash - Mastered

Sound

Non-Elemental
Barrier - Mastered
Body Switch - Mastered
Cancel - Mastered
Chakra Blast - Mastered
Chakra Shield - Mastered
Combination Transformation - Mastered
Crystal Eye - Mastered
Elemental Clone - Mastered
Elemental Negation - Mastered
Energy Transfer - Mastered
Five Elemental Seal - Mastered {Pending}
Jutsu Sealing - Mastered
Nature's Guard - Mastered
Perfected Rasengan - Rank One
One Element Seal - Mastered
Shadow Shuriken Replication - Mastered
Stardust Nova - Mastered
Stunt Double - Mastered
Transformation - Mastered

Dark Sage
Resurrection Technique: Corpse Soil - Rank One
Malevolent Sealing - Mastered
Summoning: Impure World Ressurection - Mastered
Scorn of the Lich - Rank One
Soul Harvest



Medical
Anesthetic Infusion - Rank One
Coagulation - Mastered
Mystical Hand - Mastered
Skeletal Fortification - Mastered
System Shock - Mastered

ANBU
Critical Exposure - Rank One
Chakra Sense - Mastered
Incapcitate - Rank One
Snapshot - Rank One

Gravity
Gravitational Pull - Rank One
Gravitational Distortion - Rank One
Orbital Strike - Rank One

Genjutsu:
~ Advanced Clone - Mastered
~ After Image - Mastered
~ Amnesia - Mastered
~ Bass Drop - Rank One
~ Betrayal - Mastered
~ Body Double - Mastered
~ Charismatic Breakdown - Mastered
~ Basic Clone - Mastered
~ Curse of the Leper - Mastered
~ Crippled - Mastered
~ Deaf - Mastered
~ Deja Vu - Mastered
~ Distortion - Mastered
~ Endless Gap - Rank Two
~ Euphoria - Rank Two
~ False Surroundings - Rank Two
~ Force Exhaled - Mastered
~ Intimidation - Mastered
~ Invisibility - Mastered
~ Impaired Focus - Rank Two
~ Lethargy - Mastered
~ Lingering Spark - Mastered
~ Mimic - Rank One
~ Mist of Deceit - Mastered
~ Night - Rank One
~ Phoenix Embrace - Mastered
~ Pox - Rank One
~ Rage - Rank One
~ Shared Torment - Mastered
~ Slowed Perception - Mastered
~ Temple of Nirvana - Mastered
~ Tree Binding - Mastered
~ Verse of Darkness - Mastered
~ Vertigo - Rank One
~ Voice of the Phantom - Mastered

Audial
~ Bass Drop - Rank One
~ Blank Stare - Rank One
~ Deaf - Mastered

Kinetic
~ Crippled - Mastered
~ Curse of the Leper - Mastered
~ Lingering Spark - Mastered
~ Phoenix Embrace - Mastered
~ Pox - Rank One
~ Mist of Deceit - Mastered
~ Shared Torment - Mastered
~ Tree Binding - Mastered

Visual
~ Advanced Clone - Mastered
~ After Image - Mastered
~ Basic Clone - Mastered
~ Body Double - Mastered
~ Deja Vu - Mastered
~ Distortion - Mastered
~ Invisibility - Mastered
~ Mimic - Rank One
~ Night - Rank One
~ The Reaper's Gaze - Mastered
~ Verse of Darkness - Mastered

Will
~ Amnesia - Mastered
~ Betrayal - Mastered
~ Charismatic Breakdown - Mastered
~ Chaos of the Mental Plain - Mastered
~ Intimidation - Mastered
~ Lethargy - Mastered
~ Mental Kombat - Rank One
~ Repetition - Rank One
~ Slowed Perception - Mastered
~ Temple of Nirvana - Mastered
~ Torment of the Physical Plain - Rank One


Taijutsu:
~ Slash - Master
~ Arcing Slash - Master
~ Dynamic Slash - Master
~ Annihilation - Master
~ Block - Mastered
~ Body Flicker Shuriken - Mastered
~ Devastating Aura - Mastered
~ Eagle Vision - Rank One
~ Pinpont - Rank One
~ Shadow Play - Mastered
~ Spiraling Silver - Rank One

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Total slots: 4
Slots used: 11

~ Human Anatomy
~ Contract Mastery
~ Thick Blood
~ Weapon Mastery
~ Soul Harvest

CA: Ghostwalker

Ethereal Weapon - 3 points
Sound Mind - 3 points
Ghost Illusion - 2 points
Burrowing Spell - 2 points
Mind Guard - 3 points
Mind Over Body - 3 points
Ghostly Form - 2 points
Sprit Barrier - 2 points

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Youkai

 

[Sato Daigo]

History​

The younger of the two known children of Sakak Isoruko and Sakak Ran. Isoruko was a shinobi general which would be considered an ANBU in the modern era and his wife a medical nin. During the times before the modern era there was little time to raise a family so most of the time the boys will be in the care of their grandmother and sometimes their mother when she was in the battlefield aiding the sick. Life was good for a while until the pains of war began to crept in the lives of Saka brothers --- Shu and Kenshin. The mother and father died prematurely leaving the raikage no choice but to enlist the children into the shinobi military. The grandmother made every attempt to block the newly forming village from taking the children away but the best that she could was continue to be the children's legal guardian. The two boys continue to be conquerors of war as they accomplish ever task and assignment to them albeit too well. In time the two grew tired of the endless battle perhaps due to their pertinacious grandmother constantly begging them to stop being shinobi or perhaps they were just bored of the war. Fortunately, this was soon to change at a time they would least expected. The day that it happened was like any ordinary day relatively speaking, they had just captured a shinobi from the enemy forces with Kenshin being the one responsible for interrogating the man. The time was close to dusk with the sun resetting at it hide beneath the cool horizon waiting for the next cycle. The light could barely been seen in the dark void of the cave illuminating the countenance of a bound man still trying to escape. stood at the far corner resting his back on the wall. Shu fiddled with a kunai balancing the sharp tip of the blade against his finger not paying attention to the interrogation. It was not much of an interrogation physically speaking as Shu and the prisoner just stared at each. Kenshin had spent most of his time harnessing his skills as a genjutsu specialist and what better way to get information by breaking another man's will. It was highly more effective than physical torture, unfortunately today his skills betrayed him.


"This guy is a tough bastard..." Kenshin said as he grabbed the man by the head examine the clearly distraught man.

"You should just kill him and take his body. I don't understand why you are persistent in keeping him alive anyway." Shu said as he twirled the kuani like a spinning pinwheel before returning it back into his kunai holster,

"You are very quick to kill brother and to think you were less eager to join the military when mother and father died." Kenshin said as he turned his head toward his younger brother.

It only took a moment before the man was able to struggle and move away from Kenshin before tripping and breaking his own neck. There was such a sense of sadness in Kenshin's eyes as he saw another man die so senselessly despite being an enemy. Shu was simply curious as to how such a skilled shinobi could die so easily. Kenshin darted his eyes back at his younger brother with a blank look in his eyes thinking that he was somewhat responsible. Shu responded by shaking his head expressing showing he was not involved in the man's demise.

Kenshin sighed. "Well, you got your wish." He began to shuffle the body but was stopped by a flash of purple light. The body began to rise up to its fit with the head still erected to the side. A great light of purple and black illuminated the body the caustic sun. The once lifeless body grab its head and turn it frontward creating a loud crackling sound. The body began to speak and it wasn't the voice that the two brothers heard from before. "That was one chink in the neck and no it was not Shu's fault" The voice said with a snide grin. Before he could say any word the two brothers rushed forward to attack not wishing to know what or how the man was able to raise himself from death. The body quickly defended itself as it casted a wave of bright purple light that crashed and sparked between the blades like the sharpening of a blade. The body deflected to strikes before exerting an invisible force from the palm of its hand causing the two men to crash into the walls with Kenshin taking the full hit. Their cognitive abilities served them well as they were able to react according replacing their bodies with logs that crashed into the wall weak timber.

"Hold your horses dudes. That was some hug you were trying to give me. You miss me didn't you." The body said clasping his hands against his waist as he proceeded to smile at them gingerly. "Perhaps an introduction is in order, my name is Ango or simply cipher." He made a sardonic bow still smiling.

The two boys receded their assault understanding that they were no match or perhaps they were just curious. There were rumors of spiritual beings entering the physical realm albeit at random times most encounters were labeled as men turning crazing or freak natural events. There are very few to ever see a spiritual being.

"What is it that you want...Ango-san?" Kenshin inquired as he returned his kunai blades into his holsters.

"I want what you want of course, to end this war." Ango responded.

"Really and what exactly would you gain from helping us? The only thing you accomplished is saving the trouble of killing that man...can't even remember his name..." Shu said attempting to recall the identify of their prisoner. He was a nobody it was unfortunate that they could not gather any information before this dunce killed him.

"I can assure you that all I have are glad tidings. Unfortunately, this body is useless, you know with a broken neck and all. I can give you great power...no strings attached." He said.

"I am going to have to pass." Shu said. "I have all the power I need."

Kenshin concurred but with more tact than his candid brother.

"Very well but I will leave with these words. Everyone desires power to control. It does not matter if it comes from the depth of darkness or the outreached sun. Until we meet again and I am sure it is very soon." Ango simply smiled as he departed away from the body returning it back to a lifeless husk.

"Well that happened." Shu said.

"Why are you being so obtuse about this, Shu? You know that was a youkai." Kenshin remarked surprised as his younger brother's callous attitude.

"We don't know what it was or what we saw was really there. It could have been an after effect from a jutsu. The only thing we can do know is return to camp and report what we have found."

Shu sighed. "Fine..."

They began to pick up their equipment and began to head out of the desalinate cave unknown to them two invisible figures lingered in the ether watching the brothers leave the cave.

"What are you planning, Ango. You know we are not permitted to associate ourselves with mortals. They can not know the truth of our abilities."

"Or what.... the world will end." Ango chuckled. "My name is Ango for a reason brother. I only say what is needed to be heard besides are you not curious if they will the follow same path as us?"

"Do as you wish" The figure said.

---

You’re Joking Right???​

The journey was calm and quiet as they rushed toward their camp site unabated by enemies and supernatural entities.

It was until their eyes bestowed upon the destruction upon them. Everything was left in ruins from the burnings tents to the lifeless bodies. There was much too much damage to count the number of causalities; this could not have been done by an enemy. The two brothers both were both shock still trying to process what had happened. They were able to find a barely unconscious shinobi behind a rock trying groaning as he attempted to signal the young men toward him. When they reach him he was barely recognizable. He was highly ranked shinobi what would be considered an ANBU captain. His body was as if dipped in blood with only thing visible was his scarred face. He pressed his hand against his chest as he tried to sit upright to face the two boys.

"Captain...who did this..." Kenshin said.

"No, this enemy was much different..." He said gritted his teeth and grimaced as he moved his back against a wall.

"Listen to me this enemy is not to be trifled with go back and report this to Lady Kiyo." The captain said as he pulled against Shu's leave showing the urgency in his words."

"You should probably listen to your sensei." A shadowy figure emerged like a guff of smoke with glowing white eyes.

Suddenly, the scene froze and became grayscale like one of those old CRT screens in the 90s. The whole world went full stopped.

"Stop...Stop..." A jocular voice cried out sarcastically. The same man who called himself Ango emerged in front of as if addressing an audience in a play. He was wearing a flamboyant black hat and simple but suave black suit nothing touch his body but pure silk.

"[color]Who wrote this s***. You give youkai a bad name. Yeah I am talking to you.[/color]" Ango said as he thrust his index finger as if pointing at some imaginary outsider. "I mean really I have seen better writing in School Days. Okay let’s roll the tape a bit and start over."

He clapped his hand twice and disappeared into the ether as the scene began to rewind itself far enough to the point where Kenshin and Shu left the cave still bewildered at what they encountered. Instead of reaching a camp filled with gloom and doom, everyone looked fine attending to their business. They were greeted by of shinobi dressed in dirty brown vests the trademark vests of present day chunnin, apparently they were scouting the area.

The Real Story​

"Kenshin-san. Shu-san." They said in unison as they bowed fervently. "The captain is waiting for your report in the tent." One of the men said as he pointed toward the open tent.

The captain was standing over a large map that rested on a makeshift round table. There were two other shinobi who highly decorated as shown by the colored robes and sashes. They were in a heated argument with noses flaring and fingers pointing. "We need this land I do not see how else we can get it."

"But you are talking about genocide. There are hundreds of civilians who should not be involved in any of this. Captain, we should contact Lady Kyo." The man darted his eyes making sure the captain understood the gravity of the situation.

"We don't have time for that you know this Jiro-san. In only a couple of hours the area will be more fortified than it already is. We should prime the bomb now."

The captain sighed cleared agitated by the whole affair to the point where he nearly did not notice the two boys entering the tent.

"Boys, Καλώς ήρθατε και πάλι."

"δύο Taicho." They said in unison.

"Were you able to find anything thing in your reconnaissance mission?" He asked.

There was a sense of easiness in their faces but there stern training was able to waver any doubt in the captain.

"Our captive was killed during interrogation. He did not have...." Kenshin began to speak but stopped abruptly. He noticed a silvery ephemeral wave emanating near the two men standing at the side of the captain.

"Is there a problem Kenshin-san?" He asked noticing the strange pause. Shu was curious as well but he kept his composure as he waited for his brother.

"Sorry Taicho. It has been a long day. I was saying that the man did not have much information to give but were able to gather some old resting grounds that can be of some use to use." He continued as he pulled a parchment from underneath his coat. Kenshin walked closer to the table as he began to hand the parchment to his superior. The strange vision that he saw from before got stronger as he could see a dark and light figuring linger around the two men. He ignored the scene not wishing to make a commotion about what he was seeing if what he was actually seeing was real.

Kenshin backed away from the table and bowed his head. "If I may I would like to retire for the day, Taicho".

The captain nodded his head and allowed the two boys to leave.

"What the hell was that about?" Shu asked as they walked out the tent.

"What do you mean?" Kenshin asked pretending as if he did not know what Shu was talking about.

"Yeah what was that all about." A man said as he callously laid his arms across their shoulders grinning ear to ear.

The two boys took no time to draw their clandestine kunai near the man's throat but making no scene whatsoever. The man was quick to react as he backed away.

"Oh right, I forgot you shinobi are quick to act like. What do you human call it being trigger happy?"

"Ango. It is not a pleasure to meet you again." Kenshin asked.

"Well it is for me. You just witness something very few see in a lifetime. Well except when you are dead or maybe that is a misconception." Ango said. Their small encounter with Ango lead them to a forest a bit away from the campsite. Ango jumped on a large tree branch before continuing his thought.

"What are you droning on about, youkai." Shu remarked clearly irritated at his arrival.

"Did you see them, Kenshin -- the spiritual beings one was a youkai and the other from the kami clan or whatever clan the earth realm call them these days." Ango said with a more stern and austere voice.

Shu looked at his brother finally understanding what was going on.

"I am sure you would have seen them if you head was not up your ass, Shu-chan."

"What the hell is going on Ango?" Kenshin said.

"The better question is what has been going on. You see this war and the many wars you foolish humans having prattling on for centuries has been going. It is a bit meaningless." Ango chuckled at his own joke. He cough as he composed himself. "The kami have their ways and the youkai have theirs, each with their own opinions."

"What is your point?" Shu asked still irritated by this youkai lack of respect..

"My point is Shu-chan is I can provide you a purpose -- a whole new world that will give you meaning and a balance mind." Ango replied.

"What if we refuse." Kenshin responded not truly convinced at what this creature was offering.

"Do what you want I will just find another but there is one thing that won't change is that bomb is going to off. What will your choice be? Whatever it I will be waiting, ja ne." He said. With those final words he left the body that he was inhabited as it fell down to the ground breaking its neck. It was not clear whether or not the body was alive or dead before Ango entered but that was not as important right now.

"What do you think?" Shu said as he walked closer to the body to examine.

"I think we need to hide this body before we rise suspicion." Kenshin responded.

"No, I mean what Ango said about this whole war. I never really thought off life after death perhaps everything that we are doing is meaningless." Shu turned around with curious eyes.

"Where is the stout and courageous Shu? You seriously believe the words of a manic. Regardless of what he said we did hear about the bomb and we must investigate the matter further." Kenshin said.

"You are a f****** hypocrite, Kenshin. You could have easily told the captain but you decided against it. You are just as convinced with Ango's words as I am." Kenshin said.

Kenshin did not respond not because what his brother said could be true but that there was no point in arguing. They needed to reflect on everything regardless if the message was a lie. Everything derived from truth.

"Do what you must Shu. I am returning to the village." He said and like the gust of the wind he disappeared into the woods.

Shu sighed as he made a simple seal causing the body to ignite like a lit candle. The caustic heat quickly turned the body into ash.

Suddenly, Shu could hear a rustling noise surrounding the bushes. He quickly drew his kunai preparing himself for what would happen next.

--------

Kenshin continued on his journey toward the camp jumping from tree branch to tree branch. His mind was still preoccupied by the passing events that he did not realized how fast it took him to return to the village. It was rather dark when he arrived except the camp fires. The smoke was low enough to prevent attention from the outside but the light was bright enough that Kenshin could see the captain sitting among a his peers. Everyone was having a good time with exchanging their sincere grins and jocular laughter.

"Excuse me, taicho." Kenshin said as he venerated himself before his superior with a bow.

"Kenshin. Please come and sit we were just talking about Saito's encounter with..."

"No that is alright. Actually, I came here to have a word with you." Kenshin said with a serene tone. The young man did not want to intrude on the captain's leisure but there was no other time to speak to him but the present.

"It is urgent." Kenshin exhorted.

The captain stood up as he walked with Kenshin to more private area.

"What is it Kenshin-san?" The captain inquired.

"Yes. I know from earlier this afternoon you were discussing about possible use of a bomb to be used in one of the missions for tomorrow." Kenshin said.

"Yes I figured you overheard. It is an ongoing discussion. You should not be concerned with the details." The captain replied.

"I think you should reconsider...I have sources that would say otherwise." Kenshin said.

The captain crossed his arms with his dark maroon eyes gleaming in the moonlight as Kenshin began to earn his captain's attention. "Where did you get this information."

Kenshin could not tell him where not because of the unscrupulous manner of which he got it. He could not tell him that it was something that Kenshin had not expected. Who would have thought he would be visited by the supernatural. Kenshin still was having a hard time believing it. Regardless, he had to tell his captain something.

"It is getting late perhaps we can continue this conversation in the morning? I planning on having a meeting before we embark."

"Hai, taicho." Kenshin solemnly bowed his head. At least he would have time to gather his thoughts. Kenshin began to walk the other direction but was intercepted by a figure within the bushes. Kenshin quickly drew his kunai but before he could defend himself he realized the figure was his brother partially covered in mud and blood.

"What..." Kenshin said but was hushed by his younger brother.

Shu pushed him closer to him to ensure Kenshin can hear his words.

"Did you tell the captain about the bomb." Shu said wincing a bit in pain.

"What happened to you?" Kenshin inquired show concern for his younger brother.

Shu waved his brother's question off as he continue to pester him about the bomb.

"No I was unable to tell him." Kenshin replied.

"Good because we need that bomb. The enemy knows our position." Shu continued.

"Is that why you are covered in holes. You know the damage that bomb is going to have in the region. It is not just a bomb." Kenshin said.

"You know you can stop complaining and help tend my wounds." Shu said as he began to walk toward their tent caressing his shoulder.

"I am not doing a single thing until you tell me what is going on." Kenshin exhorted as walked beside his brother.

Shu quietly entered the tent which was in near complete darkness except for the illuminating lantern that stood at the center. He sat down on the ground and rummaged through several pouches before pulling out a small vale and began to pour it over his wounds.

"Fine.." Shu said sighing. "I was attacked by two couriers."

"At the same place where I left you; how is that possible?" Kenshin said with his arms folded against his chest clearly disturbed at what he was hearing. The camping grounds have been secured for several months how could anyone just happen to find it.

"Yes I know. I fear that there is a traitor among us. I was barely able to kill my assailants before retrieving any information. It way by accident but I am not going to let more of them to come."

"You need to rest, Shu-san. There is not enough information to go even if we tell the captain. You know this." Kenshin said as he rested his hand against his brother's shoulder. They both knew that there was nothing they could do.

Prepare to Meet Your Maker​

It was morning as the dawning sun broke free from its slumber. There was a lot of commotion as Kenshin left the tent. His brother still resting from the day before. Shu could see the captain standing on top of a great boulder addressing his subordinates about the day's agenda.

"Shinobi and kunochi I have gotten word from Kagetsu Kyo that we are commissioned to use the bomb and we should use it quickly if we ever going to get a chance to end this war."

Kenshin quickly heard his decree and stood against it. "Taicho, please reconsider the aftermath will be catastrophic. With all due respect, Lady Kyo does not understand the implications. Many people will die including our own and for what to secure a piece of land."

"Am I hearing subordination, Kenshin-san" The captain said with fire in his eyes. "Is this what you were trying to tell me last night? What source do you have to prove this."
Kenshin could not speak. The flashes of the brother's meeting with Ango were returning to the surface. Even if he were to explain to the captain how he got the information the man would not believe him. It was not like a youkai's words could be trustworthy anyways.

"[color=blue[I apologize perhaps my emotions are getting the better of me.[/color]" Kenshin said with a solemn tone. The sonorous sounds of whispers could be heard around Kenshin. His comrades were all too familiar with his defiance for violence always trying to find a civil solution but Kenshin was acting far more passive than usual.

Kenshin remained silent for the remainder of the morning not attempting to make any commotion. Once the sunlight hide against the cumulus clouds it was time to depart. Shu accompanied Kenshin as they aided in planting the bombs surrounding the area. The bomb was comprised of several smaller bombs that emitted a chakra wave where when collided would produce constructive waves large enough to cause serious damage. This was the first time such an item thus there was no telling what the damage would be.

The process took several hours before they retreated outside the estimated blast range. The entire group with their gas masks on stood by as they waited for their explosion. Everyone was there except for Kenshin. "Where is Kenshin? He was right in front of me just a minute ago." One of the shinobi asked. Shu was surprised as they were but he knew his brother was still in the woods. "That idiot." Shu said under his breath as he began to rush forward into the woods. Shu could hear his name being called as they warned him that the bomb would engulfed him if he tried to reach his brother. Despite these warnings, Shu was not going to let his only brother be destroyed. It did not take him long to find him once he heard his voice from a distant. Finally, he found him speaking to a group of people, apparently civilians from the looks of their attires. Shu was perplexed to discover that there was actually civilization in this area. He had assumed that the bomb would not reach any population.

"Kenshin. We need to go." He said as he grabbed his brother's shoulder.

"We can't allow these people to die." Kenshin said as he shuffled his shoulders to remove his brother's dominating hand.

"What...they are going to listen to some scary shinobi. You are wasting your time and you are going to get us killed!" Shu exclaimed gnashing his teeth at him.

"Forget it! I am not going to let any more innocents to die just because of our feud. This needs to end." Kenshin exclaimed.

Shu had enough of his brother's foolish ideology. What sense did an assassin have to protect life? "I will break both your arms and legs if I have to." Shu threaten him.

"Try me." Kenshin said.

Shu had enough as he quickly thrust his leg at his brother side but not enough to push him back as Kenshin quickly parried the attack with his arm. The civilians started to become agitated as they were afraid of being devoured by the brother's confrontation; however, this was nothing compared to what happened moments later. The sound of sonic boom could be heard from afar; the impact was so strong that the brothers and the civilians could feel the earth rumbling underneath their feet.

It was not until they saw the great flash of light to know what was coming toward them. They quickly formed a ephemeral chakra barrier hopefully strong enough to protect themselves and the civilians around them. However, the barrier was not strong enough as the flash of light began to crack the shield. Before the barrier caved in they could see a looming shadow appear before them but they could not identify it as they became engulfed in the light.

There was nothing but darkness for a few moments until the two brothers were able to open their eyes. They were no longer in the forest instead in standing in empty white space. There was not telling the depth or length of the area. The brothers turned around surveying the area trying to figure out what was going on. They stopped at a white dressed figure perhaps a youkai.

"If we are dead I am so going to kill you." Shu said with a sarcastic sneer. Kenshin said nothing. It was not until the figure walked closer that they realized who it was.

"Welcome to the afterlife kiddies. You are dead and I am Kami." The figure with austere tone.

"On second thought I take that back." Shu said.

"Enough of your jokes, Ango. Where are we?" Kenshin said.

"I just told you this is the afterlife, your dead, and I am Kami." Ango replied.

Kenshin could not help but laugh. "You are not Kami Ango."

"Blaspheme you are fortunate that I don't smite you or something...." Ango paused. "Ok forget it you guys are seriously no fun." He quickly removed the white robe revealing a suave black and white suit and top black hat.

"You are in a vacuum in space time...your spirits that is. I guess you humans call in limbo." Ango continued.

"So we really are dead." Shu said somberly.

"Didn't you hear me or did that wave knocked out your senses." Ango retorted. "You have more important things to worry about. I am still waiting for your answer."

"So you saved us just to get an answer. You know you could have prevented this mass genocide. I can only even imagine how many civilians are going to die when the bomb reaches them." Kenshin said. Shu did not argue as his brother was not wrong about that.

"Like I give a s***. You all are going to die the important thing is when death brings a purpose. I told you that there is a purpose for both good and evil but you continuously bother yourself with the petty details. There is so much that you don't know." Ango said.

"Why do you care anyway." Kenshin asked.

"You intrigue me, there is nothing else to say. You could find out more if you accept my offer or you go to where all dead souls go." Ango responded.

They sighed perhaps there was something to discover.

"So be it." They said in unison.

"Excellent. You will not be disappointed or you will who knows. Now time to wake up." Ango said as he clapped his hands. The two brother woke up as if rising from a dream --- or nightmare. They were on the cold surface of an examining table with several nins with gas masks surrounding them. The medical nin were startled by their sudden resurrection as they moved away from them.

"What the hell happened." Shu asked.

Welcome Back from The Dead​

Kenshin was just as confused as he massaged his temple when he is normally confused. The confused countenance on Kenshin contrast with the startled but composed medical nins. One of the medical nins came forward apparently he was the one in charge by the his stout posture as if he was heading his men in battle, facing someone like Shu really felt like a battle.

“To get to the point, you two have been clinically dead for the past three months. I say clinically because you held no vitals signs nor brain functions. However, you were still producing chakra coils as normal. In fact the energy reading were so high that your skin could not be broken by any of our medical equipment.”

The two brothers glanced at each other thinking the same thing. All of this was Ango but the only thing they didn’t know was how. Of course, the medical nin were just as curious as they were but there was no way that the brothers would even begin to explain what had happened to them. It was better to simply keep this as a miracle -- a miracle that was be with them for the rest of their lives.

There was a brief moment of silence before Kenshin broke the silence. “I guess it was a miracle after all. We still don’t know completely what chakra does.” He retorted.

“Yes…” The head mednin said with a weary tone. He was not convinced that this ordeal would be over, granted who would be. “You will need to be tested regularly so that we can actually understand this phenomenon. Also, you will need to report to the Raikage...ugh Lady Kiyo after we complete your diagnosis. She would be interested in hearing your story.”

“Wait you said Raikage. Why is she called that.” Shu inquired. It was rumored by Lady Kiyo would elected to be leader of the clan if they were successful in the war but that would imply that they won the war right?

“If you asking whether or not we won the war then the answer is yes. You and your brother have some part in all of this since you were part of the original division. Unfortunately, your rewards were postmortem considering the circumstances”

“Amazing...the war is over...” Kenshin said stunned at the sudden revelation. Shu was just as stunned as his brother but far more furious as Kenshin’s empathy. It was the only reason why neither of them could see the glory of victory.

“I forgot to mention that your selfless act in protecting that village near the cataclysm presented us with new opportunities in establishing new contracts with them.”

“Hmm...” Shu muttered crossing his arms in disdain.

Kenshin chuckled. “Well, I am hoping we can gain some accommodations considering we just rose from the dead.”

“Yes, of course but you will need to return regular for testing.” The chief said as he nodding his head. The rest of the mednin escorted the two brothers out of the facility.

The next couple of days was more than eventful having interviews with the Raikage and the constant testing from the medical team. However, nothing was compared to the training from Ango, sometimes Shu’s attention would be elsewhere.

“Good morning boys.” She said with a weak smile. She looked onto the brothers as they entered her room. They were accompanies a medical doctor, a regular visitor he came to check on the boy’s grandmother. Her health has been declining ever since the end of the war; fortunately, the village had supply the old woman with medicine and a doctor to help her by the order of the Raikage. It was the least she could given what the boys accomplished during the war. However, it never felt like the aide was enough. The two boys stood by as they examine their grandmother with contempt. She gazed at the boys with loving eyes as she reached out to the boys to caress their worn cheeks.

“I wish you two would leave the war.” She said as she tried to warm their somber eyes.

“Grandma what war? Didn’t we tell you that the war is over.” Kenshin said.

“I know but you remain as you continue on as shinobi. I just don’t want to lose you as I have lost your parents. I don’t know if I could take it.” She responded. Fortunately, for them, their deaths and sudden resurrection was unbeknown to her. She was simply told that they were working on a private project and could not been seen. At least they were not dead for too long the old woman would have died.

“Please rest grandma you need it.” Shu said as she pulled over up her covers. They both gently kissed her on the forehead as they departed to speak with the doctor in private.

“How is she doing?” Kenshin inquired.

“Her illness is still progressing. All we can do is give her time.” The doctor said as he perused his notes on the wooden clipboard he was holding. “The results from her last examination does not bode well for me.”

He shook his head. “You should at least prepare for the worse.”

“Earth to Shu…”. Ango said as he snapped his fingers in front of the boy’s face.

“Did you hear what I just said.” The youkai continued.

“Ugh something about natural and spiritual energy...right.” Shu said scratching his head. Kenshin glanced as his clearly lucid brother.

They were all sitting down on a plain of lush green grass. It look like the normal terrains of Kumogakure except the two red suns glimmering in the sky and the occasional two headed birds resting at a nearby purple tree. Ango was in a middle of lecture

“And….” Ango said waving his hand to draw out a better answer.

“Chakra is the byproduct of spiritual and natural energy.” Kenshin said clearing his throat as he tried to evade the question for his brother.

“Yes, but I wanted your brother to answer. Whatever…” Ango said as he rubbed his temple.

“As I saying before you went to lala land...Shu-chan. Chakra is the byproduct of natural and spiritual energy. Humans use seals as a contract between the body and the spirit to equip themselves with various techniques that you are so much familiar. The stronger your bond with your body and spirit the more you will understand how to utilize your chakra. The more you will understand your existence. Now who can tell me what natural energy is and any one of you say energy from the natural I will hit you with a trout.” Ango continued.

“What trout?” Kenshin asked. Before the young boy could think of anything else he could see Ango’s arm swiped at him but was unable to move away. The next minute he could feel a something wet and hard strike him across the face.

Shu bursted out laughing finding his brother’s assault amusing. Kenshin gave him the stink eye as he rubbed his swollen cheeks.

“What the hell happened.” Kenshin said muttering to himself.

“What the hell happened indeed.” Ango retorted.

“”I guess natural energy is the ability to cause objects to move or something…” Shu said attempting to answer the question.

“Yes that is about right. It explains why your brother was not allowed to dodge our little friend here.” Ango said as he tossed the fish aside. “The way you move your body here is very different than the natural considering it is not a real body. Like a newborn baby, you will need to train your fake spiritual body. Eventually, you will be able to manipulate your spiritual energy just as well as your natural energy.”

“This is all interesting but what will be the extent of our abilities.” Shu asked.

“Wait. What do you mean by fake body?” Kenshin interrupted.

“Well you are both anxious and I was afraid you were bored. I will explain what you need to know in good time. What I can tell you is that you may posses the power to transmit spiritual energy into the natural bodies.” Ango said as he scratched his cheek in curiosity and excitement. “Anyway, time has passed I have other things to do so let’s continue this tomorrow.”

“Ja ne” Ango said with a generous smile as the world and himself began to vanish like vapor.

Now, the boys could be found in lush forest of Kumogakure no Sato sitting besides a couple of trees. It felt like they had only been sitting for only a couple minutes despite training with Ango for several hours.

“Was that a trip or what…” Kenshin said with a chuckle as he began to rise up to his feet.

“Yeah…[/color[” Shu said as he followed suit.

“You have been out of it lately, Shu. Is everything alright?” Kenshin asked. “I hope it is not about grandmother.”

Shu sighed. “It is...I mean.” Shu began as he pressed his hand against the bark of a tree as his mind drifted away trying to compose his words. “I felt like learning with Ango-san was a waste of time when we have our sick grandmother elsewhere but now maybe we can save her with our new powers...you know”

“I am worried too. It may be possible to mend her spirit but what can we do with her body?” Kenshin responded.

“Can’t you see! We can gain more power to save her and even more for the village.” Kenshin said with passion in his eyes as he faced his brother.

“Be careful with your words, Shu. We don’t want our thirst for knowledge to corrupt us. I sure Ango does not care but he is telling the truth that idealism only leads to ruin. We must have a balanced mind and most important of all accept our mortality. We are not gods.” Kenshin said as he crossed his arms sensing his brother’s eagerness.

“So you are telling me that if you could raise a loved one from the dead you wouldn’t do it. You would do nothing if grandma died.” Shu exhorted. His countenance was clearly flustered as he gnashed his teeth as his brother.

“I never said that.” Kenshin said with defiance. “You know how I feel about grandma. I love her just as much as you do.”

“I am sorry. I just want to do something.” Shu said.

“I know, Shu. I am not saying we shouldn’t do anything I am just saying we should be aware of the consequences.” Kenshin said as he rested his hand against his brother’s shoulder. Kenshin sighed. “We should get home before it gets too dark.”

“Yeah…” Shu said.

-----

Let's go for a walk.” Ango said with a grin on his face as he automagically placed a heavy bookbag behind his back. It was the next day of training after spending nearly several weeks barely conjuring spiritual energy.

“Where are we going?” The boys asked in unison.

“And ruin the surprise? What kind of teacher would I be if I spoiled all of the fun” Ango said.

The boys glanced at with curiosity glued to their faces wondering as to what Ango was going to do. As the trio traveled as they walked down the calm green terrain. They passed by a purple lake as the gaze of the false sun floated above the water. Ango was several feet ahead of them while the two lagged behind. “You both seem rather distracted...more than usual anyway.” Ango said “Is there anything you want to tell me?”

Shu began to speak but Ango shook his head preventing his brother from speaking. “I am going to take a guess and assume it has something to do with your grandmother.” Ango said. “I thought I told you how pointless is to have your mind wrapped around trivial things”

“Trivial? What would a youkai know!” Kenshin said as he was about to lose his cool.

Ango chuckled. “People live and people die. Everything changes. You need to have a progressive mind if you want to evolve, leaning on dead weight is pointless, get it dead weight Ango laughed manically.

“D**** Ango is everything just a joke to you.” Shu exclaimed but was quickly interrupted by Ango

“We’re here. The forest of illusions...or was it the forest of dreams...I always forget. Whatever. This is where your spiritual potential will be tested at least your spiritual aptitude --ala get your head out of your asses.” Ango said.

The forest looked more like buildings that seemed to scrape the sky with its sharp branches towering the heavens. The lush visage of the forest was enveloped by the darkness and the leary fog from the bogs.

Kenshin and Shu wanted to continue the heated contention with Ango but the alluring forest wooed them like a man beckoning a beautiful woman. They began to enter the forest but not before Ango’s departing words.

“One more thing, when I said that it didn’t matter it doesn’t mean you can’t learn from it. Everything has a purpose.” Ango said with a more austere serious tone but quickly shifted to his jocular demeanor. “See you on the other side.” Ango said and with that disappeared in a puff of grey smoke.

Kenshin sighed. “Let’s get this over with.”

They both walked into the green forest as their entrance slowly began to fade as the thick fog followed them. The scenery was mostly drenched in gray, except for the leering green lights that seemed to dance with them as they walked across the forest. The sound of croaks and the rustling of the leaves made the forest feel more real, as if they were stranded in the deepest forest of water country.

“I can't see anything in this damn fog. Shu said as he walked through the shrubbery. He continue to speak to try to locate his brother but his vision continued to get blurrier and his voice was swallowed up by the forest, chakra was no use here.

He continued to walk not realizing that his foot gave way causing him to topple over like a kid in a barrel. His physical aptitude as a shinobi allowed him to escape without injury except shame and humiliation. He landed in a open green meadow where the light of the heavens could enter. His face was covered in moss and weed could be seen protruding from his mouth. Shu quickly spat as he began to rise to his feet surveying the area, observing that he had rolled down a steep a hill.

“Kenshin!” Shu exclaimed as he tried to reach his brother, no reply. He was alone. There was nothing more that he could do but move forward.

“Hello son.” A soft voice but familiar voice said behind him. Shu turned around to see what looked to be his deceased father standing in front of him. He was wearing his shinobi garb save his missing ANBU mask revealing a youthful face. His father held the same face that he had the last time Shu had seen his father, before he was killed. Could this be really him?

“Father is that you?” Shu inquired with slight reservation.

“Yes and look how much you have grown, my boy. Where is your brother?” The man questioned.

Shu stepped backward remaining cautious as the man who claimed to be his father moved forward.

“I do not know. I fell and ended up here.” Shu replied.

The man kept his distance as he could sense his son’s agitation. He walked over to the creek a few yards away, sitting as he drew some water, pouring it onto his face to refresh himself. “You know the first time when I held you and your brother in my arms I realized how precious life was, how much I wanted the war to end; I told your grandmother to keep you away from the war.”

Shu walked over and sat next to him. “I guess I failed at keeping you away.” He stated.

“Grandma is dying.” Shu rplied, he still had reservations that this man was his father, but somehow it felt like it was him. It was hard to explain.

“What are you going to do about that?” Shu's father asked.

“I might have the power to save her, and even possibly you and mom.”

“You believe that will make us happy?” The ghostly visage of the man's father questioned in a terse tone.

Shu quickly turned his head with eyebrow raised, he was shocked to hear such a brusque response, of course they would be happy, they would be alive at least. What was appealing in death?

“I am not saying that it is wrong, son, but death has a purpose. How can you be sure that there would be no negative consequences?” His father pondered.

“I understand but there is so much more I can learn.” Shu responded. “I have gained far too much to stop now. I ... We have lost so much.”

Shu turned around as he began to hear his brother calling his name, Kenshin appeared springing out from the bushes. “Where have you been, I have been looking all over for you! I heard you talking to someone, but I don’t see anyone.”

“I was just talking to…” Shu retorted turning to face his father who suddenly disappeared. Who was Shu talking?

“I found an exit toward the far east, we should get going.” Kenshin commented as he thrusted his thumb toward the east.

Shu sighed. “Right.”

“Did you notice anything strange while you were walking?” Shu asked.

“You mean besides you talking to yourself?” Kenshin remarked.

“I am being serious." Shu exclaimed peering straight toward his brother. Kenshin hated it when he got like this because he knew he would never hear the end of it. At least they were at the end of their strange journey as they escaped the foggy forest toward the glorious green terrain.

“Fine. I found someone who looked, talked and behaved mom but my gut tells me it wasn't her. When she left, or whatever, I did feel a sense of relief like something was lifted from me.” Kenshin commented pausing for a second and surveying the bright blue clouds. Kenshin had always been very clandestine about his feelings, but it was clear they both missed their parents, “I am going to guess that you saw Dad?” Kenshin inquired.

Shu nodded in response questioning his brother about his conversation. “What did you say to her or what did she say to you?”

Kenshin was about to speak but was intercepted by the debonair voice of Ango. “Does it really matter? The important thing is that your minds are cleared.” Ango said as he moved to the side to examine his two apprentices. “Well I hope seeing them did something otherwise it would have been a giant waste of time, and I really hate wasting time.

 

[Sato Daigo]

......
“We did feel a sense of guilt leaving us when we saw them, it was like a huge weight had been lifted from our shoulders.” Shu remarked. "That is... Something. I want you to try to release your spiritual energy as you did before, but focus on your mind on what you felt before with your parents.” Ango demanded stepping back a few inches away from them expecting something to happen. He was not disappointed.

There was no visual aura as the two began, but anyone close enough could feel the pressure of their aura crashing down like a wave.

“Impressive but you still have a long way to go. How do you both feel? Ango questioned crossing his arms with a cheeky grin.

“I feel more alive.” Kenshin remarked.

“Almost euphoric right?” Shu reflected.

“Yeah, just don’t orgasm on me, okay. Your spiritual state is directly tied to your mental state, which is why your performance was so god awful before. I could train a dead cow better than you two.” Ango replied.

“I see. There is something that I,” Kenshin paused as he quickly glanced at his brother, “that we would like to know. Is it possible to resurrect the dead?

“Let me guess you want to raise your dear old grandma.” Ango gibed with a biting sarcasm.

“She isn’t dead yet, but in the event that she does..You don’t get it, she is only living relative that we have." Kenshin retorted, clearly frustrated.

“After all you have seen you really think death is the real concern?”. Ango sighed. “I will humor you one last time, spiritual transmutation is rather simple concept but requires a great deal of energy and concentration as well an agreeable contract. Nothing is free.” Nothing was ever free.

“It would be easier if I just showed you, to the physical world.” Ango said as he clapped his hands.

In a matter of moments the duo appeared in the dense forest of Kumogakure, sitting down with their backs resting on a tree. Shu rubbed his neck.

A man dressed in a simple black suit walked by them repositioning a red tie that constricted his neck much like a snake strangling a branch. Where he came from was not important, they both knew that he was Ango.

”Let's begin shall we,.” Ango said as he walked passed them. “As I mentioned before the concept of spiritual transmutation is very simple. There are three principals to follow. First, you will need to connect with the energy.

Ango stretched his index finger toward a small squirrel that was scurrying around, his body illuminated in a hot blue glow which extended toward the squirrel. The large eyes of the small creatures began to glow as the animal stared right into his eyes. “Don’t be the idiots that I know you tend to be and reveal your spiritual energy. I am only showing you how it looks.” Ango said weary the two would immediately try to replicate what he had just done.

“The second is you need to carefully transmit your spiritual energy into the target. Lastly, pull the energy out like a fish on a rod.” Ango said as he pulled what appeared to be a ball of white light out of the squirrels body. In mere moments, squirrel became lifeless falling to the grass. “Simple, eh” Ango quipped as he twirled the spirit ball on his finger like a top.

“Let me try!” Shu shouted with excitement as he stood up from his seat. Kenshin remained sitting down feeling some reservation about all of this. Both Shu and Kenshin wanted to save their grandmother but this was just too unnatural. Why was Shu not concerned about the path they were following?

“Try placing the spiritual energy back into its body.” Ango said as he dropped the white orb into the boy’s palm.

Shu did his best as he forced the orb back into the creature’s body, everything was fine until the squirrel began to convulse before exploding into many pieces. Ango could not help but laugh at the ordeal. “I guess you gave it more than you should have. Spiritual energy is far more potent than chakra.”

Shu wasn’t laughing, instead there was an expression of great dread cascading down his face like the dark shade of a blood moon. He glanced back his brother who seemed a bit apprehensive but curious as to what had just happened.

“I know what you are thinking. Can I use this on a human without spewing ketchup and chunks all over the place? The answer is yes, but not at your skill level. Don’t let that stop you, though.” Ango said with a grin.

“We can't stop.” Kenshin said as he got up out of his seat. He was only saying this to boost his brother’s confidence, but they both knew the daunting task ahead of them. The two did not want to kill the very person they were trying to save.

It took several weeks before they were able to reinsert a spirit back into a body, pushing themselves even further after their grandmother passed. It was the only thing that kept them moving forward.

“I think we can try it on a living person. Shu expounded feeling proud of their achievement.

Kenshin remained quiet as he rested his back against a tree in sodden silence, clearly apprehensive. “Are you having doubts now? Shu questioned as he glared at his brother.

“It really doesn't matter what I think, we started this we should see it through.” Kenshin remarked moving toward his brother.

Shu and Kenshin return back to their home where their recently deceased grandmother laid on a mat close to an open window, the light from the open window cascaded an elegant shadow around her as if small creatures were dancing around her. It almost felt like she was still alive, hopefully they could make that into a reality.

The two walked over as they both knelt beside her body, “Ready?” Kenshin whispered. Shu nodded his head.

They both pressed their hands against her chest as an aura of blue energy seeped into and out of their bodies, continuing as they had been taught before by Ango. Unfortunately their work seemed to be in vain as nothing seemed to be happening.

“Doesn't seem to be working.” Kenshin lamented as he rubbed his chin.

“We can't give up, brother.” Shu remarked filled with determination, pressing his hand against his brother's shoulder.

The old woman's brown eyes snapped open as she peered toward them with a warm smile. They were overwhelmed with joy as they embraced her; However, there was a eerie feeling that something was not right.

“Is there something wrong dear?” The old woman questioned as she peered at the two boys' dark brown eyes.

“There is nothing wrong, grandma. How are you feeling?” Kenshin asked as he touched her hand, her flesh was still cold. “I feel great, I feel more than great… I” She exclaimed brimming with energy, the old woman began to rise up from her bed but Shu rested his hand against her should pleading her to rest, she was still weak. “Please grandmother. You need your rest.”

“I need to speak with you Shu.” Kenshin stated calling his brother toward the end of the hall.

“You felt it too didn't you?” Shu whispered as they reached the end of the hall.

“Yeah. It’s her but it isn’t.” Kenshin remarked quickly glancing at her.

“I don't understand what could have went wrong. Maybe…” Shu sighed, his eyes downcast.

“Are you having reservations now? Kenshin questioned with a tone of slight disbelief in his voice.

Shu was a bit annoyed at the comment but fortunately Kenshin clarified his statement. "Don't you remember what Ango said about our emotional state, that it can interfere with our spiritual energy? Kenshin inquired.

“Are you suggesting that I was being emotional? Shu responded, growing more aggravated by the second.

“No, yes, what I'm saying that we could have been. I think we did something wrong, no actually there's no doubt in my mind that something went wrong. The best we can do is observe and see how this plays out.” Kenshin mumbled looking back toward his grandmother.

The two were right about their suspicions as the old woman began to exhibit more aggressive behavior, as she became increasing more emotional she would become increasingly more violent, it was not until she struck Shu enough to cause him to crash into a wall that they realized this.

"I am so sorry Shu, what is happening to me? " She asked gripping her head.

Kenshin quickly went to his brother but stopped as he pointed his finger at their grandmother. The old woman was producing some strange strange hue of purple from her pores, almost like chakra but it felt denser, and far more ominous than anything they were used to. It was the similar feeling Kenshin had at the military tent, and the same feeling in the spirit world. The energy continued to grow as it began to sprout humanoid limbs and a head.

"You might want to kill it now before the spiritual energy takes over." A familiar voice gibed. Ango appeared behind them dressed in the same attire as he was in the spirit world, The old woman seemed frightened as she stepped back closer to the wall.

"It's okay grandmother, he is a friend. We won't let anything hurt you." Shu interjected as he pulled himself up.

""What the hell is that thing, Ango? Is that a spirit?" Kenshin questioned looking toward Ango in obvious confusion as to what was happening before him.

"Yes and no, but that doesn't matter now. You have to destroy it before it consumes her." Ango commented clearly enthused by the situation, a small smirk sitting upon his lips.

""You are not going to help us are you?" Shu asked.

Ango laughed as he crossed his arms, "No. Where is the fun in that? This is your fault boys, now you should probably take care of your mess."

"Bastard..." Kenshin muttered to himself grinding his teeth.

The purple spirit began to form dark black eyes and dark wide mouth like a jack-o-lantern, a series of fists began to rocket from the monstrous wraith, leading the boys to dip and dive from out of the way.

"Kenshin, get grandmother out of here. I'll take care of this." Shu shouted toward his brother.

"Are you sure?" Kenshin asked looking back unsure of whether to leave his brother or not.

"I'll be fine." Shu remarked once more with a cheeky grin.

Kenshin nodded as he swiftly picked the old lady from her feet but was quickly denied as the purple creature grabbed him, before throwing him across the room.

"What?" Shu wondered. “Why is this thing trying to defend grandma?” Shu's eyes widen as he finally realized what was going on.
“If we kill this thing our grandmother is going to die isn’t she?” He asked.

“Bingo! Took you guys long enough. So what are you going to do?” Ango questioned as glib as ever.

There was no other way, they destroyed the spirit with no reservation. There was no way they could allow this creature to take their grandmother. Despite all of this, tears could be seen seeping from their eyes as they were the ones responsible for their beloved’s death as well as her temporary resurrection. When the deed was done all that was left was the old woman resting on the ground slowing departing from them once more.

“Grandmother, please stay with us.” Kenshin cried with tears in his eyes gripping her head.

“My dear.” She whispered in her dying breaths, softly grasping his hand. “Why are you crying? I always told you to have smile on your face.”

Kenshin chuckled, she was always cheery even in the end. “No matter what happens you two stay together.” These were the woman's last words as her eyes met theirs.

The boys’ nodded their heads. “We will see you again, grandmother.” With that the old woman committed her spirit.

“What a drag right? Ango commented with a grin. “Wouldn't have happened if you had both been patient little children, instead you set back a spirit upon your dear old granny and had to put her into the grave! Truly magnificent, boys.”

“You planned for us to fail didn’t you, Ango.” Kenshin sneered at this demonic being before the two, Ango, the man who had set everything into motion.

“So what if I did? You would have done it anyway if I hadn't shown you and besides, the whole point of this was for you to learn. Even if I told you how to do this correctly would you have been satisfied? Would you grandmother be truly happy to find out that her children resurrected her from the dead? You should think before you talk shit, little boys.” The smile remained plastered upon his face, ever pleased with the outcome of the situation.

Shu sighed heavily, It pained them to know that he was right.

“You have two options. You can either stop doing this and we will never meet again, or you can continue on this path. I really think you should do the latter, a lot of people would kill to be where you're at.” Ango continued scratching his chin.

“We can't stop now, there's no reason to go back.”

Kenshin nodded his head. After this day nothing ever stayed the same.