Awakening once more amidst the hidden ruins of a forgotten Oracle outpost. Toraono Kuro takes stock of his circumstances. His nearly immortal body still radiates dark demonic chakra that keeps the sand, dust, and smaller pests at bay but for all intents and purposes he has been more akin to a statue beneath the desert sands. His eternal mission to protect Sunagakure remains yet his family and friends are scattered to all corners of the world. Still that is much better than the alternative... the constant politics and schemes of those that believe they rule over all would destroy all that remains. Ancient energies rumbled through the elemental hearts within Kuro as his eyes circulated chakra to review his surroundings. Slain beasts and hunters lined the walls with their hearts removed and placed in storage scrolls to remain viable for as long as Kuro has chakra. The dark sage moved for the 1st time in long years. He had been forgotten for sure but that too would be for the best. Kuro's enemies were massive and akin to deities. Although Kuro was certain he could kill them one by one, one on one the rarity of that happening was also left to the whims of merciless gods that would sooner see all that was different dead than let anything unique remain. As ancient yet terribly strong bones were moved once more dark tendrils of spiritually responsive muscle tissues and chakra energy tendrils layered and pulsed beneath thick skinned demonic flesh. "I wonder if Sousuke remains?" Kuro thought to himself. It would be good to see him once more. Sousuke too, had the potential for Immortality. Humming an old tune his mother used to sing Kuro made his way from his resting chamber to return to the world of the living. "Let us see what remains and what can be mended... Let us see what can be set to right."