Private The Winds of Change: The Eye of the Storm [Private]

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The sound of thunder could be heard crashing through the air as the northern boundary of the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning was caught under the dominion of a massive storm. The winds were strong and the rain was heavy, but this is where Shusuke was traveling with his sensei, Uchiha Asuka, in order to gain some special training she had planned for him. He wasn't quite sure what was being planned by his sensei, but he was sure it was going to be something tougher than he had experienced up to this day. His newly acquired Sharingan eye still layered under the bandages he had applied himself to allow his body more time to try and accept the transplant before even attempting to use it, and so far the topic of his eye has yet to make the ways for the focus of conversation during their travels to their current location.

Letting out a sigh Shusuke would speak up. "It has been storming on us for three hours now, can you finally tell me what the hell we are actually doing out here? This is getting ridiculous, when you said you were willing to help me with my training I didn't realize we would be traveling across the globe! You do know there's the Exams coming up where I can get promoted to Chuunin right? I hope you didn't forget about that. You may not be a Shinobi anymore, but I still plan on becoming the Sixth Hokage and need to make sure I am hitting the promotions as quickly as possible! I've already shared my intentions with Takeshi-ojiichan. Soku-obasan advised me to use my actions and that's what I am planning on doing, because like clearly what I saw to Ojiichan goes in one ear and out the other." He let out a sigh before looking towards Asuka. "Hey, 'Suka-Sensei, you listening to me?"

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

She didn't speak a word. Not since the gates. Heavy in thought Asuka just walked through the roads, fields, towns. Stopping for a snack a couple of times but that was it. Her black Kimono swinging in the wind as it started to rain. She knew there was something wrong. Ever since the bar. The weird questions about the morality that their life brought made her think there was some sort of conflict inside her pipsqueak. She couldn't have that. Especially after what she had gone through a short while ago. Now, she was simply waiting for the word on her travels abroad. "Coming here is hardly across the world." She responded to his first complaint. "Hardly across the continent." She didn't answer any more as she kept walking.

The kid mentioning promotion did make her think even harder, he was similar to her but no one aside from one person had been able to help her. Even though, she still needed him. But everyone had turned their back on Asuka. Everyone. But Shushuke was one of the reasons she couldn't simply walk away. People still depended on her experience. Hearing sokus title as obasan made Asuka twitch. She wasn't ready to hear such familiarity. "Soku isn't to be trusted. She is obsessed with her duty to the village which has broken the bond we once had. Learn from her since she is a capable Shinobi but don't try and imitate her personality. It'll only end with no one that can trust you. We aren't tools to be used as she is." As the storm raged on she looked towards a hill. She remembered. There it was. "I've been listening." She simply said as she walked up the small hill with little effort. Finally getting on top of it. Overlooking it, barely because of the storm, was an abandoned town covered with vegetation, it seemed as if all the residents had vanished but the houses and stores remained. Broken. Destroyed. A central building, most probably a town hall, stood in the middle. "Shinobi or not. I am still your better."

" Forget about the exam and promotions. The whole world could burn and I wouldn't care right now. All I care is you. This isn't training." She started with a sigh as she waited for Shushuke to join her. "Not as you've experienced so far. Although I still think you got potential the conversation we had at the bar concerns me. Deeply. Asuka hasn't stopped nagging about it and she's right." Turning to him, staring at his eyes she could only express concern. Worry that her hypothesis might be right. That neglecting his education has brought nothing more than danger. "One of the things I expect from you is the truth and I don't think you've been entirely truthful. The story doesn't add up." She gave a slight smile turning to him. "This place is special to me. It's where I was born. My birthplace. Where I learned the true colors of the world." Looking over at the town she gave out a painful smile. "Continuing the legacy that was left to me, the one I truly care about and I am now teaching it to you, in this place there are no lies, no half truths, We think about our answers before saying them." Pausing for a few moments she looked over the town, as she slowly started walking down the hill. "All questions are answered truthfully and in full. No bullshit. So here's mine. Aside from what you showed me, what else have you done that can be considered questionable? Tell me everything. Take your time. We have a long way to go."

[Topic Entered]

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

”You know what I mean…” He grumbles under his breath about the amount of time they have be traveling. He was curious how this trip would go, especially since Asuka had been avoiding most of his questions, that was at least until now. He paused when Asuka all but snapped at him mentioning Soku. To be honest he only interacted with her a couple of times and she seemed helpful at the moment.m, but if Asuka-sensei said she wasn’t to be trusted there must be more to her than she let on.

“We aren't tools to be used as she is.”

Shusuke’s eyes widened. They… they weren’t? For nearly three years as the young Yamanaka studied at the Academy and worked as a Genin for two years after that, Shusuke was under the impression that they were nothing more than tools to be used. But this. But this is twice now that a Hokage had made note to not be a mere tools for the village. He began to wonder what his purpose as a Shinobi was to be then if not to be a tool, a blade, to be used.

He looked as the crested the hill to look down on an abandoned town now covered in vegetation. ”What… is this place?” He instinctually said quietly to himself. He looked to his sensei as she mentioned that he needed to not worry about his exams, and that this wasn’t training at all.

Concern slightly took to his face as his sensei looked back at him. ”What do you mean ‘Asuka has been nagging you’? Aren’t you Asuka-Sensei?” Shusuke’s left foot stepped ever so slightly behind himself. Did something happen to his teacher? Was this an imposter? His mind began to wonder with both concern and fear.

He hesitated for a moment before closing his eyes. His hands reached up and began to unravel the bandages on his eyes. ”You want to know everything? Everything that has happened? Did you know Shishiwakamaru-kun has a brain tumor? It’s terminal… He is dying. There’s nothing I can do to help him. I’m not strong enough…” He took a moment before continuing. ”Do you remember Kiriyomi? The Aburame at the bar? He lost his arm because of me. I wasn’t strong enough to protect him. I’ve been reading, I’ve been researching and practicing any and everything I could find.”

His eyes remained closed as he finished unraveling his face. ”Do you know what it means to be a Chimeiarashi? A Stormborn? I found a scroll speaking of a lost form of martial arts that’s become forbidden because of the cruelty it imposes on the user’s foes…” As he spoke glimmers of light would begin to dance around him before growing and solidifying into a series of large lances, blades floating around him.

”Did you know that I can manifest my illusions into reality? These weapons, formed by imagination can be used to impale and slice and cut and filet fully grown men if I so desire.” Opening his eyes to reveal a sharingan red eye, but even though the Tomoes and the Pupil have been hidden due to Shusuke’s strong and true Yamanaka blood, Asuka would instantly recognize her clan’s eye.

”Did you know there’s a jutsu that allows you to create powerful seals? I granted, no… I shared some of my power with my peers, I left what is known as a Cursed Mark upon them. I made them stronger! Isn’t that wonderful!”

His face began to stretch into a smile. ”Are you proud of me Asuka-Sensei? I am going to be strong, like you! I am going to make sure the students know that life as a Shinobi is a hard and tough one! I will help them become powerful too!“

He was smiling, waiting for the approval of his sensei. He did everything he could to gain power, she would be proud, no? He needed the validation, he needed to know that he was becoming strong, at any means necessary. He was a Shinobi after all, if he was weak he would die. He was becoming strong. He was helping others become strong.

Being strong means you won’t die young.

Being strong means he doesn’t have to die so young..

If Shusuke was stronger, no. When Shusuke became stronger he could save him…

Shusuke would stop at nothing to gain the power to protect his friend. His only friend…

Tears began to well in the boys eyes.

”You don’t have to worry about me ‘Suka-sensei! I’ll be strong, no matter what. I’ll be able to survive this life. I’ll make sure that anyone who tries to stop me from gaining what it takes to be a Shinobi falls where they stand.“

Her words echoed through his mind."Show me how capable you are to live in this world." Tears broke his cheeks. ”I am capable of living in this world, ‘Suka-sensei, don’t worry. I won’t die.”“

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

Curiosity was quite a thing. She was always impressed at Shu's ability to listen. Not like she was hiding it but no one had pointed it out so far. With a slight smile she turned her head. Maybe she could tell him. Maybe she couldn't. But she remembered Yukios words. In this place there wasn't half truths. "I am not Asuka." She started "I'm the part she created to deal with the stuff she couldn't. The part that has to fix her messes and try to keep her alive. I disappeared for a while but came back after she... one of the most important to her passed. Asuka got lost, and the recent screaming match with Takeshi broke her. So, I took her place for the time being. It's... complicated to say the least but everything will become clear. I'm not your enemy. But I'm not your sensei either. I'm the part of her that is able to help." She sighed in relief. It was nice to let it out for once. Honesty was always the best medicine. "I still care. Her memories are my memories so you're still the annoying pipsqueak you've always been to me." Giving a warm smile she waited for him to start.

The old age dilemma of not being strong enough. The inability to help those who we care about is something that weights on people. Especially those who have abilities like ours. She didn't answer him as he continued. Wouldn't interrupt. She could understand his fascination to get stronger, but it felt... corrupted. It became worrisome as he undid the bandage. What possibly could he show her? Maybe his trying to get stronger to protect those around him. Seeing the Sharingan Asuka clenched her teeth. Takeshi, that bastard. "There's some things that we can not change. Some facts that we have to accept. If Nao, the doctors and specialist, those with more medical knowledge than us say that Shishiwakamaru can't be saved then the only thing we can do is help him come to terms with it. Fate has a funny way of giving and taking and we have to accept that becoming powerful won't save everyone. It's about what we can do to help those that need it. Not about fixing it."

She began to worry even more as Shushuke continued. Talking about slicing others. All acts of murder. Pain and destruction. She gripped her fists as he went on to talk about cursed seals. Sharing it as if he was helping others regardless of the consequences. All to see if Asuka was proud of him. The idiot. Hearing her words being shot back at her made her realize this was something of her doing. The contamination of a broken mind to another. Teaching the cruelty of the world brought cruelty in on itself. Seeing the tears in his eyes made her have hope. He wasn't lost. Not entirely. With a sigh she walked forward. "What you gave to your peers was reckless and irresponsible Shushuke. They could've died, you could've died and now what did you leave them with? A mark that shortens their lifespan to gain power? For what? You placed other in danger with something you understand little about. There's a reason why it's a forbidden technique. A reason why it's called a curse mark. Not because it's not useful but because the cost is not worth what it. Your life." She sighed "Is the life of your peers worth so little to you? That you're willing to risk it over a shortcut? And then what? They are going to have to be careful on using it otherwise they'll die. A cycle. You created a cycle of life and death to get a shortcut to climb a ladder that could've been done with discipline and hard work.. Instead of going using your dedication and knowledge to help others grow you gave them a curse. Why?" She gave a disappointed sigh. "We're gonna fix this when we get back." Taking Shu's hand Asuka started leading him to the entrance of the town. "Takeshi was irresponsible on giving you that eye. Do you know how it grows stronger? Through loss and pain." She didn't look towards him as she continued. "Have to get beaten to perceive things better. You have to feel pain and loss of the highest degree for it to evolve. Like a muscle that stretches with the body of those you love." She sighed as they got to the entrance. Looking at him she gave him a bright smile. "The lesson I gave to you was simply to use as a filter for those who would live only to have a pointless death. To get stronger doesn't only mean to know the more jutsus. It also means the ability to help others. the ability to make the world a better place." She stopped at the entrance as she activated her Sharingan. Looking at Shushuke. The sky suddenly turning red. The village seemingly reversing in time. Slowly getting re-built. People going through their day. Woman, Men, children playing happily through the streets. "You are obssesed on getting stronger by any means. But a Hokage has to look over others and make sure they are safe. Does giving your peers a deadly curse sound like something a Hokage would do?" She gave a slight giggle as she looked around. Giving out a painful smile. "Your current path will only lead to loneliness, destruction, chaos..."

[Used tsukuyomi]

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The tears continued to fall down his face. Everything... Everything he has done. All that he felt like he has achieved was wrong. He was once again a failure. He thought, no, he knew he was going down the path his sensei set for him. He was doing everything it took to survive. Daiji-sensei told him he wasn't strong enough... Asuka-sensei said that this life wasn't made for the weak... He thought... He thought he was getting stronger. He thought the actions he was taking were the correct stones on the path to become a great and powerful shinobi... But once again... like always, he was wrong and was being scolded for his actions.

Her hand grabbed his and she began to lead him into the town. He was going numb. The rain slowly becoming the only sensation he could feel. The flashes of lightning and the crashing of thunder hardly noticeable. "The lesson I gave to you was simply to use as a filter for those who would live only to have a pointless death. To get stronger doesn't only mean to know the more jutsus. It also means the ability to help others. the ability to make the world a better place." She would look at Shusuke as the light in his eyes were faded and his gaze was distant. "To make the world a better place...?" He responded softly.

The world began to burn with a crimson light and the town began to reconstruct itself. His gaze broke back towards when he heard Asuka began to giggle.

She was laughing...

She was...

"DON'T YOU DARE LAUGH AT ME!"​

He pushed forward, barely realizing he was within her tsukiyomi. In a single bound he would reach out to touch Asuka. `Forbidden Yamanaka Style: Third Eye Opened!`

Laughter would fill the air. Their surroundings would change, the redness filling more of the world as Asuka would find herself in a room with a small dark creature staring at her. Red and Black. Red and Black. Over and over and over. The monochromatic nature of this room was repetitive. Yes and No. Kill or be Killed. Weak and Strong. Right and Wrong.

"Oh, hello. Please take a seat. Would you like a drink?" Sitting on a small table near a lounging chair rest two glasses and a bottle filled with a thick red liquid. The laughter and giggling would continue to giggle echoing from every direction. the small dark shadowy creature would step towards Asuka dragging its knuckles on the ground behind it. "It's fascinating, no? How the world within someone's mind can be so easily influenced. So easily broken? But then again... You know all about that don't you?" The small creature's eyes were mirror's of Asuka's own. Her Eternal Mangyekou Sharingan staring directly back at her. Without looking away he would pour himself a glass and swirled it in the glass to help it aerate.

"Don't worry, I can't hurt you here, after all this is all your's. This is world he has given you. It's fascinating no?" The walls of the room were all lined with various doors and doorways that Asuka would recognize. "There's been ome sort of problem. Some sort of issue if you will. He don't want to be with you at the moment, not unless you reveal your truths, and before you get started sharing and talking about that world outside of this room, just know we can return there. You know the door to take us there... It's fascinating, no?"

The laughter stopped.

"The Sharingan, he's been interested in to for some time now, ever since your class all that time ago. It's fascinating, no? The mighty Uchiha Clan, able to create entire worlds simply by looking into someone's eyes. Worlds that can be filled with lies and deceit. Worlds of your own creation." The creature took a drink of the red viscous liquid he poured into his glass.

Letting out a sigh the creature would continue. "If you haven't realized with are in your mind, not the one Asuka would be familiar with, but perhaps you would be, my friend." It tapped its head as it spoke. "It's fascinating, no? Dwelling in the mind of another. Seeing their memories, their thoughts through their own eyes. No lies. No deception. How did you phrase it? `in this place there are no lies, no half truths, We think about our answers before saying them.` Let's say those rules still apply shall we?"

Footsteps could be heard coming into the room from behind Asuka. "Sensei... How do you know I am going down the path of loneliness, destruction, and chaos. What haven't you told me about yourself? What secrets are you hiding. I need the truth." Shusuke was standing there quietly as the small creature was no longer visible.

[MFT:805]

Spoiler: Forbidden Yamanaka Style: Third Eye Opened CRPJ

CRPJ's Effect: This allows the use to make complete mental connections with a target they can make physical contact with. An advanced form of the Mind Possession Jutsu the Yamanaka are famous for, but through a different use. The Yamanaka's psyche enters the psyche of the target where they stand in the chambers of the target's subconscious mind. The user gains the ability to weave control of this portion of the mind temporarily so long as the target is willing and does not force them out. While in control, the target's consciousness manifests within the subconscious mind and can experience suppressed memories as they are being guided by the Yamanaka's Psyche. The control the user has is a complete facade as they cannot open the doors to memories or ideas without the target's permission, whether that be consciously or subconsciously given.

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

"I'm no-" Was all she was able to blur before everything went dark for an instant. Getting her bearings Asuka sighed. God damn it Shushuke. Yamanakas were annoying that way, always with their weird mind tricks. Looking around the room Asuka sighed. The different doors, the simple architecture. It was familiar. So this was how it was going to be. The little creature starting to speak to her. Man, she really never understood it. The necessity to make everything dark and edgy. Why not make it a dango place? Just nice and cozy. "Easily influenced.... depends on who." She responded with an annoyed sigh. Her own Sharingan starting back at her. Well, at least he got the details right. She could still feel they were inside her Tsukuyomi. To be able to do this inside an illusion was impressive. She should've left a clone. But well she was here now.

Asuka laughed at the notion of that thing hurting her. "You're funny." Still looking around for the weakness of this technique her head twisted a couple of times. God damn it. She was getting restless. "He has a problem with me? Oh, believe me. I have an issue with him." She knew he wouldn't be hiding too far. He wanted to see. To reveal her secrets. "The doors... you brat." Realization hit her. This wasn't an illusion. They were in her head. Oh this was bad. Very bad. "Fascinating... that's a very interesting word for someone to creep his way IN SOMEONES HEAD" She screamed into the void. Frantically identifying each of the doors. As if she was worried about something. She knew she was coming and it wouldn't take long for her to break in. She needed to be quick. "Believe me. The eyes aren't as divine as people make them out to be. Mighty clan consisting of people I can count with my fingers. Not exactly an army." Clinching her teeth she was starting to get annoyed. They shouldn't be in here.

Having her own words thrown back at her made her snap at the creature. "Oh would you shut up." She sighed in annoyance. "I don't know who you're trying to scare but you're more disgusting than anything." She stopped hearing the creature as behind her stood Shushuke. "You lit-" His words interrupted him. Not being able to cuss him out for doing this. Not being able to do what she would usually do. Her secrets.... Asuka's secrets... Her head twists again a couple of times. She wouldn't be able to hold her out for much longer. But she had time. "You got a knack for getting into places you shouldn't." She sighed flicking his forehead. "Don't try to be creepy, it doesn't suit you." Turning towards the doors her head snapped to the side. "Doing this kind of thing is precisely why I wanted to talk to you. This shows me a lack of trust. Which to be honest, I'm quite hurt by." Giving a sigh she walked over to one of the doors. A wooden one, seems to have been made by average hands. Hand-made. "But. This is a good place as any. You want to see? Learn Asuka's big secret? Fine. Let's start from the beginning." She opened the door.

Inside was a humble village cottage. A beautiful white haired woman sat on the mats, drinking tea. An extra cup on one of the sides. Asuka walked inside, waiting for Shushuke to enter before closing the door. "Welcome to my home." The place felt warm. As if it was somewhere were happiness prospered and misery came to die. "I'd watch out for the door." She said as the door bust open. A small white haired, red eyed child with a white dress ran through, covered in dirt and holding a fish that was half her size. This was Asuka as a child. Around 4-6 years old.

"MAMA MAMA" She ran through, passing through older Asuka as she did. Throwing the fish on the table with a big smile on her face. "I learned to fish! Look what I got!"

The woman looked worried at her child rather than the fish. She could tell Asuka had been running around the dirt and mud for a while. Probably threw herself in and out of the river trying to catch a fish by hand. She had always done things the hard way. The worry quickly left as a smile replaced it. "We're having fish for dinner! And it's all thanks to you pipsqueak!" Running around Asuka gave a big hug to her mother as she laughed.

"Asuka's father was a woodcutter for the village. Her mother usually tended to their small garden outside. But unfortunately not everything was as it seemed." The scenery started to shift, to an basement with different chambers. Screaming children could be heard all around. The decoration around seemed to have a purpose, as if it was a place of worship. A twisted place of worship. "A small group in the village were Jashinists. A group centered around death. They believed the sacrifice of the innocent would grant them immortality. Asuka was born to be sacrificed." As hooded figures came down the stairs towards they walked towards one of the rooms. Coming back with a struggling Asuka as they moved her towards the altar. Begging for help, for someone to come and rescue her. "The one thing Asuka did have going for her was talent. An untapped talent towards destruction." The scene slowly began to shift. Slowly getting warmer and warmer.

In a moment the lively village turned into despair. Burning buildings, bodies everywhere. Slashed and clawed. Cut open. Blood and guts everywhere. It seemed no one was spared. Not the men, not the old, not the woman, not the children. In the middle of it all stood a white haired, red eyed child. With two bloodied Kunai in her hands, the white dress turned crimson. Tears in her eyes flowing down her cheeks. A big, twisted smile on her face. But there was something different, it wasn't just not her normal red eyes. A one tomoe Sharingan. "This is where I was born. Within chaos itself I was tasked with keeping this child safe." As the child started to giggle, slowly turning into laughter. Her head turning to the sky as she continued laughing. "Asuka enjoyed it and it ended up breaking her." The scene shifted again. This time to Asuka walking with bloodied feet towards the phoenix gates. "After the destruction came loneliness." It shifted once more. To an alleyway, rain pouring down. In it was a refrigerator box. Inside, a small Asuka huddled in a corner shivering. "She didn't trust others. Escaped the orphanage as soon as she could. What was keeping them for trying the same thing her father did?" With this scene child Asuka turned to Shushuke from inside the box. "Are you getting it now?"

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

"It's not that I don't trust you, it's that when we recall our memories they are often distort... but here... they are raw and true." His voice was soft when he spoke. Rubbing his forehead he sniffled some as the tears were still in his eyes. "I'm not trying to be creepy, I just got here, I don't know why this place looks the way it does, normally I just enter a hallway..." He began to follow Asuka towards the simple hand made doorway.

As Shusuke stepped inside of the room he could see a small village cottage, he had never really seen anything like this before. He was born and raised in the bustling city of Konohagakure, that was run by a large corporation. He took a few steps away from the doorway and took a seat where he could. "This is a beautiful home 'Suka-sensei." He watched a small girl burst into the room, she looked to be a younger version of the former Hokage.

He sat down and began to listen as Asuka, or rather whoever was in control of Asuka's body, began to speak. He could hear the screaming of children begining to echo from the floors below. Jashinists? Shusuke's brow raised at the term. He has never interacted with that word before, but his sensei quickly explained that they were a cult focused around death and that she was to be sacrificed.

The pupilless eyes of the Yamanaka child would reflect he hot flames as they burned the village to the ground. Shusuke could see a familiar face. The smile on Asuka's younger self was one he was unfortunately familiar with. This was where the alter was born. A symptom of the trauma, a defense mechanism to help the young girl survive with this memory. The tears in Shusuke's eyes grew.

"I do, but that is different than what I have been doing. I have been trying to help others. But that rush... The adrenaline. Its addictive. Its insatiable. How am I to manage living when I have this hunger, this desire to do it again. Why shouldn't I use my strength, my power, my skills that I have spent my entire life on, spending every waking second of my life on. I never had the chance to do anything else. I had potential, have potential. Why shouldn't I be using this power I have cultivated to take the lives of the lowly scum on this planet? Why shouldn't I spend my nights fileting men that would hurt their own children? Do I not enjoy it because what I am doing is just? If this is not what I should be doing with this power then why do I have it?"

As he spoke the blades began to slowly appear around him. Small flecks of red and pink, curved like a rolling hill, small like a fluttering feather. These floating razor edges almost appeared to be flower petals but Asuka's sharp eyes would be able to know the difference. "From my mind I can summon beautifully dangerous arrays of weapons that I can use to cleanse these lands of the foul and corrupt." His face began to stretch ito a smile once more. "You have shown me that with dedication and with the sheer talent needed I too could rid this world of a town filled with horrendous souls beyond salvation. Why should I not peel the flesh from their bones and make them suffer as they had to others? Asuka-Sensei tell me why I shouldn't!"

Taking a step back the two of them would be sent through a blur back into the room. "I do not have to fear the loneliness that you had to endure, 'Suka-Sensei. I will never have to face that desolation and bitter cold. I have you! I have the faces that have looked to me and asked me to help them be more like me! I have the students I have been training with! I have Shishiwakamaru and Haniki! I don't have to be alone! I have all of these people around me that I need to keep safe! I can keep them safe 'Suka-Sensei! I am becoming more, I am becoming stronger!"

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

Asuka gave a sigh as shu began to speak. The hero mindset. The world was black and white. Just like most thought in this world. But Shushuke's view was more twisted. He enjoyed it. That was going to be hard to change. Worst part was, this was all her doing. She didn't speak. Allowing Shushuke to continue talking and they were there again. The weapons. All he could think about. Ways of taking life instead of helping it. THAT was the main issue. "I can keep them safe 'Suka-Sensei! I am becoming more, I am becoming stronger!" Asuka waited a few moments, making sure he was done. "You know how many times I've heard that?" She said "The shinobi think they take life based upon the excuse of keeping people safe. Frost village thought Konohagakure was a walking disaster that needed to be cleansed. The samurai believed shinobi needed to go extinct to avoid walking natural disasters from blowing up the continent. The previous medical sennin thought that by defecting, and attempting to kill me, she was making a difference. Takeshi thinks that by having utmost loyalty he can avoid catastrophic effects." Asuka snapped her fingers. The scene began to change. "Who was wrong? Takeshi? Well, his iron grip doesn't work. Massacres still happen. Crime is still a thing. The previous Sennin? Leaving did nothing. The samurai? Well, we are still here and the continent hasn't gone POOF! The shinobi? How many innocents have died based upon our actions? How many desperate people died because we thought they were scum when in reality all they needed was a helping hand." Asuka tapped her head a couple of hands. "Have you even considered that? Listening to the other side? Learning that some bandits are desperate parents with no other option to feed and protect the ones they care about." The scene began to become clear. "In my village, my father and his cult mates were scum. But everyone else was innocent. I took life from people who didn't deserve it. Do you really think all of them deserved to die? Based upon affiliation?" In it stood an older Asuka as it rain, on the rooftops of the maple district, lightning pouring down from the sides. Her eyes stood still, looking over the 4 bodies of children, no older than Shushuke. "I killed children for treason. And you know what they did? Took over the radio tower to spread complaints against Takeshi. That was enough to get them killed." Asuka sighed. Pinching her nose.

She looked in pain. Worry, misery, as if not only remembering was painful but seeing Shushaku talk like this made her sad. "So you're going to become judge, jury and executioner? And how are you going to determine who deserves to die? How are you going to distinguish the Jashinists from the desperate fathers when you come bringing fire and blood upon them?" Snapping her fingers. The bloodied bodies of Shishiwakamaru, Haniki, Kiriyomi and Kenaku would appear floating, impaled upon Shushuke's blades. "When one of your own gets into a bad path. Are you willing to unsheathe your blade? Instead of trying and correct their path? Of helping them." Giving a sigh she straight into Shushuke's eyes. "Am I supposed to judge you as dangerous and kill you instead of teaching you how to be better? Because I believe you are scum? Really? Is that how simple you see things? The world isn't black and white Shushuke. It's all kinds of grey.: She shook her head. Hopefully getting through to them. "It's our duty as those with power to distinguish between those that need aid and those that need to die. With great power comes great responsibility." Taking a deep breath she continued. "The problem is not enjoying the art of killing. I enjoyed killing my father. I regret everything else." She held her hands upon her head for a few moments. "Please tell me you get it."

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Shusuke stood there quietly. He was wrong. He was wrong about almost everything that was happening around him. His mind, his ideas were flawed. Asuka was right. Of course she was right, she's the Fifth Hokage and his Sensei. She was wise beyond his years and he could feel the concern and worry she was pushing into his field of vision. The room began to lighten. The red began to fade and the stark monochromatic would began to become multicolored and complex. The boy would close his Sharingan eye. "I... I am sorry 'Suka-sensei. No I wouldn't take my blades to them... How am I supposed to know when to use this power then?" The boy's sullen blue eye looked to Asuka.

The room began to fade and As Shusuke slumped to the ground his Third Eye Awakened jutsu came to a close. He laid on the ground, staring up into the red sky of the Tsukiyomi world that Asuka had created. He wiped his eyes with his forearm, trying to calm himself down. "Do I deserve this strength?"

His mind wandered, thinking back to the lives he took. Were they warranted? Were those meen just doing the best that they could? Was he the bad guy in this story?

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

Asuka would simply smile. Holding the boys cheek as she gave a relief sigh. "You'll know. Because you're not a bad kid." Her smile grew wider. Her worry disappearing. "You'll learn, grow and become the best version of yourself. And if you need help I'll be here to help you."

She giggled. "You don't need to deserve it." She smiled "That strength is yours. You gained it. It's all about choosing how to use it. Will you use it to help others? Protect those you love? Or be the cause of chaos in the land." Asuka shrugged. "That is up to you. But don't worry." She placed a hand on his head. "You won't have to go at it alone. Not anymore." Taking a deep breath she gave a smile.

"Man we've been here a while. How about we go back and get some da-" She suddenly froze in the moment. As if she felt something. She started to sweat. "We're out of time!" Clinching her teeth Asuka snapped her fingers. As her scythe materialized on her palm. "SHUSHUKE! R-" In the blink of an eye a figure appeared, covered in darkness. It looked as if the darkness was flowing back and forth, as if it was changing.. Giving a firm punch to the side of Asuka's head she was sent flying to the side. Disappearing in between the ruined village, leaving a dust cloud in her wake. The figure stood in front of Shushuke. Hair flowing upwards.

"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"

With a swift movement the figure gave a step forward. Summoning a scythe of it's own which looked as if it was made out of pure shadow. This thing was ready to strike.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

"Thank you 'Suka-Sensei" The young boy smiled at Asuka as she said she would always be there for him, it was a reassurance that he rarely received from others, let along from people he actually respected. He closed his eyes for a moment and could feel her hand placed on his head. Things were calming down, at least for the moment.

"SHUSHUKE! R-"

That's all he heard before the crashing sound of a strike hitting Asuka-Sensei. Shusuke immediately opened his eyes to see a shadowy creature standing over him with a scythe in hand. He had to respond in turn. As he saw the creature readying for a strike Shu would conjure forth a substitution jutsu allowing him to instantly teleport nearby to dodge the incoming attack. "I don't know what the fuck you are, but you aren't welcome here if you're going to be a brat!" He mimicked his teacher's verbiage as he spun his hand conjuring his scythe into reality. He placed one foot in front of the other and as he did dozens more Scythes smaller began to emerge spinning in place like sharp weapons ready to be launched. "If you decide to make me a foe, you will instantly regret it. Attacking those I care for is a crime punishable by death."

Without allowing the creature to respond to his statement the onslaught would begin. Being a Chimeiarashi, a Storm Born, he had extreme proficiency with weaponry and often wielded more than ten weapons at a time. Kicking himself into the air he would catch some of the floating scythes with ankle or elbow causing his spinning inertia to cause them to launch towards the shadowy form in quick succession. Ten blades in total would be launched in the matter of two seconds, a flurry of blades and blood would be sent at the screeching shadow. These blades intending to not only puncture the target, but to impale and restrict it's movements.

As soon as Shusuke landed back on the ground he took a deep breath and entered a Fire Chakra Style by staggering his breath to increase the temperature of his body granting him the Flame Touch defensive style. Pushin off the ground like a current of flames Shusuke would begin to run through the town in an attempt to find Asuka, hoping that the scythes were able to do their job to slow the man down.

"Asuka-Sensei! Where are you?!" Taking a moment to activate his Chakra Sensing abilities he would continue to run through this destroyed town trying to find his sensei quickly. He was concerned what would happen if he stayed here too long.

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

The creature snapped to look as it kept it scythe in the striking position. Not moving from it's position.
Z2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQg"

As it's saw the scythes and blood appearing around Shushuke it changed it's form moving to a more defensive position. As the onslaught of blades and blood came barreling down towards it it started parrying them. One, two, three. It made itself slimmed as it dodged the fourth one, parry, parry, parry. It was able to change the eighth ones direction but it did scrape it. Letting out a small screech which was enough for it to lose concentration. Having the last one impale it in the shoulder. Letting out a loud screech that could be heard for miles around. "aXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgaXQgaHVydHMgZGllIGl0IGh1cnRzIGRpZSBkaWUgaXQgaHVydHMgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSBkaWUgZGllIGRpZSA="


Seeing the flash of red as Shushuke sprinted away the creature started moving forward as it got started disappearing and appearing. Following the streak of red that he left behind. As it started getting closer it's hand started crackling. Slowly gaining brightness, after a few moments it stretched it's hand. Letting out a beam of lightning towards the running Shushuke. Following that up, it held it's fist tight as it started to slowly warp. The space above Shsuhuke follwong suit as within a moments notice it slammed down, as if bull struck the ground. It's scythe slowly started gaining heat. Turning blue as it kept teleporting in and out slowly getting closer. Moving to start thrust it into the ground with a light cracking the grounf Leaving a trail of stardust in it's wake.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Barely enough time to respond, Shusuke felt an impact crashing into his back, causing him to strike the ground with a hard and solid blow. Knocking the wind out of him he had to respond, and quickly. Slamming his hands onto the ground he would use his Inner Earth Reflection Lure to sink into the ground to continue the momentum from the strike in an attempt to create space between this creature and himself. He was curious why it was coming after him, but if Asuka-Sensei wasn't going to be close by he knew he needed to respond in kind.

Shifting through the rubble Shusuke would launch himself out of the ground and into the air. "Wind Style: Wind Scythe Divine Wind Jutsu!" As he spoke the currents of air began to surge around him and large crescent like blade began to solidify before launching themselves at the strange creature. Landing on the ground he would grab his scythe and clench onto it's handle. "Why exactly are we fighting this thing?" Shusuke heard an unfamiliar voice in his mind, and unless Asuka was pulling a joke on him, someone else was here. Hesitating slightly he knew he had to act quick or he would be in some serious trouble.

"That thing started it! I am on the defense!" Shusuke said as he gripped his scythe more firmly. Looking around he tried to find some cover. "Yea, because when I think of defensive measures I imagine throwing not just your illusory scythes, but Wind Scythes. What's wrong with you?"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! WHAT DO YOU KNOW! YOU AREN'T EVEN HE-"​

Then his presence became known. There was another mind dwelling within Shusuke. He could feel his bright white light coming from within Shusuke's mind. "Get out... Get out!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!" As Shusuke yelled a bright white light filled the hand that was holding his Scythe. Letting go of the Scythe the form of the weapon would shift into a young boy with deep purple eyes and stark white hair. "'Sup. You think we outa run now, or?" He gestured over his should towards where the two of them has last seen the creature.

"I don't need your permission!" The young boy started to run again, he began to weave a series of handseals in a last minute attempt to stop this creature where it stands. Holding his last seal until he could see the shadowing being he would through his hands up in his signature Yamanaka Style pose before looking at it through his fingers.

"Secret Technique: Mind Destruction Jutsu!"

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

As Shushuke basically sank into the ground the creature gave a loud Shriek as it started to look around for the boy. Slowly walking up and down streets and alleyways. "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" It shrieked again, but the pitch, upon closer hearing sounded more like wailing rather than a scream. It’s white eyes didn’t show any particular emotion but as it shrieked again the scream carried loneliness and despair with it. As if the air itself became colder.

“Get out of my head!” The creature snapped it’s attention as it started sprinting towards the voice. "4oCcTGVhdmUuIExlYXZlLiBMZWF2ZS4gTGVhdmUuIExlYXZlLiBMZWF2ZS4gTGVhdmUuIExlYXZlLiBMZWF2ZS4gTGVhdmUuIExlYXZlLiBMZWF2ZS4gTGVhdmUuIExlYXZlLiBJIGRvbuKAmXQgd2FudCB0byBodXJ0IGFueW9uZS4gTEVBVkUh” Jumping up it laid out it’s eyes on the boy… there was now a second one. A clone? A friend? Well, it didn’t matter.

As soon as the boy pointed his hand towards the creature it screamed in pain, holding its head tightly as it fell to the ground in an arc motion. It’s white eye clearing up as a blue one looked up to the sky, slowly getting engulfed again b the darkness. As it stood up it looked around, the boy nowhere in sight. As it started walking around it’s head tilted like a tic.



Meanwhile as Shu ran he would find the remnants of a carved out line of rock and dirt, as if somebody had been trying to carve the initial of the road and at the end of it laied down a pained Asuka. Coughing a couple of times as she slowly sat up. “Fuckng hell that prick.” She sighed, coughing a couple more times. “I swear she’s all roses and rainbows, pulling her punches at one time and the next she becomes a berserker.”

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

As Shusuke and Tamashii barely made it away from that creature, the pair finally found where Asuka had landed, but something seemed different. "What is it?" Tamashii said looking over at the concerned look that took Shusuke's face. "Her? Are you saying that thing is Asuka-Sensei? You mean to tell me we are still in her illusion?" He let out a sigh and began to walk away from the altar that had the physical appearance of his sensei. "Yo, did you forget that there's a scary monster that way?" The newly born soul called out to Shusuke. The Yamanaka smiled as he began to burn with blue chakra, his flesh begining to burn away as his True Yamanaka blood began to become apparent. "She's not the only one that can be considered a Monster in the world of Illusions."

As the boy began to run back towards where he last saw the monster that was actually his sensei his body began to grow larger and larger. His arms would begin to rip and tear as his neck would begin to elongate and split as well. His humanoid form would begin to give birth to a ten foot tall hydra with six heads searching about screaming. "ASUKA-SENSEI!" As the creature reared back it's heads the length of it's body began to coil as the 300 foot long serpent like form pushed the multiple heads into the air to search from a higher vantage point.

If one of the heads would be able to the strange dark creature it would let out a hiss before darting towards her. As the hydra form of Shusuke slithered through the abandoned and destroyed village of Asuka's childhood, it would move with extreme speed and grace. Approaching the horrific form of Asuka the serpent like tail of Shusuke's hydra form would attempt to slam down on top of her before curling and tightening its grip around her body in an attempt to grapple her and catch her in a constrictor's bind. "Assssssuka-Sssssenssssei! I am here! Ssssensssse my Chakra, you know it isss Shussssuke! I need you to calm down and ssssspeak to me!" Being a form made of pure Chakra, the Yamanaka could not take any physical harm, but this technique exposed his very soul and spiritual energy. Damaging this form here injured and lowered his spiritual energy and if it depletes too much his body would take heavy injuries. This was a risky jutsu to be using, but it gave him the best chance of not only restraining Asuka-Sensei, but connecting with her on this spiritual level.

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

"Wait! What are you doing you idiot!" Asuka said as she tried to run after the kid. Only falling after a couple of steps. She was weak. She wasn't in control anymore. God damn it. He could run. This kid took more from Asuka than she had initially thought. Both were suicidal idiots. With a sigh she sat back down. Looking at the newcomer. "Don't bother. These types of idiots don't know when to call it quits." In the end she couldn't do anything so it was up to him to do something.

The creature sensed something was changing. Something big was coming. Turning it's head towards the feeling it started with a cloud of dust. As the ground itself rumbled. As soon as the creature got into view the creature shrieked loudly."RGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgUHJvdGVjdCBQcm90ZWN0IERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIFByb3RlY3QgUHJvdGVjdCBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBQcm90ZWN0IFByb3RlY3QgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgUHJvdGVjdCBQcm90ZWN0IERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIFByb3RlY3QgUHJvdGVjdCBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBQcm90ZWN0IFByb3RlY3QgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgUHJvdGVjdCBQcm90ZWN0IERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIFByb3RlY3QgUHJvdGVjdCBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBQcm90ZWN0IFByb3RlY3QgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgRGFuZ2VyIERhbmdlciBEYW5nZXIgUHJvdGVjdCBQcm90ZWN0IE5vIG1vcmUgTm8gbW9yZSBQcm90ZWN0IE5vIG1vcmUgTm8gbW9yZVByb3RlY3QgTm8gbW9yZSBObyBtb3JlUHJvdGVjdCBObyBtb3JlIE5vIG1vcmVQcm90ZWN0IE5vIG1vcmUgTm8gbW9yZVByb3RlY3QgTm8gbW9yZSBObyBtb3Jl" The panic setting in it couldn't react in time as the tail slammed down upon it. Grappling it in its thick scales it wiggled and struggled as it screeched again. The chakra itself felt familiar, as if it was known. But the actions spoke differently. An enemy. Yes. An enemy had gotten a hold of it. As it vanished from the tail it appeared a distance away, immediately slamming it's hand into the ground a body started to form. It took shape of a crystal dragon, the creature on top of it's head as the dragon roared.

Slamming it's foot on the ground Amber spikes started coming out from the ground. Spreading towards the Hydra as it suddenly split off. Surrounding it as it closed down into it. Hoping to pin it down. While that was happening, the creature raised it's hand upon the air as the air suddenly changed. The clouds slowly started spreading apart, a massive white hot ball of fire started falling into the ground towards the Hydra. Hoping to just whipe it out of the face of this plain of existence.

As it slowly plummeted into the ground the creature shrieked once more. "R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgR2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgR2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgSGVscCBtZSBHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IEhlbHAgbWUgR2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBIZWxwIG1lIEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgSGVscCBtZSBHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IEhlbHAgbWUgR2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBIZWxwIG1lIEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgSGVscCBtZSBHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IEhlbHAgbWUgR2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBIZWxwIG1lIEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgSGVscCBtZSBHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0R2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXRHZXQgb3V0IGdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dEdldCBvdXQgZ2V0IG91dCBnZXQgb3V0IEhlbHAgbWUg"

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The grasp that Shusuke had on the distorted Asuka wasn't strong enough for him to complete what he needed to do. Turning one of his heads he could see that no to far away Asuka reappeared but was standing a top of the newly emerged Crystal Dragon. Hisses came from Shusuke's serpentine like heads as he watched the large beast dart towards him and grab ahold of his scaley form. The burning blue flames began to wisp and hiss as his form shrank ever so slightly as his chakra reserves began to deplete. The Amber Spikes piercing through some of the wisping flame like chakra form of the Hydra caused even more of the boy's chakra reserves to dissipate causing his form to begin to noticeably shrink. He didn't care. He needed to reach out to her. he needed to not only understand Asuka, but he needed to be able to speak to her directly. His multiple heads would look for the dark shadowy form.

Finally locking down onto her location Shusuke would begin to see a massive ball of fire plummeting down onto him. This was the time to act. Ninja Art: Mind Possession Jutsu! The boy would attempt to throw his soul, his every being, into the body of this creature, into the body of his sensei... into his friend. This was it, the time to see if he had what it took to stop this rampage.

Spoiler: On a Success

The hydra would simply vanish. No trace could be seen and the remains of the boy would go unnoticed. The crashing fireball jutsu would begin to dissipate some before crashing into the ground as the creature's body would go limp. The sounds of screeching would stop. `Mind Possession, Success.`

Asuka would be standing in a dark room. Before her would be a large window that would allow her to see through her eyes, but her vision was as if she was looking out from behind her shoulder. Her spirit would recognize that she was not longer in control of her physical form. She was pulled away from her body. `Asuka-Sensei, It's okay. It's Shusuke. I am going to make sure you are safe okay? I don't know what caused you to act this way, but I am here now. Let's take a breath.` The soul of Asuka could feel her body taking a long calming breath but it wasn't by her command or doing. She would begin to feel her body shift from a standing position to a sitting one. Shusuke was in control now, and he was going to make it better.

Taking another deep breath, Shusuke would position her body in a meditative stance. Here, he could understand not only her thoughts but her emotions. The fear, the danger, the desire to protect. All of those buzzing impulses still filled her mind. With each one Shusuke would breathe through them. He didn't have long, but he had a few seconds, ten seconds or so, before Asuka's mind would be able to reject him. She was the Hokage after all. She would have the strength and the willpower needed to break this jutsu. But until then, they would simply breathe. Shusuke would speak to her mind as he felt the tension and the force of rejection become stronger. `If you wish for me to leave, you have to be the one to do it. While I have the power to visit your mind, I don't have the strength to end this illusion. This false world you have created and placed me in. I understand that its safer here for you and that you can control everything that happens here, but its not real. I am excited to meet you, all of you, out in the real world one day. No matter how many faces or masks you have to wear to stand out in the actual sun or feel the rain it will be worth it.`

As the jutsu faded or broken, Shusuke's physical form would once again be present as he fell to the ground beside her, laying there battered and bruised from the blows traded by the hydra and dragon.

Spoiler: On a Failure

The large serpentine like form would be too slow to dodge the large plummeting fireball, especially with the dragon pinning him to the ground. The hydra heads would open their mouths as Shusuke knew his Mind Possession Jutsu was a failure and he would conjure up currents of water to spray up at the falling ball of destruction to try and weaken it's blow as he cast out weak water ninjutsu. The steam that rolled off before impact made it clear his low level techniques were nothing in comparison to what the former Hokage could utilize.

The impact was earth shattering and as the smoke began to fade the hydra like form of Shusuke would begin to burn away as well as the young boy shrank back down to his normal size and shape. Sears and burns covered his body as portions of his clothes wisped into the air as embers and ash. A coigh would come to the boy as the air was polluted with the smoke and dust from the jutsu, and as the air was forced from his lungs he could feel a splattering of warm iron-tasting liquid spill from his mouth. Shifting and curling to his side the young boy would pull up his legs in a defensive position, a juvenile fetal position, as tears began to drop from his eyes. Coughing up sobs and sputs of blood the young Yamanaka was in extreme pain, and unlike most of the times that Shusuke has been around Asuka he was acting his age. "I-I'm sorry... I don't want to die sensei..." He coughed again as the tears poured heavily down his cheeks. "I'm scared... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... please stop..."

He began to shift his weight but immediately stops at the wince of pain he felt in his ribs. He was out of chakra, he couldn't use the medical ninjutsu he learned from Shishiwakamaru to try and make himself feel better. Shusuke began to feel cold and his vision began to grow dark. His eyes grew heavy and as he laid there, slowly losing consciousness he mutter out. "I'm scare-..."

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

Shushuke could feel the creature slowly stop fighting him. His words resonating with it. It kept in the meditative stage as the world around them started to slowly crumble, disappearing from one end to the other. From the far side Asuka gave a smile as she slowly disappeared. Pleased with what the kid had done. Even she wasn't capable of calming her down. As the Jutsu started to slowly dissipate. Shushuke wouldn't be pushed out but rather pulled into somewhere else as everything turned dark.

The wind flowing through his hair he could feel himself falling in the void as he went deeper and deeper into whatever this was. After a couple of minutes a form started to appear, rather rapidly. Coming upon them closer they could be recognized to be thunder clouds. Blasts of light emanating from them. They came faster and faster. Slowly going through them the land of fire country could be seen, the country side stretching the horizon but... there was no sun, no moon. As he kept falling a ravine could start coming into view.

Falling through it the walls aligned themselves with natural rock spikes, it kept going for quite a while. Finally, actual ground kept coming in fast. He would create a small crater, the ground beneath him turning into a dust cloud as he smashed into it at incredible speeds. But there was no pain. Once he got his bearing he would realize that the floor was made entirely out of bones, the sky crashing down with a stormy rain. Thunder raging from above. In the middle of it all kneeled a white haired little girl, no younger than 4, no older than 6.

Sobbing, hiccups interrupting for a moment in between. Her silhouette was missing chunks of flesh, darkness surrounding the open wounds it seemed as it was very slowly regenerating but not at a pace that could be seen if someone was not paying attention.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Taking a slow and steadying breath after everything that the young boy experienced, he would look around at the scene before him. He could feel the pressure of the raging storms around him as he saw the small girl crying. "Asuka-chan?" He asked softly, his left eye closed from exhaustion. He staggered his step towards her as he raised his hand summoning the storms above. An almost umbrella-like dome would form around the two made of shimmering water and dancing streaks of storm energy as the boy conjured his Shielding Tempest Jutsu. "You know, I always thought the lightning in the dark skies was beautiful. The dancing lights in an otherwise scary world." He would attempt to get about ten feet from the small child before squatting down on his heels. He looked up at the raging storms.

"Do you think the chaos in the world is pretty? If everything made sense all the time what fun would learning new things be? Sometimes the scary things in the dark are what allow us to enjoy the pretty things in the light, you know?" The boy pressed his hands together into a handseal and caused a small orb of light to emerge, a Spirit Lantern, that would emit a soft white light that would help illuminate where they were. Standing up to his feet and walking even closer to her now, Shusuke's hands would begin to glow green with that signature Mystical Hands Medical Ninjutsu hue.

If she didn't stop him, he would place his hand on her cheek and wipe a tear away from her eyes, the jutsu softening any feelings of pain she may be experiencing. "I don't know if you remember me right now, but my name is Shusuke. And, well, I want to be your friend, if that's okay with you."

 

[Uchiha Asuka]

Asuka sisn't move from her spot as she kept weeping. As she slowly felt the water stop she figured the child had done something. But she didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore. Pointless giving and pointless suffering just to end up six feet underground, if you were lucky. It was tyring. "Dancing lights... what a naive way og thinking."

She gave a sigh as she looked up for a moment, seeing the the dome that had appeared above both of them. His words echoed in her head. Talking about the randomness of the world. The Chaos that it caused to keep things interesting. Clinching her teeth she moving her head down again. "The brighter the light. The bigger the shadow.!" She spoke shaking her head. "I used to think like that. Used to think that everything that happened had a meaning. Some sort of randomness that made stuff be more interesting. In the end there's no point to it all."

Shaking her head tears continued running doen her face. "I remember you. The weak child who didn't understand the life he was getting himself into. Great potential, horrible mindset. One of those things is still true." Giving him a glance her teared eyed face gave him a disgraced look. "You still haven't lost anyone important to you, have you?"