Turn towards the Sky [Lunar Event Topic]

[Leaf Historian]

A famous tourist spot and one of the many wonders of the modern world, Hokage Rock overlooks all of Konohagakure. The famed mountain is a monument to Hokage of the past and although it was damaged in the Fire Country civil war, the monument was one of the first structures rebuilt during the new era of peace. At the top of the mountain sits a large observation deck and park with vender kiosk and picture perfect spots for observing the surrounding country or having a nice picnic.

The Hokage Rock, one of the most famous places inside of Konoha, and by far the most recognisable inside of the village itself, the four Hokage of leaf look out upon the city watching those that enter inside of the gates with their every day life. With the recent addition of Uchiha Takeshi to the cliff face, the order now stood proud for all of time, Kami, Umashi, Yomi and now Takeshi. All of them watching over the generations that came inside of the village. For the festival though the true fun event was what was on top of this mountain, with the sites of an entire city in celebration below.

At the top of this place was the small observation park that had been set up, with festival banners and lanterns hanging, gently swaying in the wind the stalls that had come here where unusual. With the area of the Observation decking allowing anyone who wanted to come up here time to look around and see the entire village from a point of view that some would have even described as beautiful. A small stand had been set up that was selling bowls of soup for the night time to warm people up, and even the picnic stand had been set up for the festivities.

The picnic shop had been set up to sell people small baskets of food, drinks and other snacks so they could enjoy the evening entertainment out and about for a walk or something even subtler if they wished. Though people also had the options to get hats and gloves if they so wished to, for them to keep warm then that was something that was available to them. Of course, with the carnival in town this came at a price, but that was only to be expected it seemed that they would be there for all the night while the observation dome had become transformed.

The decking had become a flourish of activity for those that ventured up here, two stands had been created to host the Lantern releases that had become a nightly happening now. One of the stands was already selling the lanterns ready with words and designs on them that where for children and adults alike, with the candle ready you could get one, take it to the middle and release it up to the sky, remember what we must be grateful for during this special event. This was for those that wanted to say thanks but quickly, with them already being ready to go lots of people where crowded around this stand taking advantage of that fact.

The second stall was for those that wanted to be a bit more personal with what they where sending to the sky, this stall for a slightly higher fee offered those visitors the chance to create their own unique lantern, with the materials required to fully assemble it ready. Taking longer than the other stall, this was more rewarding for those that had a personal message to send out there, to say what was needed but never speak the words. In the middle of the Observation deck a ring had been created for those to step inside and release the lantern into the sky, to let the winds take it from sight over Konoha.

[OOC:]

Spoiler

For all those that want to release a lantern the rules are simple:

- You must state at the bottom of your post that you are doing the following [Lantern Released]
- Your post must hit the rule requirements for any posts
- Have fun and enjoy yourselves

Once this has been done, you have entered this event for the Lunar Festival, make it personal or just standard the choice is yours completely if you enjoy the RP and have fun that is all that matters.

Signed:

Leaf Council

 

[Kanagawa Nozomi]

The air here wasn't sweet like it was in Kumogakure. The air here felt heavier, suffocating even. Not only was the thicker air down on the ground causing her to have difficulties breathing, but having witnessed the screenshot of the event at the Konohagakure Radio Tower. As much as just the audio continued to nag at her dreams, triggering flashbacks of more traumatic times for her, she wasn't here to seek out any vengeance or any justice for the children in that recording. She had other, personal reasons to attend this festival. The reasons were sentimental to her and there wasn't anything that'll stop her from doing so. While she had a quarrel with Leaf, now wasn't the time nor the place for that. Her way of dealing with that is back home in Kumogakure. Besides, she had no desire to fight or start hostilities while wearing a beautiful kimono.

Wearing the night sky upon her body, with a few scattered lotus flowers, the kimono she wore matched the pitch-black night sky in Konohagakure. The stars in the sky were as numerous as the stars upon her kimono. The night sky was broken with a dark blue obi and the pristine white, the same white as the Kumogakure snow, of the undergarments beneath the kimono. Her kimono's sleeves were long, in a furisode fashion, bearing the symbolic mountains of Kumogakure upon the sleeve. The mountains, themselves, were small to accentuate the vastness of the sky above the towering mountain; the Spine of the World. Her hair was put up, letting her bangs and other portions of her hair hang down loosely over the front and side of her face. She wore light make-up for the occasion, an uncommon sight for the Cloud Sniper. A light dusting of pink blush upon her cheeks, a gentle pink lip-gloss upon her lips, and red cat-eye eye-liner to put focus upon her stone-gray eyes.

The scent of peaches carried gently and sweetly behind her as she walked slowly through the village of Konoha, taking in all of the sights. Her eyes drifted upwards to where the Sky Lanterns would appear, pausing for a brief moment to take in the beautiful scenery of the gently glowing candle-lit lanterns ready to be released into the sky. The tradition of Sky Lanterns or 'Flying Lanterns' was one that was much older than she. One would write their earthly troubles upon a sheet of paper and watch it float away into the heavens, signifying the release of such worries. The interpretation this village had for the Sky Lanterns baffled her. To give thanks. Giving thanks was something she wasn't too accustomed to. She was grateful for Lady Yuii and Lord Ayumu for allowing her to integrate into Kumogakure after her stint as a child-soldier; a seemingly un-redeemable murderer following orders on penalty of death. She was grateful for Kumogakure for accepting her even if she lied to Kumogakure about her real name.

She isn't here to give thanks but to memorialize the people she loved and lost. With that in mind, she made the climb up to the vendor that had the tags. She purchased a single lantern and a tag. A brush was given to her and she looked at the blank tag with a solemn look on her face. She was determined to put the names of her mother, her father, and her sister upon the tag. Having the tag in her hand, when the time came, made it much more difficult. There were so many things she wanted to relieve herself of; her Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder, her nightmares of her time being a child soldier, the guilt she carried for all of the people she killed as a child. All of these things were pent up in her mind and things she wanted to let go, but it came down to her family. Regret racked her for 13 years; being unable to save her parents and being helpless. Her ineptitude at using a weapon cost her her twin sister's life. It was a nightmare that she couldn't let go and it was tearing her up on the inside.

Taking a deep breath, she wrote 'Mama' and 'Papa' upon the sheet of paper. When it came time to write her sister's name upon the tag, she hesitated. Her hands began to tremble, dropping little drips of black upon the pristine white tag. Several dots mark the sheet of paper to mark her hesitation.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Two years. It's been two years since Ziren has disappeared off the face of the Earth. And now, with all that he's heard, of child murderers getting promoted for doing what they have done. And now this festival? What exactly happened with the war with Frost? Honestly, Ziren didn't want to come back, with all the complications that are bound to arise once people here find out he's alive from his mission.

But now with a festival going on, it certainly raises a lot of questions that Ziren has. With all the festivities going on, even the Hokage Rock isn't as quiet as he'd like. Once he learns more of this whole ordeal, he will take his leave.

But for now, he has to blend in. Well, blend in as good as he can. The whole cloak and mask thing obviously makes him stand out, and if he's confronted about it, he will say that he hides his face mainly because of a horrible accident that he was in. Going to the public stand, getting lanterns that read, "Dad", "Mom", and "Big bro". He released each one into the night sky. Once that was done, Ziren jumped down to land on one of the Hokage Rock Heads. Yomi in particular. She was his favorite Hokage, almost like a mother to him. Next is Umashi, for he tries to be fair to everyone.

A Hokage, that Ziren once wanted to be. But that dream is long gone.

[Lanterns released]
[Topic entered as Ziren in incognito clothes]

 

[Metsu]

Konohagakure was wonderful this time of year, and the Lunar festival was always lovely. Metsu smiled as he smelled the various fragrances in the wind. The Samurai infestation seems to have been taken care of by the Leaf Shinobi, good for them. As he walked slowly, he took in the sights around him on the top of Hokage Rock, where the lantern area had been set up.

It’s been decades since I have even been in Fire Country, and I don’t believe I have actually ever stepped far inside the city, this is wonderful. Konohagakure’s gates had let him in with hardly an issue, and he had wandered until he had gotten here. Waiting in line for some soup, he took in the night sky, listening to the bustle of activity around him. He was still in his travel-worn suit, not yet bothering to look for accommodation or lodging. They are probably all taken anyway, I am sure I can find somewhere to sleep regardless, if I need it.

Finally receiving his soup, he went and stood at a railing near the edge, looking over the city. I wonder what this will look like a decade from now, or a century? How many faces will they fit on this mountain? I will have to come back and check, Lord Jashin willing. Remembering what he knew about the current Hokage, and their apparent use of Rinnigan, another thought occurred to Metsu, How do they know what face to put up on the Hokage Rock? Wouldn't there be multiple to choose from? I will need to ask, if I ever meet the Hokage, how it was chosen.

Finishing his soup, he went and constructed his own lantern, carefully concealing Jashin's Mark within it, and writing the only thing he could think of to be thankful for. Brother Nintai. I am in a way, thankful for you. If not for you I would never have found my way to Jashin's service, and i would be centuries dead now, instead of enjoying this wonderful festival. I owe you that at least. Metsu had already had his revenge against Nintai for his attempted murder, it was the least he could do to thank him for the one good thing he did.

Walking into the centre of the ring, he used handseals to light the lantern, a habit he still had from his childhood years, holding the lantern up into the wind, releasing it to float away. "Goodbye Brother Nintai, I hope where you are is nice and warm, where you are getting what you deserve." Smirking at his choice of words, Metsu turned back around, unsure what part of the festival to take part of next.

[Lantern Released]
WC: 453

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

​

The small boy watched with rapt attention as the lanterns started their ascent into the nights sky, carrying with each of them the fond memories and love for others. Such displays were so… amazing, and caused one particularly cute Kami to almost squeal in excitement.

He would have loved nothing more than to fly amongst the lanterns, reading the messages of love to those who had passed on, personal messages to lovers, and just general nice things. It. Was. Wonderful! However, Migoya had told him that people might not like it if their personal messages were read, and that might make them sad and to Juutsu, sadness was a big no-no. So here he was, sitting under the ‘transformation’ of a young boy on top of a big mountain thing that had peoples faces carved out of it and he was watching the lanterns float away.

A few people however caught his notice. Lucky them.

“Ma’am. Might I say that your ensemble is worthy of song! You smell wonderful… like peaches on a summer’s day. Whoever has your love is very lucky!” The small boy, extremely cute and speaking with an apparent lisp, said with a wide smile, full of excitement. His eyes looked over Lady Nozomi with rapt awe, pure and innocent. A small hand would try to hold her hand in the simple way young children do, his own scent of a pure, windswept breeze hinted with rare but fragrant mountain flowers was a very strange addition to anyone interested in such things. “It’s nice to know that we are never really alone, even if people leave us. And if we have learned from them, and keep doing what they would want us to do, we make them happy - always!”

A wide grin followed as the Kami, in boy form, moved to his next victim of luv.

He knew this one. He had been unseen at the time when Migoya had spoken with him, but this ‘Ziren’ was a nice mortal. Kind and family orientated. Oh, he was wearing a mask and robe combo - very ‘mysterious’ but Juutsu tended to look at souls rather than outward things, unless they were spectacular. This one had been through a lot, but was stronger for it. He waited until Ziren released his lantern before strangely appearing next to him, standing on one of the Kages heads. How a young boy could accomplish such a feat was… strange, even in this village.

“Hello! It’s a beautiful night isn’t it. Makes us think of our family, and our love for them and how they look after us, and how we look after them. I’m sure your family are grateful for you, and even though life has treated you harshly, if you turn that into a better life for them then you are the greatest person you can be!” The smell of… his daughters favourite flowers would drift through the air, and before Ziren could speak to the strange child he would be no more, having moved to the next person far too quickly…

Now, Juutsu was an immortal being, created by the positiveness of the universe but every now and then his ‘spiritual sight’ would come against something… very odd. A person that was dark… full of specks of light, but… dark. Everyone had some good in them, but this one seemed to enjoy hiding it. That was silly.

The smell of fresh blood would now drift through the air as he stood near to this strange man, and Juutsu tried his best to find the positive in that. Why someone's favourite smell would be that… he must be a butcher! A very famous butcher!

“Oh you have a brother? I hope he is warm as well!” the young boy would exclaim with joy, no hint of his… uncomfort visible, because like all good creatures he hid it. “I find that warm hugs are the best way to show love to one another! And letting everyone around you know how much you love them, and what you admire most about them! I think you look very handsome in a rugged way! Im.. Juutsu - whats your name Sir?”

The lanterns would continue to rise, and the ever-so-cute young boy would watch them with barely suppressed joy, waiting for the nice mans response. His own lantern would drift through the sky, with only a single word.

Everything.

[OOC: Contract NPC Juutsu entered - under effects of 'Transformation' (otherwise everyone would be squealing with cuteness. Let us know if you want to see through the shenanigans, but he is rather good at it ]

 

[Kanagawa Nozomi]

Several other people arrived at the booth that she had taken residence at for the moment. A stiff wind blew that caused the tag she was writing on to flutter away. She looked up as the tag disappeared and sighed outwardly. This might have been her way of saying goodbye to her parents, but it wasn't her way of saying goodbye to her twin sister (Nozomi); the one she took the name of. Currently, in the Kumogakure Cemetary, the headstone wrote her mother's name, her father's name, and her sister's name (written as Kozue). She took her sisters name, swapping her name as a means of remembering her and her inability to protect her. If only she hadn't panicked, her sister might still be alive to this day. It was the guilt that she held that made her take the name Nozomi. But, just for today, she will take her true name.

Two men approached the lantern booth as she ordered 3 more tags to place upon her lantern. These two looked sketchy; one wearing a mask while the other just had that masochistic look in his eyes. It was uncouth of her to judge people by their looks, but when in a foreign land, it wasn't smart to not remain vigilant nor prepared in the event something were to kick off. A masked man wrote down his memories onto the sheet of paper. She peered down at what he wrote, as was typical for someone in her career, only to see him having similar sentiments as she. Mother, father, and brother. He seemed to be grieving for them as well. She turned to look to her other side to quickly glance at the words he wrote upon his tag. The only thing she could see was 'brother nintai'. His writing was in relatively small print to be able to write all of that onto a small sheet of paper.

She didn't see anything out of the ordinary, until she heard a small voice addressing her. Her eyes opened up, in surprise, for a moment before placing the brush down, holding the three notes she purchased to place upon her lantern. She turned around with her head pointed downwards to notice an adorable little boy. She quickly smiled warmly and knelt down, sitting upon her ankles while holding the young child's hand. She placed a cold hand upon the boy's cheek and pinched them in a playful manner. A gentle laugh was stifled out before rustling his hair. "Aren't you the charmer?" she asked. The boy started to spit out his own brand of wisdom. These words lead her to believe that she wasn't really speaking to a young boy, but she entertained his words anyway.

"Yes, that would be nice, wouldn't it?" she asked. She wasn't a very religious person, not believing in any higher power; contrary to her prayers for the animals she hunted. It was her belief that there wasn't any higher power at work, but there was SOMETHING out there that may have created things or even moved things into place. Who or what is still something she didn't have the answer to. The only thing she could count on were the stars in the night sky, the sun looming above, and the sylphs in the wind. She was still on the fence about there being an afterlife; whether or not her words and prayers to her family would be heard. Even if she was still on the fence about her beliefs, it still made her feel better about doing something like the Flying Lanterns. It still meant something to her.

The little boy took off to spread his wisdom to the next person before standing up and quickly writing 'Mama' on one tag, 'Papa' on another tag and paused for a moment on her sister's tag. There was a slight hesitation before writing the name 'Nozomi' on the final one. She pinned the notes to the Flying Lantern, lit the candle within, and held the contraption for a moment, waiting to find a beautiful spot and released the lantern. She would have rather released the lantern upon the beautiful mountains of the Lightning Country, but if her family WERE able to see this, they would still be awestruck at the beauty that was Fire Country. After releasing the lantern, she hid her face into the sleeves of her kimono and started to cry. It was difficult for her to let this go and the pain would still be with her, but this ritual helped her in the healing process.

[Lantern Released]
MFT: 763

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Ziren had listened to the blood flows of all those around him. A new blood flow was near, one that seemed, peculiar. He turned his face, just so the only eye hole on the mask faces the man, there was something about him... Something Ziren couldn't put a finger on. But what's he to judge? He's just a dead man walking. He also heard the blood flow of the woman that was here before him, she was a bit near him when he had his lantern released.

And then, soon after, a boy appeared right by him when he was on one of the Hokage Rock Heads. He spoke too true of Ziren and how his past like has been. It made him... Think the boy, isn't no boy to begin with.

Before he could even speak, the boy had disappeared. The Chigokai looked back at the sunset, thinking back of his family. He never knew his parents, for his brother had a hand in killing them. But that doesn't mean that Ziren still mourns for his parents. And his brother... Part of him hates his brother, for what he has done, of almost killing Ziren on some occasions. But... There's also another part of him, that doesn't know. Part of him, that wonders if there ever was a chance of his brother ever loving him. But he will never know. His brother's blood is on his hands. Something that Ziren doesn't know if what he did was right or wrong, if there ever was a chance to change how Jirosho was.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard what sounded like muffled crying. Turning his head, he seen it was the woman, she had her face buried. A slight sigh came from the mask. He always tried to help others, and ironically, that is where he gets in the most trouble for.

Walking up the cliff side, off of the Rock Head, he sat by the woman, and brought out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote something down. Once he had what he wanted to say, written down, he slid the piece of paper, folded up, to the woman. Whether she read it or not, he would then get back up, and jump back down on to one if the Hokage Rock Heads.

On the letter, it said:

Spoiler

I have no right to tell you how I know how you must feel, for all of us have had hardships, or greater. Part of why I wear a mask, is to hide my sadness, doubt, guilt, everything really. And I know this part sounds corny, just like from a movie, but know that you are never alone. No matter how alone you might feel, there are people who care for you.
From,
The random mask wearing dude

The Chigokai hoped that would help this stranger. What it means to know pain, and feeling pain is two different things. He took a deep breath, thinking to himself, of how much he has changed. He isn't scared of a lot of things. But change. He wants to be the same, but the same is different so long ago.

He looked down to see a flower sprouting from the Hokage Head he was sitting on. This place. It is old. It isn't surprising how small plant life has sprouted. Ziren picked the flower, and held it in his right hand, staring at it, reflecting on his past life.

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Takeshi stood on top of Hokage rock, though the walk up there had been an enjoyable one it seemed to have taken forever, partly because he had been greetings everyone on their way to the mountain as well, he would be joining them soon. Walking past the groups that where around, it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves inside of the village. It was a good time to see that the festival had taken off in such a way. The robes of the Hokage office around himself as he finally made it to the top of the mountain, looking at the sights of the stalls and lanterns that moved in the sky with grace.

“Such a beautiful night, one that will not be forgotten quickly I must say, now I guess it is time to release the lantern that I have been given.”

Allowing himself to walk over to a bench he put down the lanterns, two of them that he had to build together before being ready to be released. As he assembled them one with the symbol of Leaf the other with the Uchiha Clan symbol on it. Both of which he needed to release today, it seemed that he would be joining everyone else in hoping for the best for the future.

Once the Lantern was sorted, he placed the small candle inside watching the air begin to try and take the symbols into the sky. Walking to the Hokage rock he allowed his fingers to grip onto the two of them, not releasing them till the edge of the rock. He smiled as he looked over the village that he called his own. Raising the two up he allowed himself to let them go, watching them fly into the sky with the hopes of a much brighter future.

“To Konoha and the future that we are working on creating.”

[Topic Entered]
[Lantern Released]
[MFT:302]

 

[Metsu]

Once you become immortal, Metsu had learned that you get a feel for feel for it in others, it was like an itch you couldn’t quite scratch, or a sneeze building that you get no release from. Further to it, when you tend to align yourself with certain entities, your being tends to be tainted by it, for better or for worse, just a side effect of being within the presence of a higher power. Metsu did not care that he has served Jashin long enough that his very soul had been corrupted by the darker energy of his god, and it had its uses.

Being in the presence of this “boy” for instance, he could feel an opposing force, a light encroaching on his darkness. Focusing his eyes on the child, he recognised the transformation jutsu, but had no desire to unmask it, not here at least. Darkness and Light would always need each other, Yin does not work without Yang after all. Shaking the “boy’s” hand firmly, he spoke, ”My name is Metsu, young… man, perhaps you should run along back to your parents, I’m sure they would be concerned.”<i></i>

Turning away from the child, he could hear the muffled crying of the woman, and watched a masked man hand her a letter before leaving her alone. Ah the young, always resisting what they should be embracing, perhaps I could offer some advice.<i></i> Making his way over to the woman, he bowed politely, before offering an embroidered silk handkerchief.

”I do apologise for the rudeness of unsolicited advice, but I will still offer it regardless. The pain you are feeling now, is a gift to be embraced, not a trial to be endured.”<i></i> He paused for a moment, almost sighing at his own words, I would never had listened to these words when I was younger, it was only time that taught me the truth, and I have had a lot of time<i></i>. He gestured aimlessly before continuing, ”If you endure the pain, you cut yourself off, hardening an outer shell around yourself. While that will for the most part protect you, it only takes one thing getting past that rocky exterior to destroy you, and you will discover that you made yourself weaker.”

“If you embrace it, it becomes a part of you, shapes and moulds you, strengthening you down to your core so any further pain is not something you must get past, like an obstacle, but merely another part of life, making you stronger for it.”<i></i> Finished, he waited patiently to see if she would respond, watching as another person created a lantern and let it go. Those robes, that’s the Hokage. I should probably go greet him at some point, once I am done here.<i></i>

WC: 461

 

[Kiri]

He didn’t really understand what the entire secret was, not until he arrived in Konoha. Without much of a choice, Uri was dragged along into one of Shuuten’s little game, and it landed him right into a new territory. For once, Uri felt like he was just about ready to punch the man and run all the way back to Kumogakure, but he couldn’t. Not when the said raven-haired man was trying to make up for it with a few smooches to the head and a warm embrace that he very well knew was his weakness.

“Raiden, you’re such a jerk. Dragging me all this way just to tell me we’re going on a date. I didn’t even finish half of the paperworks I had left at the Sileo. The Captain will have my head on a silver platter if he finds out I’m here for leisure,” said Uri as he pushes the taller man away from him. Of course, only a sneaky grin would return his scowl before Shuuten drags him into their rented room.

Fast-forward a couple of hours later and the couple emerge from the inn, all changed out from their battle gear and into casual clothing. Shuuten was always impressed at how Uri could be fashionable even if he didn’t want to be, and his smile couldn’t get any bigger when he saw their promise ring hanging along the neckless that his beau wore. Donning a simple sweater underneath a dark cardigan, Shutter closes in on Uri and plants a soft kiss on his cheek, immediately adding color to what otherwise would be a rather pale complexion.

“Seeing you without the mask every now and then makes me want to keep you for myself all day. It was a good thing the day-off I asked for coincided with this event. Now, I really do get to keep you with me all day,” said Shuuten, with firm but gentle hold on the other’s hand.

“Okay, okay. I know you’ve been out for long missions but next time, let’s just do it around the village. I’m not in a position to go around the world on some honeymoon-esque romance with you. I still have things to prove, and a Captain to show up to.” Uri scolded one last time as he put on his favorite black cap on backwards. Then, he scratched his nose for a bit as he eyed the surroundings and then back at Shuuten. “So, where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere’s fine. What about you?”

“Gee, you’re always making me decide. Fine, come on. Let’s just look around at the very least,” Uri decided as he took the lead, not once even thinking of letting go of Shuuten’s hand. It wouldn’t be long before they arrived in some lantern releasing area. Thought of it seemed romantic to Shuuten, just as the latter would remind Uri about that story they once read before. But for Uri, no flame from any lantern burned brighter than what he’d already seen. “I don’t know. I might just end up causing a scene if the lanterns get caught in my flames.”

“Don’t worry, I’m here. Now, just relax,” said Shuuten as he prepared a lantern. “And just focus. Don’t burn me, please. Hehehe.”

It went without saying that Uri flicked the man’s head for the tease before he effortlessly sparked a small blue flame in the middle of the lantern. He was worried this would attract unwanted attention but with Shuuten by his side, he wasn’t all that worried. Then, they both released the lantern as it would begin to rise with the updraft that blew past them.

They would watch it rise slowly into the air, and for a while, Uri’s eyes were fixated on the fleeing thing. But not for long when he glared to the man beside him who already began to light a cigarette so carelessly. “Didn’t you said you’d stop?”

“It’s a calming chakra cigarette. It helps normalize the flow. Nothing to worry about,” said Shuuten before casting a glance on the redhead. “So, where to next? The inn for a long night?”

“We’re supposed to be enjoying… outside not inside, idiot. Let’s go find food before anything else,” Uri clicked his tongue though he blushed at realizing what Shuuten had meant by that. He can’t deny the attraction and the longing after almost months of being away from each other due to different missions and circumstances but still, shouldn’t they make memories in a different way. “Let’s try some local dishes,” he ended up saying as he led the way while smelling any familiar scent in the air.

[Lantern Released]

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

Sometimes the nicest thing to do was to let other people be nice to each other, and here, amidst the raising lanterns, Juutsu could see kindness forming. Understanding. It was wonderful! The nice lady was now being cared for by that lovely Ziren man, and the strange butcher was now shaking his hand... and looking.

Oh.

Migoya had 'let' him come to Konoha with two recommendations, given his status as a 'missing' ninja. First - don't let anyone know of his relationship to the Myakashi because people wouldn't understand and could get upset - and being upset is a big no-no. Second - stay transformed so people wouldn't get confused because most people couldn't see Kami, and confused people get scared, and that makes people sad. And third, avoid the Hokage as he would be able to work out the first two.

Taking the butchers hand, a part of Juutsu was... conflicted, as if fire and water were meeting and crashing into one another. This man was... not good, and that was probably the most negative thing Juutsu had thought of another person. He had wanted to inquire further into this mans background, but then he turned up. The Hokage.

"It was a pleasure! I... I have to go and spread more happiness. Yes.. yes thats what I have to do!"

Letting go of the mans hand, the boy gave a big smile, with a small hint of concern, before high-tailing it out of there before the Hokage could see him.

[NPC - Topic Left]

 

[Kosho]

Kosho had been out of class for almost a week now leaving Yuki and Yudo quite a lot of time to wander the village and just enjoy the festivities. Yuki loved the influx of people in the village because of the Lunar Festival. He enjoyed seeing so many new faces and watching how everyone interacted during these peaceful times. Yudo on the other hand didn't like the massive crowds of people so much. For Yudo it was far too many people to keep track of, it made her very nervous.

Since Yuki didn’t mind the crowds he was in control for the majority of the past few days. For Yuki the surplus of visitors to the Leaf wasn’t the only change of pace. He was experiencing the transition of day and night while in control for the first time. With said recent events along with joining the academy Yuki was really in good spirits recently.

Yuki noticed that atop the Hokage Rock there were a lot of lights flying in the sky at night and tonight was the night he would finally go to investigate what the event was behind the beautiful night lights.

It didn’t take long to make it to the observation deck on Hokage Rock Yuki was able to maneuver through the crowd quite easily due to his small stature. But unfortunately the lanterns weren’t free. Yuki and Yudo actually managed to make some yen from some recent odd jobs around the village, but Yuki feared Yudo would switch in if he tried to spend their money on releasing a lantern. But Yuki tried to not let that thought bother him. He was enjoying watching the beauty on the lit lanterns in the night.

He even saw some academy students in the area maybe tonight he would work on talking to people instead of just watching them.

[Topic Entered]
[MFT: 310]

 

[Kobayashi Yuuko]

Yuuko was rather dissapointed that when she had first joined the academy that classes had been out for the Lunar New Year. She did quite enjoy celebrating especially for the New Year. However she was just so excited to finally be enrolled in the academy. Out of her excitement she had in part forgot of the Lunar New Year, and wished it could have happened just a week later. At least then she would have likely been able to get some classes in beforehand. Though there was many good things that came out of the event. Pretty lights, and celebration everywhere not to mention the lanterns that people had been releasing from the top of Hokage Rock. Luckily Yuuko found that she had enough free time to participate during one of the nights.

After finishing some of her chakra training Yuuko would make her way to Hokage Rock. Sadly she wasn't sure if she had enough money to actually purchase a lantern or not. Though she was still glad enough to be there, and witness others releasing their lanterns. Not to mention other students appeared to be there as well. That meant this could be a chance to make new friends something she was always up for. After she arrived she would smile looking up, and all around her. Everywhere she looked people were releasing beautiful lanterns filled with light. Yuuko would catch sight of a particularly beautiful looking special made lantern. Her eyes would trace it up from release as it moved into the air. Without even realizing it she would walk towards it as it went into the air. It was a wonder she made it through the cloud looking up as she did, but somehow she managed not to bump into anybody. As she neared being directly underneath the lantern she would in fact bump into to someone.

It took a few seconds before Yuuko could look away from the lantern at the person she bumped into. At first she simply blankly stared at the boy who seemed to be about her age. She would however break out of the trance backing away a bit. "Ah sorry I was watching a lantern, and not looking where I was going." She'd say with a bit of a chuckle. "You look like you're my age. Do you go to the academy?" She would ask the boy smiling at him kindly. Though before he had a chance to answer a wave of visible shock would pass over Yuuko's face. "I forgot to introduce myself my name is Yuuko. Kobayashi Yuuko to be precise." She would say with a mix of panic, and embarrassment at forgetting to introduce herself.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Even lost in his own thoughts, Ziren had a knack for always listening to the blood flows of all of the people around him, as a way to sense for any dangers or potential threats. And serving as part of the ANBU branch for such a long time, he can mask how he feels about certain things or people. But wearing an actual mask does help.

While he was thinking to himself, he heard of the blood flow of Takeshi nearby. How did he know? And one, it is that of his original body. Ziren has never really seen those new eyes of his in action, but from the things he has heard, one can possess different bodies with those kind of eyes. Inside, he wanted to scream and shout at the man, for what he has done to him, for what he has heard that the Uchiha had done, or rather, didn't do. But on the outside, the masked man turned his head slightly to listen to the man with the peculiar blood flow as he himself gave advice to the woman. Taking in as much information as he can. Even if he doesn't see this place as a home anymore, he still cares for the innocent and the other people who live here. Even being wary of the man with the strange blood flow, he did catch on to some words that he has said. To some degree, the man was right.

His thoughts were interrupted when two men, he could slightly hear from their voices, talking about a date. Taking quick note of their blood flows, but found no indication of anything setting him off. And then some children have come and started chatting with one another. With a small sigh, the masked man got up.

It was frankly getting too crowded up here. Granted, he's actually on one of the heads of the Hokage Rock, and everyone else is up above on the cliff, it still felt like too much going on for him. He used to be okay with this type of stuff. But after... After his coma, if too many things start to go on, it gives him a headache.

Thinking back on a small exchange he had with an academy student back before his coma, he smiled underneath his mask. He had jumped off the side of a building in Tea, sliding down the side of it, using chakra on his hands to slow his fall, and landing safely on the ground. He thinks she had told him he should have gone into theatrics or something like that. And now, he will do that again. Well, similar, since this is not a building. And, eh, why the heck not. Be faster to get away from the crowds of people.

Stepping off of the edge, the Chigokai could feel himself weightless, something that a lot of people don't really like, but he has grown accustomed to falling. Reaching his hands out, chakra going to his finger tips, he slid down the side of the monument, until he came to a stop. Once he knows that he isn't going to fall and break his neck, he let chakra go to his feet and walk down the rest of the way.

Theatrics. Huh. I might be able to make one hell of a movie. He thought to himself as he walked away.

(Topic left)

 

[Kanagawa Nozomi]

Someone slipped her a message while she was crying, a sheet of paper with writing scribbled upon it. She poked her head upwards and looked around to find whomever gave her this message. Unfortunately, she didn't see the tracks or any clue on who might have given her the message.
Opening up the sheet of paper, she turned her attention down towards it and began to read. As she read the letter, the person's identity was no longer a secret; at least as revealing as it was about a man wearing a mask. It was the same man she noticed earlier wearing the mask. After she read the kind words written upon it, she grasped the paper, crumpling it into a ball. He knew nothing about the emotional pain she had gone through. It wasn't that she felt lonely, she had quite the support structure around her in her village, but it was that she was helpless to change anything thus resulting into the nightmare she called her childhood. His words did find her and the thoughts did reach her, but they weren't exactly something she found comfort in.

As she crumpled the sheet of paper, she noticed a hand extended out to her holding a silken handkerchief. She used the finely crafted cloth to pat her eyes, drying them and lifting the make-up from her face. His words were more non-sense, similar to the words on the letter. Embrace this pain? This was the same pain that drove her to kill others as a child soldier, the same pain she used to fuel her longing for vengeance (an empty vengeance), and the same pain she used to fuel her role as an assassin within the Cloud Village. Yet more wisdom from people who know nothing about her. It was at this time that she stood up and reached out to hand the handkerchief back to the old man.

"Thank you, but I'm well-educated in how to handle it. It is what made me who I am today," she said as she slowly slipped back into her usually cold demeanor. As she answered, she noticed the man seemed a bit pre-occupied about something. Turning her eyes towards what he was staring at, her heart started to race and her blood began to boil. The stories she had heard about this man and the things he allowed to happen. The Leaf Refugees didn't paint him or the things he allowed in a very positive light. Allowing the death of children, even being one to kill one of the children himself. Her heart-rate accelerated as she eyeballed the man.

"That's a rare scene. The Hokage, himself, is here with the citizenry. Perhaps we should go thank our patron for setting up such a fine spectacle," she said to seemingly nobody in particular. The urge to kill the man here lingered in the back of her head, but the logical side of her kept her desire to kill him in-check. Another part of her wanted to ignore the man, finding his presence beneath her. However, she took the more diplomatic route and decided to speak with the man. Before she bothered moving away from the older gentleman that was trying to be nice to her, she clicked on her Snapshot jutsu, using her eyes as cameras to record her interaction with the man.

She took a moment to take a deep-breath and try to freshen-up her appearance. The smudged make-up was haphazardly cleaned up with the sleeves of her kimono. The swelling of her eyes couldn't be helped right now, but the poor lighting hopefully covered it up (or it'd make it look much worse). Either way, the fact that it looked like she was crying was clearly evident just by looking at her. Taking a few steps away from the old man, she stopped just outside of arm's distance from him and gave the Hokage a bow.

"Thank you for hosting this, Lord Hokage. It seems that Fire Country is quite beautiful this time of year," she said in her sweetest voice possible. She was hiding the anger and frustration about being near the man. She knew this man would look straight through her facade, but it was worth trying anyway.​

MFT -- 708

 

[Uchiha Takeshi]

Takeshi allowed himself to look at the sky for a few moments, he allowed time to slow almost to what would be considered a stop as he watched the other lights join his on the way upwards, without any issues, without any hesitation it seemed that they where a glowing beacon inside of Konaha, and he couldn’t say that he disapproved of the message, this time of the year was a special one to most people involved and he could see the benefits of allowing everyone to come and enjoy the time that they had with him. He was sure that the future was a bright one and, in the darkness, it seemed that light always stood out. As he turned to see where the voice was coming from.

“Thank you, it is the pleasure of the village to host this festival and to celebrate another year that has passed before all of us, of course like every year it has it ups and downs but it is another year gone and of course another year to look forward to, so with all this in mind its clear that great things will be coming. But enjoy the festival take your time and have fun”

With that it seemed that Takeshi turned on his heels in the blink of an eye and left the woman to her own devices. He had done what was required of him and it was back to work as always though the smell of the trees and the gentle breeze in the air. He smiled to himself before walking away from Hokage rock, leaving those that where up there to enjoy themselves, his hand coming up and waving a short and easy good bye to everyone. It was clear that he was still that busy man that he always had been.

[Topic Left]

 

[Sazuki Nao]

He too had left something behind in these days, something of which his heart would be able to ache over. "..." Turning back to who he once was, a voiceless male. Looking back up towards the sky he would leave a soft sigh. So many had let up a few lanterns already, and he was one to do the same. Seeing his father walking away from the scene.. and thinking he was amazing on the work of line.
Slowly he walked up to where the lanterns were, picking one out that had a good feeling by him. While he picked it up he thought for a moment. 'What would he be doing right now... Will he remain away from me..? Or what if I can get him back with doing this... Or should I go to the place where we first met...?' So many more thoughts were going through his mind as he slowly bit down on his tongue. 'Stay strong... love isn't over... right?' He would start to place the paper lantern together, tie a message onto it also as a message towards where ever he was. And let the lantern go.

---

ThoughtsSpoken
[Topic entered with NPC Izumi]
[Topic left with NPC Izumi]
[Lantern released]

 

[Hoshirei]

Hoshirei had heard about the lantern flying as part of the Lunar festival in the village. She had distant memories of she and her mother painting and letting lanterns fly or float down a stream. Hoshirei was silent as she made her way to the stall to paint a lantern. She picked out a fairly large piece of paper and moved to an open space. She picked up a calligraphy brush and began painting. The symbol of the Isaki clan made its way onto the paper along with her parents names in script to honor the dead. She then drew flowers and dragons as a wish for strength and poise. She kept drawing until there was nothing else she could think of putting on the paper. A soft wind jutsu encouraged the ink to dry quickly and then she folded it according to the directions placed for those who were making their own lanterns. She then attached the frame and fuel source.

As the adhesive dried, Hoshirei carried her lantern to a clearer spot away from others in the area. She closed her eyes and thought back to just over a year ago. Had it really been only a little over a year? So much had changed for her in that small amount of time. Sometimes she wished her father hadn't crossed over yet, to have both of her parents be gone so suddenly was heartbreaking. But that heartbreak had led her to her husband, and they were content with each other even if they weren't happy with how their marriage began. And finding out Nobu was behind all of the bull her mother went through throughout the years? From that to removing the bastard from the earthly plane was one wild ride.

Just a few months ago, she still had green hair. Would her parents even recognize her if they saw her now? Maki had been quite startled to see her changed features and he lived with her day in and day out. Sure, her parents had known her for years, but she sometimes hardly recognized the face staring back at her in her mirror. She whispered softly to her lantern, "Fly and take my hopes and dreams to the spirits on the other side."

A highly controlled fireball later, the lantern was lit and she gently pushed it up into the air. Hoshirei watched as the lantern slowly lifted into the sky until it was no longer in sight. She then sighed and bowed her head in a silent prayer before making her way back home for the night.
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[Topic Entered] [Topic Left]
[Lantern Released]

 

[Kanagawa Nozomi]

As quickly as she arrived to speak to the Hokage, was as quickly as the Hokage had left. She let out a little groan before turning off the Screenshot jutsu that she had going. A sharp sucking of air between her teeth could be heard by the old man near her. "Guess I'm too old for him to be paying much attention to," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. A stiff wind blew through her hair, flipping it around upon her face. Moving the hair from out of her face, she turned to look towards the old fart that continued to grace her presence. "Now that this place had gotten a bit less stuffy, I think I'm going to enjoy the rest of my night," she said to the man with a smile. "Thank you for spending a little time with me. My name is Kozue. At least just for tonight," she flashed another smile at the man before deciding to make her way down the stairs, off of the Hokage-faces and down into the village-proper

[Topic Left]​

 

[Metsu]

Metsu thought to himself about the event so far, and felt he had partaken as much as he could of it. Saying goodbye with the minimal pleasantries he felt he could get away with, he turned to leave. It wouldn’t take long to get out of the village, and he still had work to do in moon country.

{topic left}