Name: Usagizuka Saya
Age: 15
Bloodline: Usagizuka [Reflavoured Inuzuka - See Below]
Physical Description:
Saya is a petite, fifteen-year-old girl with a soft, childlike appearance that often leads people to assume she is younger than she really is. Her build is small and light, with a slight frame that gives her a gentle, delicate presence rather than an imposing one. Her skin carries a light, sun-touched tan, smooth and warm in tone, contrasting softly with her pale features. Her hair is a soft, snow-white colour, falling straight to the middle of her back. It is usually worn loose and simple, though she sometimes gathers it into a short ponytail or a neat braid when she expects physical activity. The pale strands frame her face and make her bright crimson eyes stand out sharply. Those eyes are large, clear, and expressive, often giving her an innocent or curious look. Her most striking features are the long, rabbit-like ears that rise from the top of her head. They are covered in fine white fur and are highly expressive, twitching or tilting in response to sound or emotion. Behind her, a small, round cotton-like tail sits at the base of her back, visible as it pokes from beneath her clothing. When she smiles or speaks, a slight but noticeable overbite gives her expression an even more youthful and gentle charm.
Her training clothes are practical, worn, and clearly built for movement rather than style. She wears a sleeveless, wrap-style top in a faded, pale green, the fabric soft from years of use and patched in a few places. The top is secured with cloth ties at the side rather than buttons or clasps, allowing easy adjustment and quiet movement. Her lower half is covered by tight, dark shorts that end just above the knee, reinforced at the seams and knees with sturdier cloth. The colour is a muted grey, stained in places from dirt and long training sessions. under the shorts, she wears lightweight shinobi leggings that end at her ankles in a dull, earthy tone for protection and flexibility. Her hands and forearms are wrapped in cloth bandages, both for protection and grip during close-quarters combat. The wraps are slightly frayed at the edges, showing heavy use. She wears soft, split-toe sandals designed for silent movement and traction. Around her waist sits a simple cloth sash in light blue, used to carry small essentials. The overall look is practical, slightly worn, and clearly suited for a taijutsu fighter who relies on speed, agility, and instinctive, animal-like movements.
In contrast, her casual clothes are neat, gentle in colour, and carefully kept. She wears a light blue, knee-length dress with long, loose sleeves that taper slightly at the wrists. The fabric is soft and clean, with subtle stitching patterns in pale green along the hem and sleeves. Over the dress, she sometimes wears a short, light-green haori-style jacket with a simple tie at the front. The jacket is lightweight and slightly oversized, giving her a cozy, relaxed appearance. Her sandals in this outfit are cleaner and lighter in colour, with soft blue straps. A thin ribbon or cloth tie, usually in a soft blue shade, is sometimes used to gather her hair into a neat ponytail or braid. Overall, her casual attire gives off a tidy, gentle, and almost doll-like impression, emphasizing her innocent appearance and preference for soft, calming colours.
Mental Description:
At first glance, she appears to be a quiet, gentle girl who keeps mostly to herself. She speaks softly, listens more than she talks, and is rarely seen without a book in her hands. Studious by nature, she prefers calm environments where she can think, read, or observe without interruption. Solitude does not trouble her, in fact, she finds it comforting. Still, she is not antisocial. When approached, she is polite, attentive, and warm, displaying an innocent charm that makes others feel at ease around her. Part of this comes from her bloodline. With the Usagizuka being descended from creatures considered prey animals, she carries an instinctive need for social bonds. She is naturally attuned to the moods of those around her, sensitive to emotional shifts, and inclined to maintain harmony within a group. This makes her easy to trust, easy to overlook, and difficult to see as a threat. However, beneath that gentle exterior lies a far colder and more disciplined mind.
From a young age, she has known the truth of her lineage. Her clan is not merely a quiet, harmless family, they are operatives in the shadows: spies, informants, assassins, and members of elite black-ops forces. Secrecy, deception, and lethal precision are not optional skills in her family; they are expectations. It is a birth right, a duty passed down through generations. Unlike someone forced into such a life, she does not resent it, she accepts it fully. To her, it is not a burden but a purpose. Her upbringing was not cruel or harsh despite this, she was raised with affection, patience, and genuine care. Her family never framed their duties as something monstrous, but rather as a necessary role in maintaining balance and protecting their home. Because of this, she does not see herself as a killer in the traditional sense. She sees herself as a tool of order, someone who does what must be done so others can live peacefully.
This creates a dual nature within her. Outwardly, she is soft-spoken, gentle, polite, and seemingly harmless. She smiles easily, reads quietly, and behaves like a well-mannered, slightly shy girl, but, internally, she is observant, analytical, and emotionally compartmentalized. She can assess threats, calculate outcomes, and carry out lethal actions without hesitation when the situation demands it. She does not relish violence, but neither does she fear it. To her, killing in the line of duty is simply another task, no more emotional than finishing a mission report or cooking a meal. What makes her especially dangerous is the complete lack of visible malice. There is no arrogance, no cruelty, and no thirst for blood. She remains calm, even gentle, before and after a mission. This makes it almost impossible for outsiders to reconcile her innocent demeanour with the reality of what she is capable of.
At her core, She lives comfortably within the contradiction of her existence. A sweet, bookish girl on the surface, and a precise, obedient instrument of the shadows beneath. To her, there is no conflict between the two. Both are simply parts of who she is.
Animal Companion:
Saya’s partner is a desert hare noticeably larger than most of its kind, standing nearly to her thigh when fully upright. Its build is lean and long-limbed, designed for speed and sudden bursts of movement across shifting dunes. The creature’s fur is a sandy brown, perfectly suited to the desert terrain, broken by small black flecks that help it blend into gravel and shadowed stone. Its eyes are a clear, sharp gold, always alert and watchful. They carry an intelligent, almost calculating look, as if constantly measuring distance and danger. Along the top of its head and running down the length of its ears are soft white markings, resembling pale streaks of windblown sand. These markings mirror the color of Saya’s own hair, giving the pair a subtle visual harmony when seen together. Its ears are long and expressive, often tilting or twitching at the faintest sound, and its movements are light and precise, more like a drifting shadow than a typical animal. Despite its gentle appearance, there is a quiet strength in its posture, suggesting a creature that has survived the unforgiving desert through instinct, speed, and keen awareness.
Despite his alert, watchful eyes and sharp survival instincts, the desert hare is a deeply affectionate companion. Around Saya, he is calm and gentle, often staying close to her side or resting near her feet. He enjoys being petted and fussed over, especially by girls, and will lean into attention with soft, contented movements of his ears. However, this softness hides a fiercely protective nature. The moment he senses danger toward Saya, his demeanour changes completely. His posture lowers, his ears angle forward, and he becomes tense and ready to act. He may be gentle by nature, but when it comes to her safety, he does not hesitate to bare his teeth or spring into action. He balances warmth and vigilance, acting as both a comforting presence and a silent guardian.
History:
Clan History/Application:
The Usagizuka clan is a relatively recent addition to the shinobi society of Sunagakure. Unlike the ancient families whose names are carved into the history of Wind Country, the Usagizuka have only existed within the Hidden Sand for two to three generations. Yet in that short time, they have managed to secure a stable position within the village, one built not on glory, but on usefulness. To the public eye, the Usagizuka are a modest, unremarkable clan. They are known for producing dependable, low- to mid-level shinobi who rarely seek fame or high-ranking positions. Many of them take on roles as academy instructors, support operatives, messengers, or administrative aides. They are often described as polite, well-mannered, and easy to work with—hardly the type to stir conflict or draw attention.
This image is no accident.
Their bloodline traits, rabbit-like ears, enhanced agility, and social instincts reinforce this perception. Many assume the Usagizuka are simply a clan with prey-animal heritage, better suited to support or evasion than direct combat and it is that assumption which has kept them safe in the shadows.
Only the highest levels of Sunagakure’s leadership, and a select few within the ANBU and intelligence divisions, know the clan’s true purpose. The Usagizuka are not a clan of harmless instructors. They are a specialized shadow lineage, bred and trained for:
Their rabbit heritage, rather than being a weakness, is an asset. Generations of selective training have refined their natural traits into tools of stealth and survival:
Their outwardly harmless appearance allows them to move unnoticed, underestimated, or dismissed entirely, the ideal conditions for spies and assassins.
The clan’s origins before Sunagakure are intentionally obscure, even within their own records. What is known is that two or three generations ago, a small group bearing the Usagizuka name arrived in Wind Country, and, rather than attempting to establish themselves as a powerful noble clan, they:
Over time, their usefulness in covert operations became apparent. They earned the trust of Sunagakure’s leadership, and a silent arrangement was formed:
Within the clan, members are raised with a clear understanding of their role. However, their training is not cruel or abusive. The Usagizuka believe:
Children are raised in warm, supportive households, but from a young age, they are also taught:
To a Usagizuka, there is no contradiction between being kind and being lethal. Both are simply parts of their role.
Publicly:
Privately (to the Kazekage and select authorities):
Usagizuka Bloodline Table:
Though they now call Sunagakure their home and live as proper shinobi, the Usagizuka were not always part of village life. Their lineage traces back to small, wandering families that survived in the harsh deserts and badlands long before the rise of hidden villages. They lived lightly upon the land, moving with the seasons, guided by the instincts of the desert hares they shared their blood with. Some claim their ancestors formed sacred bonds with these creatures, while others believe they were born from them entirely. Whatever the truth, the Usagizuka carry the quiet, watchful spirit of prey, ever alert, ever adapting, and always surviving.
Age: 15
Bloodline: Usagizuka [Reflavoured Inuzuka - See Below]
Physical Description:
Saya is a petite, fifteen-year-old girl with a soft, childlike appearance that often leads people to assume she is younger than she really is. Her build is small and light, with a slight frame that gives her a gentle, delicate presence rather than an imposing one. Her skin carries a light, sun-touched tan, smooth and warm in tone, contrasting softly with her pale features. Her hair is a soft, snow-white colour, falling straight to the middle of her back. It is usually worn loose and simple, though she sometimes gathers it into a short ponytail or a neat braid when she expects physical activity. The pale strands frame her face and make her bright crimson eyes stand out sharply. Those eyes are large, clear, and expressive, often giving her an innocent or curious look. Her most striking features are the long, rabbit-like ears that rise from the top of her head. They are covered in fine white fur and are highly expressive, twitching or tilting in response to sound or emotion. Behind her, a small, round cotton-like tail sits at the base of her back, visible as it pokes from beneath her clothing. When she smiles or speaks, a slight but noticeable overbite gives her expression an even more youthful and gentle charm.
Her training clothes are practical, worn, and clearly built for movement rather than style. She wears a sleeveless, wrap-style top in a faded, pale green, the fabric soft from years of use and patched in a few places. The top is secured with cloth ties at the side rather than buttons or clasps, allowing easy adjustment and quiet movement. Her lower half is covered by tight, dark shorts that end just above the knee, reinforced at the seams and knees with sturdier cloth. The colour is a muted grey, stained in places from dirt and long training sessions. under the shorts, she wears lightweight shinobi leggings that end at her ankles in a dull, earthy tone for protection and flexibility. Her hands and forearms are wrapped in cloth bandages, both for protection and grip during close-quarters combat. The wraps are slightly frayed at the edges, showing heavy use. She wears soft, split-toe sandals designed for silent movement and traction. Around her waist sits a simple cloth sash in light blue, used to carry small essentials. The overall look is practical, slightly worn, and clearly suited for a taijutsu fighter who relies on speed, agility, and instinctive, animal-like movements.
In contrast, her casual clothes are neat, gentle in colour, and carefully kept. She wears a light blue, knee-length dress with long, loose sleeves that taper slightly at the wrists. The fabric is soft and clean, with subtle stitching patterns in pale green along the hem and sleeves. Over the dress, she sometimes wears a short, light-green haori-style jacket with a simple tie at the front. The jacket is lightweight and slightly oversized, giving her a cozy, relaxed appearance. Her sandals in this outfit are cleaner and lighter in colour, with soft blue straps. A thin ribbon or cloth tie, usually in a soft blue shade, is sometimes used to gather her hair into a neat ponytail or braid. Overall, her casual attire gives off a tidy, gentle, and almost doll-like impression, emphasizing her innocent appearance and preference for soft, calming colours.
Mental Description:
At first glance, she appears to be a quiet, gentle girl who keeps mostly to herself. She speaks softly, listens more than she talks, and is rarely seen without a book in her hands. Studious by nature, she prefers calm environments where she can think, read, or observe without interruption. Solitude does not trouble her, in fact, she finds it comforting. Still, she is not antisocial. When approached, she is polite, attentive, and warm, displaying an innocent charm that makes others feel at ease around her. Part of this comes from her bloodline. With the Usagizuka being descended from creatures considered prey animals, she carries an instinctive need for social bonds. She is naturally attuned to the moods of those around her, sensitive to emotional shifts, and inclined to maintain harmony within a group. This makes her easy to trust, easy to overlook, and difficult to see as a threat. However, beneath that gentle exterior lies a far colder and more disciplined mind.
From a young age, she has known the truth of her lineage. Her clan is not merely a quiet, harmless family, they are operatives in the shadows: spies, informants, assassins, and members of elite black-ops forces. Secrecy, deception, and lethal precision are not optional skills in her family; they are expectations. It is a birth right, a duty passed down through generations. Unlike someone forced into such a life, she does not resent it, she accepts it fully. To her, it is not a burden but a purpose. Her upbringing was not cruel or harsh despite this, she was raised with affection, patience, and genuine care. Her family never framed their duties as something monstrous, but rather as a necessary role in maintaining balance and protecting their home. Because of this, she does not see herself as a killer in the traditional sense. She sees herself as a tool of order, someone who does what must be done so others can live peacefully.
This creates a dual nature within her. Outwardly, she is soft-spoken, gentle, polite, and seemingly harmless. She smiles easily, reads quietly, and behaves like a well-mannered, slightly shy girl, but, internally, she is observant, analytical, and emotionally compartmentalized. She can assess threats, calculate outcomes, and carry out lethal actions without hesitation when the situation demands it. She does not relish violence, but neither does she fear it. To her, killing in the line of duty is simply another task, no more emotional than finishing a mission report or cooking a meal. What makes her especially dangerous is the complete lack of visible malice. There is no arrogance, no cruelty, and no thirst for blood. She remains calm, even gentle, before and after a mission. This makes it almost impossible for outsiders to reconcile her innocent demeanour with the reality of what she is capable of.
At her core, She lives comfortably within the contradiction of her existence. A sweet, bookish girl on the surface, and a precise, obedient instrument of the shadows beneath. To her, there is no conflict between the two. Both are simply parts of who she is.
Animal Companion:
Saya’s partner is a desert hare noticeably larger than most of its kind, standing nearly to her thigh when fully upright. Its build is lean and long-limbed, designed for speed and sudden bursts of movement across shifting dunes. The creature’s fur is a sandy brown, perfectly suited to the desert terrain, broken by small black flecks that help it blend into gravel and shadowed stone. Its eyes are a clear, sharp gold, always alert and watchful. They carry an intelligent, almost calculating look, as if constantly measuring distance and danger. Along the top of its head and running down the length of its ears are soft white markings, resembling pale streaks of windblown sand. These markings mirror the color of Saya’s own hair, giving the pair a subtle visual harmony when seen together. Its ears are long and expressive, often tilting or twitching at the faintest sound, and its movements are light and precise, more like a drifting shadow than a typical animal. Despite its gentle appearance, there is a quiet strength in its posture, suggesting a creature that has survived the unforgiving desert through instinct, speed, and keen awareness.
Despite his alert, watchful eyes and sharp survival instincts, the desert hare is a deeply affectionate companion. Around Saya, he is calm and gentle, often staying close to her side or resting near her feet. He enjoys being petted and fussed over, especially by girls, and will lean into attention with soft, contented movements of his ears. However, this softness hides a fiercely protective nature. The moment he senses danger toward Saya, his demeanour changes completely. His posture lowers, his ears angle forward, and he becomes tense and ready to act. He may be gentle by nature, but when it comes to her safety, he does not hesitate to bare his teeth or spring into action. He balances warmth and vigilance, acting as both a comforting presence and a silent guardian.
History:
Saya Usagizuka was born into the quiet, close-knit halls of the Usagizuka compound within Sunagakure. As is tradition within the clan, her birth was not a solitary event. On the very same day, in a carefully prepared nesting chamber, a small litter of desert hares was born. Among them was the one destined to be hers. Shortly after her birth, a small, private ceremony was held, one known only to the clan. In a quiet, incense-scented room, the new-born child and her companion were brought together for the first time. Through a simple but meaningful ritual, their bond was formally acknowledged. From that moment on, their lives were considered intertwined. The hare, later named Maro, would grow alongside her as partner, guardian, and silent confidant. Saya was neither the eldest nor the youngest of her siblings. She grew up in a lively household with three older siblings who had already begun their training by the time she could walk, and two younger siblings who would follow after her. Life within the Usagizuka home was structured but warm. The clan placed great importance on emotional stability and loyalty, believing that a shinobi raised with care would be more disciplined and reliable in the shadows.
Her early years were filled with quiet routines. Mornings often began with light exercises or balance drills meant to develop coordination and awareness. Afternoons were spent studying basic literacy, history, and the foundations of chakra control. In her free time, Saya could often be found reading in shaded corners of the compound or gently playing with Maro, who rarely left her side. Though the household was calm on the surface, there was always an undercurrent of purpose. From a young age, she understood that her family was different. The lessons she received were not only about being a good citizen of Sunagakure, but about becoming a tool of the village’s unseen will. Still, this knowledge was never forced upon her harshly. It was presented as a simple truth, something natural, expected, and even honourable. By the time she reached the age to begin formal combat instruction, Saya was already quiet, observant, and disciplined. It was then that she was sent to the Toraono Dojo, where the next stage of her life would begin.
Saya’s time within the academy halls of the Toraono Dojo was, by most accounts, quiet and uneventful. She was not a disruptive student, nor one who sought attention. Instead, she was known for her soft voice, polite manners, and steady work ethic. Instructors found her easy to teach, she listened carefully, followed instructions without complaint, and rarely needed to be corrected. Her appearance also worked in her favour, being small for her age, with a gentle expression and calm demeanour, she gave off an almost harmless presence. Many of her peers found her charming, whether because of her quiet kindness or her childlike features. It was rare for anyone to speak badly of her, and rarer still for her to be the target of bullying or cruelty. Academically, she excelled. Written lessons, theory, and tactical exercises came naturally to her. She was attentive, patient, and methodical, traits her instructors praised openly. Her notebooks were always neat, her assignments completed early, and her exam scores consistently near the top of her class.
Physically, however, she seemed far less impressive. During sparring sessions and practical drills, she performed adequately but never spectacularly. She was quick and evasive, but her strikes lacked the power or aggression many instructors looked for. She rarely pushed herself to the point of exhaustion in public training, and she never displayed the explosive potential some of her peers began to show as they grew older. To the academy, it appeared she was simply a studious, well-behaved girl who was getting by on effort rather than talent. The truth however was far from that. Each evening, once the academy day was done and the public world fell quiet, Saya’s real training began. Within the privacy of the Usagizuka compound, she and her siblings trained under the watchful eyes of their family. There, she was not the soft, harmless student others saw. She moved faster, struck harder, and learned lessons no academy would ever teach openly. Maro trained beside her, their coordination improving with every passing season. This dual life became her normal, By day, a gentle, diligent academy student and by night, a growing shadow of her clan’s true purpose.
For several years, this balance held steady. Her life moved forward without incident, her skills sharpening in secret while her public image remained harmless and unremarkable. Then, as she approached her early teens, the time came for the Genin Examination, the first real step into the world of active shinobi and with it, the first true test of how well she could maintain the mask she had worn for so long.
The day of the Genin examination arrived quietly, without ceremony or celebration. For most students, it was a day of nerves and excitement. For Saya, it was simply another step along a path she had always known she would walk. The exam was held in a sealed training sector beneath the Toraono Dojo, a controlled maze of sand corridors, low stone outcroppings, and narrow tunnels. Each student was given a simple instruction, retrieve a marked scroll hidden somewhere within the zone and return it to the starting point. Instructors would patrol the area, and other students were considered fair obstacles. Direct combat was permitted, though serious injury would mean disqualification. Saya stood at the starting line with the others, Maro resting quietly beside her. She looked much the same as always, small, calm, and unassuming. Some students cast glances her way, but none with concern. She was not seen as a threat.
The signal was given, and the students scattered into the maze. Saya did not sprint ahead, instead she moved at a steady pace, her steps light, her ears tilted slightly forward. Maro stayed low to the ground, weaving through the sand beside her. Within moments, the noise of other students faded behind the stone corridors. She paused at an intersection, eyes half-lidded as she listened. Faint footsteps, the rustle of cloth, someone approaching from the left passage. Without a word, she shifted course, slipping into a narrow side tunnel. Maro followed, silent as drifting sand. They moved quickly and without panic, every step measured, every turn deliberate. She was not wandering, she was hunting. It did not take long to find the scroll. It was tucked into a shallow recess beneath a slab of rock, half-buried in the sand. She knelt, brushed it free, and secured it at her waist.
The return trip was where most students failed. As she rounded a corner, a figure dropped down from a higher ledge, landing directly in her path. A boy from her class, taller, broader, one of the more physically confident students. He grinned when he saw the scroll at her waist.
“Sorry, Saya. Nothing personal.”
He spoke as he lunged at her, to him, it was a simple exchange. Overpower the quiet girl, take the scroll, move on. Saya did not step back, instead she stepped in. Her body lowered instinctively, weight shifting onto the balls of her feet. As his arm reached for her, she slipped to the side with a quick, almost animal-like motion. Her hand struck his wrist, not hard, but precise, redirecting his momentum. Before he could recover, her other hand drove into the side of his ribs. It was not a wild punch though, it was a short, sharp strike, placed exactly where it would hurt the most. The boy’s breath left him in a choked gasp.
Saya did not stop at just that however, her leg then swept low, catching his ankle. He hit the sand with a dull thud. In one smooth motion, she dropped a knee onto his chest, not enough to break anything, but enough to pin him and knock the air from his lungs again. Her crimson eyes met his, calm and empty of hesitation.
“Stay down,” she said softly.
Then she rose and stepped off him, as if nothing had happened. Maro lingered a moment, watching the boy with sharp golden eyes, before bounding after her. The rest of the journey passed without incident. Once, she sensed an instructor nearby and chose a longer, more concealed route through a narrow tunnel. Another time, she heard two students fighting ahead and simply circled around them, leaving no trace of her passing. When she finally emerged at the starting point, her expression was the same as when she had entered, quiet, polite, and untroubled. She handed over her scroll without a word. The instructors exchanged brief glances. Her time was among the fastest yet there were no signs of struggle on her clothes, no sand clinging from a desperate scuffle. Just a calm, composed student who had completed the task efficiently.
To most observers, it looked like she had simply avoided trouble. Only one instructor made a quiet note on their clipboard;
'Movements too precise considering her usual performance.'
Saya stepped aside, Maro settling beside her feet. From the outside, it seemed like just another successful exam. For her, it had simply been a reminder of what she truly was. Saya’s transition from academy student to genin was quiet, much like everything else in her life. There was no grand celebration, no dramatic turning point, just the slow, steady rhythm of missions, training, and routine that defined the early life of most new shinobi.
Still, her actions in the Genin exam had not passed entirely unnoticed. Whispers lingered among the students who had taken part in the exam, especially from the boy she had subdued so cleanly. His version of the story spread in fragments, how the quiet, harmless-looking girl had moved like something else entirely, how she hadn’t hesitated for even a second. Some dismissed it as exaggeration or wounded pride, but others listened more carefully. Saya, for her part, did nothing to fuel the rumors. She returned to her usual quiet behaviour, speaking politely, keeping to herself, and never drawing attention to her abilities. If anything, she seemed even more reserved after the exam, as though nothing of note had happened at all.
Her days as a genin were spent much like those of any other new shinobi. She was often assigned to low-risk missions, delivery runs, perimeter patrols, assistance with trade caravans, or small-scale support tasks around the village. Because of her reliable demeanour and lack of complaints, she was frequently used as a filler member on incomplete teams that needed an extra body. She never objected, she relished the experience. On missions, she was quiet, observant, and efficient. She followed orders without hesitation, completed her tasks cleanly, and rarely caused trouble for her teammates. Most saw her as a dependable, if somewhat unremarkable, genin, someone easy to work with, but not especially noteworthy in combat.
That, of course, was exactly how the Usagizuka preferred it. While her public missions remained simple, her private training did not slow. Even as a genin, she continued her nightly sessions within the clan compound. Her movements grew sharper, her reactions quicker, her coordination with Maro more seamless with each passing month. The gap between her public performance and her true ability quietly widened. To her, these early genin days were not the destination, they were a waiting period. From a young age, she had known what her real path would be. The Usagizuka did not raise their children for glory on the front lines or recognition among the ranks. They raised them for the shadows, for the quiet, dangerous work that most shinobi never saw. She was waiting for the moment someone from the ANBU would come for her.
Not in secret, not as a surprise, but as a natural next step. When the time came, she would be taken under the wing of a senior operative and begin her true training as an ANBU-in-Training. That was the future she had always prepared for, the role her clan had shaped her toward since birth. So she waited. She completed her missions. She trained with her family. She read her books in quiet corners. And each day, she listened for the call that would pull her from the life of an ordinary genin into the world she had always known awaited her.
Her early years were filled with quiet routines. Mornings often began with light exercises or balance drills meant to develop coordination and awareness. Afternoons were spent studying basic literacy, history, and the foundations of chakra control. In her free time, Saya could often be found reading in shaded corners of the compound or gently playing with Maro, who rarely left her side. Though the household was calm on the surface, there was always an undercurrent of purpose. From a young age, she understood that her family was different. The lessons she received were not only about being a good citizen of Sunagakure, but about becoming a tool of the village’s unseen will. Still, this knowledge was never forced upon her harshly. It was presented as a simple truth, something natural, expected, and even honourable. By the time she reached the age to begin formal combat instruction, Saya was already quiet, observant, and disciplined. It was then that she was sent to the Toraono Dojo, where the next stage of her life would begin.
Saya’s time within the academy halls of the Toraono Dojo was, by most accounts, quiet and uneventful. She was not a disruptive student, nor one who sought attention. Instead, she was known for her soft voice, polite manners, and steady work ethic. Instructors found her easy to teach, she listened carefully, followed instructions without complaint, and rarely needed to be corrected. Her appearance also worked in her favour, being small for her age, with a gentle expression and calm demeanour, she gave off an almost harmless presence. Many of her peers found her charming, whether because of her quiet kindness or her childlike features. It was rare for anyone to speak badly of her, and rarer still for her to be the target of bullying or cruelty. Academically, she excelled. Written lessons, theory, and tactical exercises came naturally to her. She was attentive, patient, and methodical, traits her instructors praised openly. Her notebooks were always neat, her assignments completed early, and her exam scores consistently near the top of her class.
Physically, however, she seemed far less impressive. During sparring sessions and practical drills, she performed adequately but never spectacularly. She was quick and evasive, but her strikes lacked the power or aggression many instructors looked for. She rarely pushed herself to the point of exhaustion in public training, and she never displayed the explosive potential some of her peers began to show as they grew older. To the academy, it appeared she was simply a studious, well-behaved girl who was getting by on effort rather than talent. The truth however was far from that. Each evening, once the academy day was done and the public world fell quiet, Saya’s real training began. Within the privacy of the Usagizuka compound, she and her siblings trained under the watchful eyes of their family. There, she was not the soft, harmless student others saw. She moved faster, struck harder, and learned lessons no academy would ever teach openly. Maro trained beside her, their coordination improving with every passing season. This dual life became her normal, By day, a gentle, diligent academy student and by night, a growing shadow of her clan’s true purpose.
For several years, this balance held steady. Her life moved forward without incident, her skills sharpening in secret while her public image remained harmless and unremarkable. Then, as she approached her early teens, the time came for the Genin Examination, the first real step into the world of active shinobi and with it, the first true test of how well she could maintain the mask she had worn for so long.
The day of the Genin examination arrived quietly, without ceremony or celebration. For most students, it was a day of nerves and excitement. For Saya, it was simply another step along a path she had always known she would walk. The exam was held in a sealed training sector beneath the Toraono Dojo, a controlled maze of sand corridors, low stone outcroppings, and narrow tunnels. Each student was given a simple instruction, retrieve a marked scroll hidden somewhere within the zone and return it to the starting point. Instructors would patrol the area, and other students were considered fair obstacles. Direct combat was permitted, though serious injury would mean disqualification. Saya stood at the starting line with the others, Maro resting quietly beside her. She looked much the same as always, small, calm, and unassuming. Some students cast glances her way, but none with concern. She was not seen as a threat.
The signal was given, and the students scattered into the maze. Saya did not sprint ahead, instead she moved at a steady pace, her steps light, her ears tilted slightly forward. Maro stayed low to the ground, weaving through the sand beside her. Within moments, the noise of other students faded behind the stone corridors. She paused at an intersection, eyes half-lidded as she listened. Faint footsteps, the rustle of cloth, someone approaching from the left passage. Without a word, she shifted course, slipping into a narrow side tunnel. Maro followed, silent as drifting sand. They moved quickly and without panic, every step measured, every turn deliberate. She was not wandering, she was hunting. It did not take long to find the scroll. It was tucked into a shallow recess beneath a slab of rock, half-buried in the sand. She knelt, brushed it free, and secured it at her waist.
The return trip was where most students failed. As she rounded a corner, a figure dropped down from a higher ledge, landing directly in her path. A boy from her class, taller, broader, one of the more physically confident students. He grinned when he saw the scroll at her waist.
“Sorry, Saya. Nothing personal.”
He spoke as he lunged at her, to him, it was a simple exchange. Overpower the quiet girl, take the scroll, move on. Saya did not step back, instead she stepped in. Her body lowered instinctively, weight shifting onto the balls of her feet. As his arm reached for her, she slipped to the side with a quick, almost animal-like motion. Her hand struck his wrist, not hard, but precise, redirecting his momentum. Before he could recover, her other hand drove into the side of his ribs. It was not a wild punch though, it was a short, sharp strike, placed exactly where it would hurt the most. The boy’s breath left him in a choked gasp.
Saya did not stop at just that however, her leg then swept low, catching his ankle. He hit the sand with a dull thud. In one smooth motion, she dropped a knee onto his chest, not enough to break anything, but enough to pin him and knock the air from his lungs again. Her crimson eyes met his, calm and empty of hesitation.
“Stay down,” she said softly.
Then she rose and stepped off him, as if nothing had happened. Maro lingered a moment, watching the boy with sharp golden eyes, before bounding after her. The rest of the journey passed without incident. Once, she sensed an instructor nearby and chose a longer, more concealed route through a narrow tunnel. Another time, she heard two students fighting ahead and simply circled around them, leaving no trace of her passing. When she finally emerged at the starting point, her expression was the same as when she had entered, quiet, polite, and untroubled. She handed over her scroll without a word. The instructors exchanged brief glances. Her time was among the fastest yet there were no signs of struggle on her clothes, no sand clinging from a desperate scuffle. Just a calm, composed student who had completed the task efficiently.
To most observers, it looked like she had simply avoided trouble. Only one instructor made a quiet note on their clipboard;
'Movements too precise considering her usual performance.'
Saya stepped aside, Maro settling beside her feet. From the outside, it seemed like just another successful exam. For her, it had simply been a reminder of what she truly was. Saya’s transition from academy student to genin was quiet, much like everything else in her life. There was no grand celebration, no dramatic turning point, just the slow, steady rhythm of missions, training, and routine that defined the early life of most new shinobi.
Still, her actions in the Genin exam had not passed entirely unnoticed. Whispers lingered among the students who had taken part in the exam, especially from the boy she had subdued so cleanly. His version of the story spread in fragments, how the quiet, harmless-looking girl had moved like something else entirely, how she hadn’t hesitated for even a second. Some dismissed it as exaggeration or wounded pride, but others listened more carefully. Saya, for her part, did nothing to fuel the rumors. She returned to her usual quiet behaviour, speaking politely, keeping to herself, and never drawing attention to her abilities. If anything, she seemed even more reserved after the exam, as though nothing of note had happened at all.
Her days as a genin were spent much like those of any other new shinobi. She was often assigned to low-risk missions, delivery runs, perimeter patrols, assistance with trade caravans, or small-scale support tasks around the village. Because of her reliable demeanour and lack of complaints, she was frequently used as a filler member on incomplete teams that needed an extra body. She never objected, she relished the experience. On missions, she was quiet, observant, and efficient. She followed orders without hesitation, completed her tasks cleanly, and rarely caused trouble for her teammates. Most saw her as a dependable, if somewhat unremarkable, genin, someone easy to work with, but not especially noteworthy in combat.
That, of course, was exactly how the Usagizuka preferred it. While her public missions remained simple, her private training did not slow. Even as a genin, she continued her nightly sessions within the clan compound. Her movements grew sharper, her reactions quicker, her coordination with Maro more seamless with each passing month. The gap between her public performance and her true ability quietly widened. To her, these early genin days were not the destination, they were a waiting period. From a young age, she had known what her real path would be. The Usagizuka did not raise their children for glory on the front lines or recognition among the ranks. They raised them for the shadows, for the quiet, dangerous work that most shinobi never saw. She was waiting for the moment someone from the ANBU would come for her.
Not in secret, not as a surprise, but as a natural next step. When the time came, she would be taken under the wing of a senior operative and begin her true training as an ANBU-in-Training. That was the future she had always prepared for, the role her clan had shaped her toward since birth. So she waited. She completed her missions. She trained with her family. She read her books in quiet corners. And each day, she listened for the call that would pull her from the life of an ordinary genin into the world she had always known awaited her.
Clan History/Application:
The Usagizuka Clan (兎塚一族)
A Quiet Lineage of Sunagakure
The Usagizuka clan is a relatively recent addition to the shinobi society of Sunagakure. Unlike the ancient families whose names are carved into the history of Wind Country, the Usagizuka have only existed within the Hidden Sand for two to three generations. Yet in that short time, they have managed to secure a stable position within the village, one built not on glory, but on usefulness. To the public eye, the Usagizuka are a modest, unremarkable clan. They are known for producing dependable, low- to mid-level shinobi who rarely seek fame or high-ranking positions. Many of them take on roles as academy instructors, support operatives, messengers, or administrative aides. They are often described as polite, well-mannered, and easy to work with—hardly the type to stir conflict or draw attention.
This image is no accident.
Public Reputation
Among the general population and most shinobi, the Usagizuka are viewed as:- A small, quiet clan with no grand ambitions.
- Reliable but not particularly powerful.
- Known for producing disciplined, well-behaved students.
- Often associated with academy teaching, record keeping, and support roles.
- Considered somewhat timid or overly gentle by more aggressive clans.
Their bloodline traits, rabbit-like ears, enhanced agility, and social instincts reinforce this perception. Many assume the Usagizuka are simply a clan with prey-animal heritage, better suited to support or evasion than direct combat and it is that assumption which has kept them safe in the shadows.
The Hidden Truth
Only the highest levels of Sunagakure’s leadership, and a select few within the ANBU and intelligence divisions, know the clan’s true purpose. The Usagizuka are not a clan of harmless instructors. They are a specialized shadow lineage, bred and trained for:
- Espionage
- Counterintelligence
- Assassination
- Infiltration
- Deep-cover operations
- ANBU and special forces assignments
Their rabbit heritage, rather than being a weakness, is an asset. Generations of selective training have refined their natural traits into tools of stealth and survival:
- Acute hearing and awareness.
- Exceptional speed and agility.
- Instinctive threat detection.
- Social adaptability that makes blending into groups effortless.
Their outwardly harmless appearance allows them to move unnoticed, underestimated, or dismissed entirely, the ideal conditions for spies and assassins.
Their Arrival in Sunagakure
The clan’s origins before Sunagakure are intentionally obscure, even within their own records. What is known is that two or three generations ago, a small group bearing the Usagizuka name arrived in Wind Country, and, rather than attempting to establish themselves as a powerful noble clan, they:
- Offered their services quietly to the village leadership.
- Integrated into low-profile roles.
- Avoided political entanglements.
- Focused on loyalty and reliability.
Over time, their usefulness in covert operations became apparent. They earned the trust of Sunagakure’s leadership, and a silent arrangement was formed:
- The clan would maintain a harmless public image.
- In exchange, they would serve as a trusted internal shadow force.
- Their true purpose would remain classified, even from most shinobi.
Clan Ideology
Within the clan, members are raised with a clear understanding of their role. However, their training is not cruel or abusive. The Usagizuka believe:
- Duty and family are inseparable.
- A shinobi’s role in the shadows protects those in the light.
- Violence is a tool, not a pleasure.
- Emotional discipline is strength, not suppression.
Children are raised in warm, supportive households, but from a young age, they are also taught:
- Observation before action.
- Obedience to mission over ego.
- The importance of secrecy.
- How to live two lives without conflict.
To a Usagizuka, there is no contradiction between being kind and being lethal. Both are simply parts of their role.
Standing in the Village
Publicly:
- Minor clan.
- Respectable but unremarkable.
- Known for good manners and dependable service.
Privately (to the Kazekage and select authorities):
- Trusted covert operatives.
- A clan suited for sensitive or deniable missions.
- Often used where anonymity and precision are required.
Usagizuka Bloodline Table:
Though they now call Sunagakure their home and live as proper shinobi, the Usagizuka were not always part of village life. Their lineage traces back to small, wandering families that survived in the harsh deserts and badlands long before the rise of hidden villages. They lived lightly upon the land, moving with the seasons, guided by the instincts of the desert hares they shared their blood with. Some claim their ancestors formed sacred bonds with these creatures, while others believe they were born from them entirely. Whatever the truth, the Usagizuka carry the quiet, watchful spirit of prey, ever alert, ever adapting, and always surviving.
084 PL - Instinctive Soul (Rank 1), Animal Companion (Rank 1)
168 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 1)
252 PL - Quiet Feast (Rank 1)
336 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 2)
420 PL - Instinctive Soul (Rank 2), Elder Instinct (Rank 1)
504 PL - Animal Companion (Rank 2)
588 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 3), Quiet Feast (Rank 2)
672 PL - Instinctive Soul (Rank 3), Elder Instinct (Rank 2)
756 PL - Quiet Feast (Rank 3)
840 PL - Animal Companion (Rank 3), Elder Instinct (Rank 3)
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Instinctive Soul - Passive
Though the Usagizuka live disciplined shinobi lives, the survival instincts of their prey-born heritage remain strong. Descended from creatures that relied on awareness, speed, and cunning rather than brute force, their blood still remembers a time when hesitation meant death. In moments of danger, these instincts surface. Their senses sharpen, their bodies grow lighter, and their movements become quick and reactive. Instead of wild aggression, they enter a calm, alert state driven by survival. In battle, they rely on instinctive timing, swift evasion, and precise strikes, moving less like trained soldiers and more like animals slipping just beyond a predator’s reach.
Rank 1/2/3: The user gains +1/+2/+2 acc to a single [Taijutsu Subtype] of their choice. While the user has any amount of Temporary HP, they deal +5%/+10%/+15% damage to the same [Taijutsu Subtype].
Notes:
---
Animal Companion - Passive
If their rabbit-like features were not enough to mark them, the Usagizuka are also known for their deep connection to the small desert hares they bond with from a young age. Through subtle sounds, body language, and instinctive understanding, they can communicate with these animals as naturally as speaking. Each Usagizuka forms a lifelong partnership with a single rabbit companion, the bond growing so strong that the two function almost as one. Whether in daily life or on the battlefield, they move in quiet harmony, rarely seen apart and relying on one another for awareness, coordination, and survival.
Rank 1/2/3: The user has an Animal Companion which has up to 25%/50%/75% of the user’s stats.
The Animal Companion works as follows:
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Feral Shift - Physical Bloodline Style
The survival instincts of the Usagizuka shape every part of their fighting style. Rather than overwhelming strength, they focus on speed, awareness, and fluid, animal-like motion, blurring the line between human and hare. Their bodies become light and reactive, favouring quick bursts of movement, sudden changes in direction, and low, springing attacks. Usagizuka are especially known for their sharp hearing and alert senses, able to detect subtle sounds and shifts in their surroundings. In battle, they move with the unpredictable grace of a startled hare—swift, evasive, and striking only when the moment is right.
Rank 1/2/3: While active the user gains a +5%/10%/15% auto-dodge. Additionally, the user may select one weapon in their inventory, this is now passively equipped. Upon entering this style, and every round after, the user may spend 3%/4%/5% Max CP to gain Temporary HP equal to the spent chakra.
Notes:
Quiet Feast - Buffing Taijutsu
There is a hidden aspect of the Usagizuka bloodline known only to their clan and the highest authorities. Beneath their gentle nature lies an ancient survival instinct: the ability to draw strength from what falls on the battlefield. Born from a lineage where survival meant consuming what the desert provided, they possess the rare ability to recover and empower themselves through such acts. The Usagizuka do not treat this as savagery, but as necessity. To them, the battlefield is not a place of glory, it is a harsh ecosystem, and only those who adapt, endure, and quietly feed their strength will survive.
Rank 1/2/3: The user gains 5%10%/15% of damage dealt by their attacks as Temp HP. Temp HP gained from this technique stacks.
Costs: 1.25ap, 270 CP and 135 CP/rnd.
Notes:
---
Elder Instinct - Buffing Taijutsu
As a Usagizuka matures, they gain greater control over the instincts and traits passed down through their bloodline. What begins as raw, reactive movement slowly becomes refined and deliberate. Their hearing, agility, and animal-like motions grow more precise, allowing them to fight with the same natural confidence as the hares they descend from. At this stage, their actions are no longer purely instinctive. Instead, instinct and discipline work together, letting them move with quiet certainty, efficient speed, and the calm awareness of a creature perfectly adapted to survive.
Rank 1/2/3: When the user performs a Taijutsu Technique their Animal Companion may combo with the same technique, gaining +1/+1/+2 accuracy and +0/+1/+1 crit chance.
Costs: 1.75ap, 450 CP and 225 CP/rnd.
Notes:
168 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 1)
252 PL - Quiet Feast (Rank 1)
336 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 2)
420 PL - Instinctive Soul (Rank 2), Elder Instinct (Rank 1)
504 PL - Animal Companion (Rank 2)
588 PL - Feral Shift (Rank 3), Quiet Feast (Rank 2)
672 PL - Instinctive Soul (Rank 3), Elder Instinct (Rank 2)
756 PL - Quiet Feast (Rank 3)
840 PL - Animal Companion (Rank 3), Elder Instinct (Rank 3)
---
Instinctive Soul - Passive
Though the Usagizuka live disciplined shinobi lives, the survival instincts of their prey-born heritage remain strong. Descended from creatures that relied on awareness, speed, and cunning rather than brute force, their blood still remembers a time when hesitation meant death. In moments of danger, these instincts surface. Their senses sharpen, their bodies grow lighter, and their movements become quick and reactive. Instead of wild aggression, they enter a calm, alert state driven by survival. In battle, they rely on instinctive timing, swift evasion, and precise strikes, moving less like trained soldiers and more like animals slipping just beyond a predator’s reach.
Rank 1/2/3: The user gains +1/+2/+2 acc to a single [Taijutsu Subtype] of their choice. While the user has any amount of Temporary HP, they deal +5%/+10%/+15% damage to the same [Taijutsu Subtype].
Notes:
- The [Taijutsu Subtype] is chosen at the time of obtaining Inuzuka, and must be noted in the user's Dojo thread.
- The user may swap the [Taijutsu Subtype] using the same rules as learning/unlearning abilities with a 100 word RP.
---
Animal Companion - Passive
If their rabbit-like features were not enough to mark them, the Usagizuka are also known for their deep connection to the small desert hares they bond with from a young age. Through subtle sounds, body language, and instinctive understanding, they can communicate with these animals as naturally as speaking. Each Usagizuka forms a lifelong partnership with a single rabbit companion, the bond growing so strong that the two function almost as one. Whether in daily life or on the battlefield, they move in quiet harmony, rarely seen apart and relying on one another for awareness, coordination, and survival.
Rank 1/2/3: The user has an Animal Companion which has up to 25%/50%/75% of the user’s stats.
The Animal Companion works as follows:
- The Animal Companion Class has a 40 HP Mod, and may move acc as per Custom Class rules.
- They do not have CP, and are immune to CP Damage Effects and Chakra Burn.
- Cannot use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu techniques
- Can only perform Usagizuka Bloodline and Taijutsu Techniques that the user knows, but does not require CP to do so.
- Animal Companion’s have 6 AP, but its technique’s timing uses the player’s AP.
- Animal Companion’s share the user’s conditional slots
- Animal Companions may not perform any type of Clone or Creation techniques.
- May have 1 custom weapon using normal custom weapon creation rule, or equip one of the user’s weapons.
- Has a single inventory slot.
- Animal Companion’s may enter into the same Style as the user for no additional cost.
- The Animal Companion and the user share a combo slot.
- Damage done by the Animal Companion is unable to be buffed in any way.
---
Feral Shift - Physical Bloodline Style
The survival instincts of the Usagizuka shape every part of their fighting style. Rather than overwhelming strength, they focus on speed, awareness, and fluid, animal-like motion, blurring the line between human and hare. Their bodies become light and reactive, favouring quick bursts of movement, sudden changes in direction, and low, springing attacks. Usagizuka are especially known for their sharp hearing and alert senses, able to detect subtle sounds and shifts in their surroundings. In battle, they move with the unpredictable grace of a startled hare—swift, evasive, and striking only when the moment is right.
Rank 1/2/3: While active the user gains a +5%/10%/15% auto-dodge. Additionally, the user may select one weapon in their inventory, this is now passively equipped. Upon entering this style, and every round after, the user may spend 3%/4%/5% Max CP to gain Temporary HP equal to the spent chakra.
Notes:
- Temporary HP gained this way is not lost at the end of the round.
- The Temporary HP also applies to the Animal Companion.
Quiet Feast - Buffing Taijutsu
There is a hidden aspect of the Usagizuka bloodline known only to their clan and the highest authorities. Beneath their gentle nature lies an ancient survival instinct: the ability to draw strength from what falls on the battlefield. Born from a lineage where survival meant consuming what the desert provided, they possess the rare ability to recover and empower themselves through such acts. The Usagizuka do not treat this as savagery, but as necessity. To them, the battlefield is not a place of glory, it is a harsh ecosystem, and only those who adapt, endure, and quietly feed their strength will survive.
Rank 1/2/3: The user gains 5%10%/15% of damage dealt by their attacks as Temp HP. Temp HP gained from this technique stacks.
Costs: 1.25ap, 270 CP and 135 CP/rnd.
Notes:
- This may be maintained for up to 30 seconds.
- If the user is in Quiet Feast, Temp HP gained this way is not lost at the end of the round.
- Other sources of Temp HP stack with Temp HP from this technique, but otherwise does not stack.
---
Elder Instinct - Buffing Taijutsu
As a Usagizuka matures, they gain greater control over the instincts and traits passed down through their bloodline. What begins as raw, reactive movement slowly becomes refined and deliberate. Their hearing, agility, and animal-like motions grow more precise, allowing them to fight with the same natural confidence as the hares they descend from. At this stage, their actions are no longer purely instinctive. Instead, instinct and discipline work together, letting them move with quiet certainty, efficient speed, and the calm awareness of a creature perfectly adapted to survive.
Rank 1/2/3: When the user performs a Taijutsu Technique their Animal Companion may combo with the same technique, gaining +1/+1/+2 accuracy and +0/+1/+1 crit chance.
Costs: 1.75ap, 450 CP and 225 CP/rnd.
Notes:
- This may be maintained for up to 30 seconds.
- The user’s Animal Companion cannot perform this technique.
- Comboed techniques performed by the Animal Companion cannot be buffed in any way.
- The first combo used per round with Alpha Status does not count as a use of a combo.
