Who's here insane? Raise your hand high!

[Kureji]

Kureji made his way into Omniprime facility, and more into the High Security Medical Facility. Back when he was a Sand ninja, or rather, even before that time, when he first awoken to having chakra, and at the time, the powers of the void walker, he was a frequent resident here. He was originally from a different hospital, because even in his condition, made him more dangerous than other insane shinobi. But he had also been admitted here a couple of times. He would walk past countless closed rooms where people were doing medical research. Much like people, this place in of itself has changed. Its purpose changed. And over the years, his own has changed many times.

Why was he here? Maybe to see if he can feel anything? He wore a bored look on his face as he passed by some people who did a double take when they seen him, but they haven't said a single thing to him. Probably because of his own chakra around him. If anyone were to gauge his chakra, they would quickly get the idea that he is a walking insane asylum. He stopped at an abandoned padded room that seemed to have avoided the repurposing of the building that it was in. Dust and cobwebs hung in the room as he walked in with his hands in his pockets.

As he walked around, he nearly tripped over something on the ground. Looking down at it, it was a straightjacket. He knelt down to examine it. Worn, with a faint trace of chakra. And he feels.... Nothing really. He set it down and turned to walk out of the padded room.

 

[Kyuji]

Sometime prior to the incident, it was a regular day in the Omni Prime Medical Facility. Being the Medical Chief of the facility and the head of the entire medical branch of the village was a large duty that I had taken seriously since I was given the opportunity many years prior. Overall, things had been going well overall aside from the occasional incident that would present itself but it was something that simply happened with time in the field; not every day was perfect or ideal and often we had to deliver the unfortunate news to someone about their loved one passing or they contracted a disease or illness. There were also the occasions where things took a surprise twist and we had to determine the best route to approach them.


It seemed today would be one of those days as someone had managed to get into the Quiet Room - also known as the padded room among other names. I would observe from outside of the room at the individual in the room looking at the stray straightjacket on the floor. At first glance, he didn't seem hostile or a cause for concern, but one could never be too cautious when a random outsider came into the Hospital especially this far into it. I would knock on the wall beside the door and look at him with a simple short response: "Can I help you?"


There were many issues with what I was seeing in front of me while I waited for a response from the individual. Why was the Quiet Room opened as it should be closed and locked at all times. Why was their a stray straightjacket inside of it as the room was to be kept cleaned when nobody was in it? How did this individual get this far into the facility in the first place without anyone stopping them or reporting it to me? Why were they here in the first place since most people did not wonder into the Hospital for the thrill of it? Where could I take this individual if they began to get hostile to prevent casualities from occurring?

 

[Kureji]

Kureji was absorbed in thinking and he almost ran into a woman! "Ah, shit, my b." He rubbed the back of his neck as she asked him a question, "I'm not looking for any cute nurses." He blurted out. Yes. Missing ninja and rockstar extraordinaire always seem to not really handle conversations with women very well. First it was that one back at the gate where he straight up told her that she was way too beautiful and thought he was in a genjutsu because of it. Now here.

Though... He probably figured he knows why she's asking him. Not every day you get someone new just walking into probably a restricted part of the hospital. He put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall. "Just came here to see if I could feel something." He looked up at the luminescent lights. "But I didn't. Was a waste of time coming all the way out here." It would be the truth to him. That part of his life... Being a nutcase in a straitjacket, means nothing to him. Heck, he's still a nutcase, he's only just gotten used to hiding it until he feels like letting his craziness out.
"Tell me. Have you ever had something absolutely horrific happen in your life? And when you revisited those memories at a later age or time and you felt nothing?" It was a rather, well very personal question, one in which he doesn't really expect a random person to really start pouring their heart out to him. But this was all for him to really help understanding himself. It was his time in Leaf and sparring the Hokage which taught him more about himself. This was all more to see if all the Village shinobi, in his mind, are willing to change to the world he has in mind. He had reached out to the Hokage somewhat, but only time will tell if he will change, or if any Villge ninja will change. All to undermine Akkuma, his father in his own way.

 

[Kyuji]

As I stood there and watched as the male in appearance nearly smacked into me, I had already began to assess him and the situation that was presented. He didn't immediately pose a threat from how his body presented itself to me, but he was still in an area of the Omni Prime that he should not be in - partially his fault, partially the staff as they were understaffed now as they were prior to the Tea Tournament many moons ago. I would listen as he tried to flirt like a teenager at me followed by his explanation of why he was here and a question to end it. Seemed friendly enough though the explanation was poor overall.

I would fold my arms in front of me and respond to him with a little smirk. I was not hostile towards him - quite friendly in response actually as trying to be strict and by the book would diffuse the situation even though it was pretty calm already: "Cute attempt at flirting, but I am a married woman to a beautiful wife and have kids with her. As for your question, I have many times experienced that in my life as you can tell from where I am standing right now with my outfit. There are other times that I have experienced it and become numb to it as I aged. It is an unfortunate part of life sometimes."

I would then step aside and motion to the man as I continued: "I do not mind if you visit the hospital as a guest or if you need something. However, you are in a restricted area and should have been stopped before you managed to make it this far. I will however turn a blind eye if you return to the lobby and allow me a few minutes to get a room set-up to continue our conversation if you are interested. I believe you would know the way back, correct?" Again, I was nice and cordial in my tone, but I still had many things that I wanted to know from this individual if I could extract it from them. But, I was not going to hold someone hostage if they wanted to decline my invitation and go about their day. After all, I had many other things I could be doing as a medic in the Hospital.

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would nonchalantly shrug as the woman would calmly say that she is married and has kids and all that. "Oh, ok." He figured the best way to put it to not push the subject. He accepted it, really. He knows about love, though he's never really experienced it. It's not the first time that he's been turned down and won't be the last. He's learned to shrug it off like nothing. When the time comes and he finds the perfect one will be his time. He would listen as the woman talk more about how she has had some hardships and has become numb to much that she has encountered.

She would then ask him to leave the restricted area and go to the lobby and if he wants to continue having a conversation, that he can wait there for her. That was.... Rather unexpected. Usually there's more, "How did you get here?" "What are you doing?" "Why do you have my tie and drinking my coffee?" It was kind of a breathe of fresh air to not be bombarded with questions like that.

He would make his way back to the lobby. Or rather try. He got lost a time or two as he would walk around, not really remembering the route that he took. Eventually, after about ten minutes, finally made his way into the lobby. There were a couple of people sitting around, some reading magazines, others watching the television that is mounted to the wall and some kids that are playing with some toys off in a corner. There was also a fishtank!

Kureji went up to the fishtank were there was an assortment of fish that were way too colorful to be stuck here. The audacity to be trapped in a four-sided glass prison! He seen that there was a little fish food shaker on the side so he figured, why not? They look hungry. He picked up the food shaker and, unknown to him some prankster had loosened the lid, went to lightly pour it into the fish tank only for it to pour it all in. "Ah crap...." The fish went wild with the extra food that they suddenly now have. Kureji tried his best to do his own damage control, trying to scoop up any soggy fish flake food so that they don't overeat.

 

[Kyuji]

This man was an interesting one at the very from my initial interaction with him and now seeing him in the lobby overfeeding our fish - some local raised and others imported from other parts of the world. I would have interjected myself into the situation, but he seemed to be trying to make amends and clean up the mess that was caused by his actions. I would see another staff member or two come over to try to help him out as the preparations for the room were completed. While he didn't seem like a threat, I was still being cautious since it was not my first time interacting with someone who seemed to have a few screws loose in their head and were leaning towards the edge of insanity - he could also have something else wrong with him or simply be a quirky individual in general. That evaluation would be determined after I spoke to him some more potentially.

When I was ready, I would venture out to the man and wave him over to follow me. If he decided to follow me, he would be taken to a conference room a few doors down on his right from the lobby and I would close the door after he entered. The room was smaller in nature, but it had the typical set-up like most meeting or conference rooms: a long rectangular table with desks around it, posters about culture, pens in the center of the table spread evenly for usage and a board in the front of the room for a presenter or boss to lead the conversation. For me, I would stand near the front of the room and begin our conversation to see what I could get out of him: "Let's start with introductions, shall we? I am Byakko Kyuji, the descendant of Lord Byakko of the Celestial Winds. She Who Walked Through Titans, the Blade That Ends Legends. But, you can simply call me Kyuji. And you are?"

A quick introduction that was probably more titles and accolades than what was required, but I was proud of who I was and what I accomplished in my life since moving to this village when I was younger. Some people would disagree and others would likely roll their eyes when my name was mentioned in conversation, but my actions spoke for themselves. A lot of things had changed since I originally came here and while things were different with new leaders, the population aging and my lack of appearances for quite some time due to my incident in the Red Light District, the village was still thriving and pushing forward all things considered. I hoped this man in front of me would not be one to try to jeopardize it all or I might have to take actions into my own hands - even if I was on the clock.

 

[Kureji]

He was scooping the soggy fish food out with his hands when some other ladies came by with a little fish net to scoop more out. They gave him awkward glances before the woman from earlier had motioned him to follow her. Soggy fish food in hand, he would follow her. On the way, he looked for a trash can that would be nearby and dumped it in there. After that, he smelled his hand, kinda smelled awful but fish seem to love it weirdly enough. He wiped his hand on the side of his jeans as he followed the woman into a room with a large table and an array of chairs.

She would go through many titles before finally stating her name. His eyes widened. Not because he knew the name, (he doesn't), but rather because her name was really close to sounding like his. "She who walked through titans... So did you actually like walk through them? Like just..." He made a gesture with his hands, one hand flat, the other a fist. He had his hand in a fist smash through the hand that was flat. "Like that? Also.... The blade that ends legends sounds so badass!" He exclaimed, hyping her up even though he doesn't know a thing about her.

She then asked who he is. He smiled, and possibly light would shine brilliantly off of his near perfect teeth, "I am a rock star. Leader of the Liberators that makes rock and roll music. My name is Kureji. Even sandworms love my music!"

Would it become known to Kyuji that Kureji's own name translates to mean 'crazy'? Would she be able to piece two and two together about him saying that sandworms love his music and that the people that were rushed to the hospital have said that they were doomed until music distracted some sandworms or that the new creatures Sand Manta Rays were stopped by the hands of a guitarist?

"That's kinda crazy to think that we have similar sounding names. Though we both live different lifestyles." Which he actually did think was weird. Not everyday you meet someone with a very similar sounding name as you.

 

[Kyuji]

It would not take long after I spoke for the mystery individual in the room to begin to introducing himself and also made comments about my introduction. I wondered if this way of acting was a show that he put on since he mentioned he was a "rock star" or if he was truly out there in the world - neither were necessarily a bad thing, but he was definitely different than most people that had stumbled into this facility over the years. Again however, he didn't technically violate any rules or sanctions aside from wandering into a restricted area, but he should have been stopped long before he got as far as he did. I would need to talk with staff after we finished this conversation and try to tighten security so an incident like this never occurred again. For now though, I would entertain this man for a little bit and see what I could get out of him.

Leaning against the wall in the front of the room, I would close my eyes and take a deep breath before I responded to him. My tone was friendly in my response and I would smile as I talked: "It is interesting that our names are similar, but I have never actually heard of you before nor this group called the Liberators. Why don't you tell me more about your group and where you come from since I have not seen you around in the village before?" After a brief pause, I would give him some commentary on what he asked me. "The titles given to me were from people within the village for what I have accomplished in my life since moving to this country and village eons ago. I helped the village defeat a sandworm known as Barynx awhile back and also a hybrid between a carnasaur and human. There is also the recent highlight being I won the World Martial Arts Tournament in Tea Country for Wind Country and Sunagakure."

Yes, I have done some incredible feats in my life thus far. But, I still had many lives remaining on the counter before my expiration would occur. I was not going to allow the time remaining in my life to be used for nothingness. There was still many things that I wanted to achieve for this village and myself. This was only the beginning.

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would listen to the woman speak through and through. He would lean back in a chair as she asked who exactly he is and about the Liberators. She would then give him an explanation about her own titles. He would stroke his chin as he would think of what to say. He has gotten good at lying over the years, but eventually, the truth will come out.

"I announced to rebuild my rock band, which originally its name was the Devil's Advocates. But my mates went their own ways to live their own lives and I continued down the life as a rockstar. During this last battle, before I threw a guy controlling these magnificent Sand Manta rays into the maws of a Sandworm, I had announced the change in the band name. Symbolic as a middle finger to my old man when he had betrayed my trust. Symbolic to help those in need to find their own individual freedoms, whether it be from the weight of society, from the powers of the upper echelons, or even by the lowliest of lives that seek to make others life hell just cuz their own lives are shitty."

He would say this all plainly, as if he was speaking facts. There will always be some form of corruption everywhere, he has seen it himself. Everywhere, there is someone who's freedom is lost because of the actions of others. "As for where I came from.... I came from here. I am a missing ninja of Sand." He let that bit of information sink in before he continued. "Your leader, the twelfth Kazekage, found me out shortly after I helped out with ya'lls battle. He knows all about me." Kureji had made sure to not really leave a trace of evidence behind. But not medical records and other administrative type of stuff. He figured that it would catch up to him eventually.

"I imagine that you want to kill me, yes?" By now his playful tone was gone. But his voice also didn't carry a hint of malice or danger to it, more like someone asking how their day was going. "If you do, then I'm going to have to politely decline your offer as I want my own revenge against these Twin dudes." While it wasn't really revenge, as they haven't wronged him in any way. What he had gotten out of the puppeteer about Golden Sanctuary made him want to rage, something deep inside him that he hasn't felt since the time he was betrayed by his father. "As for why I was here, it was exactly as I had told you before. I was just someone messed up in the head that they decided to make a ninja rather than work on mental health. I ain't looking for any hand outs or pity, this world ain't built for that."

He took a sigh, this shit never gets easy to deal with, "I ain't got not lofty titles like you nor any patriotism for any nation. I just look out for the little guy when nobody either notices or chooses not to."

 

[Kyuji]

I would listen to the man in front of me explain the backstory of his band from its roots to now or lack of a band since they went their own ways. It was a real shame that there was no band as I would have been interested in meeting the rest of his squad and receive vital information through their own words. However during his explanation, he would mention throwing someone into a maw of a sandworm and I wasn't sure if I was to take him seriously about this or if he was trying to be a jokestar to see if I would react to his story - I wouldn't but it was a fun little folklore that he could tell more gullible people that he would meet.

He would continue announcing that he was originally from Sunagakure, but was considered a rogue shinobi. However, he would add that the Kazekage knew about him already and said he would need to decline an offer if I wanted to kill him here and now as he had a revenge against the Twins as much as the village did. Before I could interject, he would also say why he was here and that he was looking out for the little guy - all reasonable and I had no issues with it. Truly, the comment about titles and patriotism was not necessary but he was trying to make a point I assumed so I would let it slide.

Once he had that all worked out of his system, I would open my eyes and look right at him. My tone shifted to a more serious one as I responded to him: "I do not kill anyone for the thrill of it and you have not done anything to warrant me harming you. If you were from our village before and decided to leave, you had your reasons for it and I am not one to judge someone over that. I am not originally from this village as I emigrated from Iwagakure myself. But if you are back to assist us with the upcoming battles that will occur, then you are an ally to me. As for your statement on looking out for the little guy, that is what the village, country and rest of world should be doing. We are only as strong as the weakest link as one of the sayings go."

I would look away for a second and take a deep breath. There were a lot of things that should happen in the world, but they simply did not. It was unfortunate honestly, but there was only so much one person could do. I would turn my attention back to the man and ask: "If I may ask you a personal question. who is your father that you were putting the middle finger to when you changed your band name? If you are from here, I am sure that I know the name."

---

OOC:

• MFT: 499 Words

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would scoff, not exactly at her, but at her answer. "I guess what he said about this place is true. Things change." He would stretch his body out in the chair once more and continue, "Though I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Much more expected the occasional sword in my face or even venom words hidden behind a false smile. Your Kazekage had said something similar to what you said, well... the first part. Understanding my want to leave the Village for my own ideals and freedom."

He would look over at her and say, "This is feeling a little more like an interrogation rather than a conversation. So how about it? You want to know who my father is? Then let me ask a personal question of my own. What is the single point of your life that had drastically changed who you are as a person? And why would that be?" His question would be more as to the reason why he is here in Sand. To learn about different perspectives and make his own assumptions and thoughts of what he wants to do with his life. The main thing is what to do about his father.

Whether or not she answers him right then and there, he would continue on, "You want to know my father? Well... I think it would be more appropriate to say foster father, as my biological father is probably in a padded room in some mental institution either here or somewhere else. My foster father is someone that you very well know. Mirokou Akkuma." He figured that type of response would trigger something in someone. Anger, fear, caution. He's seen it all. But he doesn't flaunt that he is the son of Akkuma. He wanted to make his own name and fame for himself. His voice would be enough to tell Kyuji that Kureji didn't really have much care for Akkuma nowadays. "As for my biological father, my own mind was, is, so messed up that when I awakened to the power of chakra, at the time, Void Walker, that I don't have much memory of him or rather much before that other than bits and pieces that I choose to not fix."

 

[Kyuji]

I would listen to Kureji, the oddball in front of me, respond. He was not pulling any punches in his responses to me and frankly, I had to appreciate that as many people would speak one thing while meaning something entirely different or try to sugarcoat it. Yes, I admit I had been slightly invasive in his personal life and the conversation did seem like it was shifting from a casual chat to more of an interrogation, but I was simply a curious member of the village that wanted to know about the individual in front of them while assessing if they were truly not a threat or if they were trying to conceal something themselves. Truly, I didn't think he was a threat but merely someone who was out there and that was why people looked at him the way they did - in other words, possibly misguided or misunderstood.

I would allow him to speak his mind before I would respond. He would explain to me that he was associated with Miroku Akkuma: the demon that wrecked havoc in my life for quite some time. The man that placed a curse seal on my former apprentice, Aikayume Azusa that began her slow descent into madness; the demon that corrupted others whom I had trained or taught; the corruption that turned me into who I was today. In other words, a bastard that I would one day meet again in this life and ensure that he died to my blade regardless of our affiliations in the Toraono Clan, the village or this realm. While I could have allowed my emotions to surface and allowed some of my hatred towards the man to escape, I would keep it professional as I listened to him.

When he finished his explanation about his biological father likely being institutionalized and trying to explain why he was "different", I would give a moment to allow him to continue if he wanted. But when there was silence, I would walk over to the table and sit across from him, crossing my arms as I looked at him and began to respond to him: "Regarding Miroku Akkuma, I do know the name and we have some history between us. I won't hold that against you as I have not seen him in quite some time and he has raised others aside from you that I am aware of. It is possible he changed for the better." After I addressed that individual and kept it as professional as possible, I would continue: "In response to your question, I would say the drastic change in my life is when I tried to save my apprentice from herself and unfortunately failed. When I woke up later, I was in this body of mine that you are seeing now. I used to be a man but when I woke up, I was a woman and that was a big change for me to get used to as you can imagine."

After those words escaped my lips, I would let him digest what I said and allow him a chance to respond since it wouldn't be the first time that someone had questions about my identity changing after that incident.

 

[Kureji]

Kureji was unsurprised by her saying that her and Akkuma has history. He'd be more surprised if someone in Sand didn't even hear about Akkuma. As for him raising other people who are most likely all the others of the Mirokou Clan. The rockstar himself hasn't formerly met any other that his dad had so graciously adopted and raised. No doubt there might have been cases in which people's lives were saved. But there will also be those who have had their lives ruined just for meeting his father.

Kureji himself hasn't had the worst from dear ol dad but he does hold a grudge against him. He lost a couple of years, being frozen in time. He would look at Kyuji in her... His...? their...eyes. "So what should I refer to you as? Man? Woman? All the above?" Despite how he worded the question, his tone would signify that he wasn't trying to insult Kyuji at all.

He would lean back in his chair and would then say, "That's some heavy shit. And given that there isn't much people that know forbidden arts to transfer souls from one body to another." A hint that he himself knows the forbidden techniques, that his father had taught him, along with that of his own findings throughout his travels of the world. "Is it right for me to guess that it was my dear ole dad that took your soul and put it into a different body?" Only other person he could think of was Ryuu Tama, whom he hasn't seen since his return back to Sand.

Kureji has changed bodies plenty of times, this is his... Fifth or sixth body? But it was his choice. He feels bad that Kyuji's choice was taken away from them. He thought about what to say, choosing his next words carefully. "Have you ever thought of wanting to get out of that body? By your own choice this time?" He would wait to see what her answer would be.

 

[Kyuji]

Unsurprisingly, he had questions regarding my shift from being a man to a woman. They were not questions that were new to me nor were they insulting or disrespectful in the slightest even though many people apologized after they asked them. It was likely due to awkwardness of not knowing how to react to the statement made and then their minds racing with various perspectives, thoughts, and feelings if they were in my spot. I merely shrugged at him and said "That body of mine is likely long discarded somewhere in the Red Light District either as bones at this point. While I do not remember much from that time after I fell in battle, I do recall the building that we were in catching fire so it would not surprise me if my body was burned severely or discarded for the animals of the streets to consume while it decayed. But, that is life you know. " After a moment would pass, I would continue speaking: "As for getting out of this body, I haven't thought about it too much as I had other priorities to worry about in the village at the time and even now. I am content in my body as I am blessed by Lord Byakko and I will not age physically nor die naturally. That does not mean that one day I won't take my last breath however as I am not immortal, but close to it being the descendant of a god."

I would then shift in my chair as I continued yet again: "You can address me as a man or woman. I physically am a woman as you can tell and the village knows me as Kyuji either way. If you prefer to call me Kyuji only, that is okay as well with me. As for your father, Akkuma, I cannot confirm nor deny that it was him. But, that is what others told me as I was apparently picked up by him and he disappeared with me. Assuming it was him, I do not know if he did it for personal reasons or if he was actually trying to help the village and me. Either way, it kept me alive and I am able to talk to you today because of it so he isn't all bad I guess." Was I actually saying something nice about the criminal that wrecked my life and many others in the village for so long? It appeared that way but it was a nice gesture on his part even if he was still a bastard and we would have a long conversation between the two of us if we didn't clash physically beforehand the next time that we met.

Returning my gaze to Kureji, I would speak one last time and then allow him to have the floor: "What else would you like to know about me or our village? I will entertain a few more questions."

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would listen as she would answer his questions about her past and the body that she now possesses. It was interesting to say the least. His hinting at helping her become a man again was declined, indirectly, as Kyuji feels content being in the body that they are in now. The rock star wouldn't mind it one bit, as that is the choice that she has made for herself. Kureji himself has been in many different bodies, but he has stayed away from going into a female body of his own choice, he guessed out of respect than anything. Then again, how Kyuji talked, it didn't seem like she had much of a choice, courtesy of his old man. Though it felt weird. Having a straightforward conversation like this. Both parties being honest, at least, that's how Kureji is feeling the conversation is going.

He held up three fingers. "I got three questions, before I leave the floor to you to ask me some." He would put down two, with one still up, "One. Earlier you said you're from Iwagakure. How was that like? I've been there a time or two, done a few concert gigs but didn't seem as active as the other major Villages I've been to."

Kureji would then put up a second finger. "You said you and Akkuma had history. Was it only just the one instance that he took you or were there other things?" No doubt that there are people who want to off his dad. Kureji, himself is one of them. Well... Actually he's still figuring that out himself. Hence why he is having this whole type of spiritual journey going to all these Villages and talking with different people. Not just to change the world's perspective, but maybe even change his own.

He would put up the third and final finger. "Who is Byakko?" A rather simple question for someone that doesn't know much of Sand's history despite used to be a resident here. He never really had much time learning about the history of Sand as they wanted him more for a tool with an unstable mind than anything else. Nowadays he's just an unstable rockstar that travels the world.

"Floor is yours for any questions about lil ol me."

 

[Kyuji]

The floor was given to the male in the room to throw his questions at me and see if I would entertain them with a response or provide the passerby response. So far in our interactions aside from initially finding him in a restricted area of the Hospital, things had been very straightforward and cordial. Yes, he obviously was missing a few screws in his head and his responses in our conversation were not always normal, but it checked out with his name. Still, he was behaving all things considered and he was seeming to want to get as much information as he could about things possibly due to his age, his affiliations with people in the village, or mere curiosity. Either way, his questions were all simple ones to respond to even though the topic of Akkuma was going to seemingly be a thorn in my side until the demon was either killed, his power taken, or exorcised from the village. But, it would make for a good story when the day came where our paths of light and darkness crossed once more.

I would put up one finger to begin my response to him: "Honestly, I don't remember much from my home of Iwagakure. It was a long time ago that I lived there and my memory of the place is, well, basically gone. I did visit it after the World Martial Arts Tournament in Tea Country to pay respect to my parents. When I was there, it was very scenic and there was a lot of overgrow like it had been abandoned. It might have been though since I was able to walk right into the village with nobody stopping me."

A simple shrug after I finished and a deep sigh. I really did not want to talk about Miroku Akkuma as I did not hold strong regards for him and I was speaking to one of his children about their father. But, I doubted that he would push me for much information about his dad unless he wanted specifics to handle him since Kureji did mention that he was not on the best terms with Akkuma. "Akkuma and I have more history than that. He has been a thorn in my side long before that, but I am not sure where he is nowadays which is weird as he had a tendency to pop up when something involved the Toraono Clan or myself. But, your father has sealed former students on mine, he experimented on me as I told you, and the aura around him reeks of darkness and corruption. I don't particularly have an interest in finding him unless it is to have him turn a new leaf to protect this village or exile him. I am sorry if that is not what you want to hear." Honesty was the best policy here and if Kureji did not like the response that he received, he could push for more if he desired.

After a moment to take a deep breath again, I would finish entertaining his questions. At least his last question was about something postive and I enjoyed talking about. "Lord Byakko is the Byakko Clan's god and I am a direct descendant of him through a trial known as the Oath of Byakko. He is a prideful god which you will see similarly in the ones that worship him, but he is also filled with great wisdom. He is slow to anger, quite generous and compassionate. He is larger than a normal feline that you would see. He actually is around 6 feet at the shoulder, 15 feet in length and 675 lbs but that might have changed from the last time that anyone did measurements of him as it is not one of the Byakko Clan's top priorities. I could summon him here if I wanted to but I prefer to only call upon him when I absolutely need him."

I would then roll my shoulders and ask him one simple question to him: "You mentioned that you spoke to our Kazekage before? How has he been doing? I haven't been able to speak with him in quite some time as I have been busy with other things." Technically, I had gone missing for quite some time due to an incident that occurred while on a surveying of my least favorite place in the village, but I didn't need to provide all that information to a stranger yet. This would also allow me to gather some information while I had been sidelined.

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would lean back in his chair as Kyuji would answer his questions. Particularly the one with his father. "Yeah sounds like my old man alright. He did protect the Village during this big ol battle on the surface." He shrugged. "I got my own personal vendetta on him, though it doesn't sound half as bad what he put you through. He had betrayed my trust and put me into a time stasis, if you could call it that. Being frozen not in ice, but in crystals. Watched as two years passed by before something in me awoke and I broke out."

He would chuckle to himself, "I'd love more than anything to at the very least punch him in the face. after that...?" He would shrug, "I don't know. I guess continue make a name for myself. Change the world with my own hands in defiance to him?"

On the talk of Byakko, she had told Kureji that he is a god in a sense and then said that he is also a cat. Kureji won't ever really understand why people worship gods and other things when they themselves hold true powers at their own fingertips. Is it because of blind faith? Because of believing in something much more grand than this? Or that they themselves don't see the power that they themselves have? "Would he let someone pet him? I bet his fur is soft and comfy." His voice made it sound like if he were to ever meet this Byakko his only interest would be to pet it and possibly even cuddle this god like creature if he knew whether or not the creature would try and shred him to pieces. Like seriously, who wouldn't want to?

On the talk of the Kazekage, Kureji put one finger on his cheek and scratched it, "He never really told me his name. So I dubbed him Glowy Dude. That's cuz he had over-exerted himself in battle and was succumbing to chakra burn. He seemed smart. But also tired. Me and him have a deal. I will go in as a distraction against these twin dudes along with free all the people and creatures there. And he'll wipe my record of me being a missing nin." He would sigh and stretch his body out, "Though I ain't doing this for me. Could really care less about my status. I just want my fun along with rescuing those people who's freedoms have been stripped away."

 

[Kyuji]

Nodding, I would listen to the man seated across from me as he responded. He didn't surprise me with any of his comments like wanting to pet the Byakko Clan's god and if he was a little kid, I would have nudged him in a better direction than to talk like that about a god. But, he was an adult or at least looked like one and it was not worth the time or effort to try to sway someone who has been through life and already had likely a hard stance on many things in life. He did give valuable information however after his own opinion on his father more and about the Kazekage whom I wasn't sure was who I thought that he was nowadays. If anything, I had to appreciate his straightforwardness with his responses to me and not seemingly like he was trying to mask anything - it was a nice change of pace than others that I had recently dealt with in the village and out of country.

Overall, this man had changed my perspective on him quickly and he had proven to be no threat to the village - actually an ally in disguise even getting his record cleaned if he helped the village in its time of need from the Kazekage. A proposal that could backfire if Kureji decided to do some crazy, but if the Kazekage trusted him than I would do the same until he gave me reason otherwise. Still, it might be a good idea for one of the ANBU to watch over here while he stayed or to send one of my Byakko guards to watch if the ANBU were seeing their staff low like the Hospital. That was a problem for later though as this conversation was still going and until boredom overtook one of us or something called me away, I would keep chatting with this former shinobi of Sunagakure.

Shifting my weight in the chair, I would take the floor once more: "Lord Byakko would likely allow you to pet him if he was here. While he is the Byakko Clan's deity, he is not one who is going to be unfriendly or merciless as long as you are not causing harm to his followers. If the timing is right, I will ask him if you can pet him if we are nearby." I would crack a smile at him after this comment - I knew Lord Byakko would not care but he also was not always the biggest fan of being treated like a feline. But if young children wanted to pet him, he usually allowed it.

Once that thought of Lord Byakko getting petted came and went, I would continue speaking to Kureji: "Your father actually helped the village for once and did not cause drama or trouble for others. Impressive. Still, I agree with you that he needs a punch or two so if you find him before me, save me a swing at him. As for aiding us during our time of need as a village, it is appreciated and if I can find any information in the Hospital about you in records, I will let you know in return for your aid." If the Kazekage was going to wipe a record of someone deserting the village than the least I could do is see if we had any records of his past in the village that were sealed away due to confidentiality. Honestly, I doubted it, but you never knew.

 

[Kureji]

Kureji would smile as Kyuji would say that if the time is right, she would ask Byakko if he would allowed to be pet by him. Kureji wondered if this Byakko ever had any cuddles. A divine creature such as that must have the fluffiest and comfiest of fur to cuddle! Divine cuddles!

On the discussion about his father, Kureji let out a small chuckle, "I'll try and refrain myself from making him too unrecognizable for you but I'm making no promises." He would pause as she would talk about information in the hospital about his records and how she will return in aid.

He would shake his head and chuckle, "And here I thought I was crazy. I told ya I'm not doing this for me, that I don't really care about all of that. But if you want to, look about ten years ago. Me and my biological family were afflicted by something called the Void. It completely destroyed my family's minds, dunno if they ever recovered. As for me. I was toeing on the edge of being barely functional. But I guess I had an affinity to chakra and with my closeness to the Void, I was a Void walker." Would she realize he is using the past tense? Obviously his powers changed chaotically just as he is, the powers of a cadency ninja is something that had stuck with him the most, albeit at different times. He could never tear himself away from the music for too long.

"I was admitted to a psyche ward but also was eyed by the Village due to the potential. I had very little social exercises but more geared to being a ninja that they wanted." It wasn't the first time that he has brought up the past, but he has no regrets about it at all. He figured that might spur some questions that she may have about his own defection, which he'll be truthful if she does ask about it.

To be truthful, the Void may have done more damage to Kureji than he ever thought. Having switched into so many different bodies but he is still is clinically insane must have done something to his very soul rather than just his mind. Not that he really cared. He wasn't about to do a full sit down on a comfy couch and talk to a therapist about his whole life and answering cokmplicated questions that would probably make him more confused than anything.

 

[Kyuji]

Listening to the man, I chuckled when he said he would leave Miroku Akkuma alive for me to have my turn with. This man might be leaning on the side of insanity and his name helped with that thought, but he was at least giving me some entertainment to make the day more interesting than the dull, mundane tasks that I was doing prior to finding the troublemaker earlier. Yes, he was caught in a restricted area and also likely killed fish in the lobby of the Hospital - yet, he was not trying to cause me trouble and was talking to me like a commoner which was not normal when you come from an esteem clan nor have to talk with high ranking officials like I have been doing.

He would continue with giving me some information on his past to help me dig into his records. The mention of a decade would have my face shift and a simple nod in response - it was possible that we had something, but that was highly unlikely. Still, the mention of the Void gave me a starting point and I could use my access as an Oracle to see if I could dig up some additional information that the public would not be aware of. It was nice to be in that exclusive club even if I had not returned to that location where everything was stored since our original meeting. That was something that needed to be changed once there was an opportunity to do so which likely would not be for the foreseeable future. A shame in a sense, but duty came first.

When he was finished, I would allow a moment or two of silence between us before I would respond. "I appreciate the honesty of the past and I will not pry into it more. Let me see what I can find out and if I come across anything, I will send out someone from my clan to find you. You will know they are related to me by their appearance - mainly the cat ears and eyes that resemble a feline's. Most of them have white or grey hair, but there are some exceptions to the rule and we also have people who work for us that will not look like us. They will ask you for a password to verify it is you. The word is Yokka which is Byakko with the vowels switched and the B dropped. Simple enough, I would say."

I would then get up from the chair and lean against the wall again. Kureji, an interesting individual who was working with us to fight the Baron Twins and being rewarded by Chikamatsu Shin and had interactions with Miroku Akkuma. A few screws loose, but not a threat in my eyes even if his past had a lot of unknowns in it. "I won't keep you any longer if you had plans or a hot date with someone you met since staying here." A smile to him and I would allow him to say his farewells and leave if he chose. The option was his - I would entertain him more if he wanted to know more or merely wanted a conversation.

---

OOC: Topic left if Kureji decides to leave. If Kureji stays, I stay