alchemest1

Yuji watched as Roukyou went through a range of emotions. Memory first, irritation at the memory, opposition to his plan- and then reluctance. The points Yuji was outlining made sense. The plan was insane, and Yuji knew that he'd admitted as much. But looking at it through the scope of the available facts...
I know what you're thinking, Roukyou. Not least of all because I went through the same mental process. I think he largely agrees with me. Maybe this is an opportunity and not a hindrance...
"You have questions. That's fair and understandable. Let me state for the record that I loved Lord Third like a grandfather, and it truly pains me to hold any bit of contempt toward him. But the facts have opened my eyes. His influence isn't lost on me, either- I'm not summoning Lord Second for war itself, but as council. There may be a diplomatic way to prepare. That's why I want council. I want to prepare for war, not cause it. Now to your questions: Lord Second would keep his autonomy. The first thing that I will do is hand over the key to that to Lord Second himself. That is the closest thing to true autonomy I can give him. He deserves that chance."
Yuji closed his eyes. "The fondest memory I have of that war is when Lord First's memories touched all of us. It may be true that Lord Seventh is the closest to Lord First...but what Lord Seventh doesn't have is brother whose opinion who can be relied upon to balance his own.  Yes, yes, there's Sasuke Uchiha, and there is Shikamaru Nara. I respect Shikamaru and his clan, but he is an intelligent presence, not a strong, countering presence.  I digress, but I think it's important than you understand my state of mind. I'm involving you, directly or indirectly, in this by inviting you to sit. You need to understand that this will be my sin, and you need to know why I intend to commit it."
Looking around the derelict building, Yuji's hand touched a book. He was able to instantly pick it out among so many others. He should- he'd written it, though it wasn't for anyone but himself. His idealistic scroll, titled "ShoBu", that he'd carried as a genin, also rested in this building. This book was more journal than anything. Unimportant at the moment, but it more clearly out lined his thoughts. He knew his touching it would not go unnoticed by Roukyou; there was no need to call further attention to it.
"Now, your second question: If Lord Second decides death is the price for this transgression, I will abide by it. There will be no resistance. This is a way to test the age. "The age decides the man". An old Land of Iron quip I picked up. You've probably heard it, but if not, it means that the world will decide if my existence is necessary. I've got no wife, no child, no squad, no students, and this corpse of a village...I will leave no regrets. I'll have at least tried."
Now they came to the final point. "Should Lord Second decide I am to seal him away again, I will do so. I've come here tonight prepared for that. I have sealing tags and enough sealing jutsu available to me to do it. Now, if I might- a question for you..."
Yuji sat back down, taking a small sip of tea. His hand was shaking, though his voice was strong. "Since you're here, you've become part of my backup plan. There is a...risk. It would have been suicide, were I alone, for I'd have to die to stop it alone. The White Zetsu have an annoying propensity to cling to and take over people. While I'm casting the genjutsu, I'm vulnerable. More than that- the shinigami may decide that a substitute being like a Zetsu is not tribute enough. Orochimaru was likely able to lure him out with an outpouring of chakra, or maybe his link to the shinigami was stronger because of his arms. Either way...if a Zetsu merges with me and I lose control of the situation, I may not be able to remove it from me without help. I'd use a Shadow Clone, but I need to husband my chakra in case Lord Second needs to be sealed. I don't really mind if you kill us both, so long as Zetsu is stopped."
The Zetsu will help, having Lord First's cells. That will boost the power of the jutsu, even though those things are fundamentally weak by themselves. As amazing as it would be to be touched by Senjutsu...I'd rather come by that honestly. This dishonest method...if there were another way...but there's not. Oh well. Not that I'll be missed all that much. It's too bad- I'd have enjoyed some time with Yuugao. If this works, maybe I can summon Hayate-Sensei-! No. THAT is exactly how you make this jutsu evil. Council is one thing; bringing back someone just because you miss them is wrong. THAT I will not allow from myself! Lord Second's council is necessary. I'm sorry, Sensei!
"One last thing I'll ask of you," Yuji said solemnly., "If Lord Second decides to use the Reaper Death Seal himself- a jutsu that is not beyond him, though I've written instructions for him- and he aims it at me, you are not to interrupt. If that's my punishment, so be it. I'll go spar in the shinigami's stomach with the previous Hokage whom I respect."
 

Yuji, once upon a time, would have shed at least part of his serious exterior in deference to the friendship between himself and Roukyou, but this was not at time for levity. What he was planning, for whatever reasons, was tantamount to robbing a grave.
This whole village is a grave now; they just don't know it yet. But it's not too late...
"...Distasteful as it is, I think I understand at least a bit more now of what Danzou tried to do. You, of all people, know that not everything he did was self-serving. He may have been among the most honest of us, though I found him repulsive as a human being."
Yuji slowly unlimbered the scroll, unfurling it slowly, showing Roukyou that there was no threat to him. He pressed his bleeding thumb again, running it down the length of the scroll. He clapped his hands together, as though in prayer, but stopped short of finishing the summoning. He pulled a smaller scroll out of one of the pouches on the front of his vest, paid the blood tribute, and summoned- a table, tea kettle, cushions, tea cups, fine tea leaves and a small metal brazier.  Looking around, he picked out a damage section of wall and pulled the dried wood out, piling it up neatly beneath the brazier.
"Fire Style: Dragon's Ember Jutsu," he mumbled, starting a small fire. He busied himself with the tea kettle first, allowing the water to boil. He'd trained in the tea ceremony at the Third Hokage's suggestion. It was rather soft for his tastes, but if a Hokage thought it important, Yuji would pay attention. Then he set about putting up the low table and arranging the cushions around it. Looking up at his friend, Yuji offered a rare smile. "Do you want to join me? I don't mind either way, but it's in poor taste to not invite a friend to sit at your table. I have sake as well...ah, there it is."
Yuji finished setting the table. He sat down uneasily where there was no cushion, reserving it for his friend and the man whom he intended to summon. They were both the experienced ones worthy of the respect. 
"...You asked me for an answer. Because of our history, I'll tell you. Because of our history, and your own abilities, you know my words will hold no lies. Hold on one moment more..."
There were a pair of wooden candle holders, six feet tall, that Yuji had brought here before. He'd intended to make this his study once he'd realized that it would lay abandoned. He lit the candles with the same fire jutsu as before.
"There. No ghost story is complete without candles," he said, keeping a straight face in spite of the joke. "Now, first the explanation, then the reason: I intended to use Edo Tensei to summon the Second Hokage. I would never sacrifice a person; I have two of the White Zetsu that we fought in that battle. One to take my place as a sacrifice. Though I'm no damned Uchiha," he half-spat, "My genjutsu is sufficient to coax it to cast the jutsu. I've learned a way to do it without the death god's mask, since that is, of course, under heavy guard.  The second Zetsu will serve as the body host for Second Hokage. Damn Orochimaru, but leave him to think up a solution like this. That's the "how"."
Yuji shifted, looking at the wall.  "If I asked you...could you say that you're content with the village? You and I, we have our own relationship. Maybe not unlike even the First and Second Hokage, or even the First Hokage and Madara. We can fight as easily as we can agree. But we've NEVER not put the village first. Which is why I'm worried now. Whatever personal reasons I may have for this...the village comes first. You've been at the council meetings. You've seen Nar- Lord Seventh. You've seen Lord Seventh and that traitor, and how they run this village. Plan for peace. Peace, peace, they say! And the other Kage seem to agree. But the truth of our world is different. This peace is held in place by 5 individuals only- not by a village and its people. What happens when Lord Hokage dies or retires? The answer: There is no plan. That's why I'm here, doing this now. I don't intend to seize power; I intend to consult someone who is wiser than me and ask: Is this safe? If not...then I will find a way to create a plan."
Yuji spread his arms wide. "That's the "why" and "how". What happens next, Roukyou- is up to you. With all respect, it'll come to a fight if you try to stop me. I'll hear your reasons, since I value your input, whether you agree or disagree."

((No problem- your post was great! I was admittedly grinning during Foxx's conversation with himself in the herb store!))
Yuji narrowed his eyes, thinking for the hundredth time about what he was doing. He'd dodged a bullet, managing to avoid the Uchiha stomping grounds (The "ghetto", as Yuji referred to it). The last thing he wanted was to speak to any of them. He was smart enough to take each Uchiha case-by-case. He could respect the history, but the current representatives of the clan did nothing for Yuji's feelings toward the group. It was jealousy, in part, Yuji could admit that. The Uchiha had been pivotal in the war, as had the current Hokage. It was "their" era.
A sinister part of Yuji wanted that era to end, but it wouldn't. Not during his lifetime. His life was at least a third over, and he guessed that he was at least 10 years older than the current Hokage. Not that he wanted the title necessarily, but there was no building for the future this way. Dependent on the strength of one person...that was stupid. What was the backup plan to Naruto? Sasuke?
I need the council of someone wiser than myself. I never DID manage to get a proper instructor, either. This is distasteful, sure...but more distasteful would be to know this problem is coming and to not address it. My reasons for this aren't completely selfish nor completely altruistic. I'm not going to start a war, and if I bring him back and he chastises me, I'll undo the jutsu with no harm, no foul.
Pack in Yuji's summoning scroll was one of the few spoils of war he'd managed to get and be interested in keeping. He'd managed one or two of them, knowing how dangerous they could be. Worse that he'd learned the trick from Orochimaru and had to expand on it himself.
Yuji closed his eyes, remembering a conversation that he wished he could forget:
It had been after the war, during the week-long celebration of victory. Shinobi of every village had camped out together on the battlefield. Cleaning by day and partying by night, the atmosphere had been jovial. Yuji watched. That was what he did- he took in details and trusted no one. During the battle, his abilities had been useless- he'd had no reason to celebrate. His so-called specialty had been genjutsu before, but there'd been no use for that. His ninjutsu had kept himself alive, and maybe a handful of others. But then Naruto's chakra touched them. Well, the chakra of the nine-tailed fox had, anyway, and everyone had become powerful. Even the weakest of people. That sickened Yuji. He killed himself training day in and day out, only for a high-five to give a chakra more powerful than he could fathom to people who barely tried.
Sakura had approached him. Yuji had been standing with his arms crossed, sternly watching and thinking. Her light touch was welcome.
"You can relax, you know. It's over. Naruto and Sasuke did it. And they're both going to be fine. You should be celebrating!" She was excited, perhaps moved by the sake and emotion both. But the way she said Sasuke's name... Yuji heard it in her voice: She revered those two. He was a friend, at best. He'd never REALLY had a chance at her affection. 
His defenses spiked; his arms remained crossed, ignoring the sake cup being held out to him.
"...That's alright for other people. I was useless in that fight; in the most important one of my lifetime."
Sakura laughed, and unknowingly gave the comment that would make Yuji snap: "Well, c'mon we were ALL a little useless. Who knew at the time? But we're all alive and everyone is getting along. Do you see even one seed of war out there?"
"And that doesn't bother you?! All that time and effort and training, and we were all useless?! Maybe you played some role, saving lives the way you did, but I'm pretty far from fine with being useless!"
Sakura had pulled back, surprised and definitely hurt by her friends sudden shift in attitude. To Yuji, that was just another sign that she had never really understood. Still, he had his sensibilities and hadn't intended to offend the young woman. There were ways to express displeasure without exclamation. He owed her an apology and an expression of displeasure that was more appropriate.
Yuji stood up, bowed deeply at the waist in what was almost exaggeration, and said, facing down: "Excuse my frustration, Ojousama."
-
Sakura had looked hurt. She's tried being friendly but after her and Sasuke had become a couple, Yuji put her in the same category as Sasuke. Well, no, that wasn't true. Not the same category. A traitor and sympathizer weren't always the same. The sympathizer was infuriating but perhaps misguided, and as such deserved pity.
Yuji had to admit that he was surprised when Roukyou had spoken. He'd bitten off a curse because he'd been snuck up on. Granted, Foxx had an affinity for doing that to even the most seasoned shinobi.
And I want to learn from the Second Hokage, one of the most elite sensory types. Instead I'm wallowing in miserable memory in a derelict part of town.
"Good evening," Yuji commented, his eyes fixed on the building he was going to enter. He knew enough to not even try to guard what he was thinking from Roukyou. However, there WERE prying eyes he needed to take care off. "I didn't expect to see anyone else in this area, at this time of day," Yuji continued. He was looking for suitable places...ah, there! That would do. Two wooden beams that ran parallel- good. "You might want to step back or forward, Roukyou. Not for your sake- you'd have no problem breaking my genjutsu. But I don't particularly want to reset it."
Yuji reached into a pouch at his waist, removing a specially marked senbon. He pricked his thumb, squeezing to let the blood flow. He made a quick series of marks on each beam, then knelt between them. He made familiar handsigns, then:
"Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing. And to be safe...Bringer of Darkness."
Two genjutsu, the second of which was designed by the Second Hokage. Hopefully that was enough to keep any interested parties out. Augmented by the blood tribute- a small trick tucked away in an old scroll in this very building that Yuji had visited as a child- the genjutsu should be formidable. As an afterthought, Yuji tossed shuriken into the few street lights functioning nearby. It was so abandoned here that no one would miss the light. 
Yuji didn't turn around, but it didn't seem fair to leave his friend outside without an invitation. "You can come in, if you'd like. You tend to be more of my mindset, anyway."
 

Regarding anxiety: I was at that point for a long time, and I could easily go back. It's taken a lot of work to get to an "okay" place. I'm not one for medicine, either, but I finally had to because I just wasn't living anymore.

No problem. We can probably just work it on our profiles anyway, it's so dead on the forums. And cool, thank you as far as the characters go. Let me know if you need me to fill any character; I'll be happy to do so. I left you a couple openings in the initial post for whoever you want- obviously Roukyou, but you can add an antagonist (from Yuji's POV they'd be an antagonist) if you'd like.  Here's the post:

The village was relaxed these days. The new era of peace had a wide embrace, welcoming all who would, in turn, embrace it. There were always warmongers and malcontents, but their presence was felt but little. The current Kage rivaled or surpassed their predecessors for power, and each came forward with peace first and foremost. 

The new era wasn't welcomed by everyone, though it mattered but little- the power of the Shadows could quash any major uprising, and their children were certainly formidable. Some of the old guard reveled in this; some were reviled by it. 

It was rare to see a Happuri these days, and equally rare to see a perpetually sour expression, but one shinobi wore both, not troubling to disguise his feelings. 

This time...this era...it's a fools peace he thought bitterly. A young couple walked arm in arm by him. His outward scowl didn't change, but his inner scowl deepened. What right do they have to be happy? They've never had to work for it. This place...it's become what it's going to be. The changing of the guard happened in that last battle. So quick to trust; these children... 

The shinobi in question, Yuji Itou, was surprised by the thought. When had he become old enough to think something like that? 

He answered himself: When he became old enough to consider Kinjutsu of the highest order to slake his thirst for a kindred spirit. He'd spent too long pining for an unavailable woman and, he wondered, respecting the wrong teacher. Lord Third had been a nice man and certainly a genius...but had he been correct? 

The older Yuji got, the more he thought not. He'd loved the Third like a grandfather, and to his mind would always respect him. But in the last battle, for a short amount of time, he'd gotten to see legends with his own eyes. Of them, Second Hokage Tobirama Senju had made the strongest impression. 

Am I really going to do this? He wondered, nervously fingering the Summoning Scroll. Am I this desperate for validation? ...If I wasn't, I wouldn't have gone this far. The old me wouldn't have even considered it; but the old me isn't necessary anymore. I was useless in that battle; the most important battle...maybe the last battle. I have to try! 

In his determination, Yuji had nearly forgotten to check his mental compass. He was too near a part of the village that made his blood boil in irritation. He didn't want to run into her, or her husband. 

I'm no match for him anyway. Not that I'd back down. 

No, the best place for this was a place where few people would go. The old library, which lay half-buried in a far corner of the village- that would do. It hadn't been rebuilt after the way, and all the texts of worth were removed. It was a good place to do what he was planning. 

Before he finished, Yuji stopped for a moment and took in the village. It was becoming more and more modern all the time. It had forgotten where it had come from. Not that Yuji was terribly old, but old enough to remember when things were better. Before the current Hokage and his ridiculous strength. Before it took only 5 people to retain a balance of power. The Kage had been the cornerstones; that had always been true. But this current generation and their retainers, particularly the Hokage...they were unrivaled. 

It worried Yuji. Either he had no place, or he was right and they were in trouble. Either way, this Kinjutsu would help...

http://forums.fanart-central.net/viewtopic.php?p=995211#995211

Here we go!

(Got your bio- thank you! That'll be helpful. I think I know how to set us up with that).
I know what you mean. When I get up and start my day, it's always at maybe a 3 out of 10 on my anxiety scale. Sometimes the number decreases; rarely is it 0 anxiety.
Don't worry; I'm not paying full attention to canon myself, truth be told. I should ask: Do you have any objection to playing any of the necessary characters for Yuji's story? I have no limits; I'll play whoever. For Yuji, I think he'd grudgingly respect Naruto but disagree with him; outright and unapologetically doesn't trust Sasuke; Will make time to talk with Yuugao; and depending on whether or not his Kinjutsu is successful or not, the Second Hokage. Any problems with any of those?  
I'll shoot you a link shortly to where I'll have the starter on the forums!

It's too bad, because her and I even have the same type of anxiety. So it's a really rare case of someone truly "getting it".  

That's good; that adds a better dimension to Roukyou. The grizzled veteran part especially. Ditto with the smoking. I think that evens out any part of him that may have been too powerful before.

Hell, let's give this a shot! See how it goes; pick up the old pace. Do you want me to write the scenario to begin, or do you want to go first?  Also, for your reference, here is Yuji's updated bio:

Name: Yuji Itou
Age: 30
Affiliation: Leaf
Rank: Jonin
Strengths (on a scale of ten):
Taijutsu: 8
Genjutsu: 8
Ninjutsu: 8
Summoning: 5 (summons smaller creatures)
Strategy: 7
Speed: 7
Strength: 6
Chakra Nature(s): Fire Style (dominant); Earth Style (secondary); Water Style (Only with existing water catalyst)
Versatility: Above average 

Look: Black Hitai-ate worn around his upper right arm (symbol of mourning); Closed-toed boots; knee pads and arm protectors; charcoal gray pants and gi

Hair: Dk Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Build: Slim-muscular
Skin: Pale (Not quite Orochimaru level of pale, but not healthy looking)

Friends: Very few
Love Interest: Yuugao Uzuki (Currently friends, but the potential for more is there)

Squad: None; previous affiliation Cell Four under the command of Hayate Gekkou
Specialties: Mixing techniques- two genjutsus cast at once; Homage Sword "Sickle Moon Dance"

Other notes: Disassociates with "Traitors", shunning Sasuke, Sakura, and any of the Uchiha children (refers to Sakura as "Oku-sama", or "Ojou-sama"); respect Naruto but disagrees with him and is bitter toward him for being so powerful.  Is unsure of his place in the village structure; not bloodthirsty but needs a mission or cause besides "peace". After the battle against Madara, he feels a kinship toward Tobirama, the Second Hokage.

I'm still a bit disappointed. I suppose I still carry a torch for her. And a bit for my first crush, who looked basically like Claire Redfield with long hair. She is still my cousin's best friend, and wow did she age well! She was always nice to me when I saw her as a kid, and she definitely didn't need to be- no teenage girl wants a pain-in-the-butt younger boy hanging around. If I was even five years older, that might've been a real thing. Anyway: I know I prefer girls who have a bit of an edge to them myself. Left alone, I'm too bland. I definitely need some mild hellraising, lol!
Those changes all make sense. I kind of like that idea know thing that I'll be writing off that. I could see Yuji and Roukyou being almost like the Second and First Hokage in their relationship- largely brotherly, but not necessarily always on the same page. Tobirama being more direct and combative; Hashirama being more powerful but more tolerant.  Having them both be older would be a good thing. Mostly to reflect their personality changes. I see Yuji as "old before his time" in some respects, and just plain "outdated" in others.  The biggest change for him would be considering everyone who was okay with Sasuke to be traitorous, including his old crush, Sakura. That would leave him at odds with a lot of people, including the Seventh Hokage. I think we should make character data sheets and just see how that flows. Maybe map out secondary characters/complimentary characters (Yuugao for Yuji, as an example)
I had an idea: I'd imagine Foxx seeing Yuji and being worried about him. It would be interesting to have Foxx see Yuji considering (or maybe having just completed using) Edo Tensei to bring back the Second Hokage so that he'd have a teacher again. Something kind of dark like that.  
I think the best thing to do would be to start from scratch. We could go back and forth on our profiles here for now, and if it gets more intense then maybe try to resurrect the old RP forums ourselves. Maybe everyone else is just waiting for some good RP to come along and rejuvenate things!

 

I met mine when I was probably at my worst. Unemployed, anxiety-ridden, thirty+ pounds underweight- and, of all things, she was the dental assistant while I was getting some work done on my teeth. But she was there when I had a bad anxiety attack and she didn't bat an eyelash. She told me about her own dealings with anxiety, held my hand, told jokes- she saw me at my absolute worst and didn't miss a beat. Apparently I have a "type", which didn't become apparent until her- auburn hair and kind of a...I don't know to explain it...like "big sister" way about her. Nurturing but with an edge- like the cool big sister who knows you've got a crush on one her friends and might give you crap about it but is actually kind of rooting for you. Weird, I know. But that's me!
I would definitely be up for round 2 of an RP! If our characters general elements run the same, there'd be a bit more friction between them this time, which would prove interesting. I was really curious to see where our old RP went- with Wolf and RL Kitten. I read through the fic version I did of it recently, and a lot of that was really good and interesting.