alchemest1

Yuji nodded, eyes closed, as Roukyou expanded on his point. He'd known what he was signing up for, though the feeling of being useless and somewhat out-of-the-loop would haunt him. There was, at present, no better idea than to hide himself. He took in Lord Second's expression, seeing nothing on the stern visage to give away his thoughts.
"That being the case, then, I'll spend some time researching ways to better tether Lord Second. No matter how capable a shinobi, having only one tether makes for a weak link. We've already established that, if he wants to, Lord Seventh could demolish me in combat, despite his reluctance to do so. With his propensity for finding loopholes and work-arounds, though..."
Yuji let that thought sit for a moment, then elaborated on his second point:

"I do trust her. Asuna- that's her name; she's a shrine maiden at Kekkou-Ji temple- is a capable martial artist in her own right. The miko at this temple also specialize in sealing. It's usually used for training purposes, but as they deal with life and death and chakra- all the things involved in the Edo Tensei Jutsu- she may have an idea how to strengthen it. But if we do this, we need to do it right. I'm guilty of being a little too vocal about Lord Seventh's methods; if I suddenly just disappear, questions will be asked. I hate to throw a shroud of secrecy on this, but I think it may be necessary."

Tobirama, arms crossed, shifted his gaze to Yuji.  "What are you planning?"

Yuji gave a self-deprecating smile. "Roukyou knows my medical history enough to know that I'm prone to anxiety and stress-related illness. Perhaps now would be a convenient time for me to have a nervous breakdown and need to be moved to a different location. Apparently a change of scenery can be therapeutic, and Asuna is quite adept at brewing special teas and remedies. I'm not saying I should have an episode in the middle of town, but maybe we spend the next couple days or even a week laying the groundwork to my needing to "take a vacation". I'd be inclined to build up to it more, but keeping Lord Second's presence a secret won't be possible."

Yuji closed his eyes. "Let them suspect all they want; Lord Seventh's ability to trust people no matter what will work to our advantage. He can suspect, but unless he can prove that I am responsible for Lord Second' re-appearance...short of a confession from one of us, he can't prove it. Simple as that. Though it doesn't sit well with me to utilize the very blindspot I want to close on Lord Seventh, I don't see a lot of choice. I'm certainly open to suggestions..."

Tobirama considered what he'd just heard, and oddly felt a warm feeling. It's very much a mix of elder brother and myself I see in these two. The younger one...Yuji...he's prone to depression. Even now that I'm kneading chakra, I still can't fully read Roukyou. An interesting pair, to be sure. I'll allow their conversation to continue on this for the time being. If I'm to be involved, it would be prudent to take inventory of my resources.
"Your points are valid," Yuji admitted to Roukyou, without surprise. "For this to be effective, then we should work out a division of labor. Assuming we do recruit Lord Sixth, he and Lord Second should be the spearheads for this effort. I'm too young; your health isn't what it used to be. And there's two concerns I have. Pardon me, as they'll both sound self-serving to a degree, but that is not my intent. So, to point 1: If Lord Sixth should not accede, our choices are to face treason or fight. I'm not prepared to kill Lord Sixth over this. The age decides the man, as the samurai say. If the age decides I'm wrong, then that will be that, and there is no more fit a messenger of the age than Lord Sixth Kakashi Hatake.  Second, in war, we must protect an asset. In this case- me. I'm not an expendable asset. There is one very big flaw to that, one that I actually hadn't considered until now."
Yuji indicated Tobirama with his head, bowing respectfully.
"It is my chakra and will that keeps Lord Second bound to this world. As you'll both recall, the last war had an Edo Tensei caster who was caught in genjutsu and manipulated into undoing the genjutsu. I'm adept at genjutsu, but I'm hardly the best. If push came to shove and we lost Lord Second, our cause would be much more difficult. That's why I want to put forth a proposition that is very distasteful. Well, two propositions- one less distasteful but more resource consuming.
Proposition 1: I should sequester myself with defenses. I know a shrine where the miko are trained as warriors. I have a friend there, Asuna, whom I'm sure could help me erect some defenses. I could strategize, but mostly be relegated to playing defense. I'm not suited to be leading this anyway, so this is viable.
Proposition 2: (Yuji sighs)...We find someone who will before the Gedo Art of Rinne Rebirth on Lord Second and revive him in flesh and blood. Then I can be freed up to fight.  
Those are not my first choices, but I don't see any alternatives if we're to cover this particular flank..."

As he listened to Roukyou and Tobirama speak, Yuji tried to remain impassive. It was pointless, of course- both men could easily sense it. It was an exercise in discipline that he indulged in regularly simply out of habit. 
He'd felt the tug of depression and hopelessness. Even in the face of this success, which was no small feat, Yuji felt little confidence. That was part of why he'd summoned a natural leader like Tobirama Senju. He himself desired it, but was intelligent enough to admit when he was at a disadvantage. The fact was, part of Yuji expected to be told off. Had he, in fact, become extraneous to the world? It was possible. A lot of people, but they were happy with that. They were content knowing that they were protected. 
And they don't need any protector besides Lord Seventh and the other Kage. Am I picking a losing fight- on purpose? No...Roukyou sees sense in this, as does Lord Second...It's my own strength and opinion that I don't have faith in. Is this all my conviction amounts to?
Yuji waited while Roukyou finished, organizing his thoughts. Roukyou had made a good argument; Yuji could see that Tobirama had been partly convinced. That left Yuji to voice his only objection, as it were.
Tobirama nodded sagely at Roukyou. "You see things clearly. That is an admirable trait. Even to my brother, I couldn't assign that trait. He could make his dreams come true out of pure strength and stubbornness, and just how amicable he was. The system he created worked, but only to a point. The question we need answered is: How blind is Naruto Uzumaki to the truth of this situation? Is he being ill advised? If so, then the son of White Fang is a good choice to introduce correction. As you say, he may have the current Hokage's ear."
Turning to Yuji, Tobirama indicated that he could speak. "You're young, so you don't have your emotions hidden. There's an objection or a concern you want to state. If you have had the strength and conviction to summon me, then you should stick out your chest and act on it. Speak your mind."
"If we're to do this, I'm not sure that we should spend that much time convincing Lord Sixth." Emboldened by Tobirama's instruction, Yuji was nonetheless somewhat sullen as he continued: "The rot has already set in to that generation and my generation. The next generation may be a better focus. Being certain that children are being taught correctly. Or, rather, offering that correct course ourselves. Let those who want to see the truth be the ones to live it. As it stands, aside from you, Lord Second, there isn't anyone who is a match power-for-power with Lord Seventh. Kaka- Lord Sixth, " Yuji corrected himself, "Is one of those who bequeathed the future to Lord Seventh. Recruiting him comes with the risk of being exposed before we've gathered sufficient strength."
Biting his lip, Yuji offered his own counter-argument. "Then again, our best chance may be a blitzkrieg. Make our point fast; drive it home as quickly as possible. If we take the time to amass more strength we risk discovery before we can cover our flank."
Yuji turned to Roukyou. "You've been in more wars than myself, Roukyou, and maybe more than Lord Second. My emotions aren't exactly in check on this. Lord Sixth would be a compelling leader...but would he be willing? And is a faster strike more beneficial? It sounds militant, put that way, but that's the best term I can ascribe to it."

Yuji was aware of Roukyou's discomfort but was too busy disguising his own. No ordinary shinobi could perform Edo Tensei with any degree of effectiveness. Had he tried to control Lord Second's soul he would have failed; of that he was sure. A bead of sweat shot out of his temple. He ignored it, instead holding his position.
"Roukyou, if you don't mind sharing your observations as well. I'll start, but the benefit of your opinion may be key to this," Yuji said evenly, trying to sense who was outside the barrier. The downside to his style of barrier ninjutsu was that, while it was strong, it obscured the senses from both sides of the barrier- ideally he couldn't be detected but neither could he detect who was outside. 
It must be someone fairly strong to have found this through the chakra wards...
Tobirama addressed Yuji next: "You needn't worry about the ward- that's Kakashi Hatake. If he'd wanted to, he could probably fight the barrier off. He hasn't left, but he's making no move to force his way in. He'll at least grant you an audience. Now then:To craft a plan of attack- or defense, as it were- we need to inventory the available skills. I can tell that you possess at least two changes in chakra nature. Judging by the fact that you created water clones, you have some means of utilizing that as well. You don't lack strength, and you're smart enough to realize your own limitations. What you don't have is the influence you need. If you've resorted to treason like recalling the dead, then you're considering that the danger is imminent." 
Glancing at Roukyou, Tobirama inclined his head. "You're a bit more of a mystery. Your strength is there, but my advice would be to husband it carefully- if your body is so wracked with pain after exertion, a more cerebral role would behoove you."
Continuing, Tobirama added: "You're lacking manpower and influence, then. To do this peaceably, recruiting a small number of others to petition the Hokage would make sense. But you wouldn't have raised the dead if that option was readily available.  So now a question to both of you: What is my role in your plan? Am I strictly an advisor, or do you intend to utilize my combat skills? I realize that you're deferring to this stripling ((Yuji's)) plans, but I'd ask your answer first, Roukyou. Call me old fashioned for wanting to address someone more...contemporary to myself, first."

The Second Hokage took in the words of the younger man, Yuji, giving away nothing. The argument was familiar, to a point. How many times had he told Hashirama to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best? At a glance it was hard to tell whether this was the nervous ramblings of a young man who'd found out his power hadn't been worth anything or if this was a man doing all in his power to fix things. Tobirama began to knead his chakra in such a way that he could better read Yuji. One more question should do it:
"Why summon me? Surely my brother and his power would have been of greater benefit, or Saru, with whom you've bonded on some level. If you and I met, it was only briefly during the war- surely not enough time for you to gain an opinion of me."
Yuji considered the question carefully, choosing his words. He'd asked himself this question plenty of times, so the answer was on the tip of his tongue. It seemed more prudent to think for a moment. Finally, Yuji said it: "I think, of the Hokage, you were the least idealistic and naive. All of you accomplished a great many things, but of them all, Lord Second, you were the one to see the reality of a situation. You didn't ignore it for dreams of the future; you didn't let someone else do the dirty work- you spoke bluntly of the facts and made your assessment based off that. That frankness and, kowtowing aside, wisdom, is something that I think the village would benefit from. The party has to end sometime and I don't think anyone is ready for it. You're the best person for the job, put simply."
Hmm...he believes he's telling the truth...I sense no holding back from him...But now that I'm kneading chakra, I feel something else...
The Second Hokage glanced at the door.  "You placed genjutsu traps? Were you aware they'd been tripped?"
Suddenly Yuji felt like a student again, and he'd forgotten to write his name on a test he'd otherwise have gotten an "A" on. How could he have let it slip from his mind for even a moment?! "I...was, Lord Second."
Tobirama decided that now would be a fair time to test the apparent autonomy he'd been offered. As he'd originated the Bringer of Darkness genjutsu, he knew how to end it.  He glanced at the two with him. "I've decided to help you. We'll need to address this interruption first. We need to secure the barrier or allow them in. I'll admit that I'm unfamiliar at just how much of a taboo it is to have used my Edo Tensei Jutsu..."
"A fairly big one. Treason isn't unthinkable," Yuji answered plainly. 
"Then strengthening the barrier it is. You've allowed me unlimited and unrestricted use of my chakra; I'll give us more time and reinforce the barrier. You, Roukyou- if you'll be so kind as to heal yourself, should this go poorly. Don't deprive yourself of those cigarettes."
--
The Second Hokage allowed his image to appear in the Bringer of Darkness genjutsu. It was a one-way mirror of a conversation: the other party could see him, while he could only sense them. So he spoke directly:
"This meeting bears no ill will toward the village and no crime has been committed. Wait patiently and an explanation will be offered at the conclusion of the discourse."

The Second Hokage was adept at reading chakra, and he sensed no lies as Roukyou spoke. That a shinobi could still be alive and so active was...not surprising. Not anymore. There were no lies in his words...omission, perhaps, but nothing done out of disrespect.
"I see. Then it seems I should thank you for your service," Lord Second said, inclining his head slightly to a man he now marked as a colleague and an elder. Turning to Yuji, he kept his gaze neutral, deciding it was best to gauge his summoner before offering council outright. "You've summoned me, and your friend has set the stage for you. I'll ask for your explanation first, then decide whether or not my council is warranted. Before you begin, I will commend you both for bravery. Breaking the taboo and using a forbidden jutsu...I am not apt to trust easily, but I can sense neither of you are duplicitous. Now, Yuji Itou- explain yourself and your concerns."
Yuji was still partly in shock that a chakra as unworthy as his could be used so effectively. He decided that bravado was not the correct course with Lord Second, however- straight honesty. To the point, then.  "Lord Second, I spent my youth training in a variety of ways, including some time with Lord Third, however informally. During the previous war, many secrets were exposed. Dangerously, none of those leading now are utilizing those secrets to gain advantage. This apparently leveled playing field concerns me. There's always someone with an inclination toward war. Being perfectly frank, Lord Second- no one is prepared for that war. Least of all the Leaf Village."
Yuji paused here, pouring sake and tea for his...guests? He wasn't sure what to call them. Comrades seemed a pale term given the company he was keeping.
"Unprepared? How so? Does the Leaf not hold all the Jinchuuriki? What could be a more favorable position?" The Second Hokage took up a tea cup, deciding to act on the courteousness of his host while he challenged him.
Yuji was ready to answer: "There is no plan, Lord Second. The balance of power is Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, and nothing else. The other Kage take their lead from Lord Seventh, who is amicable...but if someone like me can conceive of war and see the gaping holes in the defenses of each village, someone more malicious could easily take advantage. The truth is that we can't read the hearts of the other Kage and their respective villages. But there are those of us...and I'll speak of myself now...who felt slighted by the last Great Shinobi War. For all my strength and training and effort, Lord Second- I was useless. There is no more dangerous a feeling for a warrior. Purposelessness leads to neglect, maliciousness, or thirst for power. Thus far, I have none of those...but only because I've chosen to be proactive and ask for help. I have no one to "borrow the chest" of, so to speak. No spouse, no children, very few I call friends. Yet I want to protect this village. My motives are transparent: I want to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. This is the matter on which I seek your council. Not regarding my personal training, but the state of affairs and how you view them."
Yuji bowed again, his forehead hitting the table. "The Seventh Hokage is well meaning, but he is guided by people who regard him as friends. I don't question their competence as shinobi, but as advisers. There is no plan, Lord Second. If we're attacked, either Naruto repels the attack or we fall."

Silence reigned for what seemed like hours, though only a few seconds had passed. The only movement was Roukyou kneeling, Yuji bowing, and, finally, the body of the Second Hokage turning his head.
"...A jutsu I developed and then sealed away has been used again...Who performed the jutsu this time?"
The gruff voice of the Second Hokage caused Yuji to look up, though he did not yet make eye contact.  "I am responsible, Lord Second Hokage. Please forgive the intrusion."
The Second looked at Yuji, then at Roukyou.  He narrowed his red eyes.
"You...if you're injured, you should heal yourself," he said, speaking to Roukyou. "A chakra as old and powerful as yours shouldn't be overtaxed very often. You've assisted this stripling, I assume, for a reason?"
Yuji felt a dull seed of anger in his mind. I performed the summoning, and I don't even get a talking to? His anger was replaced by questions he'd long had about Roukyou, and an admiration bordering on jealousy. Of himself and Roukyou, if he had to chose with whom to converse, it would be Roukyou.  But I'm not here for glory, or for Lord Second's favor, so long as we get his council.
"Lord Second Hokage, I apologize for-"
"If your reason is sufficient, one apology is adequate. Speak your name."
"Yuji Itou, sir."
"Itou? Not a clan I'm familiar with, though it's been...I'm not sure how long it's been since I was alive. It can't be so long since the last time I was summoned."
"My clan is not distinguished, Lord Second. Perhaps it's for that reason that I have the gall to summon you. I have information, and I would ask your council, should you see fit to give it."
The Second Hokage looked at Yuji, who had still not straightened.  "You're humble. You've manners, I'll give you that. Your intention is to seek my council?"
"That's correct. As proof of my sincerity, I've placed the control tag for this jutsu in front of you. I will not, at any time, attempt to circumvent your wishes. If disturbing your rest means my death, I will accept it upright. If your wish is for me to undo the summoning, I will do so immediately. I would ask that you hear me out. I have concerns about the village, as does Roukyou. I have no wish to seize power, but I wish to help those who currently have it. If you'd care to, please sit- I've prepared tea, or sake, if you prefer."
I'm Edo Tensei, I don't need nourishment. This man, the caster, is aware of that. This is done in my honor. And that other shinobi...I'm a sensory type and even I'm unsure of the scope of his strength. The seal tag at my feet is genuine, and I know that it can't be duplicated. I feel no chakra hold over me, either. Could this young man be speaking frankly? In this era, so far as I've seen in my last visit, holds any number of surprises.
The Second Hokage sat down, indicating that the others should join him.  "I'll hear your case, but you'll need to speak of yourselves, first. You- Roukyou, was it?- I'd hear you first, as the senior shinobi."
Yuji deferred to that, sitting himself formally on the floor. 

The shinigami drew closer to Yuji, its chilling breath seeping the energy from him. Its glowing red eyes bore into Yuji's. Yuji refused to look away. He couldn't; not now! Not when he was so close.
The worst thing that happens is that you get to meet all the people you've admired. The best case scenario is already partly done. I've got to finish this!
The clinging presence of the Zetsu began to fade; Yuji felt his strength returning. He blinked, and the shinigami had turned its focus toward the mirror. A blue-ish energy and what was unmistakably a partly liquefied Zetsu was struggling against a seal into the mirror. The break allowed Yuji to focus, once more. He hadn't lost his genjutsu over Zetsu, clamping it now he forced it to give an outpouring of chakra, luring the shinigami closer. Now, Yuji had to squint to see the shinigami at all- a good sign, as only the caster of the jutsu should see the shinigami.  As it faded from his site, he saw it takes its sword and thrust it into the Zetsu in the mirror. 
The mirror shattered, sending shards of glass outward with a surprising degree of force. Yuji felt his happuri getting scratched; small cuts began to appear all over his body. He covered his eyes and neck but made no move; he could have used ninjutsu to swat it away but he didn't want to distract the shinigami.
There was one last, soul-rending scream from Zetsu before the room began to warm again.
Yuji paused in place, torn between two thoughts: Who was the intruder that had disrupted his genjutsu traps, and- had he succeeded in reviving the Second Hokage. He saw the body, still standing. Its head raised slowly, and the body straightened up, standing with arms crossed- the apparent preferred posture of the Second Hokage.
Yuji looked to Roukyou, suddenly stuck for words. He settled for nodding his thanks to his friend, guessing by feel of chakra that the exercise had taken a toll. He would have to make it up to Roukyou somehow. Then he waited for the Second Hokage to address them. Yuji's clones maintained the Obsidian Barrier, which was dettering whatever or whoever had sprung his genjutsu trap- for now. As much as he wanted to rush things, Yuji knew etiquette well enough to know that he should wait to be addressed, and that he wasn't about use his chakra, lest the Second Hokage mistake him for an enemy. What he DID do was lay the kunai with the spell scroll for controlling Edo Tensei summons on the floor near the Second Hokage's feet, hoping that was good will enough to at least allow him time to speak.  

Yuji let his body relax- to tense now would mean slower reaction time.
As he spoke the words, he timed it just right. A genjutsu activated, and his words became that of one of the Zetsu. Yuji stopped short of making the hand signs himself, instead coaching the Zetsu through the genjutsu. 
That was when things started to go wrong.
The White Zetsu, with it's Hashirama Senju cells, resisted the genjutsu. While incapable of senjutsu, their power was formidable. Yuji frowned, focusing, utilizing a hand sign to help balance his power. This would be tricky, the timing would be delicate.  The Zetsu stood, jerked like a puppet.
You will go toward the other, Yuji's mind commanded. The imagery he shared with Zetsu was that Yuji was surrounded by lava- lava that began to spread. Zetsu's legs jerked toward it's counterpart in an odd gait. It's head bobbed with each step. Some part of it was resisting. Yuji couldn't tighten his focus anymore...
Why? What's distracting me? I have an ally...something tripped my genjutsu traps. I either need to abort this, or move more quickly. Damn; there may not be a second chance; I have to risk it.
Yuji pushed everything else aside and pressed his marked palm to Zetsu's forehead. They each began to make handsigns. At first, Yuji was leading Zetsu, forcing it to follow, but then the programming of the genjutsu he'd snared Zetsu with took over, and Zetsu's signs outpaced Yuji's.
"Edo Tensei!" Zetsu declared.
A wooden casket shot up from the ground, exhaling dirt as it stood upright (in the background, the second Zetsu screamed in agony and disappeared in swirling dust). The coffin lid fell to one side with a thunderous boom. Yuji, so intent on seeing who had been revived, lost track of the Zetsu. He could see...A Happuri and a fur collar! 
He'd done it! The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had been summoned!
The first Zetsu, the caster of the jutsu through Yuji's control, seized it's moment:
"Brat, I'll sacrifice us both! The shinigami will slice us both open!"
White Zetsu turned into a putty, streaming toward Yuji. It should have been easy to dodge, but Yuji found himself rooted to the spot- literally. Roots had sprung from the ground, winding around his legs. Only now did he see the White Zetsu he'd been controlling had buried part of itself underground.
The candles went out suddenly, leaving only the small crackling fire beneath the brassier for light. A chill wind filled the room- the tea cups rattled; the empty bottle of sake smashed on the ground.
This...is the embrace of the shinigami. Amazing that Lord Third could resist so well! I can't hold out forever! I need it to take Zetsu instead of me. 
Zetsu had managed to snake itself around Yuji, pulling his arms back in a way that was agony. Yuji's eyes could see the shinigami, though it was blurry, very blurry, as though seen through a filter. From what the texts said, only the caster could see the shinigami. To Yuji, it was like seeing a projection- the shinigami had no substance. It focused to the right of Yuji- on Zetsu.  
Yes! Yuji cheered. Success!
Then it happened- Zetsu merged with Yuji, and the shinigami came into focus. A chill took Yuji's strength, wracking him with shivers. 
It's...merging with me. It's going to sacrifice us both! Damn it, I've got to get away! The mirror-
But Yuji couldn't see the mirror. The shinigami, now perfectly clear, blocked it. That left Yuji with no way to cast a protective jutsu on himself as he'd planned. Zetsu was battling him for control, trying to force Yuji to be the target of the shinigami's sacrifice. He didn't have much time, but his body wouldn't respond...
The still-soulless body of Tobirama stepped out of the casket, partially hunched over. The eyes held no life yet. Yuji had summoned the body, but not the soul. And if he didn't get free of Zetsu, he never would. He'd be sacrificed himself for only a partial Edo Tensei...
 

Yuji nodded, at first because he was surprised beyond words. He'd planned for a fight, if he'd been honest. Then he was nodding in gratitude. Roukyou was a valuable ally.
"Alright. This is what I plan: I'm going to increase the security of this room with barrier ninjutsu. The Hokage can sense chakra, but I've made it a point to practice barrier ninjutsu frequently enough to where it shouldn't alarm him. Anyone else short of the Uchiha elite should be prey for the genjutsu.  Once I'm done with that, I'll bring out the White Zetsu. I have a defense set up, but I'll trust you to interfere at your discretion if it seems like I'm losing control."
Yuji reached into the summoning scroll and pulled out a full-length mirror. He set it on the wall opposite an area that he'd cleared up on the floor. He'd cast the jutsu facing it. If the Zetsu proved problematic, he could utilize the mirror for genjutsu. He hoped he wouldn't need it.
"Next, I'll perform the summoning. From there, it will be up to Lord Second- and to you.  What happens after...well, between the two of us, we can convince Lord Second of how dire things are. After that, I believe you should follow Lord Second's lead. I'm sure you know the Reaper Death Seal or something equivalent. If not, I'll have it in a sealed scroll. If he directs that I'm to be killed...then that's what will happen."
Yuji produced a bowl of water next. Standing over it, he made a series of handsigns. Followed by: "Water Style: Water Clones!"
Four clones emerged from the bowl, nearly emptying it. The four of them were identical to Yuji, bearing even his grim expression.  Yuji held out to them two smaller dishes, one with black contents, the other with red. Each clone went in turn, using two fingers from each hand and dipping them into the bowls, then marking their faces below the eyes with one line each of the concoction.
"I think you knew, Roukyou, that I never quite managed to achieve all the changes in chakra nature naturally. I DID learn how to utilize catalysts. It rather makes up for me not having as much chakra as I could. That's why I used water clones. Less chakra than shadow clones, since I can form them from something.  The red is a mixture of my blood and pure water; the black is ashes from a fire from shinboku. All of it should enhance the jutsu, as well as serve as a defense. My method has...risks."
Yuji painted his own face next. First the ash, then the blood. Finally, he took up a brush and began to ink his palm.
"In this case, the death god may mistakenly release the Second Hokage to my body, where our souls will battle for control. That's what these wards on my hand are for. The ones on my face augment my power. My clones will form an Obsidian Barrier ninjutsu. Between that and my genjutsu traps, if this goes wrong, it should be contained."
The four clones took up positions at the corners of the room, facing out. They were all on one knee, hands clasped together. The barrier activated, and the room darkened. The flickering candlelight became more pronounced.
"Summoning Jutsu!"

Two bundles, wrapped in talismanic cloth, appeared. Two White Zetsu. Yuji took his specially marked senbon and threw it into the center of the forehead of one of the Zetsu. The senbon had a red tail upon which a jutsu had been inscribed.
Finally, Yuji made one more set of hand signs. He looked at Roukyou, nodding once more. 
"Thank you for this. I know this goes against your judgment somewhat. Mine, too. But I have to try. That said: Ninja Art: Edo Tensei!"

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.

I've gone back and forth with how I feel about being single at this point. But for me, it is what it is since there were other circumstances in play. I DID miss out on "the one", though, that much I know. That's the price of being a gentleman- if someone is with the person you want, you back off. I really didn't think they'd wind up engaged and married so quickly, though! Ah well.  
Let's pick up the RP again someday. That would be a riot. Your character was strong, but not overly so, and in an interesting way. That reading chakra bit, and camouflaging his apparent age- that was a riot to work against. He was a good confidant and somewhat more light-hearted character than Ryouko/Yuji, which really made it work imho.

That's absolutely a good idea. You've got to keep the important people and things involved in your life, especially where partners are concerned.  Your character was fun; a real challenge to RP against, but that never showed in the end result. Our RP remains the smoothest one I've ever seen. Thinking about Ryouko now, I would:
-Have him respect the Second Hokage most and be more pragmatic
-If we did it "present day", I would have him be over Sakura and bitter about it.
-I'd like to have him fall for Yuugao, Hayate's old girlfriend, while she more thought of him like a younger brother.
-Write him as more of a warmonger of sorts; more at ease during times of conflict though he's not particularly interested in starting conflict.
-Have Naruto and other rib him about his age (though he isn't much older than them) but have it start to bother him.
In fact, this just kind of poured onto my screen:
"Hey, stop it!"
His ear's perked, and then he was moving. He was between the warring young man and woman in a flash. He realized almost as soon as he moved that he'd made a mistake- the "hey, stop it" had been followed by a high-pitched giggle.
He'd just interrupted a couple on a date. There'd been no danger.
"Hey, old guy- back the hell off! I know you were alive for all those wars, but reign it in!"
Yuji favored the younger man with an even gaze, but then bowed his head in apology. He HAD been incorrect.
"My apologies...you...kids...have fun. Excuse me."
Yuji stalked out of the tea house, hands jammed into his pockets. He would never have done that in the old days- he needed his hands to defend himself. But that kid had been right: There was no need for that anymore.
"Not since "almighty Naruto" became Hokage and got all the other Shadows to play nice with each other. Oh, and the fact that he's got that way-out-of-bounds chakra. And all those jutsu. And that he comes from two genius shinobi parents. And let's not forget Sasuke, no longer last of the Uchiha."
Yuji needed a good fight, pure and simple. He could just feel his skills eroding. He'd been useless in the Fourth Great Ninja War- everyone had, really. But still! Until that time, he'd been an erstwhile supporter of the Third Hokage, even emulating the old man with his combat style. But seeing the Second Hokage in action, and hearing him speak- even more than Hashirama, Tobirama had been inspiring. No unrealistic ideals; just a direct route to solving problems. History hadn't painted Tobirama in the kindest light, but he was a product of his time.
Just like I am now. Passe'.

That's a good idea; best to have connection time like that. I work evenings, so I'm usually on the computer, as it's 1 or 2am and there's not much else to do, but I don't stay on for very long. The only thing I'll really do is write, though I would imagine that my days are numbered for that. Yeah, the remake just about put the kibosh on the franchise for me.  I do miss the RP's; that Naruto one we had going was genius. Looking back, we predicted a LOT of what was going to happen in Naruto!  I know just what I would do with Yuji/Ryouko/Hideki these days, too.  I think I had it right toward the end, having him be bitter at his lack of power compared to Naruto and the others. Not a villain, but a hero who isn't into the buddy-buddy BS that the others are. That would be fun to revisit someday. I do miss chatting with you; it's rare to have that much in common to chat about.

Yes indeed, life DOES have a way of happening. My work days are pretty long, but writing is about the only thing I do for recreation, so I can usually make some time for it. Though I'm probably done with most of my fan fic work. I'm just about to hang up the keyboard on Resident Evil. The franchise is in a steady decline, and they just ruined my favorite character in the RE2 remake. It seems like I'm not on the popular side of the fence this time. Not that that by itself bothers me, but if no one's reading there's not much point to reading. I miss the good old day of Sonic, Naruto and House! And your Naruto fic was excellent!

My bad for the delay in replying. There was some oddball issues going in real life. Anyway: That sounds cool. I'm afraid that I've really just seen the last of my writing interest crash due to the abysmal RE2 Remake. Ah, I miss the days of writing Naruto, though, with an OC that just could never win! Simpler times!

True enough. I've played with original content, but never seriously. It's all recreational to me. Anyway, hopefully we won't miss each other as often going forward. I do miss our chats!

Hey, I just missed you this time. Glad you're doing well! My writing audience has dwindled pretty good, which happens, I suppose. 

Been a long time, friend. How are you?

*lurks*

*lurks*

*lurks*

*lurks*

Legion's looking awesome. I just re-subbed today.

I've been debating coming back from my 5 month hiatus... I was just going to wait until Legion. Are you still on Zuluhed?

Druid? :)

Still play WoW?

Oh wow.

Ah. Still with Kilynn?

What were you up to in the city? I was there a few weeks ago.

That's crazy... I lived in San Jose for a while and now I'm up in San Mateo...

where to?

hey kiba

So how have you been? ;)

Oh, I didn't know that was when you dropped by.  Anime Conventions tend to be very busy and very distracting.

Sweet, I'll add your info to my contacts.

So how's life treating you?  Anything new happening recently?

Yeah, I heard from your family that you had come up to visit, I just never got to see you :(  Glad I could catch you on here though :)

Nii-san!  I didn't know you were still using this site :) 
How've you been doing?  I haven't seen you in forever, you need to come visit sometime!

"perrrfect" hah its 1 in the morning here and for some reason that was probably way funnier right now then it was ment to be XD
wow 10 hours, havent played a game that long it ...well...a long time!

i agree, although sometimes i feel my progress is so slow it hurts >.<  
also i dient know so many people still play D&D! other than our home group i havent heard of too many people still playing! my nerdic people havent died out yet! :D

yes actualy, plus with good artists like you, FAC wont have to be overshadowed with noob artists like me ^.^
(big FMA fan by the way :D )

submit more art!!! >:0

Sounds like a lot of fun with plenty of hassle tacked on. As for reading, I was on a Michael Crichton spree recently. A lot of good books there. Andromeda Strain was a billion times better in book form vs. it's movie counterpart imho.

Downtime has it's benefits, absolutely. An abundance of it can be healthy, but maddening after a while. All told, no complaints, though. I've been keeping busy by handwriting the next installments in my Resident Evil series. I'm a little nervous about submitting it to ff.net, though. It uses an OC a lot, and I know those folks generally don't take kindly to that. What I want to get comments on- for better or worse- is the writing style. I've really tried to make the installments creepy as all hell, lol. I've got nothing on Hitchcock, but I'm trying! lol.

What really sucks is job hunting. And college. And what have I done, my friend? Combined them. Taking personality tests and career interest inventories at that damnable factory of barely literate clones (translation: I don't like my college very much, and I think the students may be of a less than intelligent nature), and not finding out a whole hell of a lot I didn't know. Aptitude for business- check? Economy...ah, not so much. If business trends continue, the business climate won't recover for another forty years. I've thought about aiming for S.W.A.T, since I'm single and in semi-decent shape, but most people don't seem to think that's a wise choice for me. I think that's family and friends saying 'we don't want you gunned down', lol. But given my anxiety, do they have a point? I ignored their advice regarding my career before, and I got burned big time both times.

Sounds like you're keeping yourself busy and then some! Good to hear! As for me, it's the same old stuff. Nothing new or exciting here, I'm afraid. Not that I'm complaining, mind you!

Howdy, Echo. How are things?

OMG..do you remember me?

Got my new RE fic up! I'd appreciate your input if you get a chance!

http://www.fanart-central.net/stories/user/nextguardian/59961/Resident-Evil-Soldiers/104055/Chapter-1/The-Holdouts

lol, fair enough. That would make sense. It's not really a convention without people attending, is it? XD

Cool! I'm writing a couple RE fics now. One is a little too romance heavy. But the other one is showing some promise. Any guesses at which girl(s) my OC is interested in?

I should clarify: Break it in an unobtrusive way. Smashing it would have been easy enough, lol.

Man, that is a LOT of people!

btw- are you a Resident Evil fan?

No point in borrow trouble, right? Wish I could've figured out how to break the damn door more often, though. lol

Glad you had a good time. Big turnout?

Yeah, a little bit. He liked to pretend he was my supervisor. Thing is, I didn't have one. I was my own supervisor from an outside company. They could recommend to the company to remove me, though, so I just ignored it. I didn't spend much time with those guys anyway.

No problem. Good convention?

Wow. My most exciting night was a patient who got too close to the door and her electronic alarm set off a buildingwide alarm that I was never told existed. No one ever told me my role in all this- my job was to literally tell the facilities people and then do nothing. Or maybe the night the attic doorknob broke off in my hand and I almost punched the smartass who came to fix it, asking 'what the hell is wrong with you security guys, always breaking this door?'. lol, good times, right?

Geez, that's a heck of a thing to happen! Quite a rush of feds, lol!

Yes, I would say so XD

Security is nice because you kind of have to keep your wits about you. You might be bored stupid, but there's always the possibility that something will happen.

That's the way a smart leader works.

The job before this one, I left for health reasons. I was working security at a nursing home, and they were doing construction. So I'm not sure if I was allergic to new drywall, asbestos (though that was supposedly sealed off with no leaks, I think their precautions were dubious at best), exposed insulation in an en enclosed area, or just to some cleaner or medication that was in the air, but I lost a ton of weight in the span of two weeks. I still haven't gained it back, and we're looking back to early February. It's a shame- I really liked doing security work; just not there. 

Anyway, I'm sure you've got a firm paw in charge regardless, though. Seems your forte to lead.

Hey man, same here. I'll be out of work officially this coming Monday, having resigned where I was for personal reasons. I've been casually job hunting, and plan to look harder soon. Just gotta take a step back physically and emotionally. Congrats, Chairman!

Nah man, first time hearing it from you. Cool stuff! I could see you being good at stand up.

Comdey, huh? Cool! Never heard you mention that before. Good luck with all that, man. Sounds interested, big time!

Not much new here, friend. Same old, same old. Dug up some old fic concepts; working on some Resident Evil stuff and some original work (a sequel to my 'Death Game' fic). Beyond that, it's all the same stuff. How are you holding up?

They just missed some key things. Scotty's robot ewok assistant, Spock being the worst excuse for a Vulcan (I mean, in TOS he did become more human, but not over the course of a few days. It took years, plus a death), and honestly the number of gun battles and Sulu's extendable sword. It didn't weave together tightly plotwise for me. It was a good action movie though, very good action movie. The Trekkie in me is doging, but the movie lover is happy.

They cast just about all the roles perfectly. It's just a little too...star wars-y for my taste, I guess. It looks like Star Trek at first, but it doesn't have the feel. That, and the amount of respect I have for JJ Abrams can be measured in a thimble, lol. I would call it a good movie overall, to be fair.

I would save your money. It's good, but not that good. If you saw the original, then you're probably fine. Star Trek is one I have to see, although I must admit I wasn't a fan of the first 'new' movie.

It was pretty good. I was really hoping they'd work Bruce Campbell in there, even as Professor Knowby or something. But it was a good movie, cool premise.
Saw Jurassic Park 3D. Didn't do much for me, but that's only becuase I've seen it a million times 2D. Still worth seeing in 3D for the T-rex eye closeup, though!

I'm good. Can't really complain too much, aside from a bit of writer's block.

That's OK, friend. I understand. Hang tough amigo :)

So what's been up in the past like 3 years?

I have not talked to you in forever :)

Alchemest! Hi!

A lot of people are probably having that issue; hopefully it gets cleared up quickly. I wonder if I've missed any comments on my fics as a result. huh.

Out of curiosity- are you still taking requests/commissions? 

Andr28a was having trouble with comments, too. He was commenting on my stories but they weren't showing up. I'd let the admins know. Sorry to hear about the job issue man. Hope things look up for you soon.

Hi. :3

How goes it, Echo?

It's cool. Take your time, man :) These things happen.

Yuji is going to probably attack Ketsu once she blows him in to ANBU. Azami is going to stay with Ketsu, inwardly swearing revenge. Yuji is going to be on the run, until he finally walks into the village with an interesting new ability and makes a good point.

We'll have to pick this up again tomorrow. Sorry to have kept missing you tonight. I must have the flu or something because I've been in and out of consciousness all night. PM is probably a good idea, lol.

As for Azami and Ketsu, probably a little bit of reluctant loving on Azami's part. All while she's thinking about Yuji, and he tries to come back for her. That sort of thing. Sort of a tainted love story.

((I've got to go for the night after this post. This is fun!  Oh, by the way, I'm working on a new The Next Guardian fic. I haven't touched the series in seven years, so I'm writing a special. More EkytXLinda is finally going to happen! I've also got a Resident Evil fic in the works.))

Azami had long mastered her body, so she let pleasure flow- enough to convince Ketsu that she was really into this. She noticed the kunoichi tactfully avoid giving any useful information. It was the sign of a pro to talk a lot but say nothing of importance. Kakashi was famous for it.

We're too evenly matched in this game. It won't get either of us anywhere. She doesn't seem to have it in for Yuji, but something tells me not to leave well enough alone.

"Well sweetie, here's the deal: I don't know your deal," said Azami. "But if you leave Yuji out of your plans, I'll let you have me. The samurai being captured, interrogated, and seduced by a kunoichi is Yuji's favorite game. The only question is- do you want to be the samurai, or the kunoichi? Yuji is naturally submissive, but I don't mind being on the bottom for a change..."

Why am I reacting like this?
--

Yuji's clone heard what Azami said. It immediately destroyed itself. The knowledge flooded to the real Yuji, who stopped moving abruptly at the head of his class.

"Sensei, you are pale! Please, go lie down and I will finish class!"

Yuji nodded to Takeshi, managing a bow and a slight 'thank you' before he took off running.

No. I don't care if she's playing this girl. I trust Azami, but this other girl...no, this game is too dangerous! I can't let Azami do this! That girl has it in for me. If she wants me, she can have me!
--

The door to the private room clattered open. Hakama-clad Yuji stood in the doorway, making an imposing sight with his sword at his hip.

"Thought I'd see how you girls were doing. Hope I didn't interrupt," he said, sitting down, his sword in plain sight next to him. "Azami, Takeshi-kun is ready for the next rank. I want to test him on Monday. Will you and Hitomi-chan be okay to run the tea house?"

Yuji touching Azami's leg with his, speaking to her through a genjutsu.
This girl is too dangerous. Besides, the thought of you and someone else...even for a mission...it's too painful. You're all I've got, Azami.
--

Shikaku Nara made contact again. This time, he felt Ketsueki's agitation. He had interrupted something.
-

Yuji perked up. When it came to genjutsu or the sensory arts, he was stronger than even Azami. He hadn't heard the message, but he 'felt' it, and he knew it had come from the Leaf. He stepped in front of Azami, his right hand poised hear his sword.

"Answer your message, unnamed kunoichi. I mean no harm to the Leaf. But if it's come to them trusting you over me, then I would say things are quite the opposite. What happens next all hinges on you..." 

Yuji took the few seconds Azami bought him to size up the new customer. Both he and Azami had recognized the chakra pattern the person emitted. It was faint; controlled. But familiar enough.

That girl with the herbs...interesting kunoichi act she's pulling all of a sudden. If she doesn't want me to know it's her, then maybe I should play along.

Yuji walked over, bowing to his customer.
"Hello. Are there any recommendations I can make for you, miss? Forgive me if you're one of my regulars and I haven't recognized you. I'm afraid I'm a bit preoccuppied..."

Let her think I'm a fool for now. Like I haven't noticed by now she's the pick pocket. Let's see how she reacts.
--
-
Shikaku Nara ran a hand through his hair. He really didn't want to do this. But he believed in Naruto, yet at the same time knew how naive the boy could be.

"ANBU...I need to send a telepathic message. Give me Hiroshi for this one," said Shikaku, taking a seat and waiting for the sensory type to show up.

Yuji...I still consider you a friend. But I have to protect this village first. I'll give you a chance...

Hiroshi came and took his place behind Shikaku. He made a series of handsigns, establishing a mental link with Shikaku. Shikaku then directed his thoughts to Ketsueki Tama, an established assassin and spy with no direct link to the village. He transmitted his identification code, then this orders:
Observe former candidate Yuji Itou. If he seems intent on harming the Leaf or it's people in any way, terminate him.

((I understand. It makes sense for me to play the other role. And I will try with this girl! I always joked about meeting a 'Kendo Princess'- how funny it would be if it actually happened! btw, I'll be sending you the inspiration for Yuji's new psuedo-villain side. Yuji talks like him when he's running the tea house, and also dresses like him, though their personalities are different. At 1:30 of this vid you can see and hear him http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfoUa82JmkM ))

Ketsu raised a brow at Yuji's subtle fishing. She had thought she had felt something plucking at her chakra. By now he probably knew who she was. He had done the same pass over of her chakra when he had come to personally pick up the herbs for his teashop. Ketsu smirked under her mask. Clever boy. He was a lot more perceptive than she had first thought. He defininitely was the kind she would go for. No wonder he kept such dangerous company as the waitress in the black dress.

Ketsu pointed at the tea Yuji had placed the note of suggetion by and said nothing. For now she would forgo the fact that they were on to one another. It was irrelivant for the moment. She wanted to see how far he would play it out. Test his dedication to the game they were playing. She could already tell he was no stranger to it.

Ketsu pointed at a more "Private booth" behind a set of sliding paper doors and walked over to it removing her sandles before climbing into the booth and settling on one of the cushion. She motioned to the subnote on the bottom of the menu which stated all teas were available for a private tea ceremony. She wondered if the request would put him off any seeing as she doubted he would wish to be alone with her.

Ketsu was settling onto the cushion in traditional fashion when she winced. A voice, official but drawling rang in her head. It was Shikaku Nara her contact in the ANBU. She hated when he communicated in this way. She listened with a bemused smile as she heard her orders. Hmmm. so here urges had been correct. They had gotten her close to a mark without much work. All she needed now was her reconisance and she was in perfect position for that.

((Thanks. That guy is one of those awesome villains that you just can't totally hate. As for me...it would be nice to meet this girl, or one like her at least. That name is perfect for your assassin! I didn't look it up until just now. It fits really well!))

Yuji murmured 'excellent choice', noting she had chosen a variety of green tea that came from a southern island. Very good, very rich. Less of an earthy taste than the north teas, but this still went well with dango. Perhaps a complimentary side.

Since we're such good friends...

When she pointed to the tea ceremony, Yuji grimaced inwardly. Damn, already she's making a move like this? On the upside, she's drinking the tea, not me. Still, best to prepare counter-measures. I don't know why she's playing this game, but we can eliminate one possibility...

Yuji called to Azami. The girl came without hesitation, her head cocked. He grabbed her and kissed her, making a point of practically sticking his tongue down her throat. Azami returned the favor, wishing that the kiss wasn't just for cover. She would have to make him pay for that later. Thankfully, they seemed to think the same way when it came to pain as pleasure. She smiled at him once his tongue wasn't in her mouth anymore.

"I need to perform a private tea ceremony. Would you mind watching the rest of the tea house? If things get busy, Hitomi-chan can work today."

Azami bowed lightly to Yuji, smirking a bit. Yuji grinned back, making sure she knew he meant the grin was for her and not cover. Then he returned to business.

If this girl is interested in me as a love interest, then we'll just nip that in the bud. If it's something else, then this won't deter her. Either way, I remove one possibility. 
-

It took Yuji a moment to get dressed into his hakama and kimono. He carried his little bamboo tray of tea ceremony necessities.  Once he reached the booth, he bowed to Ketsueki, and began the ceremony in silence. After a moment, he looked up, smiling pleasantly.

"I don't speak unless spoken to while performing the ceremony. Please feel free to ask any questions, or make any comments. I just don't want you to think I'm ignoring you."

With that, Yuji began to work on the tea. He ground the leaves up, turning the bowl just so. He took up his next tool, wondering if she would break the silence. He had given her the option to talk or not, and also gave himself an excuse to stay quiet. The ball was in her court.

Ketsu kept her head bowed and her mask hidden as Yuji grimaced at her request for a private cerimony confriming her suspicion that indeed he knew what if not who she was. Yuji called over the woman in black...Azami he had called her. She would have to do some research on her before she made her call if she was to eliminate Yuji. She could be a threat. Ketsu pretended not to notice as Yuji made exagerated point to show he was claimed. Ketsu licked her lip under the mask trying to stay focused and keep her mind out of the gutter. she shifted her position slightly to hide her arousal at the display.

So Yuji was eliminating possibilities for her wanting to be alone with him. Well he had made his point clear though it meant little to her. Ketsu watched the two amused by the fact that only half of the little display was cover. The other was a true attration. Ketsu watched as Azami gave a smirk. She knew the kind. It meant that Yuji was in for a fun night if he survived their encounter.

Ketsu waited patiently as Yuji prepared for the ceremony. She knew the customs of the the ceremony and only nodded when Yuji state silence would be held on his part. Ktsu watched the cleansings and practiced care Yuji took with the Ceremony. She was impressed. Most teashops now a day did a sloppy job of the sacred ceremony. At the appropriate time she reached out palm up with her left hand accepting the tea. At the appropriate time she drank and as was her allowance nodded a compliment the tea. When the Ceremony was near it's end she drew out the wallet and and held it looking up revealing the silver plated mask and in a surprisingly unmuffled voice. You perform you  ceremonies well. The school of teas would be proud yuji Itou. I would say this back should cover the cost of the ceremony? Don't bother checking for the cash it has been put to good use. I didn't figure you would object.

Ketsu smiled under her mask. Now to business. let's see how much he know or is willing to let slip.

((Thanks! I always pick simple names for characters I use a lot. Just shorted to type 'Yuji' than 'Kimihiro'. Ketsu is a nice name anyway))

Yuji looked at the wallet, a mild smile on his face. The same smile had graced his face earlier, as Naruto was made Hokage.

"You did well to catch me with my guard down. Anger clouded my judgement. For that, I deserved to be robbed blind."

Yuji narrowed his eyes, so he was focusing only on the kunoichi in front of him.
"Now what business, I wonder, would an herb peddler have with my wallet? Not to mention this clandestine little meeting."

Yuji poured another cup of tea for her. "Come to think, I don't know your name, even though we've done business. It's okay if you don't want to tell me. It just makes conversation easier. Though, I admit..." Yuji said, pouring tea for himself now, knowing he wouldn't drink it, just in case he missed some sleight-of-hand trick that dropped poison in his tea, "...you hear things when you're a former Hokage's student. Things that are scary. The Foundation, for example. You don't strike me as the foundation type. But you ARE some sort of kunoichi. So my question is still 'what bussiness is there with me?'.

He sat back, his hand on his tea cup, his smile in place. He had softened his eyes, deciding not to buy a fight right now. It wasn't death he was afraid of; nor killing. He simply wanted to go on with his life, and it was best to just project that outright. Sometimes being honest saved your life. Other times, it bought you more trouble. Either way, honesty at this point wasn't the worst option.

Ketsu studied Yuji for a moment watching the careful way he calculated everything. She could almost see the gears in his head turning. The smile on his face wasn't one of pleasure or friendliness. It was more of a mask than she was wearing. She took a calcutaion of her own and with a mental shrug took to playing the game of seeing how many of the mans masks she could remove. She decided to go first and remove her own letting the small etched rain symbol on the brow of the mask catch the light seeing what reactions that would elicite. She noticed he was putting on the pretese of relaxing with the tea, but knew he hadn't touched a drop. Smart to be cautious. she could respect that. she herself had tipped in a neutralizing agent into her tea just before her first sip. I was a shame really seeing as the tea really was good and the neutralizing agent gave it an unpleasant bitterness.

ketsu set the mask down in the middle of the table as well as dropped enough of her blades on the table to give the appearance of disarming. She was far from defensless without her blades, but she was unsure whether he knew that She listened politely to him before answering him.

"What prompted my visit was actually ur wallet. I will admit i lifted it only for the reason of that you looked familiar and i couldn't my finger on why. Upon reading the badge in ur wallet i assumed i would come and see if there was any work to be had. I'm sure you know the kind i mean. You seem to be a smart man."

Ketsu lowered her hood and shook her hair out letting it fall gracefully down her shoulders and back. her bangs slipping down to cover her eyes a bit. "but seeing the company you keep and your shrewed playing of the game i don't think you probably need my skills."

Ketsu decided to throw in another curve ball and possibly throw him off a bit. Besides....she genuinely was curious. She smiled and raised a brow and motioned out of the booth towards the front of the store. "Tell me...your companion....Is she totally devoted to you alone or does she keep..other company at all? Female company perhaps?"

((That's alright. It makes Ketsu that much more kunoichi like. Definitely interesting. I look forward to her and Azami exchanging words!
I've got to go for tonight, but if you're around we can pick this up tomorrow. If not, we'll catch up soon. I'm having a great time so far. Hope you are, too :) ))

Yuji was careful not to react to the mask, but the rain mark hit a scar in his psyche. For a moment he flashed back to his proposed counter-offensive against the Rain.

When Master Jiraiya was killed, we should have struck and crushed the Rain. Why did we sit back and 'rest all our hopes on Naruto'.
No. Not now. Drop your guard, and this girl will be holding your head in her hand, not your wallet.

"Most people would say 'do I know you?' rather than pick off a wallet, but I suppose the kunoichi in you has to come out now and then. And if you've surmised what kind of man I am, you know that I don't assassinate unless necessary. Now, were I Hokage...I think you would have been hearing from me."

One mask gone, huh? Well then, how to play this...

Before he could decide, his guest asked him about Azami's sexual tendencies. Interesting route. Potentially a distraction. Yuji had pretended not to notice her little shift earlier, when he flat out kissed Azami. It was an easy decision to play the next card in his hand.

"It's more like I'm devoted to her. It might be MY tea house, but if we were to assign ownership...I would say she owns me. At least, that's what the whip marks on my back and the tattoo on the bottom of my feet say. She plays rough. You might be able to handle her. You're more than welcome to chat with her. She'll tell you things in better detail than I will."

His eyes still half-lidded, Yuji slowly began to clean up after the ceremony. He shook his head a little at the girl's cup.
"You know, I'm a bit shy," he said out of the blue. "The kunoichi used to think it was fun to tease me for it. In fact, someone figured out I had a crush on Sakura Haruno, the previous Hokage's apprentice. THe next thing I knew, she was poising me with paralysis agents, and then healing me, just to make me squirm, knowing I couldn't escape her unless she LET me escape. As a result, I became familiar with certain poisons and herbs. That's why I buy from you (Let's see how you react to that)- you really do have the best herbs. But this...I'll admit, I'm not positive what it is, but whatever you put into your tea must have ruined the taste. If you'd like the ceremony performed again, I'll buy herbs from you, and I'll only handle them in front of you as I make the tea..."

Back to you, whoever you are. She hit a nerve with the Rain thing, but if she's done her research she knows that would provoke me. So I reacted as she expected, most likely. That's fine. It's just a question now of what she's really after...

Ketsu toyed with her mask and smiled at Yuji. "Purhaps I will take you up on that offer. I'm glad you appreciate my work. If you could see my private stash you would probably have a bit of a mess to clean up....Or have Azami clean up." Ketsu chuckled and winked. I guarantee I have the largest selection of just about anywhere. Even Tsunade bout some her more exotic herbs from me. Though that was before I lived here." Ketsu was not lying, but she was having a bit more fun than she should be. "As to chatting with Azami." Ketsu flashed him a grin and nodded winked again. "perhaps i will have to. Rough is my cup of tea. If your devoted to her I suppose there is no reason to make an offer." Ketsu settled back a bit and sighed. "As to why i lifted your wallet. Well you didn't seem to be in the mood to chat and old habits die hard. I stopped by because I saw the badge and figured I would take a shot. I see I struck out. To bad you didn't make the kage. I could use the work."

Ketsue sighed inwardly. So she wouldn't be collecting a bounty for Yuji's death. This was a bit of a disappointent. She taped the edge of her mask on the table thinking. She supposed she could kill him anyway and fabricate some evidence later."

Yuji bowed with a feigned embarssment, his eyes never leaving her body. His instincts were clear on this one: Steer clear of this one.

"You know, I bet Azami would love to talk to you. As it is, I have to get to my battoujutsu class. And as it is, I plan to expand my business...although that might give you reason enough to kill me if employed by the fool in charge in the Leaf. But please excuse me..."

Yuji bowed out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Azami was waiting, smirking a bit. Yuji finally felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek.

"That girl means to kill me," he told Azami. "Watch your back if you talk to her."

Azami looked at Yuji with a look reserved only for him. She kissed his cheek with a brushing kissing and put her hand on the door.
"I always watch my back. The kunai that I hold at your neck when we play 'samurai and kunoichi' at night...that never leaves my side."

With that, Azami opened the door. She smiled at the girl.
"Ah. Competition, aren't you? I think you and I have had some bounties in common. Rare for two in our profession to meet, isn't it?"

Ketsu nodded politely, "By all means. Don't let me keep you for your students." Ketsu took the western custom and extended her had showing here palms first and shaking Yuji's hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I'm sorry to have distrurbed you. I also regret there was no work to be had here. If you ever do require some assistance." Ketsu grinned. "I suppose I could give you a discount."

Ketsu watched as Yuji left noticing a bit of sweat on his neck. She heard him speaking in a low tone to Azami whom she had seen bustle to the door as it opened. She sat patiently. She knew she was in for a more personal conversation with the woman in black. She couldn't help but squirm a bit and smile. If she really was as Yuji had mentioned purhaps there was a chance for some fun.

The door slid oen and Azami stepped in and slid the door closed behind her. Ketsu was mildly surprised when she wasted no time in pointing out their  similarity in professions.

"I am sure we have. Though seeing as I have never lost a mark I would assume I must have beaten you out." Ketsu smile innocently knowing that Azami would take it good naturedly. "Not that i doubt your abilities. You seem to have Yuji wrapped around your finger. He says your quite..."Ketsu crawled off her pillow and grinned slipping closer to Azami. "talented." Ketsu flopped down next to Azami and showed her palms again before massaging the womans shoulders. "Care to brush up on technic with some one besides Yuji while you tell me a bit more about him? He is an intriguing man. He knows the game. ws he like that when you found him or has he been your star pupil?:

((I don't mind in the least. It's fun that way ^^))

Azami grinned- this girl was a pro, both with her hands and her words.

"So long as I got my payday, I didn't care. There was always more work. For example...Yuji was on my list."

Azami turned to face the girl, kneeling opposite her, likewise showing empty palms. Her hand brushed Ketsu's thigh quite intentionally.

"See, the thing about Yuji...is he was always good. Very good. Kind, though. His kindness lost him that Hokage position. No one was more kind than Naruto. Yuji couldn't beat him in that category. The village darling was going to win. Yuji tried to avert their destruction."

Azami could feel the girl's skin redden. It made her smirk; she hadn't had to do anything like this in a long time.

"As for me, he isn't wrapped around my finger. He knows who and what I am. He freed me from a group that had planned to double-cross and rape me. He took care of me at the only vulnerable moment I've ever had. Since then, we've been inseperable. Because  of my looks- pardon my lack of modesty- everyone assumes our relationship is all hot, wild sex. But that's not it. A good part of it, granted. But we have sides we only show to each other. He's the only man I'll trust after that attempted rape. And I'm the only woman he'll trust with his secret."

Azami leaned forward, breathing dangerously into Ketsu's ear.
"The woman who takes him from me will have hell to pay. As long as he's no bounty, you're welcome to be here. But make no mistake- make a move on Yuji, and I kill you where you stand."
--

Yuji led his battoujutsu class, his mand half on the girl he just left with Azami. He allowed his worry to get the better of him. Bowing out of the classroom for a moment, leaving his senior student, Takeshi, in charge, he stepped into his office. There, he made a shadow clone. It would serve drinks and laugh, but it would also eavesdrop and defend Azami if necessary.

I've lost my home and all my friends. I can't even see my family. Azami is all I have left. I'll protect her...not that she'll need it.

Ketsu's eyes involutarily fluttered at Azami's touch on her thigh. She berated herself for the even momentary lapse of attention. She composed her face and smiled showing her appreciation Azami for the touch and began to absently stroke Azami's thigh in return pressing a bit higher than most probably would. She was painfully aware of her own mild scent wafting through the air. Her skin warmed as a slight blush crept over her. She knew Azami was having as much fun with the game as she was. It was a subtle game and one that had to hold passion in check and for those trained as they were it wasn't always easy.

"Hmmm, well i am sure we must not have been on same marks because your skills could bring any male or female to their knees." Ketsu smiled and slipped her hand high enough and moved her hand just so enough to make the woman gasp involuntarily. "As to Yuji...." Ketsu turned and leaned back against the younger woman trailing her fingers up and down the crook of the womans arm, the other on her neck light and innocent. "I know he is aware of who and what you are. I can tell he is strong and intuitive. He seems to know what he is into with you." Ketsu looked up at her, "I can understand your protectiveness of such a strong man. As to him being a bounty. "Ketsu teased Azami's ear a bit. "If he was a mark do you think I would have let him walk out of the room. Better question yet would I have let him walk out of the Village when I lifted his wallet?"

Ketsu gave a grin and shrugged. "To be honest I was more wondering how exclusive you both were," Ketsu cast a sideways glance at the door as she felt a mass of chakra step into the teashop beyond.

Ah. So yuji was using a clone. Nice. Interesting move. She wondered if he was in his office recovering from their chat or if he was still teaching his class. All Ketsu knew was the sound of his voice laughing and chatting with the other customers was not the real Yuji.

Azami saw the outline of Yuji's clone. It made her smile inwardly. It was one reason she loved him: he cared about her.

"The thing about Yuji- he's mine and he knows it. I have no desire to bring others into our love life. Well, except when I've stripped him naked or forced him to cross dress. Then witnesses are fine. But participants? I'd have to ask him."

She made a lot of good points. Yuji wouldn't be alive at this point. I saw how distracted he was when he got here. she could have killed him. Does this mean she isn't targeting him? Or that she wasn't targeting him at the time. Hmm. Maybe Yuji will forgive me for this one little breach of relationship. It's for his sake, after all.

Azami kept that thought in the back of her mind as she continued talking, her hand moving down Ketsu's spine, her fingers lightly brushing against her buttocks.

"You're quite the beauty yourself, you know. Certainly you had plenty of options besides bounty hunting. How about telling me a bit about you? If I like what I hear..."

Azami reached for Ketsu's lips with her fingers, delicately touching them, brushing them as though kissing.

"...you might just be getting a reward."

Yuji...sorry to do this. I'll make it up to you.
--
--

Shikaku Nara once again asked to be mentally linked to Ketsueki.

Any report? Is Yuji a threat? I have agents scrambled. We are willing to pay you your usual sum for information only.

Shikaku hated himself for that. Yuji was a good kid. But even good kids had bad sides to them.

Ketsu trembled a bit and her breath quickened as Azami began to play the game in earnest. This was the part Ketsu loved and had hoped they would get to. She knew Azami was fishing for info and Ketsu would be willing to offer some to see how far this bit of the game would go. Despite her enjoyment she knew she could keep her wits about her and she initended to press back to help balance the eqution, she would offer info, but only what she knew was of little consequence, not what Azami wanted.

Ketsu gasped and pressed against Azami's hand as it slipped over her buttocks. She leaned back and nipped at Azami showing her compliance before she "answered" her question. The feel of her finger on her lips was amazing. Ketsu opened her lips and kissed the finger sucking it a bit.

"Oh? A reward? I like rewards. Let me see if i can earn that reward then." Ketsu resumes her caress of Azami's thigh as she relaxes against the young woman readying to tell her tale. "Well I was born in Amegakure. My father died in the second Shinobi War. My mother and I were taken by a corrupt merchant as slaves where when He had gotten his fill of my mother he murdered her and sold her organs for a profit. He raised me for a few years to be his personal plaything. I blame him for my rather twisted enjoyment of the pain and pleasure aspect of my sexualtity. When I was 16 he had begun to tire of me. I overheard him on his way to the slave market that tonight was to be the last night for his favorite plaything. So that night when he came to my chamber to enjoy my talented company. I allowed him to start and at the hight of the passion I broke of the Champaign flute and rammed the jagged edges into his throat. I took his keys and let myself out the house. I hadn't gotten far when I was picked up by one of Pains recruitment squads. They made me an offer and I accepted. I trained til i was 20 as a kunoichi. I found I was limited in the aspects of Chakra. I perfure my blades and poisons and seeing as i was raised with sex and seduction of both my masters male and female house guests and family...Well it was only natural that i acceled at seduction and getting close to marks."

Ketsu smiled up at Azami, her hand had gradually gotten higher and higher on Azami's thigh until...well it came away damp as she folded her hands in her lap "Well....does that answer your questions hun?"

Ketsu was painfully aware of the voice sounding in her head repeatedly asking for updates. she wished the would leave her be and let her enjoy and do her hob She would have their info. She sent only an image of one word back unwilling to give anything away to anything. The word was simple. "Wait"

Ketsueki had sprinted nearly the entire way to the Village. Walking was a waste of time when stealth and careful footing wasn't required. She slowed to a steady run only when the Village gates came into view. She steadied her breathing and regulated her hearbeat. Sprinting throught the streets would draw attention and possibly the guard. Ketsu was not wanted, but she liked her private life of study and didn't want to cloud it with questions and visits from the guard.
Ahead of her she saw a lone figure walking out of the gates. She thought she recognized the man, but she wasn't sure. As she passed him at her trotting pass she allowed herself to clip him. In the breath of a second she slipped her hand into his pocket and came away with a bit of a stumble looking over her shoulder acting a bit annoyed as the man apologised and walked on. It never failed to amaze her how little ppl realized what was happening to them when in their own thoughts. As soon as the man was out of site she opened the Wallet she had lifted. Yuji Itou. Age 24.
Ketsu quirked her lips and tapped the wallet on her palm. Yes..Yes, she remembered him. He owned a teashop a bit down the road from her shop. He had actually bought herbs from her sevral times claiming there were none better in the region. Ketsu leafed through the wallet finding a few odds and ends the most notable things she notices was first there was onle one photo in the wallet. A young kunoich in a read and white outfit with her hair tied up. The picture was worn and faded, not by age, but by constant handle it seemed. The other thing she found was a Shinobi registration card and a few what apperared to be half written Jutsu on a scrap of paper as well as a list of research books from the Villages restricted section of the Library. Ketsu gave a small hmph. The last thing of note was a single pin that looked like it had never been worn that had Yuji's name on it and a ask for support for him as Kage. Ketsu raised a brow and shrugged. Looks like he hadn't succeeded since the little brat now wore that hat. Ketsu wondered what kind of man Yuji was. He was either to inept to have one the post or the Village feared him as a leader and chose the lesser of two evils. She didn't know and to be honest she didn't care. She wandered the streets trying to find the reason for her urge to come into the Village still carrying the lifted wallet. She passed a simple ramen shop and noticed a child staring in. His clothes were worn and dirty. He must be an urchin. She sighed, she cared little for humanity, but she some reason had a soft spot for chilren in need. She checked the zipped cash pocket of the wallet and blinked at the amount she found. She pulled out the wad of cash and tapped the young boy on the shoulder and handed him the whole wad without stopping for thanks. She wandered around the Village for a bit longer. She couldn't find the reason for the urge. She tapped the wallet against her thigh absently thinking. She looked down at the wallet and read the address on the id card. Hmmm. Maybe this was it. A former candidtate for kage. Who knows. Maybe there would be some resentment in this Yuji..... Resentment usually led to jobs for her kind of work . Ketsu shrugged, Nothing better to do tonight why not. She strolled out of the village and as she passed the first bend i the road she doned the silver plated mask that covered her features and made her way to the address in the wallet.

((Nice touch on the wallet!))

Yuji took his time walking, keeping his eyes down mostly, though he kept scanning around for threats. Old training died hard, he supposed. Right now, he wished for Orochimaru to show up. The bastard was impossible to kill, which meant Yuji didn't have to hold back. 

Stop it. He's gone, too.

Yuji's stride held until he got a few miles away. He decided to stop and change his clothes. Wearing this shinobi gear no longer fit him. He was still officially a citizen of the Leaf, but he was just as easily a businessman. He tended to wear western suits when he was alone and not teaching Battoujutsu or Kyudo, or performing a tea ceremony. Now he figured he would have time to pick up calligraphy as well. He was certainly retired from the shinobi business.

Ought to burn that registration card of mine. ...damn that little pickpocket! There were a week's worth of receipt's in that wallet!

Yuji immediately stopped that. It was no one's fault but his own if he was robbed. 
--

Yuji arrived back at his tea house, finding his sole other employee waiting for him. 

She was...well, no other word for it- sexy. Long black hair, the perfect figure, and bedroom eyes that were set squarely on Yuji. The black cocktail dress she wore outlined her figure as she got up and moved gracefully to Yuji's side. 

Normally, just to embarrass him, she would more or less sloppily make out with him. But today, she could see the heartbreak that he hid from everyone else. She pulled him into a hug. The guests of the tea house didn't notice- most of them were either enjoying expertly made tea, or they were too into their companions to take notice of what the owner and his waitress were doing.

"They're fools, Azami," said Yuji, burying his face in her shoulder. "Whether I won or lost wasn't the point. They chose to-"

"-destroy their freedom, and ruin their way of life. I know, Yuji. And I'm sorry."

Azami stepped back, her hands on Yuji's shoulders, sizing him up. Tonight was not the night to play her usual game with him. Instead, she guided him toward his office in the back of the tea house. It separated Yuji's dojo from the tea house.

"Your students will be happy to know you'll be their teacher still," Azami told Yuji, sitting him down at his desk. She perched herself on the corner of the desk. Unabashedly these days, he began to change his clothes. She watched with interest as his shimobi attire slipped off his slim, muscular figure. All too soon, she thought, it was replaced by a crisp white shirt, black dress pants, and a black suit jacket. 

"I've been thinking," Yuji commented, standing up. "Let's open that bar and izakaya you talked about after we first met. Now that I'm retired I can certainly make the time. And I'll have the most beautiful bartender in the world. We'll hire some innocent-looking kids to run the tea house when we aren't here."

"Are you saying I don't look innocent?" Azami asked, a pout in her voice. She herself had pointed out that she looked the part of the bad girl she lived. She slid off his desk and behind his back, massaging his shoulders. Before they could talk further, they both perked up.

"We have a new customer," Azami said, getting up. Yuji followed her. She looked at him in question, assuming he would want to be alone. But she didn't say anything. Instead, they both stepped out of the back. 

"Welcome! Table for one?" Azami said to the new guest.

Ketsu had found the teahouse with now trouble. She had known roughly where it was and now she stood in the doorway head bowed and hood up hiding her masked face. The attractively dressed female smiled and welcomed her. Ketsu sized her up. There was more than met the eye to the woman in the black dress. Here poise suggested a keen fighter and she was sure from the way she had glimpsed her massaging Yuji's shoulders though the partially open office door a fierce lover as well. Ketsu smirked under her mask. If wasn't already taken this woman was the kind she probably have flirted with herself...come to think of it Yuji freshly changed into the suit was to. She gave him a critical eye never raising her head or showing her mask. Not with this may ppl around. She wondered if Yuji realized he had missed a button on his shirt. She quickly scanned the room noting exits and possible means of escape a habit of hers. She also noted that around the tea house were several weapons hidden in plain sight as decorative pieces. Yuji seemed to be a it of a jumpy one. This intrigued her. A long interesting past must lie behind this man. Her observations took no more than a second. She nodded her head and followed the woman in black and accepted the menu of teas. She felt a bit of pride when she scanned it and saw a note labeling one of Yuji's personal favorites as a tea that had been grown and purchased from her shop. As the Woman in black bustled away Yuji walked up. She wondered if it was his custom to greet every guest or if he was suspicious of her. She didn't really care if he was after all it was him she had come to see.

((I like her! She seems fun to write about! Perfect fit for you, I think :) ))

Yuji stalked through the village, vaguely hurt that no one had really tried to stop him. Not least of all Sakura. Even if she was interested in Naruto, or had her heart set on Sasuke, they were still friends, right? And yet...nothing.

They probably think I'm just being a sore loser. Give it time, and they'll be the sore ones. Stupid fools. What's next? A ban on weapons? Legal weapons that save lives? This place has gone to hell.

Yuji untied his hitai-ate as he walked He shed his vest next, leaving his black undershirt and black combat pants. He put on his long, black coat over it all, vowing to change once he got to...wherever he was going.

Sand? No. Their leader is strong, but too influenced by Naru...Lord Hokage. Besides, I don't seek sanctuary. I seek a purpose. A place that will accept me. A place more in tune with what I believe. Like the Leaf used to be.

Yuji's fist clenched again. Stop thinking of that which will never come again. Act alone, like you did before. Don't assume you have allies.

Yuji stopped thinking about that, focusing only on where to go. For now, though it was an obvious place, he would go back to his business, in the town of Kanzo. It was only a few miles away. But there was no reason for him to hurry up and leave. He had committed no crime, and it seemed like people were just going to let him 'throw a tantrum', and then welcome him back. Not that they would come after him anyway. Not with Naruto in charge.

As he left the village, a female ran by him. He bowed his head and said 'excuse me', then kept walking. In Kanzo, he would go ahead and make his money, and perhaps the Leaf would approach him.

Yuji watched as the council placed the Hokage's hat on Naruto's head. He swallowed a load of bile; frustrated and angry. Outwardly, he was smiling. He saw Sakura glance at him, and gulp. She was one of the few who knew this particular smile was laced with poison.

Naruto began a short speech; Yuji tuned out. He felt out of place now, dressed like a Leaf shinobi. He had never felt so...left out. Naruto had managed to win everyone over, despite Yuji's experience. His training. His right, damn it! He had trained with the Third Hokage, and he had remained in the village, following orders! And now Naruto, the sudden darling of the village, had made his dream come true. 

It was a death warrant for the Leaf. Naruto was going to destroy the village with his childish, idealistic policies. Less weapons? Less active troops? In a time of war?! Ridiculous! 

And Yuji! He had been dragged through the mud for simply being successful. Since when was running a business and making money evil?

His gloved fist clenched and teeth ground against each other behind his smile. That was when he heard his name.

"Yuji, what do you say?" Naruto asked, his face brimming with a huge smile. "Be my advisor. I can't think of anyone better for the job."

All at once, Yuji's voice came out. His smile faded, and his fists clenched harder. "I must decline, Lord Hokage."

There was a shocked silence. No one had ever passed on such a high position before! Not since Jiraiya had passed on the Hokage position. That people had understood! But Yuji...for Yuji, who had once been hailed as the 'consumate shinobi', to simply say 'no'...

"Wh-why not?" Naruto asked before he could stop himself.

Yuji's mind was split in two. He should answer the leader of the village; a warrior should be truthful whenever possible. But to say such a thing...
"I no longer believe in this Village, Lord Hokage. I think your policies will get us all killed. And I think you have no need for me- what use is a warrior in a culture where wars will be waged through papers that say 'we surrender' on them? I have no use for a nation that would shun someone for simply being successful."

With that, Yuji stepped through the stunned crowd gathered around. They had been on the roof of the Hokage Mansion, and Yuji simply let himself fall off the building, landing on his feet, and moving toward the gaint green gates that led to the outside of the village.

Ketsueki Looked up as the sound of explosions echoed across the forest; her body tenses and she dropped the trowl she had in her hand letting one of her hidden blades replace it with a flex of her wrist. She scanned the obscured view of the Village of the Leaf squinting through the dense brush and trees looking for signs of trouble. A second explosion echoed out and she blinked as she saw a burst of color over the Center of the Village. Fireworks. It had only been fireworks. She cracked her neck and let her guard drop.
She had forgotten today was the Official corination of the Leaf's new Kage Naruto Uzumaki. Ketsueki snorted and turned her back on the distant village. She held little reguard for the boy. for that was exactly what he was. A boy. Full of personal ideals, false hopes and childish dreams. She sighed and picked up her trowl and tossed it across the neatly groomed garden landing it effortlessly in the wooden bin holding the tools.
From what she could tell this new Kage would probably mean less work for her. He seemed to have a more non-aggressive approach for the war than the previous Kage had. Then again with less violence and such allowed by the Leafs Military purhaps it would mean an increase in business. She would wait for her contacts in ANBU to decide if it was worth staying near this Village. She had little attachment to it, but she had to admit that in years of late there had been plenty of action and work for her because of the village. Purhaps this was coming to an end.
Ketsueki turned and looked back at the village through the leaves. An irony she never tired of. She wasn't sure why but she had a pulling urge to go to the village. Aside from missions she could count on one hand the number of times she had gone into the village simply as Ketsu the Herbalist. She had learned that her urges usually led to things of interest so against her gut she strolled off towards the green gates of Konohagakure with a sigh.

I think we should try the RP on your profile. Seemed to work last time if it's OK with you. These are what my OC's look like, plus a backstory:

Yuji Itou; age 24
Former student of Third Hokage. Challenged both Danzou and Naruto for Hokage title; was overruled each time. He refused to be part of Naruto's administration so he left the village, resulting in some of the Leaf to see him as an enemy. Other believe him to be necessary to the village. This leads to attempts to assasinate him. He has since started wearing either a western-style suit and dark glasses, or a hakama (for when he instructs in Battoujutsu or Kyujutsu). His heart seems to have been shattered, and his personality has changed to quiet and deadly. He currently owns a tea house, bar, and runs a dojo.  He is learning caligraphy and the tea ceremony; something his former master insisted he try.

Azami Hayashi; age 21
Had once attempted to capture Yuji for the bounty on his head (200,000 ryo). He freed her from her corrupt employers and helped her earn pardons in many of the villages in which she commited crimes. Therefore, she is loyal to him, but still quite the bounty hunter. She considers herself his protector since she witnessed him at his lowest point.
She tends to wear long, black gowns; dark pants and matching top that cover her breasts with chainmail covering her midsection; she is also often around Yuji in a black half-tank and panties. She's shapely, attractive, aggressive toward what she wants, and a strong fighter.

As for Naruto...I'll PM you that once I have more time. Don't want to put any spoilers out there for anyone who doesn't want them.

 

Mutant turtles are cooler. x3

It's okay

Hey :) What's up?

Howdy A1!

OOOOOOOOi!! *waves hands*

Haha, well that's true. You're online now though- I wonder if I'll stay on long enough to reply tonight? xD

Well, I'm not usually on at night anymore because this is usually about the time I pry myself away and go do my homework or go to sleep. I've got a bad habit of eating my dessert first... *Shrug* ^_^;;;

I would go for it. It's not so much a stretch. It's your universe to manipulate, after all.
If you need any updates on Ryouko's attacks or personality/whatever, let me know :)

I'll be around for a little while now.

Yup, he's a chiweenie! A very cute one! C: Same here, I'll try to reply to you whenever I can. What's your favorite treats that I've given you so far, A1?

Ryouko snapped out of his trance when Kiba spoke. "Huh? Oh, sorry. Just figuring out the best way to teach genjutsu. And some strategizing."

Ryouko looked out of the dome; the rain farther away that still fell freely had lightened up a bit. Enough to get in some training.

"I'll be back. I just need to train a little to relax."
-
Ryouko went out into the rain with another scroll. They had become his specialty. He could use sealing jutsu as well, but not quite as well as Jiraiya. The scrolls were a catalyst for his jutsu. This one was special.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The scroll Ryouko used contained a set of tenketsu. He had a bunch of tags in there full of chakra. He put one in his clone, so that he could spar with it, without it disappearing in one hit. It could last for hours like this.

Odd to think that Orochimaru's reanimation Jutsu inspired this...

Ryouko and the clone gave a cordial bow, then began their fight.

Kiba cocked his head and raised a brow as he listened to Ryo speaking more to himself than to him. Absently he scratched behind his ear as he let the young Shinobi ponder his plan. "What is it that concerns you Ryo?" Kiba asked casually as he studied his friend."

"Absolutely I can. But I'm still concerned with this one issue...I wonder if...Hmm..."

I'll try that move first-hand out on the battlefield. It's too hard to explain.

"Let's see...genjutsu that are usefull...Okay. If you're all used to using your minds, it won't take long. The ranks on jutsu apply to it's initial strength. But if you take a D-rank genjutsu that takes a day to learn, and add more power and realism to it, it becomes A-ranked. That's the best course of action, I think. Minimum handsigns...possibly none for you immortals. The learning curve isn't too steep...should be fine."

Kiba cracked his neck and watched as Ryo pushed the various stones around the board strategically. "Yes, We have figured The Ukiyo Ataenushi would be at the back of the attack. We aren't certain seeing as we aren't sure of how far this jutsu can carry. We have succeeded in breaking through ranks twice befur, but his "minions seem to appear at will anywhere. Seeing as the very ground of the land is formed from the dust of bones they simply rise up wherever we are. Thus the reason he is able to catch us off guard. Should a legion of feted corpses have march upon us we would have long ago been able to defeat Ukiyo Ataenushi befur he fettered our minds." Kiba gave a menacing growl that made Hakatsoyo look up and mimic his master protectively. Kiba swiped at the tree trunk leaving deep gouges in its bark. Your plan will work if you can but teach us to use Genjutsu the way a normal shinobi learns devoid of our abilities. I know it requires the mind to do, but in a different way than a simple thought as our way of doing it is." Kiba leaned against the tree trunk and cocked his head as he studied Ryo. "Immortals don't use chakra the way that you or the others do. We use it yes, but it is not our sole source of energy in our attacks. If you were to use all your chakra up you would become weaker and be forced to use Taijutsu though weak. For an Immortal we don't usually resort to using our chakra in combat. We rely on the abilities of the mind. True this uses chakra, but it is less taxing on it. The mind can do great and terrible things as you know with the proper mindset. You use one mindset and chakra to accomplish your genjutsu. We use another mindset and little if any chakra. I need you to show us how to become less dependent on our abilities. Can you show us?"

Ryouko let Kiba finish talking before he broke out his 'Go' board. He always used it to strategize.

"Let me see here...twenty white stones...and more black stones that I've got here. And these things are 'undead' for want of a better term. That makes them nasty to defeat, shy of disintegrating them entirely. And if what you said about him beating you to the punch with a mind bind is true...Then genjutsu is your best bet. With one possible exception."

Ryouko pushed a group of four white stones forward, straight through the line of black stones.

"Blitzkrieg. It would stand to reason that this 'leader' would be at the back of the group, if he's not in a remote location. With the right distraction, I bet four of you could slip through the ranks, if you moved at your top speed...Couple that with genjutsu on the surrounding enemies, you cut the ranks in half..."

Kiba rolled his shoulders and let out a sigh. "It is possible he was once one of us. There have been several over the centuries that have been banished for treacheries. The Forsaken as those banished are called are mind bound restricting the use of our races' abilities. It is in this way that we are being destroyed. Very true we are more than competent in battle, but our mind is our greatest weapons." Kiba lazily flicked three fingers at the forest where it the closest tree crumbled into ash and began to swirl in a cyclone pattern before reforming into the majestic tree it had been befur. "We are nigh unbeatable when our minds are unbound, but this new foe has found a way to stealthy bind our minds before his attacks. We are forced to resort to more mundane methods of combat. We could hold our own should a barrage of mere hundreds come at us, but the demonic bastard sends thousands. We can't hold for more than a few weeks under such numbers. The land of Demons is filled with the bones of millions. His supplies are endless. We are fighting a losing battle. Our only hope is to find and eliminate the source of the Jutsu. We believe as you do that it is most likely a Forsaken that has discovered how to break the bind and fashion it against us bent on revenge." Kiba stood and paced the tree branch. "There are few of us left and The Ukiyo Ataenushi knows how many of us there are. Thus why I need you. They will not expect us to turn to mortal help. Besides you are accomplished at something my kind has only mastered using our abilities which are now bound in battle. Genjutsu. As odd as it sounds I believe Genjutsu is the key to defeating this foe. I wish you to teach the Immortals how to use genjutsu." Kiba gave a odd half grin of amusement to Ryo. "An odd concept is it not? The mortal teaching the Immortal a new trick."

"Haha, no, that assasination bit is water under the bridge. Although it was rather fun being the 'Itachi Uchiha' kind of threat for a while. Ah well."

Gruesome details. As Ryouko had expected.

"How, exactly is he killing you? You guys didn't surive for this long without being more than competent in combat. So, is he one of you? Or don't you know that either yet?"

Kiba let out a barking laugh. "The way you speak sounds like you yourself wish to know how to kill us." Kiba grinned at his friend. "Do you want to kill me? I know you wanted to when the incident with the Lady T assassination attempt." Giving a wave of his hand he dismissed the awkward humor then a pained expression befell his face. "Yes. I did indeed mention Casualties. Many of my people have fallen." Kiba looked at his friend sadly. "We do not know the name of this new Enemy. Only that he calls himself The Ukiyo Ataenushi." Kiba spat on the ground bitterly. "He uses the bodies of the fallen. We were forced to slaughter the bodies of those we loved; for the moment they fell his jutsu brought them back as puppets."

Ryouko listened quietly, his hand holding his pipe in front of him. He ignored it for the most part, occasionaly exhaling what little he took in. A lot of time had already passed just due to talking. Now that some of his questions were answered, Ryouko felt a little more at ease.

"Right, that makes sense. You did mention casualties, so it would follow that there's a way to kill you. Huh...Okay, so what about this new enemy of yours that's using reanimation techniques? Or is he an old enemy?"

Kiba stared off into the trees only vaguely listening to Ryo speaking of his wishes for himself. As Ryo finished this rather tersely and changed subjects Kiba looked back at his friend and took a deep breath. "Very well, We won't speak of the matter of you anymore this evening. As to your question. Immortal is...In relativeness we can not die unless third party actions cause our deaths. We are fairly immune to most illnesses although we do fall ill. simply something that would kill a mortal will merely weaken us. Falls, trauma and poisons we succumb too though. Should you run me through in a vital organ I will die, should a jutsu lacerate a vessel I will bleed out, But apart from injury we will live forever yes." Kiba said all this in a back handed manner petting Hakatsoyo absently. "To further define Immortal we have not always been, but should we survive uninjured we will forever be. I do not know much of our origins. Simply we were created as a guard using the powers of Shinobi no Kami. He commissioned us to watch over the Shinobi way he loved so much. So we have ever since." Kiba gave a half smile more to himself than anything. "It has been a long time. Though I was not born at the begging of my kind I was not far removed from it. Time holds no meaning any more/"

Ryouko let Kiba talk, already deciding he would change the subject after this. It was tiresome; he hated talking about himself. And his mind was too tired to engage in a good battle of wits at the moment.

"My goals aren't so straightforward. First, I want to simply belong. I'm still the outsider at home. Second, I wanted power enough to project Naruto and Ojousama...I mean, Sakura. Third, I wanted to find a master of some kind, present company nonwithstanding. Four, I need to find a purpose- you already illustrated that. But that's enough about me. I've got a more pressing question. Define 'immortal' for me. As in, you won't die no matter what? Or, you won't die except for outside circumstances? Or is it not literally 'immortal', but you live a long time so it seems that way?

Kiba sat rolling his now once again empty glass in his palms. Absently he let his mind touch Ryo's simply gauging the Young shinobi's thoughts. As Kiba had know they would be they were worrisome and somewhat self...he didn't want to say pitying, but he couldn't put his finger on another word. Kiba slipped among the thoughts taking them in as though he had hours. In reality he had taken mere fractions of a second. "Kiba absently grabbed the bottle of sake and poured another glass as he thought. Setting down the bottle Kiba swirled a finger in his glass. The sake began to form into a ball and lifted out of the glass to sit suspended spinning slowly above Kiba's palm. Looking at his friend kiba spoke. "You know the thing about prophecy? It rarely is exactly as it sounds and never what is expected. Yes it is evident now whom the three new sanni will be." Kiba cocked his head and stared deep into the depths of the slowly turning ball of sake as he continued to speak. "but...If you look at the world you will find that there are many amazing and powerful beings and people that reside upon it besides the prophesied sanni. They are merely one drop of power that has caused a ripple in the fabric of our existence. There are so many more that can cause the same that are just not in our range. What is to say that you who have failed to become part of this legendary prophecy aren't to become the icon of a prophecy of your own. What is to say that what I offer or what you will do here in this time will not change the very fabric of existence the same if not greater than the rise of the new legendary sanni?" Kiba continued to stare into the deeps of the liquid as if seeing these prophecies in it's amber essence. Cocking his head a bit more a small light began to well in the liquids center and expand to the outer edges. "What if you are to be someone that catches our world on fire and shapes it into something glorious." The light continued to swell small loops of light and heat erupted from the balls surface as the flames began to push through to the surface of the liquid. "Will you give yourself to be what you willingly without regretting it?" The flame now burned a bright hot orb of liquid fire casting flickering light about the tree giving Kiba's face an Terrie appearance. "Or will you be content to be held in the container of your predetermined fate because you feel you are not someone that can change the world simply by letting be what is. Will you be content to remain in the glass?" With this Kiba clenched his fist around the burning orb and tilted his clenched fist from which sake poured back into the glass. "answer me that Ryo." Kiba downed the sake and set the glass down beside the bottle.

"Hmm. That was an educated guess, then. The 'immortals' part is what got me. I tend to think of immortals as 'first', but that's not quite accurate in this case. It's like the chicken or the egg riddle."

Master Jiraiya's intelligence was also a worrisome subject for Ryouko.
"Children of prophecy; legendary three; a new group of sannin...it was much less complicated back when it was 'Lord Hokage is the most powerful,', end of discussion."

Pain...Akatsuki...There's so much to consider. Can we mount an adequate defense to them, when we know so little? Maybe someone needs to inherit the job Master Jiraiya had of gathering intelligence.

"Politics? Maybe. Being Hokage would be interesting. But M'lady's choice is obvious. And I wouldn't take Naruto's dream regardless."

Ryouko took another sip, deciding he had enough. Between the tobacco and the alcohol there were a lot of vices here. Ryouko wasn't in the habit of getting accustomed to such vices.

"I did learn a lot that way. Observing is something I can do."

Kiba sipped his sake and gestured absently with his glass free hand. "No. the Sage of Six Paths was not among our number. We came after. He was the creator of the Shiobi Way. He Wrote the Nindo. We were 'created' to help protect his creation. He was a great man. We still guard the Tablet he wrote. To this day the descendants of Senju and Uchiha still battle over it The Scroll that can be read only by the Rinnegan." Kiba downed his sake and reached for the pitcher and poured himself another glass refilling the wolfs as well. Who knows Purhaps he really has returned in the form of Nagato. At any rate. I knew him, but he was not one of us. We owe our existence to him be it a curse or a blessing it is he that made us." Kiba waved off the rambling and turned to stare Ryo in the eye studying him. "as always. a diplomatic answer. neither giving info or slighting an idea. You should have been a politician." Kiba gave a soft barking laugh. "At any rate I suppose yours is a wise decision. I meant not for you to sit idly by and train while their was the problem of the reanimation afoot. You would learn by watching and reason. Much the way you have learned majority of what you already know am I not correct?" Kiba cocked his head and watched Ryo.

Ryouko was impressed by Kiba's display, of course. It had been a while since he had seen him, and he had almost never seen him in action.

"That's a neat trick." Ryouko lowered his mask to just below his chin, allowing him room to drink and occasionally puff on his pipe. "It makes me think of the Sage of Six Paths. Wouldn't surprise me if he wound up being among you immortals."

It used to be 'protect Naruto from the Akatsuki; be at Ojousama's side'. Now it's 'fear the Akatsuki, but let Naruto deal with them'. Now I'm among the protected.

Ryouko took a slow swallow of the aged rice brew. He didn't make any comments on it's taste or texture.

"I've thought about it. I'll give you a better answer once I know what I'm in for here. Getting self-absorbed in some training might not be best at the moment."

Kiba opened one eye as the sound of chinking glass drifted over the sounds of the downpour. The image was a bit odd looking Totally blue and smoke like. Kiba had opened his blind eye. No longer did it function as a normal eye, instead He used his mind to read the chakra signatures of everything around him. A bright blueish tinge caught his attention as he spied the evidence of chakra surging through Ryo's Paper turned wood shelter. Kiba gave a half smile as he addressed Kiba opening his other eye. "Very resourceful my friend. I see you have been picking up tricks since we last met. Kiba cracked his neck and with a handspring pushed himself to his feet and strolled over to Ryo and picked up one of the antique sake glasses and studied it. "You know we don't have to sit here in the rain." Kiba closed his eyes and inhaled. raising a palm in front of him Kiba opened his eyes and let out a clipped kayap. The rain that had been falling in earnest upon them seemed to freeze in mid air. Lowering his palm Kiba reached out and grabbed a drop of the falling rain and tossed it over his shoulder where it splashed against the tree trunk. Grinning a bit Kiba made a gesture as though brushing something aside. All the droplets in a ten foot radius were brushed aside and fell to the ground as one with a giant splash. The rain continued on outside the radius but inside it remained dry/ "There," Kiba dropped down next to his friend and helped himself to the bottle of sake. "that should hold at least until we have had a good drink anyway." Kiba gave a sharp whistle and Hakatsoyo Skidded to a halt next to Roukyou. Kiba set a half full glass in front of the wolf and gave it a pat on the muzzle. Turning back to Ryo Kiba looked at him as he sipped his sake. "Have you though any more about what I said? You have potential. You could just as easily do what I just did without a second thought if you focus. Will you learn?"

"Right, good idea. Rest isn't a bad thing at this point anyway...We're lucky it's not snowing at this temperature."

But Ryouko made no move to find shelter. In fact, he raised his head up to look at the rain.

It rained that time, too. At the Third Hokage's funeral. The rained stopped shortly after, as if telling us that he had passed on peacefully, and that it would all be alright.

The rain poured down on Ryouko's face, but he made no move save for blinking. He stayed like that for a while before he finally decided to come in out of the rain.

Withdrawing two scrolls from his makimono pouches, Ryouko bit his thumb and wrote inside a circle etched on the scrolls. He wrote 'Moku' (Meaning 'wood'). Unwinding the scrolls, he formed a dome shape out of them. When he finished, he pressed a seal onto the ends of the scrolls.
The scrolls began to harden, and their features turned to wood.

I guess there's this. I can't use all the change in chakra natures, at least not yet. But I can use various kinds, if the proper catalyst is available or can be created.

Without saying anything to Kiba, Ryouko took out a handsomely crafted pipe. This hadn't been the Third Hokage's; it was one Ryouko ordered after his death. He broke it out on special occasions. He rarely smoked, either; at least real cigarettes. Lady Tsunade had helped him create a 'chakra cigarette' that served as a more mild version of the ration pill, and also recycled your chakra to keep it at it's best.

Once his pipe was set, Ryouko used a summoning scroll to dig out a chipped sake pitcher and three cups. He didn't invite Kiba and the wolf to join- there was no need. Kiba knew he was welcome, and the wolf would follow suit.

Roukyou said nothing as they rushed onward through the night. The storm that had been threatening to break over the Leaf had caught them despite their quick pace and now bucket loads of water drenched them as they sped on. Roukyou cracked his neck as he pondered the issues at hand. The Kagirinai, his people were on the verge of extinction because they were outdated. Ryo knew nothing of outdated. Once proud warrior guardians of great powers now the Kagirinai were a broken and beaten lot. He himself could not help but feel that this mission was to be the Kagirinai's last stand. That in the process of fulfilling their mandate to protect those things that ought not fall into mortal's hands he along with his beloved people would be destroyed.
Kiba stopped suddenly and sank into a half kneel on a tree branch several hundred feet off the ground. Turning to Ryo he simply stated. "We will stop here for the night. The storm is to severe. I can not keep my barrings via smell in this downpour." Turning he hunkered down against the tree's massive trunk and closed his eyes. Not to sleep, such things had become unnecessary as he had come to master his abilities. All he needed now was to focus his mind, to calm his thoughts and allow rest. Roukyou gave a half smile of bemusement as he wondered if his sullen attitude had befuddled Ryo. Alas it mattered not. He had been letting his emotions get the better of him. A mistake he had made before. With a pang of painful memory Kiba found his mind wandering back to a long stretch of charred and destroyed forest and the message carved there deep into the injured earth. He would not let his emotions get to him this time. He had destroyed something he loved then and he would not allow that to happen again. Especially now that that something he loved was his people. He would figure things out logically with a cool head absent of the emotions. Kiba meditated quietly aware of Ryo nearby.

"The greatest mistake..."

Ryouko flashed back to his spot outside the barrier jutsu Orochimaru had put up. He watched the Third Hokage writh in agony as the Kusanagi pierced him. Even knowing he would die regardless, the pain must have been terrible...nearly unbearable. There was nothing Ryouko could do to help. He tried genjutsu on the barrier casters; but no one short of Kurenai-sempai's level would do. Eventually, after all was said and done, Ryouko had only wound up flinging his mask onto the ground in frustration; cracking the special ANBU-issued face covering nearly in two.
The feeling of hopelessness...
It was the worst thing Ryouko had ever felt, and it remained that way until today.

I had nightmares about this...still do once in a while. I was so raw back then. Had I not lost my mentor so soon...would my growth have been as stunted? I can't ignore the strides made by the likely next Prodigical Three...even in theory, I pale in comparison. Maybe Kakashi is content...but I'm not. I've already made the biggest mistake I could make.

Ryouko nearly misjudged his footing on the next branch, catching himself with a single hand and plopping himself back up onto the branch, spinning around it once to gain back lost momentum.

I won't say any more about giving it up. Kiba's got his own issues, and right now they're my issues, too. I can do the self-pity bit later. I haven't allowed myself any in a long time; maybe I need to change my habits a bit to be more healthy.

Ryouko tugged his mask up higher on his face; it was really damned cold out here today! But more than that, he wanted to make himself as unreadable as possible. Kiba could explain all he wanted, but until Ryouko was there and took in the problem with his own eyes, it was best for him to stay a mystery.

In his head, Ryouko began putting together a code, in case he had to take notes. On such a hidden culture, it would have to be an incredibly complex code.

Kiba said nothing as Ryo gave his speech. Roukyou halted casting a furtive glance at his friend. "My friend. I don't wish to be rude, but you hanging up your hitai-ate would be the greatest mistake in your life." Kiba closed his eyes and lowered his head as he continued to address Ryo. "You are like me. You need a purpose. If you have none then you feel useless. I know you to well. Purrhaps even better than you know yourself." Roukyou opened his eyes again and stared hard at his friend. "If you give you your hitai-ate you will be giving up your purpose. Shinobi like you are few and far between. You say you are out classed and out dated. I say otherwise. You haven't even begun to tap the potential and talent you possess." Kiba turned and looked out into the trackless forest ahead absently petting Hakatsoyo who had trotted up to him. "Don't think me so daft as to simply choose you as the heir to my race simply because you are my friend. I will tell you had I though you incapable and outdated as you say I wouldn't have given the notion a second thought." Kiba turned back to his frined. "You possess a rare focus and drive that I have seen in few. True the Young Naruto has proven power and drive, but he lacks the focus. You on the other hand possess a reason, focus and persona that I have seen in only the remaining Immortals." Kiba gave a half smile. "This is why I chose you. You are disciplined far beyond your years. You have the potential to learn things that could change the world. All I need is for you to learn them." Kiba said no more. Without looking at his friend he lept off into the trees again continuing onward.

Ryouko listened silently, following all of this as best he could. It was like a slap in the face- more reanimation crap? And now he was in the middle of it.
The Third Lord's death or not...I'm not equipped to deal with it. The way Kiba is putting it, it seems like a lost battle...and that I'm not here to fight. Just to survive.

He knew his abilities weren't being called into question, but Ryouko couldn't help but feel that this was a burden he'd rather not have. Still, he wasn't going to say no. But he did have to warn Kiba of something.

"Kiba...I'm not sure how aware you've been of what's gone on over the past few years. I've been among the back-up to the Twelve Shinobi guardians after I failed to earn a real spot. Naruto...he's blown by all of us; he's in a class by himself. All this...it's made me think..."

Ryouko sighed.

"Well, after this mission with you...I'm going to hang up my hitai-ate. I'm so outclassed when it comes to power that I've been rendered outdated. Even the Third's last gift to me; the Reaper Death Seal...it's been outdated. There's a new guard in the shinobi world; one of my generation. And I'm...not part of it."

Ryouko grinned a little. "But this beats feelings sorry for myself. For the first time in a while, I'm eager about a mission."

...I'll have to do what I can to support Kiba. But to think that this is where my power has peaked...Well, I've got this mission to focus on now; that's what I'm going to do. Everything else is secondary until it's completion.
But why do I keep getting the feeling that this really WILL be my last mission? I feel as though I'm already on borrowed time...as if my body is decaying...Why does this mission scream 'death'?

Kiba didn't slow as he called over his shoulder to Ryo. "Fair enough my friend. I suppose it is a bit of a mystery as to why the Kagirinai would want you to assist us. Truth is we are dealing with something you have seen. I know you didn't actually participate in the fight that killed the Third, but You have seen the Reanimation Jutsu." Kiba looked side long at Ryo and was quiet for a moment. "We have someone that has mastered this forbidden art more so than even old Snake boy. We were once guardians of such forbidden arts, but it is one of the arts we never put into our arsenals. As shinobi we honor the dead's right to rest. We know next to nothing about how it is done. Now we have a legion of the dead walking the Land of Demons. I know it sounds like something from a horror tale, but it is happening." Roukyou's face twitched as he realized how bizarre this must sound, but it was the truth. The dead had infested the already feared and mythologized Land of Demons. "This is of more concern than it sounds. I know the land is already full of creatures unimaginable, but this is different. They are being guided to find the source of an Ancient power. A power we of the Kagirinai have guarded for millennium. A power should it fall into the wrong hands would begin Another Great Shinobi War. Whoever is after it is determined to gain it's power. We have to find them and eliminate them." Kiba realized this said little as to Ryo was needed with a pang of sorrow he continued on. "The Kagirinai have fallen. We are but twenty now. You are by far the best shinobi I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and I trust you. In the event that The immortals are wiped out I need an outsider to learn and carry on our legacy recruiting and training those that show potential for the arts. They will be immortal in name only, but you will help us keep our name." Kiba resisted the urge to prob his friends emotions. He feared his reaction. "Of course you will assist in the investigation of the events of late as well, but You are to be my race's heir should we be destroyed."

Ryouko kept pace, nodding at the wolf. Now was as good a time as any to ask, he guessed. His cigarette gone, he pulled at the fabric under his collar- a Kakashi-style mask. It was still damned cold, and Ryouko wanted to make sure he wouldn't breathe in any poison. This was dangerous company he was traveling in- attack was likely enough.

"How about telling me more of why I'm on this magical mystery tour, Kiba? I hate to work blind..."
--

I think it would be good to hear at least part of the reason now.

Kiba let his mind listen quietly to Ryoko's thoughts. Roukyou gave his friend a small smile and a clap on the shoulder. Turning to the ledges of the mountain Roukyou gave a sharp whistle and waited. After a moment as large timber wolf bounded To Roukyou's side. Roukyou gave the wolf a pet on the head. Turning back to Ryoko Kiba gave a wolfish smile. "This is Hakatsoyo. He is a new face since we last spoke. He is simply a wolf, but since you I have found a majority of human friendship rather boring. Anyway, Let's go." Without another word Roukyou bounded off to the east the lay of the land still as fresh in his mind as it had been four years ago when he had served as the Villages ANBU.
____________________

We can Time skip if you like or we can discuss the reason I need Ryo on the run. lol

Ojousama...the village...surely it won't crumble without me. I'm unworthy as a servant to either now. She is...the village is...out of my reach.

Ryouko gave a gaze to the village. A chill ran through him.
This...feels like the last time I'll ever be here. This is a temporary thing.
I tell myself that, but what is this feeling?

"...Right. Lead the way. I can keep pace."

Roukyou simply nodded. He had known the answer befur it was spoken. despite his hatred of the procedure Roukyou was what he was and had been waiting quietly in his friends mind listening to his thoughts. Roukyou took a deep breath and let it out slowly staring out at the Village of the Leaf again. "This is good. Pardon my Brash and seemingly obtuse way of giving you the choice. Time is of the essence. As for who it was that loaned you to us. Do you really think the Immortals stray far from their connections with the Villages we were once the guardians of?" Roukyou let a small smile cross his face. "Lady Tsunade put up quite a fight at my request just so you know. She was loath to give up one of her best shinobi. Sakura-chan was rather distressed at the news as well. I thought she was going to take a swing at me she overhear Lady T and I talking." Kiba gave a sheepish smile slip. "Truth be told I have been here three days in total and have been to see Lady T twice." Kiba cracked his neck and kicked a small stone absently with his toe. "We had best be off. My group is about a days sprint from here."

The cigarette dropped out of Ryouko's mouth in surprise. There were a number of things that shocked him about this. Kiba was never this crass, for starters. Secondly, he had BEEN LOANED- by who? Who the hell saw fit to loan him out? But more importantly...the 'village of the immortals'.

"..."

What about Azami, Ryouko wondered? Sakura-Ojousama was out of his reach, to be sure. But...no, there were no answers. There was no one waiting for Ryouko at home-yet.

"Residence...no. But..." Ryouko half-grinned. "I could be pursauded to make an extended visit. It's not every day you get to go to such an interesting place with a rich history. Sure, lead the way."

Kiba sighed and cracked his neck again his features darkening a bit and a bit of his true age showing through. "You are right my friend. No matter how I wish this could be no more than a social call it is not." Kiba gave his friend a sidelong look then looked out over the valley a wistfully. "As always you are business as always. You really do work to hard, It'll send you to an early grave my friend. Sometimes I wish for that luxury only death in combat can end my endless trip of life." Roukyo absently raised a hand to the band on his upper arm and brushed the symbol of the immortals on the band there. Turning to face his friend Kiba sighed and pulled a sealed scroll from the folds of his military jacket. "You are here because I can trust you as an old friend. You have been loaned to the Kagirinai. These are your orders. I will not force you to accept them Ryo. Do you accept the request to take up residence in the Land of Demons with the remains of the Kagirinai?"

Ryouko exhaled again, looking at the view. He had seen it many times, yet was never disappointed by it's majestic beauty.
"Can't blame you. And I suppose you're right about that. Nothing less than 20 year old aged sake would get Lady Tsunade up here."

Kiba, of course, brought up the 'pervy samurai' thing. Not to mention the even worse 'Azami' thing.

"The girl had me dead to rights. But she didn't kill me. She did-not-kill-me...She saw me naked, and that wasn't ideal. But that's not what upset me. I...might be in love with her. And not just because I've seen her naked." Ryouko put the cigarette to his mouth. "I'm not that shallow, no matter what that BS legend you cooked up says."

Ryouko exhaled, and slid a sideways glance toward Kiba. "But that isn't why you wanted me to meet you here, is it? If it weren't important, we could have communicated via summons. Not that I'm not anxious to catch up with an old friend, but business before pleasure is a hard habit to break. So I'll just ask:
What brings you back?"

Kiba cracked his neck and took a sniff of the cold mountain air and let a brief smile play across his face as he caught the scent of his old friend wafting up from the side of the cliff. He was clearly taking his time getting up here. Kiba pushed himself up straight and strode a few paces from the gnarled tree he had been leaning against. Flicking his wrist again the senbon he had been twirling vanished. Kiba stared at his old friend as he emerged from over the cliffs edge in the distance and casually strode towards him. The same Ryouko, but perhaps more ragged and worn looking, yet Kiba could tell by the power emanating from him that his strength had grown considerably. Kiba let a rueful half smile play on his lips as his friend greeted him.
"My choice was made mostly because I wanted to see the village again." Kiba looked out over the valley again a ghost of longing flickering in his eyes. This past and he turned back to Ryo a grin on his face. "You know the Village knows who and what I am. What kind of stir would it have caused if I had walked through the village? the Kage of the Immortals strolling to the Kage building?" Kiba let out a barking laugh and clapped Ryo on the shouler. "It's good to see you my friend. My apologies for the location of the meeting. I have grown used to the colds of the Land of Demons." Kiba grinned wolfishly and lowered his head. "I guess the Famous Pervy Samurai has gotten to used to spending his time in the hot tub with the ladies." Kiba cocked a brow at Ryo and grinned even larger. "I hear you had some fun with an assassin here not to long ago. I can just see you fighting her while trying to keep your privates covered. Oh how I wish I could have been there." Kiba gave another barking laugh.

'Ryouko' wondered why he was still using an alias. He had found his comfortable, safe home. And yet...
I don't belong yet.

Exhaling on a cigarette, he walked casually up the mountain with his chakra focused to his feet. He wore no hat, but donned a tattered brown 3/4 length coat. This was no shinobi mission, and the mountains were damned cold.

Spotting his aquantance in the distant, Ryouko strode forward perfectly, offering no greeting. His friend already knew he was there, so he waited until he got close enough to stand on the same peak as Kiba.

"You picked a hell of a spot for a rendevous. Might I suggest somewhere flat and temperant next time? Maybe the grasslands of Kusagakure?"

Aw! You're noming on the treats! I tend to do that a lot with my favorite foods! XD Of course you're a good furry! Ah, that's interesting, so you like learning and studying them? Yeah, I read that not all of them stuck to it. Awh, thank you! :) I love your barking laugh! My day was pretty much busy but I had fun cooking and helping with dinner. It snowed really bad? It was really cool today and it was windy every now and then, which is very nice, actually.

Okay, bye Kiba! Talk to you later and have a nice night!

Azami is really a lot of fun to write about. And she would fit into Ryouko's life perfectly, minus the criminal thing. She's sexy, exciting, dangerous, and totally in charge. Exactly what Ryouko needs, since he won't get the guts up himself to admit he likes her (not to mention his whole crush on Sakura that he can't just forget). Plus, the cruelty made me outline the fact that she's just as clueless as Ryouko about the opposite sex, despite her charm and beauty. (Plus, it has the added benefit of giving Ryouko a female rival/love interest.)
I could just dream that the rl version of her is like that, lol! No, seriously, she's a sweetheart in real life. Very friendly, nice looking, good job. I'm sure I've told you about the 'it's a small world' thing, so you know how that wound up, lol. (I can laugh now, but that means I'm still thinking about it)
At any rate, really glad you liked the chapters! That fic is my new pride and joy, since I finished Tides of Time. That turned out to be a monster of a fic- the last five chapters were 5000 words or more, with the last chapter being 10000! I can't believe I did that! I must've been nuts! Who the hell would read a 10000 word chapter?! lol.
Well, I'm going to get going for tonight. I'm going to fall asleep on the keyboard if I don't.
Hope to catch you tomorrow. Ttyl!

Maybe, but I still can't admit that I'm 'normal'. lol. At any rate, I will PM them some time.
I'm looking forward to your OC's introducution.

I'd have to PM you with some of the better ones, lol. Not stuff a 'Disney' image like me should think of, lol.
Izumi's one of my fav chars. I'd love to work her in, eventually. I was reading my last reply, and I just keep thinking of the potential this RP has.

Fun, and practical for people like me who can't draw their own fantasies XD.

I think this'll be their first meeting. Because Holmes is so new to the military, he shouldn't know Ed by face yet. Just by name. And considering Holmes wants to learn alchemy to impress Lt Hawkeye, that would make for an interesting something like this:
Holmes: Please teach me!
Ed: No.
Holmes: I'll pay you.
Ed: No.
Holmes: What will it take for you to be my teacher?!
Ed:...you want a teacher? I've got one for you. Ever been to Dublith? That's where MY teacher is. She'll be really helpful to you.
(1 month later, on Yock Island)
Holmes: WAAAAAH! (Running from Mason) It's not worth it! It's just not worth it!

It's all in good fun XD
Can't wait to see what you come up with. And where Roy is, Ed and Al show up eventually. I'm still debating whether or not they should know Holmes already, or if this is their first meeting.

You two possess a unique talent, then. Working as a team to create that is a gift, for sure.
That would be interesting. I wonder how Roy would react. Go with it? Mistake it for something else? Burn Holmes to a crisp? lol, lots of choices!

You certainly DO seem to be an expert on the subject, lol.
This one idea I had is one I think you'll like. It involved Holmes overhearing something good, but having no way to relay it to anyone. So he asks Lt Hawkeye out so he can tell her.

All I can say is you two do good work :)
We don't have to follow the manga strictly, if we get more creativity out of bending it slightly.

Asbolutely I did. It really helped my night perk up a bit^^ The attention to detail was amazing!
Yup, lots of ideas. And they fit in the storyline nicely, too, and will give you a chance to work in that 'mature' approach you mentioned.

It achieved both affects, happily^^ lol.
Sure thing. Looking forward to continuing :) I would up with a TON of ideas.

Well, if that didn't make me happy, then there's something wrong with me :)

Care to RP?

HI Kiba! How are you? I'm in a great mood. That was some quality stuff Kilynn showed me ;)

I'll be around for a while tonight.

yup im commenting to you even though youre sitting next to me! hmmn..BARK BARK BARK BARK! grrrrrrrrrrrrs hehehe. anywho i wuffs ya! hehe

Oh yeah xp I actually don't really study though. I generally don't need to to get an A or B. Though I'll probably study a little for such a big test o.o I did well on my PSATs without studying at all really. Academics are one of my fortes I suppose... Guess I got lucky :)

Oh ok. I'm pretty good :) SAT preparation and what not. It's that time of my life

Wow really? Your New Year is in October? Why is that? -feels like she's asking a dumb question-
^^ Glad to hear you're doing well then

"My apologies, Lt. I'll get it right next time," Holmes said, turning to grin a little over his shoulder. As he turned his head back, he caught the end of the Lt's salute. He nearly tripped over his own feet, but managed to catch himself.
I guess I'm one of them now...But it makes sense. I'm only a private- so low on the totem pole that no one else would bother with me. It makes me the perfect messenger.

--

Meanwhile...

Havoc sat up in the attic bedroom where Holmes had put him. It gave him a nice view of central, which was a damn site better than the hospital's view.
"Except for the nurses! Damn it, Holmes! Bring a girl here once in a while, will you?!"

Havoc was the Pvt's sole confidant. He know about Holmes' feelings for Hawkeye. It was Havoc who told Holmes he should learn alchemy, if he was able.
When insurance money ran low, and Havoc was starting to worry he was a burden to his parents, Holmes had showed up to take him in. It wasn't just a clever manuever; Holmes genuinely liked Havoc and did what he could to keep him in the loop.
--

Holmes stood outside Mustang's office for what seemed like hours. Just as he got his courage up to knock on the door, a giant hand clapped him on the shoulder.
It was Major Armstrong.
((Do you mind being the Major? I was thinking he'd tie in when Mustang sends Holmes to Briggs))
--
"You should really try to like the Colonel, Ed. Even though I can't disagree with you. I hope...you know. I hope he and all of his men are okay. I can't help wanting to check up on them. We're the kids, but the adults are the ones in trouble.
Let's see...Central is only one stop away from Tirol town by train...we're only a few minutes away."
Al clapped Ed on the shoulder. "Well, at least we can get the special rates on the train. One piece of baggage, and one child's ticket."
Al snickered, wondering how Ed would react. It was better he got all this out of his system BEFORE they met the Colonel.

Holmes heart skipped a beat. He had a thing for Lt Hawkeye, and he was sure she was going to figure it out sooner or later.
"I'm familiar enough with the situation to know that the weather isn't the only cold thing at Ft Briggs. I hear certain hearts have frozen over as well..."
Holmes adjusted his position, standing up straighter at Hawkeye's comparison of him to Mustang. And at her smile, he was sure he didn't look like the tough pvt role he was trying to play.
"I'll report to Col Mustang immediately. Thank you..."
Holmes gave the Lt a brave smile, and turned to leave, but stopped short. He breathed in once, then turned back to the Lt.
"Lt, I nearly forgot. I brought you coffee this morning. Regular, black. I hope the bottom of the pot is okay. It's all they had left at the diner."
Holmes gave the Lt a meaningful glance, hoping she would realize he meant for her to read the bottom of the cup. On the bottom, he had put an address. It was a safehouse of sorts, and it was being manned by a special guest.
He hopes the cigarette insignia would be enough to get the message to her.
After one more salute, he was gone. He hadn't walked farther than around the corner before he began to worry for her.
--

Al tried to stifle his laughter. It was so easy to rile up Ed sometimes.
"Sorry. I guess I'm a little homesick. Ed...about our bodies...I mean...where do we go next? We should try to get a lead. I know you don't like him, but the Col might be able to help."



Ed looked down and shook his fists balled and vein pulsed in his forhead. Speaking slowly through his teeth Ed didn't turn to face Al. "Who are you say is to short that if he wanted to he would have to have the girl on her knees to reach with pole." Ed Turned around and growled at Al. I don't visit home because We still haven't found a way to get our bodies back. Once we do we will return home. As for Winry. She has nothing to do with why we don't go home often. Besides the last thing I want is a wrench to the side of my head. She would take a look at my arm and try to tear me apart.

Okay. Let's see... This has to start between Holmes and Hawkeye; Ed and Al. They aren't together yet. It'd be weird if they were randomnly together. lol.

So then.


Holmes: (Saluting crisply) Lt Hawkeye, good morning! I'm ready to begin duty. What are my orders today?
((This is where I imagine he's ordered to Roy, and tipped off by Hawkeye about what's going on))

--

Al: Big Brother, why can't we go home to Resembool once in a while? I mean, if you're trying to avoid confessing to Winry until you're taller...
((Wow. Al's mean!))

Awsome Art by the way, WOW!

sounds cool!

More has just been PM'ed to you.

That was a good chat with RL, wasn't it? Oh, btw, I got her to agree to illustate some of the RP!

blah blah blah blah nom nom nom nom bark bark bark bark woof! hehe idk i wuffs you! ^^

Howdy Kiba

Yes, happy 4th! Oops, it's over now -_-' It was a long day on my end, too.

This'll be a good fight, I think. In the mean time, I'll try to think up something to do with Ryuu or Wolf, so we're not at a complete standstill.

(graps paw tighter) Aw, poor wuffie :P Too bad. Kitty ain't lett'in go til she gets a post >:3

Oof~! *is smoosheded by big paw* Oi~! Whe is Kiba-sama going to post? :O :P Lol *turns around and grabs onto paw* Me no let go~!! >:D Muahaha!

His attack failed, Katsuyori considered his options. He wouldn't show anger, or fear. He would simply stay as stoic as tradition dictated.
"I judge you as you justed my sensei. If you had kept your hog jowls out of this, all of this would have been averted. Instead, you pretend that you're self-righteous. It's people claim that who are usually farthest from the path of jutsice."

"Don't compare me to my sensei. There's a reason he is the instructor, not I! I'm no master. But I AM what a student should be- loyal!"

Katsuyori decided on how he would work his next move. He put his fan away, drew both swords, and held them out at his sides in Miyamoto Musashi's famous 'open on all eight sides' stance. He would wait to react to Kiba this time. And once Kiba got in close, he would follow one more ancient style of attack.

"You betrayed sensei! You slandered his record! If he's become a fugitive, I wouldn't blame him! He told me everything that happened, and if it were I in sensei's place, I would do exactly as he did. You have no right to judge anyone. You're closer to being a terrorist than I am!"

Katsuyori spun his fan, opening it long enough to blow a blast of air at Kiba. Then he darted forward, shut the slats, then snapped them open again. The metal slats were sharpened, so they could cut easily.
Not waiting to see if his strike had landed, Katsuyori aimed a kick at Kiba's knee and sword cut at his head.

Ahahaha haha haaaaaaaah Kiba, I refuse to click that link`!!!

puppy puppy puppy starts wiff p p p! hehe ^^ i wuff you!

Sure, it works nicely. Besides, it's no more ludicrious that crossing Tsunade and living to tell about it! (I was sorely tempted to suggest Ryouko hitting on Tsunade in the RP too...you remember those stupid conversations I thought up)

I love it! Although I'm tempted to have Ryouko die the same way as the 3rd- except he succeeds. Or, better yet, he finds a way to use the Reaper Death Seal without dying, and then Hidan kills him!

Thanks very much. I can't believe I forgot it!

Oh, I forgot! I've been dying to link my three fave chapters to you! I wrote these over the course of a week, and it's my best battle ever!

http://www.fanart-central.net/chapter-91663.html
http://www.fanart-central.net/chapter-91682.html
http://www.fanart-central.net/chapter-91718.html

Yeah- ^__^ Great post~! Lol, you weren't kidding when you said Kiba was going to be really rude Lol Well it looks like his grouchyness came to an abrupt end heh, I'm anxious to find out what will happen next! 0_0 >__< :D

Yeah. It sucked. I've got to rest it a lot still, unfortunately.

Things would certainly be easier if everyone knew some self defense.

Sure, I'll post right now.

Glad you liked it. Poor Holmes and his puppy love for Hawkeye! lol. of course he's going to love the girl he can't have XD

Hey.

Nah, it's fine. I haven't been on as often since my hand injury. I just healed, so I'm good to go now!

Still, not everyone is cut out for self defense, so I guess it's unfair to impose our standards on everyone, lol!

Oh, no, not at all. This works out nicely. It gives Ryouko a chance to sink a little lower, lol.

as i see.
well for me i am still under age so i cant work or anything. so im not busy, thts why im bored.

It happens, no need to apologize.

Self defense, for those who are able, should be their own responsibility. It's too bad so many take advantage of that.

It's very good. I should prob tell you where I need to end up with it. Ryouko has to be able to talk to Ryuu at the end. Beyond that, he's determined to make sure Orochimaru and Kabuto live. Then he'll find out about Sasuke during the village destruction arc. How does that sound?

Yeah, I'm not really a pro at all. I've only gone twice but I've gotten pretty good at it. :) Not falling down that is, haha~

Np ^^

good.
still bored as ever.
wat have u been doing??

I know! It's such a rare occurence these days!

I'd rather take care of myself when it comes down to it. I'd hate for someone to feel bad on my account if they screwed up.

Enjoy^^

Your posts are always good. It'll be fine :)

hey
how hav u been??

Nun worries, it won't change anything. :P I always knew you were a "Fur", I just never knew what a "Fur" was lol

Hahaha, yeah~ It was a pretty good nap other than I was the "bottom pillow" in the back seat xD Everybody leaned on the person to the right, and I just so happened to be in the far right window seat Lol

skiing huh? Lol I've only ever gone snowboarding. Do you skii?

I think being armed goes hand in hand with being self-sufficient. If you can't protect yourself...well, you should. Waiting for someone else to protect you... suppoe that help doesn't come?

I think you'll enjoy it. It's my first time writing something like that, so you'll probably find it amusing. I'll be PMing you more of it shortly. The first half will make more sense once I do.

I don't think Kiba came across that way. It was more like a hero returning. When that happens, they're always more powerful (or seem so) for a while. Besides, all of us know you know better :)

Ohhh. That's too bad. :( I'm Christian ^__^ Mormon, to be exact. Lol, don't worry I won't judge you :P I may not agree with you, but no worries, I promise not to bug you about it at all <3 C:

Yeah it was ^_^ We only go once a year, but I wish it was more often. It was tiring, but I had a nice nap on the way home from the lake Haha~ ^^

I'm doin fine :) Got to go boating with my youth group this morning and wake boarded for the first time ^__^ It was tons of fun, but really tiring and hard on the arms :P Lol

You?

Ahuh- anthro? :O (Heh! Sorry I think I live in a box lol)*shrug* Lol, never heard of that before, I guess. ^___^0 idk, lol "fur" is just funny and different to me so I likes it *shrug*

Ya, I didn't think you were goddmoding :) No worries~ A pox on all god moders >:3 Lol, I agree

*shakes head* I thought it was just fine ^__^ Keep up the good work~! <3 Lol, and your "fur"s instead of "for"s are amazing Hahaha Doesn't bug me in the slightest ;)(though I still really have no idea what a FUr is ^__^0)

Aw, you're so sweet. <3 -strokes your furry cheek- I just woke up. -yawns quickly, rubbing my eyes- C: -playing with some of the fur on your head- Really?! O.O -smiles- Aww.. that's so kind of her, tell her thank you! She didn't have to.. <3 Oh, I see. Walmart has tons of workers. How's your day goin'?

Lol, good luck, then, eh? xDD Aw, that's too bad about your job <:O What is your job any way?

And you're post was alright. :) Took a few liberties, but in a good way that I can easily tolerate and appreciate~ <3

Here I am!

It's okay. Sleep isn't a crime.

You're lucky. I'm def getting a permit to carry guns and knives in a couple months. Not because they're super necessary around here, but because I feel better armed. Though I'd prefer a sword...lol.

Well, I'll pm you the little bit I have so far of the FMA fic. I think you'll get a chuckle...

Your posts are fine. It's clever how you reintegrated yourself into the story. I'm looking forward to Kiba and Ryouko meeting again.

That sounds intense~! You'll have to let me know if your plan works x3 Lol

Yesh~ I is writting out Akane's angry responses right now Lol

-cradles both of you guys, chortling- Aww.. and you're a nice bro too, you give me furry kisses, furry licks, and nuzzles! :D That's so sweet. Well, I'm looking forward to it, you guys draw great furries. ^^ You work for Walmart? So does my Father! O.O

Yeah~ I don't know how sincere this can sound coming from one who loves to eat meat, but it pisses me off when animals get hurt ot killed for any other reason other than a meal >__> Lately a lot of people around meh neighborhood have been forced to move because they couldn't afford the homes they were living in. Now there are tons of abandoned, stray cats hanging around. :O

Ah, lol, I don't really know~ Heh ^__^ Probably just cuz I was excited I to read it~

Yeah. I always hate hearing about the tradegies where babies or dogs are left in the car for a short while and die~ It's too creepy *shudder* But luckily not very common~ The report I heard was from a couple months ago about some police dog. :(

Hahahahaha, I LOL'd when I saw you're post~! "Yay! More Longness~! Lol" Imma go read it now >:D Ahahahaha

I was furious with the internet. I'm really sorry about that. They didn't fix the internet for me until 1:00, 1:30 or so -_-' I'll be around as much as posible Sunday. I've got work during the day for four hours or so, but after that I'll be home and online.

Ah, is that right? Thanks Kiba! I need to know for my first FMA fic!I've been gobbling up FMA as fast as Naruto lately! In fact, if you combine Havoc, Hughes, and Mustang, you get a Ryouko-ish mix! (of course, the girl he'd aim for is Hawkeye. I can never let my OC win ;) )

-giggles- Teehee, the nice girl? Wow, thanks. Well, it's no problem at all! I gots tons that are just for you two. Ahh.. I see, that makes sense. She's a good artist, I miss talking to her! I should drop a hello on her profile. She doesn't have to post any art though anytime soon, tell her she can take her time. ^^ So what's up, tonight A1?

Ah! So that’s it! I can’t believe I forgot :O They said it so many times in the show >__< Lol, and I love FMA so it was driving me nuts that I couldn’t remember ^___^0
Hurricanes, eh? Never been in a hurricane before :) Sounds like fun xDD Lol I live in AZ, the other seasons are pretty alright but its Summer that kills. Everything is hot >_> Not muggy, just scorching hot~ Where do you live? The only place I’ve ever been to where there’s muggy weather is Washington D.C. during a family vacation. We got lost walking around town one day and everything was so sticky and sweaty and gross >_> Bleh, so I got a taste of what it’s like in humid weather. Terrible~! Makes this desert seem a lot more merciful. Lol

lol hi that happens to me a lot to

Damn dirty demon internet! It acted up tonight, of all times! I'll be around for a while, if you come on. Sorry about that -_-'

Lol, RP filler arcs. Rl and I had a good battle, too. You must've had a heck of a lot of reading to do!

I haven't started making the story yet, but soon!

The next idea is to have Ryouko return to the Hidden Leaf with Sound Village prisoners. He plans to form a military-ish thing to counter Orochimaru's next 'village destruction' attempt. Though we can easily change that as it's not set in stone yet.

Yes~! I mean, Kiba had to have been doing something during all the excitement, yes? Not just sitting at home sleeping, then waking up and jumping into battle. Lol

Ahhh~ I love the rain and hate the heat too >_> It's almost monsoon season here X3 That's means 1) Lots of rain and storms 2) More scorpians taking shelter in the house

But, I think the rain's worth it~ Lol Muggy? Hm? Ouch~! It's hot here, but not muggy :P I guess I can be grateful for that at least~!! Lol

That's great. -giggles softly at you nuzzling me, shaking a finger- Tell her I gave it to her, too, is she hungry? -chuckles- Really? I'd like to see her art soon. -wraps my arms around you and her, squeezing both of your furry cheeks-

hi what's up^^

Aww, that's great. I'm glad you had fun though. =D -throws another treat at you- You can give that to her since she's hungry. I just finished drawing something, have you continued drawing, hm? ^^

Really? It sucked awfully? xD Wow, I had no idea, was it even funny? Awww.. did you have fun there? It would be nice to have furry ears. -giggles- I hope you have a good time at the convention next year. -warm smile and hands you a crispy doggie treat- Here. x3 It's been a while since you got one from me.

Hiya there, how have you been A1?! =3 -giggles once you pounce on me and begin licking me- I understand, don't worry about that, I just hope you and Jenny are doing good. Tell her I say hi! X3 I miss you two like crazy. C: I've been fine, I took like a four week break on here not too long ago. xD;

Lol, I actually think I would have been worried if it HADN'T been long ^__^0 A whole lot happened~ Haha. I'm not sure when the others get on exactly ^__^0 I don't pay attention enough, heh~

Lucky~ rain~ nice~ >_> So hot here~ bleh

gtg ^_________^0

HEY~!! :D x3 Finally~! Nah, you're post was perfect :D Akane is still young, such a perfected trick like that from Kiba would have fooled her, so I see no flaw ^^ It was wonderfully written~ Overall, a great comeback~ >:3

Lately, we've been trying to think of what's going to happen next :) After this little (growing bigger xD) filler arc we've been runnin.

*hugs~!* Rrrr!!! Welcome back welcome back! I'm anxious to go on :) This be the best and longest running RP I've ever been in~!!!! X3 Wah~!!!

If you drop me a line a day in advance, I can get on and talk on your schedule once in a while.
Btw, I got into FMA! Man, that is some great stuff!

heya wud up

Hi Kiba and Jenny!

are you married yet^^

hiya

Hey! :) Just stopping bye to say hello, miss ya in the RP, and all that jazz.

I heard about your crazy job with crazy hours O_O That's crazy and all but you better get back to the RP some time this century >:) Hahaha~ just kidding-- but We're all anxiously waiting your return! :P

See ya later!

Good to hear from you, Kiba! I really hope all is going well for you. I haven't been on much since a couple of injuries, so I haven't been able to chat much either.

Ah, thank you. I've got a couple filler arcs planned with RL and Ryuu.

Oh, btw, I just started reading FMA, and I'm so sorry I waited this long!

Give my best to Jenny.

hello^^

hey bro

how are you ?

well yesterday morning around 11 am.. I was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance , because I couldn't breathe .. i as having an asthmatic attack.. I had wires and hooked up to me and a tube up my nose...I was at the hospital till like 10pm ..... I shill am a bit shaky from the Ventolin they had me on yesturday..


well luv ya lots bro...
I think I'm gonna tell jenny what happend my self kk
*gives you a big hug and waves bye*
TTYL

Oh, Happy Belated Birthday then, Jenny. Glad to hear things are shaping up for you and Kiba^^ Hope things keep getting better. Good to hear from you!

Konnichiwa nii-san and nee-chan. It's been a while ^^ how's it going? gosh, I miss you guys, I haven't talked to you in forever! *hops on Ryu's back and gives an adorable cat-like smile* Nya!

Hi bro! -hugs- Hi sis! -hugs- I've missed you, and Jenny.

How are things going? I'm doing fine just so know. I have a law essay due on Monday, but I'm finished it already. I handed in my english one to my classes blog cite today, and finished all of my english for this unit. I haven't done my math work yet, but I will soon, same with my chemistry. I have a law test on Tuesday, and I know I'll pass that one. I think I have a math test on either Thrusday or Monday.

Oh, Happy Early Easter! I hope you and Jenny get lots of chocolate, cuz I know I will! ^_^

Well, I'll talk to you later bro. -hugs- Loves you bro! Loves you sis! -hugs Jenny- Bye!

Hi Kiba (and you, too, Jenny).
Hope things are going well.

Say, Kiba, I had an idea for the RP. Not sure if you like it or not, but what I came up with this:

(Kiba reports to Tsunade)
Lady Tsunade: I'd like to know on what authority you tried to arrest Ryouko. He is a unique case, and had my full permission! His leaving the village is your own doing. I will not have you muddying the waters further. I WILL give you a chance to redeem yourself. Is there anyone who COULD bring Ryouko back? People he trusts above all others?

(The answer to that is 'Sakura', 'Shikamaru', and 'Asuma', but I would recommend including Ryuu).


-
So kiba would tell Tsunade more or less about Ryouko's feelings for Sakura.

And, finally, how about this- I'd like to introduce the bounty of Ryouko's head. (The Mist Village has him on their hit list for 25 million ryo for stealing an artifact and interrupting an execution).

If Ryuu is okay with it, she could consider collecting the bounty or something. I can talk with her after I talk to you about it.

Hey~ I'd say it's about time for your turn in the flashback I've been writing. Haha, right? I'm not entirely sure where we're going from here?

Haha, that's good~ lol, and thanks.

So then you saw my post that I'm wanting to draw pictures of eerybody, right? If you could just send me a description through PM I should be able to finish it in a day or two. ^^

Hey Your alive ^^ haha~ ^^

I know I didn't have to change her looks, but I like the new look better anyway. I prepaired a before and after picture so you could see the major difference I saw: http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc258/jaderose77/?action=view&current=Narutocharacterbeforeandafter.jpg
kk

That is a great idea! I can just see one of them saying 'hey, watcha doin' new girl! Whoa, these things are, like, H-sized!" or something, lol!

I think I will. It just seems to make sense, and it'll give her a chance to jump in.

I like that! Although what I had was that he's actually in the giant bath with all of them. He's facing away, turning thirty shades of red, hoping he'll be left alone. One girl who can cancel magic is also in the room, so he's making sure not to face her. But the girls are friendly, and they all want to meet the 'new girl'. I originally had them fondling him/her, but had to draw the line, sadly. lol.

Your post made perfect sense to me. The situation being what it is, it suited it perfectly.
I was just thinking that maybe Ryouko should have someone to explain himself to. Maybe Ryuu (she seemed sympathetic to his cause) or something. Someone else who hears his side of the story, and maybe actively decides he's in the right.

Anyway, I've got to be going for tonight. Hope to catch you on tomorrow. Say hi to Jenny for me.

lol, sure we do! It's kind of you to notice. I'm looking forward to working with you :)

Okay then, ttyl.

I'm not getting my hopes up, though.

I hope. I really want the RP to pick up steam. It's got a ton of potential.

lol, sorry I'm boring XD

that's awesome, being a pet specialist. sounds really fun. but yeah, i've been doing really good. we just started our second semester about a month ago. rihgt now my classes are grade 11 chemistry, english, math and grade 12 law. last semester i took grade 11 social science, law, art and biology. i did really good in those classes, and i'm not doing so bad in then ones i'm in now. in english, we just sit around "working" on our debates(btw, i'm in english now, on a friends laptop, lol), in law, we take notes, and did a presentation on a phliosopher of law, in chemistry, we do really awesome expiraments, and made a brocher on an element(i chose cobalt), and in math we graph a crap losd of functions, and simplify a crap load of rational expressions. so, i guess you culd say that the most work that i do right now is in my math class. well, i'll talk to you later, my friend needs his laptop. *hugs* loves you bro! ^_^

((lol, really. Then she should have read my latest fics! I've been on a romantic comedy streak, and it's made for some interesting dialogue!))

((Btw, Kiba, I screwed up. Let's follow your scenario. What I meant in my last post was that Ryouko was only threatening to slash his neck. Taking himself captive, in effect. But let's go with this, it's more interesting))

"The dead don't feel pain...My slash was precise. I would have died before the pain would have registered. Or, it would have appeared that way."

Ryouko kicked the clone's body. "It's funny that you assisted me with the jutsu that just saved me. A small concentration of chakra in the place of the cut to prevent real damage, leaving me with only a superficial cut. So this mirror stunt is more mind games."

Ryouko looked around, wondering how to combat this.

"You're really doing your best not to hurt me seriously. I'd appreciate that, IF we were sparring. This is life or death combat. When you're done running around like a scalded dog, we can end this much quicker. Now then..."

Ryouko bit his thumb and yanked out four pieces of paper. He threw them around him, blood from his thumb on each one. Then, mysteriously, he collected them again and put them away. He focused his chakra and stuck himself to the side of a pillar. He finally extracted a weapon: A small, hand-held fan. The fan didn't look like much, but the slats were metal and sharpened. Not much use- yet. But holding a weapon clamed Ryouko down, and helped him think. He found a solution.

"Tatsunokuchi: Dragon Gargoyle Head! Water Style: Moving River!"

Water spewed from the gargoyle's head and began to fill the room at a slow pace.

"Now then, at some point we're going to have to escape. That, or we'll both be dead, either by each other's hands, or because we drowned. You're move, doggie!"

(I'm going to get going for tonight. Ttyl!)

KIba raised a brow at Ryo's erratic and irrational behavior,but copied him none the less placing a blade to his own neck and repeated his speech word for word. With a desperate thought Kiba cast around in his head for a way out of this without breaking face. If this Technic was to work it had to be done correctly and perfectly timed. A bead of sweat glistened on his brow as he ran the jutsu through his mind willing his chakra to do his bidding without the use of handseals which was a difficult feat. As Ryo slashed the blade acoss his throat Kiba released several Jutsu at once. First one blunting the blade Ryo had slashed himself with but letting it retain the feeling the pain would have given. The second one replacing Kiba's body with a clone in the blink of an eye. A difficult feat which left a knick on his neck as Kiba flickered to safety out of sight. The clone replacing where he had stood not fairing so well. Kiba hoped this would startle Ryo enough to possibly end the fight. Even if Ryo were to examin the body Kiba held the chakra flow into the clone with difficulty (as a dead clone was hard to create)letting it fade back into Kiba's image with a slashed neck.

I can't win...

Ryouko knew that. He had been in tight spots, but this time he really stood no chance. He could make a desperate move, but even he couldn't be sure of the results. All the same.

"Sis Mea Pars," Ryouko said in disgust. His clones disappeared and their chakra flowed back to him.

"Kiba, I haven't spent these past years doing nothing. There's more to me than you know. You can follow handsigns, but..."

Ryouko saw himself and tripped over his words. "Damn you..." he finally growled. Backed into a corner, he played his last desperate ace.

"Fine then, copy of mine. Follow my lead!" Ryouko held a kunai to his own neck. "You know how samurais are, Kiba. Honor above all. And losing to you after all this...not honorable in the least. But if I'm going to fall, it'll be by MY hand!"

Kiba watched from his vantage point on the pillar as one of Ryo's clones with a blind puch succeded in burning Ryo. With that burn Kiba watched as with a grimace of pain Ryo ralized his trick. As Ryo ordered his clones towards his Kiba gave another silent command and his clones took a step backwards through the barrier to the space between the layers now safe from inside and outside attack should they be interupted. Continuing to sit cooly on the pillar Kiba reached out with his mind toward Ryo hoping to catch his next move as he thought it. As Ryo Scaled the wall Kiba detected the faintest ghost of a jutsu eminate in the distant mind of Ryo. With a silent grin Kiba matched the hasty handseals of Ryo Casting a berage of Exploding shadow Shuriken back at Ryo. "Seriousness is in the eyes of the beholder my friend." Kiba let the thin smile continue. "Let's see how he enjoys fighting himself and his clones. With a few handseals the mind Jutsu was complete. The next time Ryo looked at him he would see himself and Kiba was going to have fun with this. Nothing like fighting a mirror. "Now for the final touches. A copy of his clones." Creating three new clones identical to Ryo's Kiba sent them off to wander the arena just as Ryo's were.

Ryouko didn't notice that Kiba's attack had been a genjutsu until he misstepped and a clone burned him. The darkness lifted.

So this is how far his mind attacks run... my 'specialty' is useless. And now we're penned in. I'd recognize that jutsu anywhere after watching the Third Hokage die. I never DID learn how to break it, either. Just as well. I don't want any intereference in this match.

Ryouko changed his tactics. Using bursts of speed by opening and closing the first gate of chakra, he took note of the locations of the cloens. They could move quickly. A clone to clone defense was the best. His sword-toting clones went work on tracking Kiba's clones.

Now to search for Kiba... Ryouko wasn't going to repeat his trick, as it was obviously innefective. Instead, he chose to get a bird's eye view by running up the wall and to the top of the ceiling. From there, he spotted Kiba sitting pretty on a pillar.

"Now you choose not to take me seriously?!" Ryouko half-snarled. Kiba wasn't the only one who could play with knives.

"Explosive Multi Shuriken Shadow Clones!" Shurkien with explosives attached rained toward Kiba.

Kiba shook his head again and said nothing as he could see reasoning was out of the question. KIba watched unwaveringly as Ryo hurtled towards him. Kiba raised a brow as Ryo vanished and a log took his place. ever so slightly kiba looked both ways looking for Ryo. For the first time in the fight Kiba was slightly uneasy. Kiba strained his senses. Kiba frowned as a hissing sound assulted his ears. Eyes widening Kiba realized the hissing sound was coming from the log coming at him. Kiba jumped straight up narrowly missing the main of the blast but catching a side full of wooden splinters. Landing back in the center of the arena Kiba fell to one knee grimacing and holding his side head bowed eyes closed. Clenching his fist brows knitting a sudden ruthlessness filling his mind. Staggering to his feet Kiba activated a Chakra scalpel and sliced of the jagged points protruding from his side leaving the bits of wood inbedded in his flesh oozing and bleeding in his side. "You wish to play rough do you. Two can play at that game and I have been playing alot longer than you." Kiba Made a flash of signs pulling out a surikan Kiba spun and flung the blade blindly into the arena where it split into milions of suriken headed in every direction slicing everything in its path.

Some bookstore. Didn't get anything except for some random Shaman King book I don't own. Uh, a game store. Got nothing there. Ate some fine Japanese cuisine...and that's it. Boring, eh? lol.

Nothing, really. I went to class, went to a couple stores to kill time, reffed an easy game, then came home. It's as boring as it sounds, mercifully. I've had too much excitement lately.

((virtual hug)) My day was surprisingly average. Nothing interesting. But that's fine with me for now.

I'm sorry to hear that. My condolences.

Howdy Kiba. (and Jenny, too, of course)

Well that's great! =D -claps my hands together- I'll be checking it out once I get the chance. XD Really? that's cool then! I do hope you enjoy it, I haven't posted it yet. So how was your day?

Heh, it's just another sign that I have too much time to think. When you do nothing else, you develop quick wit. That, or maybe it's my line of work.

That's just wrong. Those are the kinds of people that need a spine beaten into their body, and a work ethic beaten into their head.

I'm sure you'll win. No matter of skill, the sword is slower. I've got other arts, but you've had a chance to apply yours practically. I haven't been given the same chance. Only those asinine tournaments where you can be faulted for barely tapping your opponent. lol, but still, it'll be interesting. I've never fought a shinobi before...

ANyway, I've got to go for tonight. I should be on longer tomorrow, when I won't have an early morning the next day. If you're on, talk to you then!

Well, sure! I think both my insults and compliments through when I have the chance :D I wouldn't compare you to just anyone. That would be disrespectful.

Politics ruin more stuff. I wish people with problems with me would just tell me to my face, instead of trying to bury me behind my back.

Yup, that's me! Or, I'm the guy who trains constantly and has no life outside of it. Either would be correct :D

Aw, c'mon, Kabuto is a compliment! It means you're smart! If you're going to sneer at one of those two, it should be Kaiba! He's a jerk no matter what the situation! Now, if I called you Orochimaru or Kakuzu, then you could feel free to insult me, lol.

Good for you. I wish I could apply elsewhere, but I like what I do, and there's only one game in town for it.

That's right. Samurai, Bushi, whatever you call us :D

Oh, right, now I remember you! what was your name? Kaiba? Kabuto? :)

Life can be hellish, you're right. Work is giving me trouble. I've had four issues within weeks of each other. Blamed for crap I didn't do, expected to do more than I should. I like what I do, so I can't complain too much, I guess.
Hope things clear up for you soon. I'm sure things will work out. You and Jenny are smart.
I'll be on more often, then. I've just been antisocial lately, for some reason.

Lemme see...I'm the guy who carries a big sword, wears a hakama...That's me. Y'know, the guy you RP with. (Hopeful tone of voice). The guy whose OC is currently staring in one of your fics. (Hopeful tone of voice again) :D

Whoa, this is akward. Who are you again? XD

Good to see you online. I don't stick around much these days, usually. Just answer comments and scram. How are you doing?

Omg! That's so great! How is it going? I'd love to read it! You have it posted right? I'll try to read it as soon as I can. X3 I am writing my story right now, maybe you could read it too. Tell Jenny I say hi too! X3

-hugs you back excitedly and gets a little dizzy due to the hug,lol- OMG! You're online! I think I saw you online too! X3 Hiyaaaaaaaa bro!!!!!!! How are you doing? Me mish you like usual! How are you and Jenny, hm? Good, I hope. ^^ I'm excited to see you online.

Hey, good to hear from you! I'm doing okay, thank you. And it's about time you've got more drawings up! And def glad to hear you're doing well!

Happy 21st then! Don't get concerned, A1, it's no biggie. I hope you and Jenny are well. As for myself, I'm doing alright. Not great, but not too bad. Hope you had a happy B-day.

I'm sure you can succeed with the romance thing. I failed miserably -_-' Several times. I just can't get his romance life straight.

Thanks^^ Even if that's not what we planned, I was going to suggest we go that route.

So, about this battle between our chars. I was thinking- how about having it be interrupted at the end by two people who support Ryouko. Like, you've got him defeated, and he's saved at the last second. (After a good battle)

I'm sure. Ekyt WOULD make an @$$ of himself in front of the girl he likes. It's def his style.

So far it's been great; I've no reason to think it won't keep being great :D

I'm thinking it was all a plot by Sasuke or Kabuto, for some reason. That WOULD make sense, I guess. Or Akatsuki, either one really.

Wow. Ekyt'll be one lucky guy. His crush is telling him to cop a feel. How often does THAT happen? That'll be a great read!

I'll definetly enjoy the chapter. That's never a question, it's good stuff.

So, refresh my memory: in the RP, where were we going with it again? As in, who was the real villain? Or didn't we decide?

Something tells me that'll be hysterical.

Sakura: What's the matter, Ekyt? You're red...
Ekyt: It IS hot in here. Er, is it hot in here? Oh damn...
Sakura: Okay, back to anatomy...

Let's see...oh, I started a new series that's kind of like Naruto meeting Rurouni Kenshin. I keep giving Ryouko reasons to pull Kenshin stunts. I just need to get him to say 'Oro' for some reason...

I'm happy with that, too :D I can look forward to either one.

Let's face it, I was right- knowing you, it IS open to interpretation. And someone else WOULD have said it. So I speak the truth :D

Looking forward to your reply. We've got a good dialogue going- now to suit actions to words...

Hi Jenny, good to hear from you! How are you doing?

Yeah, but it's been awhile, and you added some stuff. It was a good read. You might get a chuckle out of my comment.
You did fine with the RP. Let me know how I did. The ending is better, since I managed to get more fired up and answer nastily.

The internet can be such a wonderful tool...as well as a collosal pain in the butt. I hope things get sorted out soon.

Again? You two are gonna tear those internet people in half! (get it on film when you do!)

Awesome! Best of luck with the paegent! Er, wait: this one wishes you the best of luck, that he does.

Boring is what I do. Hooray...I think...

I try not to think about it. If I thought about all the stupid crap that I'm tempted to think of, I'd drive myself (more) insane.

Nerd? Oro? This one is a nerd for sure, that he is O_O

HIYA THERE!!!! I MISSED YOU GUYS TOO!!!!! XD Haven't talked to you guys like in a month or something! (That went by quick!) That's completely fine. ^^ Don't worry about it, that's great that you two can go back on now! Woohoo! Let's celebrate. xD I'm good! Replying to all my comments, missing you guys, listening to music, same as usual. : )

How are both of you guys? =)

Oh, and got your reply. I couldn't think of anything clever to say, sorry ^^'

Being boring is just easier than being interesting for me. I'm not good with people in rl most of the time.

And there are a LOT of dips -_-'

Not quite ghost white, but pretty pale. I like that- people who think about bugging me think twice when I glare at them that way. Especialy when I'm wearing my trench coat. But that's only when I seriously want to be left alone. (Or I'm trying to make like 'Chakan', when I'm more like 'Kenshin'. ORO!)

LOL^^ HI^^

I am, too. But being boring is my style. It suits me XD

Meh, don't worry. I can live with being ignored. It's the people who are REALLY stupid that irritate me. It's not the valleys I dread in life so much as the dips, lol.

Nah, I like my natural color, thanks. lol. As for what's up...(drumroll) NOTHING! yay for relaxation!

hi happy late new year^^

Fun is a matter of opinion, I'd say. I like not being haunted, myself- I can sleep better that way.

I think he cares, but he just can't be bothered. Lazy prick. And his wife and kids, too. Grandma adores him, though- can't figure that out.

Frostbite beats death, though. Well, by my opinion anyway, lol.

Yeah, glad everyone made it. That kind of thing sucks.

Tell Kiba to keep his ghosts! I'm not into the whole 'haunted' scene. lol.

Oh, no, it just took me a sec to figure out what you were referring to. Kinda slow on my part XD

Not all the family means it. Her one son is always traveling for work, and he calls constantly. It's her other useless son and his family. I don't like them to begin with, so it's that much easier^^

Sorry, didn't get to send it last night. We had a storm kick up and I had to get off quickly. I've been keeping an eye on the heater, too, after it broke a couple days ago. Oy vey!

Hi! I just got to drop a hello to both of you! ^^ I really hope you two are doing good. Miss you guys! And I hope to talk to you soon. =D

Maybe, but varying religious belief would make that intersting. I was watching a cool supernatural show the other day, so that's probably where my goofy response came from.

Oh, uh, chicken! (took me a minute to figure out what you meant, sorry) I got lecutured by my prude of a cousin before her wedding. I wasn't going to even go, but her father talked me into it. So I made sure to make an @$$ of myself, of course^^ I don't do that anymore, but it's a fond memory.

My first instinct was to just ignore them, but they're too dumb to get the meaning behind that. So I've got to be less subtle. I don't care what they say to me, but treating the matriarch of the family like that is just plain wrong.

I sat at a doctor's office, reffed a game, and then just relaxed. My next semester of college is starting soon, so I've got to take sanity while I can.
Sounds like you got a bum steer. I really hope things work out for you.

Oh, so THAT's what messed up my sock drawer? I thought I was haunted! What a relief! Now I can just change the locks, instead of calling a priest! lol

Better to have too much than too little. I've been to weddings like that. I eat like a bird (damned anxiety again), so I just laughed at the other people who were complaining^^

For some reason, Grandma likes those fools, so I can't disown them entirely (at least not in front of her), although they're gonna get a real nasty form letter! Hell yeah!

My day was fine, thanks. How about yous?

I'll send it via email when before I shut down my comp for the night. Lol, I'm a pretty boring person to stalk, though...

I appreciate you understanding. You're not pressuring me at all. I just don't want you thinking I'm trying to dodge you or something. Which you don't, so that's good ^^

They're heartless AND stupid. And I'm the black sheep of the family? Go fig! I guess it's because I DO care. Tho' I admit she CAN be hard to get along with ^^'

John Doe, 123 Whatever St- how'd you know? You been stalking me?! XD I'll drop you a line from my email with the address. I'd rather send it securely.

Not sad or mad (at least not with you two), so no worries there^^ I feel really bad about not being able to give you two a concrete answer. (I DO want to come, please don't think I'm dodging you) My Grandmother was in the hospital again the other day, and she's got a bunch of worthless sons and daugthers-in-law. It somehow falls on my Mom and I to take care of her, even though we live the farthest away and lead the busiest lives.

Howdy!

I hate it when that happens. My internet provider's been good, so I've got no complaints. The heater deciding to conk out for a fully day on some of the coldest days of the year- THAT I'll complain about XD

Please don't be concerned with that. I've got plenty bothering me, lol. You and Kiba have things to do, I'd hardly say I was offended. It's not like you just randomnly disappered, lol. No, I've been catching crap at work, and after reffing 100 games in four-five months, I'm ready for the season to be over. Among other things.

I was actually right about that? Huh, go figure!

No rush, I'll be around.

Thanks, It's nice to hear from you how've you been?

OMG HELLO HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Oh, I should've guessed. I remember something about an October new year. Something like subracting days from February and creating a Leap Year screwed the calendar up...am I close? I doubt I have my facts straight.

That would be cool! Dragon's are incredibly cool! As of now, I'm planning on coming. I wish I could give you a solid answer -_-'

O//O Amazing? Oh thank you ^^' Well I feel like I could do better for you if I tried now...my friend told me Kiba looked like a woman in that pic T.T But I guess I draw girls too much, hehe. I'm glad you liked it though ^o^

Belated wishes for a Happy 2009 by the way! XD -points down at NG's comment-

Happy 2009 you two! Hope this note finds you both doing well!

Happy New Year!!!

Hey I drew a present for you! ^.^ I knew we've only talked once, but I was drawing yesterday and it started to look like Kiba and I remembered that you are a fan, am I correct? Plus you've been so nice and supportive of me. So I tried to draw him from memory, but I definitely screwed up the hair T-T I forgot about his hood/fur thingy...I just drew what I remembered but I was a pretty lazy Naruto-watcher XP Sorry if he's drawn wrong...

http://idoodleanime.deviantart.com/art/Kiba-107980884
Anyway here's the DA link in case it still hasn't come up on FAC -shrugs- I hate waiting for things to be approved T.T I know you're rarely on, no rush ^^ But I hope you get around to seeing it sometime soon and I hope I did okay. Thanks for being so nice to me!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year bro!!! -jump hugs- Sorry it's been so long, it just that I've had like no access to a computer in like forever! -arms waving in the air over dramatically- But yeah, how have you been? I've been good. Have you been good?
OMG! Kitsune_727 got me a wall scroll of Lavi and Yu Kanda on it from D.Gray-Man. It is like the best present ever! >.<
So,what did you get for christmas?
Well, I better go, but I'll talk to you as soon as I can. -hugs- Loves you bro! Bye Bye! ^_^

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! ^.^

Thanks for the advice. I posted the fic, and so far no complaints. It became a romantic comedy at the end, and a dire medical situation at the beginning, so it all worked out.

Thanks again! How are you two holding up?

HEY WATS UP

Oh yeah, next time I catch one of you online, I've got a very minor bit of advice to ask for, if you've got a sec^^

See, I've written a short RyoukoXSakura fic, but I'm not sure it's appropriate to put up (Keeping in line with my 'Disney' image and all). What it was is that Ryouko has a fever, and nothing can cure it. Sakura plans to 'absorb the fever' through body contact. So she strips her top off and lays on him (He's unconcious).

Later on, she contracts the fever. Ryouko demands to know what he can do. So he's told 'absorb the fever'. With him, it was no big deal, but this is where it gets troublesome for me- Ryouko has to pull her top off, then lay on top of her. (I never knew that was a legit way to tackle a fever :\)

Now, when it's the three of us, I'm cool with being 'pervy samurai', but I want my fics to reflect class.

So, to post it or not to post it 'tis the question. Any advice, my sage friends? :)

For the record, the idea behind the fic was this:

Sakura: I've got to heal him, he saved my life!

Ryouko: (To Tsunade)I'LL DO ANYTHING! I LOVE HER!

So it's supposed to be a kind gesture, not a pervy one.

Greatest samurai? This one is but a Rurouni! ORO! 0_0(lol, sorry, had to!)

I like FAC's relaxed atmosphere. Less flamers here.

Good to hear Kiba's taking care of you. (eye roll) Not that I'm shocked, of course.

Oh geez, I'm so stupid! I forgot to wish you and Jenny well!

Sorry again for the angsty post. I shouldn't let my temper get the better of me like that. At any rate, just kind of ignore that last post, lol.

Whoa, I'm surprised we wound up agreeing on that particular issue. lol, I'll have to think of some other debate.

I wish 'making it' only depended on beliefs and morals. But there are four dojos on every corner, and for the price of a gi and admission, you can get a black belt without ever giving a damn. I hate that >< That and I'm so limited in what I could teach, and even what I know. Not to mention the fact that theory and practice are two different things.

Not for me, though. Others might get that chance, but me with my damn guilty conscience. Maybe I'm just fussy about that kind of thing. That, or I've yet to meet a practical female in a decent age range. My morals are just too different. My thinking and morals would have been greet during the Tokugawa Shogunate, but in modern-day America? Nah, why train when you can shoot a gun? Why care for someone when you can get laid? Why handle things personally, we have lawyers to do that now! (Don't mind me, I think it's just a bad mood set off from frustration and constant irritation. It's nothing personal, I just know you could handle my ramblings XD)

She's a good martial artist, and I think at one point her views might have been pure. But the almighty dollar corrupted her. She can be a good instructor, but she's too greedy.

DA and fanfiction are two sites who have the weirdest mix of good and bad reps. If you're talented, great. If you're not so talented, then you get eaten alive. I just don't see the allure :\

Yesh, he ish very nice ^-^ And he's done a really good job with helping me feel better about my art.
I've only had one drawing made for me -scratches my head- But I've been making a ton of them for other people lately..
Oh yeah it's no problem commenting ^^ I'm not great at it, but oh well, hehe.
Wow really? -ish flattered- That's very nice of you! I'm not crazy about my style, but, I guess what's important is that at least some people like it ^^ That in and of itself should make me feel very happy.

I don't think anyone is born, say, a murderer. Something in their experience makes them that way. But even they, they don't HAVE to be a murderer- they could have NOT killed. So there's really only two ending points. Either view, the people in question aren't 100% at fault. We're all born with clean slates, imho. It's life that shapes up.

I have no optimism in this school, really. It's all a pipe dream until I can almost make it a reality. And the future. Heh, it's a gamble for me. It's like betting your life savings at the casino. You might come up 'Craps', or you might come up s***s. And there are some things that you don't get later in life. Innocent relationships, pure motives...to think of what I've missed. No wonder I have no confidence. I shouldn't be commended for aiming for the future- that's the only option I've got.
On a funny side note, the big cheese at the dojo took a swipe at me and my Dad. We didn't say anything, but two senseis confronted me. I think I killed their egos. It was the day of a black belt test and I couldn't stay (Wouldn't if I could- five hours of watching underserving people? nah, not my cuppa tea), so she kind of got snippy. The two senseis brought it up, and they said 'well, she treats her black belts that way, too.' Immediatly, I shot back with 'well then, you won't see me as a karate black belt for her then. I've got enough s*** in my life. I don't need her to pull that. It's called 'be courteous'."

I prob wouldn't have said that, but I was just in a really foul mood. The looks on their faces were hysterical, though. They couldn't believe that anyone would not get in line to kiss this woman's @$$.

Glad you two are around, it would be damn lonely here if you weren't :D
Everyone left because of either college or DA. I don't get the big allure that DA has. I just don't see it.

Not too much different than me, in that regard. I think we can be good or evil, and we can take multiple paths to get there. Also that we're guided along the way.

I'm hoping to have my own school by next August, provided I've tested in June. And that's only one art, though, so it'll be limited. But I'm going to add more arts, the more I do.

Yes, but I've sacrificed any of the fun. Any kind of teenage romance, being anything like a normal kid...sometimes I wish I hadn't thought only of the future and lived for the moment.

All the people (minus NPG) who helped me learn to draw just kind of up and split. Midnight_Chaos, Jo_Pen, MitchelP. Flashthehedgehog (who, along with Keiko, were two of my first readers) is only here once in a while. The only one really left is MrGimp.

Tell Jenny I said 'Hi', then. Don't want her to feel left out!

I'm sorry to hear about all that mistfortune. Things will get better, though. I'm not a huge believer in an ultimate fate (more like you can choose your roads), but it has a way of working itself out. Think of how your life has improved since our first talks. I find it hard to imagine you and I are only a few months apart in age sometimes, simply because you've got your life together, while I've really only got 'plans'. You've got a solid foundation, and you've got time to build on that. And knowing you, you will.

It's alright, we can't all think of everything at once. I was too stupid to explain what I meant in better detail about the martial arts. Besides, you've got a lot on your mind.

That vid is catchy! And Shakugan no Shana is pretty cool. Nice find!

Now that your net works, I should be able to finally catch up with you. It's been strange on FAC lately. I swear, just about everyone I knew when I first joined have just up and left. I've met some new people, but it's still kind of weird without the others around. One was my main source of advice, too! Between her and NPG, I learned to actually make my drawings look vaguely like...something! lol.

Anyway, catch you on FAC sometime. Give my best to Jenny. And you take care, too.

Yeah NG suggested I comment you so I could get more comments on my art also ^^
Well I've just seen gifts made for you and comments you've given, so I was considering contacting you anyway.
I'll be sure to comment on some of your art! -giggles-
Wow you really think I'm that good o//o -ish flattered- Thank you! ^^' I dunno I tend to beat myself up about my art a little, because I don't think I'm as good as NPG. She and NG claim that I am just as good as her, but I don't know -shrugs- So I kinda struggle with that.

Hey A1! I've actually heard a lot about you and I was actually gonna comment on some of your art just now O.O" NG recommended doing so ^^ And I've heard about you from Neopetgirl I think also...she's my best friend! ^_^
-claps excitedly- It's nice to meet a new person here, I've actually been wanting to meet you for a while ^-^
Woooooow you're art's incredible! You're really good!
You think my art's amazing? O_o Woa...thank you so much! ^//^ Really though, I'm rather new at it. I just started this year. Not like you though...you're awesome! O.O

Internet people tend to give me headaches, too. Like when I have a problem, and I get connected to a guy in India I can barely understand.

Sure, things'll get better. Well, for you anyway, lol. Me, I'm not so sure. things between me and the dojo have never been so shaky. Couple that with the usual work BS, and you've got a guy who would most likely enjoy a fight right now, lol.

You two take care. I'll catch you both online sometime. (Perhaps my sword might be convincing to the internet company? lol, jk, if YOU haven't scared them...)

Oops, my bad, I thought it was a seperate rank you picked up for the hell of it or something, lol.

Ah, for some reason I had it in my head that you were ranked in Jujutsu or something. Ah well, that WOULD explain it, lol.

I'll get over it. Just gotta take things one day at a time.
Ow, not fun (The ankle thing).

It's alright, I'm about to fall asleep myself. I had to referee an extra game today, and I was spent before it even started, so I'm running on something other than energy, lol.

I really am XD
Bunch of irritating parents, coaches, and players. I've never had to call so many penalties. I don't really enjoy doing that. Plus there were some complaints, which caused me to worry more. BUt nothing came of them, thankfully :)

Ah, okay, that's good.

Well, boring isn't necessarily bad, I suppose.

Nope, still single. The pickings are slim (In other words, I'm fussy, lol).

What happened was just work being a pain, nothing other than that. It was just really irritating, to the point of me almost saying 'to heck with this' and quitting it.

It's always good to hear from you (and Kiba, too).

Please tell Kiba I said that he should prob leave a message on the Rp if he won't be back anytime soon. I forgot to mention that.

And how are you?

Sounds pretty miserable to have to sit through that again. I have the same problem with my officiating clinics.
I'm doing okay, all things considered. Just trying to relax and recover from a pretty bad week.
Congrats on the potential job :)

I appreciate that^^ I hope you had a nice thanksgiving yourself :)

Hehe, well it was so fun talking to you and A1, I missed you guys! And it feels good to talk to you two again. ^^ Really?! Okay, I should check it out. And I saw those cute pictures on your profile! Hehe.

Hehe, yep yep. You sure are! I know, it really is..:( No I never heard of that site. What type of site is it? o-o -completely confused-

Hehe, yay! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH TOO! Oh, I see. So that's why you two kept him? They were?! Oh, poor poor guys! >_< Yeah A1 told me that. ^^

Umm..I am not sure. There's so much cute kitties! :3

Lol, yep yep. Yeah he plays it! He loves that game like you do.

Helloooooooooooooooooo Jenny! -huggles you tightly- How's everything for you Jenny? I missh you so much! LOL. XD You stole the phone from him to talk to me? XD Okay, I'll look them up then. One died?! Oh, poor poor guy. Yeah I got new treats for you and A1 -hands you some treats- LOL. XD One is naked? I konw kitties are just so cute. Oh! Well I really want to get kitties!!! REALLY BAD!

Hehe, yeah I know you seem to really like them. Oh, I see. :( Aww..man, that sucks. Hehe, maybe you should play it as well. Does she want you to play it too? Oh, poor guys! >< Oh! What did they do to them? Yeah it must be fun playing with those rats, can he cook? XDDDDDDD
They bite sometimes?! O.O Yeah that's true. What does a ferrit look like?

Yeah animals need lots of attention! That's for sure. Hehe, aww...<3 That seems cute. I would love to have a cat. Cats are absoultely adorable! Oh, your fence is broken?

They do? Hehe, that's cute. XD Yeah they can get lost. Man, that sounds like alot of fun. o.o

Because it's doggy treats. XD I am not able to eat doggy treats. XD Man you really seem to like it. Man it takes forever then! Oh she hasn't? Yeah certain games can get so addicting!

Oh poor guys, so they're sick? Poor ferrets! Really?! Hehe, aww. <3 That's cute then, are they all nice to you? ^^

Yeah, uh-huh you sure do. I can't eat them anyway, glad you do. It is? Oi, that must suck. I don't know how long it took my brother to download. Hehe, she must really like it too then huh? O.O

Yeah I know, that must really be hard to take care of that much pets! I wish I could have as much pets as you guys. OO

Cool! Ok Kiba Well As You Know Im Cole So Comment On My Pic Soon As It Comes Up idk y its not showin up now im just gonaa wait tull tomorrow but u know to comment asap and i love your pictures

Yay! That's good then. :3 I knew you like them! I got new ones too! I know you haven't. You deserve it,lol. Yeah I forgot. T oT He loves that Warcraft stuff or whatever you call it. XD Is she playing it right now? Yeah I know, you guys seem just so happy together, and that makes me happy too. :)

Wow, I wish I had alotta pets. That must be really fun! But that must be so much hard work huh? XD

Hey Sup Wanna Be Friends?

Hehe! -smiles- Glad you're happy. Just thought I should give you that since you haven't had it in such a loooooooooooooooong time! Yeah, me was worried about you and Jenny. No, it's okay! -waves hands around happily- It's fine really! But I missed you guys like I said. Yeah he does play it! Um, I forgot.

T oT Actually I don't really watch him when he plays,lol. Yeah, it sure seems like that, sorry that you guys are having trouble. :(

Yeah that's always a good thing! You'll always be right next to her. Yeah, hehe. You guys seem really happy together huh? ^^ You have?! you guys have pets!

Two dogs? Two cats? two ferrets? two rats? two mice? and one rabbit? Man, you guys are stuffed with animals,lol.

And I am so happy that you guys have so much pets! That must be so awesome! <3

-smiles at you and hands you some doggie treats, putting it in your mouth- Hehe, yeah I missed you guys too! I miss talking to both of you. Hehe, yeah me too! I haven't talked to you in such a long time I was started to worry! >< Yeah that's only a good thing to be right beside her forever and always!
Aww! That's good to know,lol. She is?! My brother loves that game. XD Yeah downloading games can take a while sometimes. Oh, I'm sorry bout that. I really hope that things will turn out good for you and Jenny. I wish you guys the best!

Awww..that must suck. I'm sorry about that, I hope you can get the net soon! <3

Hiya there A1, NG told me that you said hi to me. I miss you! How's everything for you and Jenny? :3 You guys are living together now right?

lol, on all accounts here XD I'll drop you two a line more often. Usually, I just figure you'll catch up with me- trying not to make you two feel guilty, lol. But sure, I'll keep in touch. You two do the same then :)

(Oh yeah, I forgot: Sitting in front of the fire, cleaning my sword, with a servant kneeling next to me)

That's great to hear!

Ask away, if you think I'll be any help. Ten-chan is still around. I was talking to her earlier, actually. She might be back. If she does come back, I'll direct her your way.

My down time is too long, and then I'll get a stretch that is completely out of control. And each one happens when I'm mentally prepared for the other, lol.

Please tell Jenny I said 'Hi' :D

Hey, go for it! You're creative enough to handle that easy. Best of luck!

Let's see...Since the start of November...it's been strangely quiet. Until a few days ago, when all hell broke loose for me personally, lol. No good war stories here, aside from me finally deciding to leave my old dojo (provided one of the new ones I found works out). That sword art of mine is hard to replace, so I was lucky to find one potential school. I'm hoping I'll wind up being an instructor so I can get my own school that much quicker.

Other than work being a stone dog lately...(shrug)nothing. There's a lot that seems to be going on, but it's like nothing's actually happening- it's all anticipation. I'm thinking I wasn't gifted with samurai patience, b/c the anticipation is getting to me, lol. December will be a packed month- November is just kind of limping along.

Anything else noteworthy with you. (Let's see...I don't turn around three times to lie down...so, uh, we'll go with this: Sitting in front of a fireplace, cleaning my sword, lol. Sorry, couldn't let you out-do me without a fight!)

Sounds like quite a handful :) animals are worth the trouble, though. My little dog just had a couple tumors removed. Thankfully, they weren't cancerous. Don't know what I'd do without her. She's guarding my office door as we speak, lol.

Sounds like things are on the upswing for you, at least a little bit. That's good to hear :)

It has been a while. I'd be lying if I said I was doing great. But a rough couple of days is no biggie. How are you doing?

Thanks for the update, Kiba. Wishing you and Jenny the best.

hello^^

Hey Kiba...

Hell, I believe you- she's just as likely to say it as you are, lol.

Thanks. I'm sure Dad will be okay (if he'd listen to the doctor for once in his life). Grandma...not sure. she's going downhill. Worse yet, she's AWARE of going down hill.

Well, it's the least I can do. I've vented enough to you. What's cool is that we're totally opposite people, but we seem to come to the same conclusion, just take different routes to get there. (Sometimes, at least)

Post office...civil service test, right? Heard those aren't exactly a blast. If you want easy money, referee soccer. Something like 40 bucks a game. I can't do it, soccer puts me to sleep. But still, it's good for some wallet padding.

Hey, on the RP, I had an idea- what if, after the conversation, Ryouko bolts. He and Kiba fight on the run. Kiba gets Kyno and Wolf involved, and Ryouko pulls some Kimimaro stunts. The reason for that is I want to show how his Kaguya blood and his emotions can kind of mix and give him a boost. Right now he's the weakest of the group. This should give him a little shot in the arm.

Howdy Kiba...you SURE you didn't tell her to say that...sure sounds like something you two would cook up...
Things are still up in the air, but I'll be doing my best to get there. My Dad's heart problem and my Grandma's health just kind of hit hard. Still, glad I could be of some support to you.
I trust things are going well with you now that you two are shacked up? (Whoa...would never say that in real life...)

generic still goes down easy ;)

You'll be disappointed, I'm not fun or exciting. Kinda the opposite, actually ^^'

Have you ever met one XD It's not like we prance around in hakamas anymore...mercifully, lol.

Well, simple mind simple pleasures...(Wow, that was mean! Sorry Kiba, had to!)

Not me! True, what you get online is usually what you get in real life, but i'm more relaxed online. Usually, I'm straight-laced, conservative, etc. (no joke!)

Cool, 'cept they don't make kunoichi that don't kill samurai...I'll have to see what they look like first before I decide if it's worth it or not XD

Oh, no, I haven't. I'll take a look. I've got a bottle of sake (not quite 55 gallons) that's waiting for me.

Yeah, he's okay. He was cracking jokes within hours, and no heart attack, so it's all good.

Hey, c'mon, I'm only a perv online. In real life...hmm...mix Rock Lee with Negi Springfield, Keitaro Urashima, maybe a little Sasuke...and you'll get somethhing like me.
Then again, ask Kiba if there's a nude kunoichi beach and maybeeee I'll just consider it...

Yeah, Shihan is still hanging in there. It's a slow death, apparently. He's been dying for like ten years now. Martial artists die hard, I guess :\

Thanks, it's appreciated, as always

Oh, it wasn't me (Although I'm sure I'll be next. Likely have carpal tunnel.). My Dad was in for some minor heart trouble.
Somehow I doubt I'd meet my girl on a nude beach. (laughs) Hardly my kinda place. I'm 90% sure I'll get hitched to a martial artist or a Japanese girl. Both in the same package would be cool. Maybe I'll get to meet this dying sword master, too...
Well, I can't stop you. In all seriousness, it's nothing serious...if that made sense...

Well, I DID meet a Japanese/Italian mix in the hospital...too bad I went to high school with her and she remembers me as the guy getting in fights. heheh, oops ^^' I could do better anyway.

Oh, you're supposed to WANT to wake up? j/k, I vaguely remember sleep in that regard...I think...

Thank you, a friend made it for me. She got tired of seeing my same old avatar, I guess.

Tell Kiba that I said I didn't need to eat...eye candy is another story, of course!
Nah, don't concern yourself. No point in worrying about what can't be changed.
Sleep? What's that? Not getting enough, that's for sure. Drinking? Alcohol is tempting -_-'

Absolutely I'm voting. I enjoy the political BS, I guess.

Jealous? Moi?! Puh-lease! I've grown past such human and animal things such as 'eating'. I exist soley on air, water, and the crushed dreams of myself and others ^^ (Wow, that sentence is more like 'emo much?' I'm not, but still...)

Nah, don't concern yourselved with it/them. Things have a way of working out. So since the universe seems to be kicking my @$$ right now, then in 2012 (or so, rough estimate) I'll be due for a change of fortune XD

Just boring stuff, really, no cause for concern.
No, it's not akward really. Maybe I'm just used to it, lol.
Tell Kiba 'Thanks for the menu' XD

Nothing interesting, really. Mundane problems, bleh.

lol, sounds like it was to listen to then XD

Life has been interesting (or hellish) lately, but I can't complain- it's not boring.
lol, is he doging about anything good? XD

(Laughs) Somehow I expected a post like that. Well, take care you two!

its good to hear from you my friend no need to apologize i understand its a lot to get settled after a big move i am happy that both of you are doing good as well i wish you both the best of luck with jobs and everything else

_________________________________________________________
Hello :) its nice to hear from you i would like to be friends with you lol a stick in the mudd i will visit your profile right now :) i have been on your profile time to time and i like your artwork :) i have a new love now lol it changed and i have a new dream job my mibnd swayed don't know how just did lol well i hope to hear from both of you soon and i am happy for the both of you good luck my friends bye bye

Hey and congrat!!!!!For being engaged and all....

hey wats upp...(jumps up and down)

hello my friend :) how are you?

I've been better and you?

(For Jenny)Oh, hi^^ I doubt I worded my post correctly. I'm trying to AVOID blowing you off, because I'm sure it's come off that way, since I've been giving these lousy answers regarding your wedding. That's all, nothing sinister, lol.

I'v been Good or Awesome. Glad to hear your life is starting to straighten out. Lol. Anyway. My training is going awesome as is school and life. It's weird everything is so nice. It just doesn't seem right to me but that's just me. Lol.

AH AH UR USERNAME AH FMA *squeels* hahaha hiiiii!

hello my friend i am glad you are now with your mate and don't worry my friend i have decided don't write the story you have a lot to take care of so don't write my story request just focus on your mate and your new life my friend ^^

wow i read the other story and your writtings are very impressive it makes the reader want to read more

ok i sent the info i wasn't sure what you needed exactly so i sent a little bit of into i am sorry it took me so long to respond i should go off and read your story as well

thank you for everything my friend ^-^ i am glad your relationship is working out ^-^ and your welcome i plan on commenting on more your artwork is just amazing and thank you as well

i will send that information now and talk to you on your profile as well

love like the one you and your fiancee has is rare to find and i wish both of you the best of the luck now and in the future i did have a mate but he left me due to it was a long distance relationship but he said he wanted to take a break from the relationship

who knows what the future holds it may make it so we will meet or keep us seperated i would like to meet your mate as well she sounds really nice

ok i will send it but first i'm going to eat

*smiles* i'm happy to have you as a friend but i do have my stupid days lol that's the only thing i have in common with people i am glad your life is filled with happiness i would like to meet you someday it would make me happy to meet such a good friend


would you like that information?

i enjoy talking to you even though i'll never see you your still a really good friend to me and for that i thank you

it will be money in my pokcket i like working for what i want

it is good to hear that you are doing well my friend i will be working at payless if i get the job i am filling an application out today so hopefully luck will be with me and i'll get it

hello my friend i am good and you? and if your ever tired and desire some sleep just let me know i won't get mad my friend and i am really happy i may get a job

i thank you for doing this and whatever you want let me know i will send you the information once i get some sleep i am finding it hard to stay awake so i'm going to head to bed and thank you once more could we talk about the story more on pm next time your on? but of course i will speak to you on your profile as well that's if that's ok with you to talk on pm and your profile goodnight my friend i will speak to you next time your on