Honō enjoyed the reprieve, taking the time to do his breathing and chakra exercises, mentally working his muscles into a lax, pliant state. Having grown up sitting seiza, his legs and lower half were without complaint even with the added extra weight. The Poking wasn't even a bother, instead reminding him of his younger nieces and nephews who would try to vy his attention, or were just restless. [ Continuous Participation : 10/10 ]
"Hm?" The Hari clan member hummed, rousing from his restful meditation to warmly gaze down to the woman. "My apologies." He smiled sincerely. "While I focused on range attacks, I had not worked to avoid the splatters of others' works." He explained, a hand readjusting one of his sleeves, as though to produce a drier section, or neaten his appearance as a whole. "Thank you, Kagerou-san." He smiled again to the green-haired kunoichi. "I'd be honoured to join you." But he would not move to get up, lest he disturb the Mist-nin's comfort earlier than they were ready for. [ Continuous Participation : 1/10 ]
tab 123/375ch tab 123/375st tab
具 ༔ Ａｃｔｉｏｎｓ
❖ Passives: tab【Ｆｅａｒｓ】 tabtabBroken Shards: failing to meet expectations. tabtabShattered: anxious and alert of surroundings,misreading words and reactions to negatively apply to him.
tab【Ｓｔｒｅｎｇｔｈｓ】 tabtabEnvironmental Lens: estimate the weaknesses and viable exploits in environment. tabtabSoldering Teammate: accurate in reading teammates intentions while supplying weapons, tripping up the opponent, or manipulating the environment
装 : Thigh-length, white, cotton haori has its sleeve cuffs edged in a blue strip of cotton. The hakama is cotton as well, with a gradient dye, going, top-down, white to a matching blue. The string ties, or 'himo,' are strands of glass beads, clear in colour and translucent. A matching necklace of these beads is worn around the neck. Underneath the haori, held up by a belt disguised under the tie of the hakama, are several pouches and a blade that, in any normal person's hand, would be would be described as a short sword. The hilt was clearly carved by hand, made of bone, yellowed with age. The blade bore jagged edges on the backside ( a boning edge ) while the other was razor sharp, curved wickedly at the end to act as a gutter. Stamped in the centre of the blade was a bear's paw surrounded in strangely shaped leaves. Traditional tabi, are also worn, marking this individual more of a civilian than a Kumogakure shinobi.
動 : When conversing, their eyes rarely meet the other person's, instead respectfully resting just beneath them, usually on the cheek bones. The walk with a demure air, posture relaxed and steps quiet, as though not to disturb. The hands are often clasped in front of them, as a servant does.
༔ 道 ༔ tab
Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 8:29 pm
Mission: Watermelon Smashing Location: Streets Rewards: • Secret Watermelon Candy: Hard candy that boosts stamina by 10% for 5 posts. Cannot stack. 1 per melon defeated. • AC Reward of that Ranked Watermelon Description: Each melon is a Ranked difficulty (E to S-Rank) and requires the same amount of cost in chakra and stamina to have effectively caught-up to and break down its defences. E-Rank takes a minimum of three [3] posts to complete, with an additional post added for each rank above that (up to S-Rank, being eight [8] posts). If taking on an second Watermelon, add two [2] posts to the total. Three [3] melons, meaning three [3] more posts, and so on. However, each individual melon still requires that Rank of chakra and stamina to be spent on them to 'defeat' them. Flavour Text: A local business owner thought they'd start the newest trend: Watermelon Smashing with a Twist. The watermelons have been made animate, running and jumping from danger. When hit, however, they explode gloriously! A far more exciting game! Except the overzealous entrepreneur mass produced them and then forgot to lock the gate so now they're all over the town. Requirements: N/A
With Hono's approval, Kagerou stood up. Pushing off the ground, she got up with a lively hop before turning around and extending a hand to help Hono up if he so desired to take her assistance. "There's nothing to apologize for," the green haired girl assured with a laugh as Hono got up, "Getting messy is part of the fun in these events." Though, despite being the one to say that, aside from the small splatters that had hit her while she sat with Hono and the wet spot on her sleeves from when she leaned against him, this medic was inexplicably clean. [5/10]
Turning in the direction they would head, Kagerou gestured for Hono to walk besides her. "Let's go then. I believe the hot springs are in this direction." She would match Hono's pace as they moved to the next area. Though, no doubt, Hono would also try to match her pace. [6/10]
Honō quietly rose after Kagerou, mindful of the long folds of his robes so they wont get caught beneath him. He had done it swiftly enough enough that he was almost to his full height by the time the Kiri nin began extending her hand. "Thank you." He smiled softly, but was obviously without need of it. He felt a small shake in his abdomen as he had risen, though the layers of cotton hid it. He gave a single, heavy, exhale, the exertion catching him off guard but he felt fine again shortly after. He'd been sitting far too long, muscles cramped and sore from not being stretched for so long. [ Continuous Participation : 2/10 ]
"Is that so?" Honō responded, genuinely curious. He was used to the festivities of his home being loud, colourful, full of cheer. But mess was usually only found on the very young with an overeager appetite, or the unfortunate receiver of an accident. But he didn't push any further, content to walk alongside the medic-nin. [ Continuous Participation : 3/10 ] [ exit : Hot Springs ]
tab 141/375ch tab 141/375st tab
具 ༔ Ａｃｔｉｏｎｓ
❖ Passives: tab【Ｆｅａｒｓ】 tabtabBroken Shards: failing to meet expectations. tabtabShattered: anxious and alert of surroundings,misreading words and reactions to negatively apply to him.
tab【Ｓｔｒｅｎｇｔｈｓ】 tabtabEnvironmental Lens: estimate the weaknesses and viable exploits in environment. tabtabSoldering Teammate: accurate in reading teammates intentions while supplying weapons, tripping up the opponent, or manipulating the environment
装 : Thigh-length, white, cotton haori has its sleeve cuffs edged in a blue strip of cotton. The hakama is cotton as well, with a gradient dye, going, top-down, white to a matching blue. The string ties, or 'himo,' are strands of glass beads, clear in colour and translucent. A matching necklace of these beads is worn around the neck. Underneath the haori, held up by a belt disguised under the tie of the hakama, are several pouches and a blade that, in any normal person's hand, would be would be described as a short sword. The hilt was clearly carved by hand, made of bone, yellowed with age. The blade bore jagged edges on the backside ( a boning edge ) while the other was razor sharp, curved wickedly at the end to act as a gutter. Stamped in the centre of the blade was a bear's paw surrounded in strangely shaped leaves. Traditional tabi, are also worn, marking this individual more of a civilian than a Kumogakure shinobi.
動 : When conversing, their eyes rarely meet the other person's, instead respectfully resting just beneath them, usually on the cheek bones. The walk with a demure air, posture relaxed and steps quiet, as though not to disturb. The hands are often clasped in front of them, as a servant does.
༔ 道 ༔ tab
Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:37 pm
〚I do not like this. Sypher had paused after traveling the streets a bit, leaning out of the way of the crowded and busy streets. Aika was standing in front of him, her hackles up, not making any sound as Sypher tried to calm himself. It was too many people after a year alone, with only Aika for company. He let his head drop and he brought his hand up, cradling his forehead Get it together. he lifted his head and swallowed back the stress, touching Aika for comfort and to calm her. He took deep, slow breathes to center himself before pushing on with Aika sticking close to him For Inka. For Min. he repeated the words over and over in his head, a reminder for WHY he had come to this village in the first place.
『tabYOU GAVE ME THE CHANCEtabYOU GAVE ME THE CHANCEtabYOU GAVE ME THE CHANCEtabYOU GAVE ME THE CHANCE time and again, in vain ↗ time and again, in vain ↗ time and again, in vain ↗time and again, in vain NOW MY FEELINGS FOR YOUtab┈┈tab EVERY TEARtab┈┈tab EVERY SMILEtab┈┈tab PAID IN FULLtab』
Masahiro made his way through the streets, his hands traced along old walls and new constructions alike as he took in the sensations of the village and committed it to memory and recalled what was locked away in the sections of his mind that had always longed for the village during his travels. From the centre of the main street his eyes fell upon the Academy and the Hokage's complex.
"Far too long since I've been home. Too much has happened. Too much I could have prevented if only I had been a little more put together." The Hatake murmured as he put boots to the path and made his way forward to speak with his successor.
T H I S x I S x T H E x P A R T x O F x M E x T H A T x Y O U ' R E x N E V E R x G O N N A x T A K E x F R O M x M E x , x N O
THROW YOUR STICKS AND YOUR STONESxxxTHROW YOUR BOMBS AND YOUR BLOWSxxxxTHROW YOUR STICKS AND YOUR STONESxxxTHROW YOUR BOMBS AND YOUR BLOWS THROW YOUR STICKS AND YOUR STONESxxxTHROW YOUR BOMBS AND YOUR BLOWSxxxxTHROW YOUR STICKS AND YOUR STONESxxxTHROW YOUR BOMBS AND YOUR BLOWS
ＢＵＴ xx ＹＯＵ＇ＲＥ xx ＮＯＴ xx ＧＯＮＮＡ xx ＢＲＥＡＫ xx ＭＹ xx ＳＯＵＬ
〚Sypher and Aika moved through the streets, avoiding as many people as they could Need to get some different clothes. he thought, noticing some of the sidelong glances he was getting. The hospital was still nearby so he could get away with saying he was just on a walk if pressed, and that was actually the truth, but he would rather have some civilian clothes. He had rescued his bo staff from the hospital secure room I suppose I can sell this. I won’t need it, I think, now that I’m in a village. Aika sniffed a discarded pile of something but moved past it as they headed towards the louder area of the village. This would be interesting.
〚Now feeling much less conspicuous, Sypher and Aika moved easier through the streets. Intending to find a spot that was as far away from the general population as he could, Sypher ignored much of what was around him as he and Aika headed out of the main part of the village.
Looking around, Shikatsu had to decided where he wanted to eat. No place in particular jumped out at him and so he would just look around for a bit more. Maybe if he saw someone he knew he'd ask them for input.
══════════════════════════════════════════╩
"Your life is to short, so don't go throwing it away so easily."
Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:35 pm
爆 Ｉｎｋａ Ｈｉｚａｒａ 爆
Inka gently guided Sypher - it still felt like an alternate reality to be doing this - to less crowded streets, used more by residents of the area than travellers, so they were never truly left alone longer than a few seconds before someone came into their line of sight once again. After exiting the stand, Inka had taken a quick moment to read the note his Anbu guard had tried to give to him earlier. It cause Inka to bite the inside of his cheek, brow furrowing in contemplation and hesitation. Damn, how does he even start with this...?
"You..." Inka sighed, straightening his shoulders once again before continuing on. "You'll want to know about Minowa." He speaks low and calm, but the slightly treble vibrating through his words showed his nerves. "He's fine. Healthy." He corrected. "But won't be how you expect." Inka looks over to Sy, gauging his reaction with unblinking amber eyes. "He's a Genin now, just went through his first Chuunin exam." He starts. "When..." Probably best not to mention certain things, he guessed. "... you disappeared. Minowa was there." In the Sero, in that damned bubble. "It altered him physically, but nothing with lasting side-effects. Negative side-effects." Inka deliberately kept it somewhat vague and simple, not wanting to drag out any anxiety on the matter. "It accelerated his growth is the best the doctors could tell us. He looks a few years older than he should."
Amber eyes stared, unwavering, watching Syy for his reaction, all the while leading him to the Kirigakure-assigned dorms in the not-too far distance. But he had to make sure Syy wouldn't be a danger to anyone first.
[ entry: Ramen Stand ]
ch 765 // 1,030 | 790 // 950 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
T e c h n i q u e s :
• Speed ► Slight [Moderate Buki] [Heavily when drawing Small Weapons] [Moderate in smoke] [Heavily Buki in smoke ] [ Supreme when drawing Small Weapons in smoke ] • Reflex ► Supreme
〚Sypher was on edge the entire time they were walking, doing his best to avoid touching or being touched by anyone passing by. The only time he felt his body relax was the rare moments he accidentally brushed too close to Inka’s gentle attempts to guide him. They were mere seconds of relaxation, enough to make his body ache as he walked. Once they had reached a calmer area, however, his trembling started up again and he moved past Inka to rest a trembling hand on a wall. He just...he couldn’t go any further at the moment. Putting both hands on the wall after a few minutes, he leaned his forehead so he was resting it on the backs of his hands, trying to breathe. If only this hadn’t happened so soon after what had happened at the academia. It was like...any progress he had made in the hospital was ruined. Not that any actual progress had been made but at least Sypher had felt in control of himself then. Now...now he only felt fear. Eyes closed, breathing as best he could through the tremors that came through his shoulders, he listened as Inka spoke. Minowa was fine, healthy. A genin. He felt the rush coming as Inka continued, his face still as stone, until Inka had finished. And slowly, the shattered feelings he had in his heart melted through and tears trickled down the sides of his face He was there. He was there. He...“It-It’s my fault.” he managed to get out, even as his throat clenched tightly and painfully around the words “I’m s-so sorry.” How could he even begin to atone for this?
Sypher tried to push himself off from the wall but it just...he didn’t have the strength anymore. Hands still against the stone, he slid down to his knees and slumped, the tears silent but hot down his face. This whole damn thing was his FAULT. Pressing his head into his hands so his hair fell around him to hide the shame that was rising up. The one thing, the only thing he had wanted from the Sero was to protect his loved ones. And it had taken him. It had taken Minowa. It had forced the entire village to evacuate. His HOME was gone and ruined because of his actions. And even now. He couldn’t hold it together. He was too damn broken to even have a semblance of decency to be proper Its the shop and the academia all over again. his hands on the wall clenched into fists, nails biting into his palms, upper arms stiffening. He was silent, his face hidden “You are both alive.” he whispered finally, his voice cracking. He hadn't known anything for so long and now, finally, he had the verification that he had come searching for. They were alive. He had seen Inka. And seeing Inka...Sypher had known that if he could find Inka, he knew Inka would have Minowa.〛
Inka felt a string of panic shoot down his spine, pulling it tight and reeling his shoulders even further back. Ah, ancestors take him - how is he always hurting people with his big friggin mouth... "Hey, hey..." He whispered, crowding in close before taking a half step back instinctively still unsure how much was too much and not wanting to make him - Syy, damn it's still... why was it so hard to accept? "No, it ain't yer fault, Syy, it ain't." He whispered, his old accent breaking through as he focused more on trying to be comforting to a man... damn, he really never thought he was gonna see him again, didn't he... Inka squeezed his eyes shut, trying to reign in the guilt for another time. Not now.
"It was never yer fault." He whispered. "Ain't no-one ever blamed you for it, Syy." He was kneeling down next to the Senju now, shoulder pressed against the wall so he was facing the taller man. He reached out a hand, palm up, but held it out underneath the man, under his arms and in view of Syy's gaze, ready for him to take it whenever he was ready. "We're alive, yeah. And Minowa's at the apartment and he'd like to see ya again. And he dun blame ya either." He assured, words slurring from both the accent and how softly he spoke to the white-haired man.
ch 780 // 1,030 | 805 // 950 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
T e c h n i q u e s :
• Speed ► Slight [Moderate Buki] [Heavily when drawing Small Weapons] [Moderate in smoke] [Heavily Buki in smoke ] [ Supreme when drawing Small Weapons in smoke ] • Reflex ► Supreme
〚Could he really take this comfort? Through his tears, Sypher saw Inka’s hand. If he grabbed it now...would it be like all his nightmares? All those times he had slept and dreamt and then only to touch Inka or Minowa and awaken again in that cocoon of darkness and pain. What if this was a dream again? What if none of this was actually real? Would touching Inka wake him up once more? If he did, if this was a dream and he woke up again, he would truly go mad. He couldn’t. He just… his hands dropped to his sides, unsteady, then he brought them up. They cupped Inka’s hand and then pressed it to Sypher’s cheek, his tears pooling and sliding off the edge of Inka’s hand. His eyes were closed but finally he opened them to look at Inka He’s real. This..this“This is r-real.” he whispered, tears making the gold in his eyes brighter and sharper. He straightened, holding Inka’s hand away from his face but not letting go, reaching out just to the edge of Inka’s face with his other hand as his fingers trembled “It’s real.” he wasn’t trapped. This wasn’t a dream. Not some night terror his mind had created to trap him in to escape his reality. This was reality “N-no, it is. It’s m-my fault. I made it and then I-I couldn’t stop it.” he didn’t dare touch Inka yet because what if, after this, he hated him? Would he leave? Would he abandon him? “I couldn’t st-stop it. And it-it wouldn’t,”It wouldn’t let me go! his mind screamed but he couldn’t get the words out. 〛
Inka didn't realise he had been holding his breath, amber eyes watching as Syy reached out for his, until their skin touched and Inka felt the stagnant air leave his lungs in a gush, face crumpling under the whirlwind of emotions that seemingly churned in his stomach, spear-headed by guilt. "Yeah," He sighed. "It is." Inka saw his thumb move, sweeping over salt-cooled flesh, but he felt like he had no control over the action, something subconscious and instinctive. Amber eyes blinked, refocusing on the - ah, they are blue and gold, it wasn't just the lights in the ramen stand that had coloured them - gaze that had been levelled his way. He saw his vision tilt, placing his own face into Syy's palm without any thought or hesitation. Again, it felt like he did it without any conscious consent, blinking in slight surprise he had been so willing to place himself here but he didn't pull back.
"Alright," He spoke. "So what if it is. People dun blame ya though, even if ya think they should." He added quickly. "The two Mizukages that came after ya never condemned ya, and them and the daimyo certainly wanted to see what else tha' fahken weed could do. We're all just as guilty for the mess it caused before and after we lost ya." He argued, some strength and surety returning to his words. Being an argumentative nuisance was one of his few strengths, he'd say. "Yer back now and we can work together to burn the fahker dowhn." Inka promised, amber eyes seeming to brighten at the idea.
ch 780 // 1,030 | 805 // 950 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
T e c h n i q u e s :
• Speed ► Slight [Moderate Buki] [Heavily when drawing Small Weapons] [Moderate in smoke] [Heavily Buki in smoke ] [ Supreme when drawing Small Weapons in smoke ] • Reflex ► Supreme
〚Sypher closed his eyes briefly as Inka’s thumb brushed away some of the tears on his face, the look of sheer agony on his face momentarily swept away but...relief, exhaustion. Joy. It was real. It was. This was Inka. The first and only person Sypher had ever given his heart to. This man was oxygen to Sypher’s drowning soul. And he was real this time. Inka seemed to mirror his motion, his face resting in Sypher’s hand in the same way he had rested his in Inka’s. He wanted to cling to Inka, desperately. Starved of touch and at the same time fearful of it. But this was not the time. He would make do with this single moment and he pressed his hand into Inka’s cheek softly, his desperation clear.
Always with the burning. Sypher had dreamed of Inka burning down the Sero and finding him once. It had been the most realistic and Inka-like thing he could see him doing. And now, hearing Inka say it...the movement was small but...the corners of his mouth lifted just enough to raise his cheeks. The tiniest smile. Crooked, as ever, and fleeting, but there I blame me. again, he couldn’t say it. Couldn’t say what he wanted. But maybe he could say what he needed to say “Before...” his words were hesitant still, and so very quiet, but he said them “Before we go to Min,” his son’s nickname came off his tongue naturally, the very thought of seeing his child giving him strength “I need,” he swallowed, eyes closing then opening, finally free of tears though his face was still damp “to tell you. Just you. I’m-” a pause “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I sent you away. Before all of this.” Sypher’s words were soft and for Inka only “I’m sorry I tried to do it all myself.” he dropped his hand from Inka’s face and clasped it around the hand that held Inka’s hand, bringing it to his lips. He touched Inka’s fingers gently to his own forehead, speaking quietly “I just...wanted you to be safe. I...” did he have the right to say these next words? He had seen how the man from the ramen shop had looked at Inka. Had heard what Inka said to him. Fear clenched his heart again and he tried not to grip Inka’s hand tightly in case the man pulled away “I love you.” had he said this aloud to Inka before? His memories were still broken. He knew that he had shown Inka how much he loved him. Always, he hoped. But now “Th-the thought of you and Minowa were the only things that-that,” he paused, swallowing back the memories and the terror that rose up “The only thing that kept me alive all this time.”〛
