The Long Awaiting Meeting

[Shani Tachibana]

It was a nice morning in Amegakure, couldn't really ask for a better one. There laid the pale red head in his bed looking up at his ceiling. It felt strange really, He felt alone even though he shared his bed last night with someone. He slowly rose from the bed looking over to the window's in his room. Slowly climbing out of his bed, he walked over to the window opening it slowly allowing the bright light pour into the bedroom. Letting out a calm relaxing breath he felt the heat of the sun hit his skin, it was truly soothing to him. He turned around putting his hands on the ledge of the window he rested his weight against it. He had a few tasks to handle today, the major one was having a chat with his brother. Slowly pushing him self forward he walked into his bathroom and began with his daily starter's. The most important one was his hot shower what he got out of the way, making sure to wash his hair so he could style it later. Walking out of the shower he quickly dyed off, and walked back into his room, noticing his bed partner was still a sleep. Groaning in disgust he folded his know wet towel and threw it at the pile of blankets in the middle of his bed.

The figure stirred and growled in upset ness, but still didn't seem to get up. At this point Shani some what gave up, quickly putting new fresh clothes on starting with tight black pants and his vest, quickly zipping it up, that noise seemed to wake his partner in the bed. The figure rose from the bed rubbing there eyes and spoke softly.

"Shani...why are you up so early. I thought you didn't have to go out until later?"

The teenage boy groaned and feel back into the bed as Shani smirked and rubbed the back of his head, His hair still a mess from the drying off process. "Sorry, I have to start early or my plan's are never going to be finished. You can show your self out." He turned and walked back out of his room quickly fixing his hair allowing it to still be messy but seemed to look calm at the same time. However the voice ran into his ear's as he left the room. "SHANI! GET BACK HERE!"

Grabbing his protector he tied it around his neck loosely. He was all most ready it seemed, He had been away for a few days and didn't have the time to speak with his dear brother. He quickly put on his sandal's allowing his feet to be free today from his normal boot's. Only one thing remained, slowly slipping into his long cloth jacket he began to button it up as he left his house looking around to notice all the people walking around. Wait what time was it, quickly looking around the street he noticed the time, it was nine a clock on the dot. He didn't sleep in and he wondered why his partner was bitching so much, even though he didn't even view the man as his partner he only truly had one or maybe two of those he could few as such. Smirking some what he began to walk down the road making his way to the meeting spot. Of course it would have to be on a roof top, He just needed to get to a spot were he could get there much easier then normal, he was in no mood to jump around like a damn monkey today.

[sainteaon]

"Again, this time lose the aggression. If you over exert you cut will be sloppy and easy to read. Battojutsu that is easy to read is easy to dodge and afterwards you'll be left exposed. Until you understand this you will lack the principal understanding of the Tachibana style" Uncle Hiko advised as Saito exhaled listening to his instructors wise words of wisdom. Saito searched himself for inner peace, to wield a weapon without aggression, to let your baser instincts go, this had always been a challenge for Saito. Initially it was the wanting to resist taking life that had prevented Saito from learning well, his body ached and pained with the exercises, his hands bled from lack of calluses, and his mind felt useless and doomed. That was years ago though, and like a flower stumbling out of winter into spring even Saito changed. Now he sought to be better, and stronger and to show that he was better and stronger. A decade of training and still not a master, how slow it had felt and yet, how strong Saito felt in recollection.

Saito gripped the sheath of his sword half way down the hilt, the chill of the metal in the cool morning air of the woods around them crept and infected the metal, spreading into his hand before being smothered out by the heat of Saito's body. His hand gripped the hilt of the sword, the cloth fabric rubbing against his hand, disguising the feel of the weapon in the same way that a rug disguises the true nature of the floor from the feet. His left hand moved forward along the sheath eventually finding its way to just below the guard of the hand guard of his weapon, his thumb pushing it outward just enough so that the sun could catch the very bottom portion of the blade.

In a second it was over, in the blink of an eye the strike was done. Saito remained his right arm extended outwards past his right, his left unchanged still holding the sheath of his katana. Yet in the silence Saito knew it was not yet perfect, despite his best efforts, Hiko would not see this as proficient.

"Your form was off, bring yourself closer to you knees until you can feel your muscles springing against your bones then launch, the spring will give you more momentum and more reach." Hiko stated before sipping on some warm tea he'd brought. Saito had been up for four hours at this point. The crispness of the winter's morning had since left his bones and he felt the heat of a workout, though he was aware that if he stopped the cold would creep in. This was the nature of the cold in the Land of Rain, the humidity made the cold wet and cling to your bones, the heat was the same in the summer which contrasted to get very different extremes in feeling.

Saito nodded to his master and sheathed his sword preparing to try again when a messenger from the family arrived. "Master Hiko, Saito. Master Shani has awoken and is about, he'll be requiring his bodyguard, this is the wish of the current head of our family, your father." The messenger always spoke so formally about Saito's uncle and their father, as well as Shani the future head of the Tachibana family. Yet Saito was just Saito, a bodyguard who'd yet to achieve anything of status or note rather than he'd survived training under his uncle for some number of years. This irrelevant citation though was no longer an observation that Saito made, it was simply the way things were.

"I will go to him Master Hiko, enjoy your morning." Saito said with a bow, before turning and making his exit from the woods. Saito and Hiko were not far in and this made getting out only take a minute or two. Despite the current season though today was rather warm if not crisp. There was no wind and though there was likely going to be rain later in the day, for now the sun warmed Saito's bones as he exited the tree line and stepped out onto the estate his family owned. Nine o'clock. Saito wondered who his brother had slept with tonight? Was it one of the servant boys who'd gotten his attention or that blind girl Ari? Saito didn't know for sure, he didn't particularly need to know or even really care. His brother's sexual preferences didn't endanger his life and so Saito didn't need to know them.

As Saito made his way down the road he pulled out his Land of Rain protector and tied it around his left arm. Bodyguard and swordsman of the people first, shinobi second. The ideals of subterfuge and secrecy were all but lost on Saito, it wasn't that he didn't understand him and couldn't use them, they just felt so...foreign and dishonorable in comparison to the ways his uncle had shown him. Still to carry a weapon, to fight, and be as armed as Saito was he needed some significant indicator of his status, and this was that. No one would need trouble him for his duties as the second born of the Tachibana clan.

Finally he made his way to Shani's side once he neared him and stood at his left without saying a word. Saito ultimately despite his status was a servant and it was better to listen than be heard for servants. He doubted it would remain that way for long, even if Shani was feeling particularly entitled to his status that day, generally Shani wanted Saito to be a little brother which Saito was happy to oblige. He enjoyed having someone other than his mother who would let him talk and be himself, besides Ari wasn't here yet which meant he had time to not be the dedicated warrior. Those precious few seconds not wearing the facade made Saito value his relationship with his older brother that much more. Sometimes everyone needs to take their mask off.

[Shani Tachibana]

It felt like forever until his brother made his way to his side, He smirked a little as he turned his eyes to look at the young boy beside him. It was a nice feeling to have him by his side like this, it brought him closer to him as well. Yes he was sure Saito did not agree with somethings Shani did nor did he think Saito approved he had another place to call home besides there monster of a house. He enjoyed the piece and quite from it all and was slightly disgusted the fact he was going to be the head of the family in year's to come.

"So nice of you to join me good brother. We have this morning to are self's this afternoon I have a training planned for the rest of us. However I wanted some free time with my little brother before we meet up with Ari later."

Shani smiled softly towards his brother turning right down a road making his way to the far gate, It would take some time to get there so having a small chat with his brother was on his to due list anyway.

"Tell me Saito, How are you this morning, anything new to report to me about?"

He looked over at his brother noticing the changes to himself, he carried him self very well for a boy the age of sixteen he gave the look of a man more then he ever dreamed of laying eyes on his brother in that way. He didn't like the fact he was taller then himself. But in other way's he liked the fact his brother could always watch over Shani this way. A smile came over his face as they reached the gate more.

[sainteaon]

Saito neglected the obvious retort that was in his head at Shani's response that it was nice to see him. Even if Saito didn't want to be there at this moment it wasn't as though he had a choice, but he guessed the gesture was still nice anyway. Today's plan seemed easy enough to follow though, a talk followed by more training. Saito's talks with Shani were usually less philosophical than Saito's talks with his uncle which was a welcome change of pace. However the inverse was also true of the training. Shani was very specialized in Ninjutsu, which Saito was decently specialized in, but he lacked his older brother's talent. Saito had figured out how to release Fire and Lightning, but he only knew one single fire Jutsu. Sword prowess was definitely his expertise.

"I am very well brother, I've been up since dawn training with Master Hiko." Saito spoke up relaying his tasks to his brother. Saito was willing to bet he was in better shape than Shani, unless sexual activities were actually a really good work out. Saito didn't know, he didn't have his brother's way with women. Perhaps it was because Shani was the future head of the Tachibana family and everyone knew that. Or maybe it was because he had experience and others found that attractive. Hell maybe it was because Saito didn't talk to other people, he was his brother's bodyguard and as such it made Shani look infinitely more important than Saito himself. Women didn't seem to like men they could consider expendable. Saito could after all, just be replaced.

Saito was tempted to ask what was keeping Ari? Did she need to clean up after what Saito was assuming was her busy night with his brother? Saito of course didn't have proof they did anything, he also didn't have the courage to ask because he didn't want that kind of information on either of them. However Ari was a zealot that followed his older brother blindly, maybe that was the result of something they'd done while Saito was away on training. Saito really didn't know Ari that well, primarily because he had a facade to maintain when she was around, and three seasons out of the year until they'd turned 14 Saito was always away training and the rest of the time was spent helping around the house. Still Saito found himself smiling thinking about helping around the house, he had some garlic growing back home and he couldn't wait to try cooking something with it.

"Nothing new really to report though, Uncle Hiko doesn't believe I'm ready to learn the Tachibana Style of Swordsmanship yet, and we've been able to confirm my most resent release was in fact of the element of lightning, further increasing my lethal capabilities, though I require further instruction in both Fire and Lightning." Saito reported. He'd also heard of a rumor involving some higher ranking officials within the local shinobi, but they seemed harmless, yet he figured he'd mention them just because lately his forever alone relationship status had been bothering him a bit. "Rumor also has it that our Kage is dating someone in the Land of Stone." Saito injected into the conversation. This really had no bearing on their family, they were rich but not necessarily noble. Well maybe they were noble, but even if they were their political power wasn't much. The Tachibana's last several generations of Shinobi hadn't accomplished anything particularly spectacular, Saito and Shani weren't really expected to do much either.

Maybe they would though, but even if they did it wasn't as though it mattered to Saito at all, he wouldn't be the one to have to deal with the successful work anyway. That would fall to the nobility which would then be Shani, Saito would still be just a bodyguard. Some parts of that brought peace to Saito's mind, never having to deal with politics was always something much better than having to deal with them. Especially if they involved other lands, other shinobi, women, small children, or land disputes. Those things tended to get people killed Saito had observed. "So was your most recent partner the one that's going to bare your children or are you even looking for that in a person right now?"

[Shani Tachibana]

As the two brothers walked passed the city guards shani's eyes followed theres as he brought up his hand slightly waving it a bit in the air. They new better then question why they were leaving the city nor did they question them as his brother spoke Shani listened smirking slightly at a few of the comments he let out a low breath enjoying the crisp air on his body.

"Ah how is dear uncle doing these passed year's. I have noticed you have been on his ankles ever since My training started with father and mother. Some times I wished I could of been the one training you, however I always got told it wasn't my duty to teach you anything.""

His eyes looked around the area again as his right hand pulled at his jackets collar slightly making it so more of his face could be shown. His emotions were slightly turned off as he began walking a little faster. He was wearing all his weapons and this is why he really called for his brother today. He lacked in sword training he was hoping his brother could help him with it and Shani could help Saito out with his training of Ninjustu.

Ah are Kage seems to like getting around it seems"


He didn't really care what the kage was doing of there land nor did it matter to him. Shani had different goals in mind and when the time was right he would act on them, all he really needed to do is find the right people, for that he needed to leave this village and explore the other villages all this would take time.

"Ah so you have been training those two art's, Perhaps I can help you with your lightning skills if you so wish it. In time Uncle well teach you that style. He is most likely not ready to teach you it, cause he is worried he'll lose you as a student. What I can't see happening dear brother."

Hearing the comment about his partner made him stop in his track's his eyes showed slight emotion of annoyed at his brother. Sliding his hands in his jackets pockets he began to walk again nearing the area he wanted to train in. "No, No such thing dear brother. He is at the time more of a pleasure tool. Nothing more, I just hope this time he doesnt steal anymore from my private house in the city.""

Shani slightly started to walk faster he disliked talking about his personal dealings with his brother as he found Saito disgusted the fact Shani really was more into men then ladies. He had every right to be, but the fact of the matter Saito was skilled with a blade he lacked in Ninjustu, what Shani had plans of changing.

[sainteaon]

"I started training with Uncle when I was four, old enough to carry the weight of a weapon, and I wouldn't say I was tied to his ankle either. Uncle is very strong, very powerful and very wise, more so than anyone thinks." Saito said as they walked. The city guard didn't seem to mind their idle chitchat which was good because Saito wasn't ready to go back to being the stalwart honorable defender. He was happy enough just getting to be himself for a little bit longer. "Besides a softy like you probably couldn't handle uncle Hiko's training, you value your flashy superiority in Ninjutsu way to much." Saito teased. As aforementioned Saito was rather confident in his physical superiority over his older brother, but he was also fairly sure that to his older brother, the level of Ninjutsu mastery that Shani enjoyed over Saito evened things out if they didn't tip things in Shani's favor.

"It must be hard loving someone in another land. You'd have to constantly be aware of all the potential ramifications of being in love and I think that would be very stressful that I would. " Saito was actually quiet the romantic at heart. He'd never really been in love or gotten time to spend with anyone of the opposite sex whom he found attractive. Sure Ari was physically pretty but she brought a new definition to the term "Blind" that got on the young swordsman's nerves a little bit. Saito often hoped that maybe when he'd begin traveling with his brother and doing missions maybe they'd meet someone interesting and he'd have someone to think about, but at the moment things just felt stagnant. Peaceful, yet stagnant.

"I think lightning is more deadly than fire, and harder to control yes? It could stop the heart I think." Saito responded nervously. He had no idea of the Lightning Chakra behaved the same as elemental lightning, but the great thing about being a Fire user in the Land of Rain is there was always plenty of water if a fire broke out. "Maybe its best we wait on that, aggression has been a problem for me in practice with Uncle lately, it may be advisable to stay calm and focus on reinforcing what I know more of for now, rather than undertaking a new style." Saito laid out his plans to hopefully avoid the training logically though he knew be it rational or just because he felt like it, Shani could over rule that thought just to be a twat. Not that there was anything wrong with that, in some ways it was normal and expected that the older brother be a pain in the ass for the little brother and for the little brother to be absolutely annoying to the older.

This is why Saito enjoyed teasing Shani about his choice in partners. It wasn't because Saito cared or thought it was any of his business, he liked making this uncomfortable for Shani. "I think your pleasure tool leaked on your robe. You're spotted." Saito teased, there wasn't actually anything there at all, but the few moments of near humiliation would be worth the annoyance of having to deal with blasts of elements and chakra he'd likely have shot at him later in the day. Besides Shani'd figure out soon enough Saito was just being an irritant, besides it wasn't often they got time to talk anymore. It was winter and so Saito was down with the family for now, and whenever their time in winter ended, Saito and Shani would probably be off to do important ninja things. Of course that said it could also just be whenever Shani felt like it, he did have the ability to make those calls for them.

[Shani Tachibana]

"You seem to be very talkative this morning Saito, Perhaps you finally got laid last night, But by looking at you it doesn't seem the case."


He wasn't upset at any of things Saito had just said to him, it was just a joke towards Saito as Saito out right teased Shani a few times, however he let it slide over him and didn't let it bother him to much, He walked over some of the freshly fallen snow, perfect it was melting from the heat. It would be perfect to whip Saito into more shape if needed.

"As for these flashy ninjustu, I was gifted these by birth and Have to train them every day to keep them as good as they are. However if you weren't as good sword's men as you are. I would have no need for you by my side. This is why you are my perfect partner in battle. Besides young Ari yet she has to learn to listen more then act. When you can do both with understanding my wishes. What's rare to find."

Letting out a deep breath he walked a little further all most to the forest what was outside the village sliding his right foot across the ground he let out another breath as he turned to face his brother, he was right about the different kinds of elements. Yes Shani could control three of the basic levels but he lacked in Earth and Fire. What he was hoping he could get his younger brother to teach him in good time.

"The reason I called you here this morning was for the simple fact of you teaching me how to use my Tanto better and myself to teach you about lightning. However I'm not to skilled with it, I can show you some of the basics."

Allowing him self to smile he brought his hands forward, placed his left hand on his right and began to focus on the task at hand, his charka began to flare around his right hand, then lightning started to shot around his hand slowly forming a ball of lightning.

"Raiton...Raikyuu!. As you can see its a simple lightning ball seeming to look not that use full. When with my Water Justu skill's This becomes extremely deadly. It also can back fire if Im also connected to the water it self. Another down fall with this power I can not move from this spot until I throw it."

Allowing his brother to look at the justu in his hand he turned on a dime and hurled it towards a fallen tree not to far away, The blast would slam into it and spark slightly before fading and leaving a pretty bad hole and burn mark into the dead tree.

[sainteaon]

"Some of us have standards brother, seeing you just reminds me that despite our status I am still the bigger man." Saito shot back at the remark that he didn't get laid the night before. That was true, but Shani cheated, he was greedy. Straight people and homosexual people at to choose a gender to have fun with, bi-sexual people like Shani just stole from everyone else and in their village that really hurt the numbers. Especially since Shani's reputation was that of an ass, although the reclusive swordsman reputation Saito had developed wasn't much better.

"Yeah yeah, you were born lucky. If I've heard it once I've heard it ten million times which is funny because for ten years I wasn't even here three seasons out of the year." Saito retorted quoting their father, though he honestly doubted Shani had ever heard that line. It was usually reserved to remind Saito his place, at his brother's side ready to die in his brother's place. Besides Saito knew Shani was useless without Saito at his side, sure he was an excellent ranged fighter but if someone got in close, Shani flailed around like a fish out of water. "As for the succubus," Saito started referring to Ari, still not entirely sure the nature of her relationship with Shani. "I'm not sure exactly what it is she does. I mean other than the following you around blindly."

The pun was not intended, Ari was blind, but she was special blind. Not only did she lack the ability to see, but she seemed to think that Shani was some kind of beautiful god. Saito didn't see that side of his brother, Shani was his older brother. He was flesh and blood and ego, and usually smelling like the inside of someone else. There wasn't much physically attractive about him, granted Saito wasn't too much better. He was very lengthy and taller than his older brother, and usually more soft-spoken.

"This may come as a surprise, but I don't typically use Tantos. " Saito responded when Shani brought up the notion which was true, Saito didn't. In fact Saito didn't even own one, he had a Katana, two knives, and some Kunai and that was about it. Tanto combat and Kenjutsu using the Katana were two very different abilities. Saito was trained in long swords, not daggers so he really couldn't do much to help. From then Saito watched his brother's show of his fancy Jutsu. There was lightning and to no one's great surprise when mixed with water it was extremely deadly. At least that's how it was according to Shani.

Saito and Shani were brought up and trained very differently, Saito was always skeptical about how "deadly" Shani actually was. The same could be said for Saito himself. Sure they were both worlds above the average person as far as skill went, but in the grand scheme of things in comparison to other Shinobi they were probably just shooting sparks around. Granted it did do some damage to this dead tree Shani had shot, but still Saito wasn't too impressed.

He walked forward to the tree and knelt down, pulling his Katana off of his belt and pressing the handguard once more with his thumb, edging the blade outward and letting it catch the light of the sun. Suddenly Saito drew his blade in classical battojutsu style, faster than the eye can usually see and made three quick strikes in the tree. Sandangamaegiri was the name of the technique used and each cut ran deep into the tree. Saito normally did not show off, but when it came to dealing with Shani, Saito liked to show that using a sword was superior to Jutsu. Granted Jutsu were harder and not everyone could learn them, but still that was Saito's style. "Sandangamaegiri. Mine cut deeper. "

[Shani Tachibana]

His eyes slowly narrowed as he listened to his brother and watched every move the young teen made. he bite his tongue slightly, His anger was slightly showing as he spoke like Shani was some common person to show off to. He did not show the attack to show off. He was trying to teach the moron something. He began to do hand seals very quickly all most to fast for even Saito to notice what kind of Jutsu he was about to do until he spoke loudly.


"Suiton: Shougekiha No Jutsu!"

The snow that had began to melt under them started to move as Shani rose his left hand slowly, Behind them both the small forest was engulfed in a eight foot high wave of water, with another wave of Shani's hand the water raged to the other side causing tree's to fall over from the crushing water against it. Slowly he brought his hands down and the water began to calm down become a thin layer on the ground were it once was.

"I did not come here to show off any means brother. If that was the cause I would of opened with that skill. However I came here to try to teach you how to use your Ninjustu in a better way. I know I come off as a hard ass or even trying to prove the world something. But at this time..what I need is my brother. No more comment's around my sexual thing's. All they are is to get things off my mind what happened in my childhood nothing more. I should not have to explain my self to you. So, All Im asking is you to teach me how to handle this damn blade and I'll teach you a little about Lightning charka."

He let out a breath he disliked using that Justu like that, it was a huge waist and he hoped he didnt hurt any wild life in the tree's He was sure he gave them some time and even if they did. What would they try to do..attack him. If they did thats when he would kill them all..Like one day he would kill his entire family. They had it coming..they earned it....They earned there deaths over and over again. He let out a small breath as he slowly unsheathed his Tanto looking at the blade.

"This thing is more for stabbing Im taking it. And less on close range fighting like that katana of your's?"

[sainteaon]

Saito sheathed his blade with the elegant professionalism that was only apparent to someone who'd tried to sheath a sword before. Carefully he slide the blade into its sheath without looking, two acts that are at face value contradictory to each other, not looking at the blade, and yet knowing its exact location, its length, and being aware of the location of the sheath and its opening. Shani hadn't wasted any time following suit proceeding to raise an eight foot wall of water and knock a tree over. It was so...inelegant, perhaps even an indignant use of the world to destroy itself. It was one thing to shoot up and slice on a tree that was dead, but to use water to knock the living down because you were upset really just seemed wasteful and immature. Besides Saito couldn't help studying Ninjutsu tended to bore him and come across as unimpressive parlor tricks, Saito had once seen his Uncle using the Tachibana style of ninjutsu slaughter a whole group of slavers and bandits. A few trees were nothing in comparison to human life.

"You do not have to explain yourself to me brother, nor would I claim to be so bold as to expect one. However you might consider that if not for our family's ways you seem to despise so much you wouldn't even have the means to oppose nor despise them." Saito retorted. He couldn't understand his brother's disposition towards their family. He made it out as though the Tachibana were horrible people who enjoyed sadistic torture and violated every possible freedom their children had. What had Shani lost exactly that Saito didn't? Shani had power, he had a loyal bodyguard, anything he did seemed to get written off or maybe at worst he had to deal with scolding from their father. Still Shani was allowed to live in a nice home, he likely never knew what hunger felt like, or was asked to swing a sword until his hands bled from the time he was four till the time he was fourteen. Shani needed to stop screwing around with his "pleasure tools" and focus on growing up and being a man. Sometimes that meant getting over that you didn't always get your way as a child and being thankful that you have at least the life lessons to continue to live on.

Still Saito let it go and pulled his Katana off his belt leaning it against a nearby tree. He then reached into his robes and pulled out his two knives that he carried. They weren't as finely crafted as Shani's Tanto, but they operated basically the same and would work for instruction. "I would recommend investing in a second Tanto. However there are a few basic forms, With the blades point facing outward in front of you it is highly effective at stabbing. With the points facing behind you, it becomes much better at slashing. You can also use one for stabbing and one for slashing. The trick however is in how you position your body, knife fighting is more physical than sword fighting, it mixes bladesmenship with martial arts."

[Shani Tachibana]

Shani let out a low sigh as he listened to his brothers speech again, He was talking way to much for Shani to enjoy his brother. He let out a low laugh as he began to explain things about his Tanto he nodded a few times under standing where the man was coming from. He slowly brought his left hand back reaching into the bag he wore at the back of his pants. He slowly would bring forward the same type of knive Saito had shown.

"So If I needed to, Using one of these and a Tanto would work as well. I'm a good hand to hand combat user. Its more to the fact I wanted to be use full with a Blade like Yourself and Ari."

It was true the fact Saito most likely was judging Shani over the fact he had it 'good' as a child blessed with extreme skills with Ninjutsu at a very young age. How his training was always focused on the fact for Shani to control his charka and allow himself to control his skills with much ease. However this was not the case. Shani dealt with beatings when he failed the third time of getting a hang of a new Jutsu and when he whined about tired ness he got lightning jolting threw out his body until he stood back up and tired again. For the fact of the matter was.

Saito did have it slightly easy he got to get away for month's on end with uncle, When Shani had to deal with both his parents making him a god. He didn't wish for this nor did he really want to be a master of this skill. He had to fight and work hard for what he was able to do. He still lacked in blade combat. He didn't want a bodyguard....He wants his brother..

"I think i understand Saito. Do you wish me to explain a little about your lightning element?"

Perhaps in time Shani could explain things to Saito and why his goals may seem insane to the young man in front of him..perhaps even Ari may understand. If they both didn't he would once again be alone like when his brother was away on training...He was used to the fact of alone ness. Even when he was making love to his sex partners they were nothing to him..he felt nothing but the love of his two best friends...

[sainteaon]

"Sythes aren't blades, they're jokes on sticks." Saito said with almost not hint of sarcasm or disbelief. Saito didn't find the Sythe to be half as elegant or effective as his own sword style. Anything that could be easily destroyed by cutting it just below the blade wasn't necessarily a "well made" weapon. It was a farming tool one that poor people and posers used to try and feel cool when really they were waving around something that effectively cut wheat. Congratulations, you can effectively cut wheat. People like Saito were busy learning how to actually just cut the person in general.

"That might actually work for you though, using Jutsu that require only one hand for signs while reinforcing with a tanto at close range. Oh that's the other thing you need to be ware of is your opponents range." Saito stated placing his knives back into his cloak and pulling out is sword. Stepping a few paces and pointing the tip of his blade at Shani's chest. "Range is my effective reach. At the very end of my blade, which is roughly six feet when you account for my arm's reach the power of my cut, my control over it, and its speed are greatly diminished. In short you're too far away for me to effectively engage. However at about four feet any cut I make will be powerful and deep if not immediately fatal."

Saito sheathed his Katana and pulled out a knife again, flipping it in the air performing a flourish with the blade before catching it. He wasn't even aware he was showing off, he just naturally had fun playing with knives. They were useful tools, but also a good way to show off for the ladies. "A knife's range however is much closer, as in less than three feet away from your opponent. The advantage is in that range, getting hit with a sword isn't an issue because the sword has no room to maneuver or gain power behind a cut. The disadvantage is your blade doesn't have a lot of weight so cutting deep wont really be effective unless you hit a vital spot. Stabbing is much more encouraged, but even then targets like the stomach are useless as they bleed a lot, but aren't fatal." Saito stood back and rested. He felt like he was talking too much and explaining all this stuff seemed like common sense to him, then again he'd been doing it for years. It was surprising how many people didn't consider range when fighting and that was typically how people got killed. Granted the greatest of swordsman never died to another master, it was always to some rookie who didn't know what he was doing, so he did whatever worked and it caught the master by surprise. Still even then these principals applied they just weren't considered.

"You can explain lightning now brother, my mouth needs a rest anyway."

[Shani Tachibana]

Shani put most of his weight onto his left side as he leaned there, not moving a inch when Saito was pointing sharp objects at him. He blinked slowly as he took in everything Saito said. This all made sense so it would work, he could do a few of his jutsu's with a single hand and use them to counter or even make huge openings for his Tanto to end the fight he nodded a few times and smiled when he was finally done. He spun his Tanto and knive around and quickly put them away inside hiding them from sight again. He would walk around Saito as he stopped about a good ten feet away from the man and look over at him

"I have been informed that you have the power to control lightning Charka but still unable to use it in a Jutsu form. As I stated before if you had Water under control there would be no problem for me giving you the basics of it. Since I am more of a master of that element. However you are in luck your brother is graced with skill around these types of Jutsu's."

He began to do hand seals once again forming the same lightning jutsu he did before. He allowed the lightning charka to whip around his arm like a snake wrapping around its prey. It was pure energy and seemed to spark at any thing.

"Unlike most the other elemental base Charka skills like Wind,Fire,Earth and Water..Lightning is more of energy base skill. You must fuse your own Charka and make it into Lightning. Its very hard to harness and master. This sad any newbie of these types of Jutsu's they all find it hard the first few times. I have had these skill's since i was ten. So they don't seem hard to control. If we had more time I would sit you down and let you try to mold your charka with lightning and create it. Though we do not have that time. As you can figure out..Lightning is very power full against earth elements and can be use full against fire. It's also good against wind. On the side note its a two sided blade again Water..It can help you damage someone but it can also kick you in the ass if you are in its path as well. I find Lightning my self is more of a close range element, you can harness it for long range but its more effective if your up close and personal. Mixed with your Fire Jutsu you all ready have. I could see in time you able to do some good combo strikes with both."

It some what upset Shani, that his brother had skills with fire and he did not, However in time Shani had plan's of having all the base five jutsu elements and with each one he could make stronger and more power full jutsu's. In time he would need that. The attack in his hand slowly faded away. He slowly flexed his hand making sure he still had feeling.

"Is there anything else you wish me to explain?"

[sainteaon]

Saito listened to the lecture on the powers newly awoken in him. True they were interesting and terrifying, but Saito wasn't the type of warrior who enjoyed the idea of using lightning at close range. In fact Saito couldn't really find time to think of using Jutsu at all when most of everything he did was centered around use of his sword. His older brother definitely was way more interested in these things than Saito was. Saito didn't think that being able to kill people with magic or whatever chakra was was even morally right. To kill with ones fists or their weapons forced you to take ownership of what you did. To kill someone with energy was something you could write off and that was a sin to one's self as well as his victim.

"There is nothing more I'd like to hear brother. When are we to meet up with Ari? I'm assuming you have a plan for the three of us today?" Saito asked already bored with the lecture. Still the lecture was more entertaining than following around the Lady of the Blind, Saito just wished he could spend some time with his brother when he wasn't obsessed with gaining more power. This was probably why Hiko had sworn Saito a swift death to all evil, because the lust for power that Shani often times demonstrated was a path to destruction. It wasn't as though Saito couldn't relate however, it was more that his interests were just different. Yet Saito wanted to move finally and get to the point of whatever it was they were doing today. Saito doubted his brother would just schedule them a day to relax and do nothing.

[Shani Tachibana]

The lightning sparked around his hand as he shook his hand a little allowing it finally fade away. A small smile came over his face as he placed his hands in his pockets as he began to walk back to the village.

Not for a good few hours Saito. Want to go grab something to eat and talk about things? Also give's us time to be truly brother's and not ninja's. I enjoy forgetting that fact we have a job to this village."

He allowed him self to smile nicely to his brother showing he still had a heart as he turned back to face the village as he enjoyed hearing his shoe's walking in the snow the noise of it made him chuckle softly as he began to walk a little faster. He let out a low sigh as he began to speak softly once again.

"So beside's training with are dear uncle, Have you been able to spend some time with are parents?

He new that would sound strange, however he has been living at his own place trying to get away from his parents and most of his family. He found him self lucky that he was able to get his own private place so he didn't care about his parents looking over his shoulder for anything. He smiled slightly as he began to walk a little faster he let out a low breath hoping to see what his dear brother would say.

[sainteaon]

As Shani's lightning vanished, Saito tightened his belt holding his sword closer to him. Saito could feel the air of intensity from the water and the cutting of trees and the formation of lightning and other dangerous elements lifting. It was as though the darkness that plagued the two sometimes was lifted and once again they could go on their way. Sometimes Saito wondered when things got like they were, when the two brothers stopped being children and started being grim spectators of the world, constantly staring down the philosophical ideals of what was and wasn't just.

"Yes, I didn't eat before my morning exercises with Master Hiko. And our job is quiet bothersome." Saito said eagerly at the idea of getting back into town. It was a nice little fantasy that Saito let play out in his head, that one day he'd meet a nice girl who admired his skill and talent as a swordsman as well as the person behind the blade, and yet he knew such a day would likely never come. When Saito was in public with Shani, even if neither of them wished it, Saito would always be the bodyguard. It was just the way he was bred, and that meant that no one could ever get close and Shani would always have status above him. They were only equals when they were alone in the wilderness, and that was part of the reason Saito didn't like Ari, not only couldn't she see that she didn't even try to see Shani as anything other than a god.

"I spend time with Mom a lot. I like to help prepare food and cook and I admire her stories of her and father in their youth. She helps me believe I wont die alone like Uncle Hiko expected to pass my knowledge onto your sons so that they may guard the successor to our family's legacy." Saito said quiet fondly. He loved his mother and Uncle Hiko, and the stories of their father courting their mother were always good to hear. The man of the Tachibana family known for his stirness and power and often times even arguably unfairness to his children was once quiet the naive romantic. Time, money, and expectations change everyone and everything though, Life was like that, a flower as it stumbles out of all, and in every case it faded to black from silver gray.

[Shani Tachibana]

"I'm Glad your getting closer to Mother, I've had that time living with are parents. I kinda wanna go with my own way in life. Even though I hold the title of the next in line of are family, I my self do not view I'm the type of man to lead are family into the next phase."

As the two brother's passed by the gates again he looked around slightly more, sighing at how many people were walking around, he enjoyed the streets more silent then this. He walked passed a few hitting his shoulder onto another person who jumped to the side and bowed there head saying sorry over and over. Shani just closed his eyes and let out a breath questioning why people were so scared about him.

"If anything I wish that you could be the next in line to be the head of this family. As I plan on never having children sense females disgust me more then anything. Sexually anyway, there to..ya..not going into that topic."

He began to look around again his evergreen eyes narrowing for his favorite place to eat when he is at his private house. They had the best grilled fish around this area, not better then his dear mother's but it was a very close second. He let out a low breath bringing his left hand up into his deep red hair playing with it a little.

"I've always thought you got easy side of life with getting away from are house and going on field trips with are dear uncle. I have mislead my self with that fact, you had a lot of pain full times with him, his training is known to be extremely hard. I wouldn't know the pain you went through. This also noted. I can't express the training I went threw with are parent's teaching me the skill's I have today. That all said..I wish to change this in time. Are family is to old fashion to myself..that has to change."


He looked to the west and noticed the sign he smirked slightly as he began to walk towards the place, quickly moving the fabric they call a door and walked up to the bar counter, slowly taking a seat. Zipping down his jacket he looked over at the two cook's and winked slightly.

"Two of my normal choices please. I'm sure my brother would enjoy some grilled fish, rice balls and some Ramen on the side. Take your time."

He of course forgot to ask his brother about these stories there mother was telling him. He fully removed his jacket and placed it on his lap, allowing his full clothing to be shown, of course he was wearing his leather vest allowing everyone to see his tattoo on his arms. His hair was getting slightly longer and just about touching his shoulder blades. He quickly moved his left bang out of his eye as he looked at his brother once again.

"So tell me..what are these stories like what mother tells you?"

[sainteaon]

"Well as far as going our own way goes, this life was chosen for us. I think sometimes we just have to accept that. Besides there are others who would die for our lives, we were born with them, and we owe it to them to do the best we can with what we've got." Saito responded as they made their way through the gates. The village had woken up since the brothers private incursion to the wilderness outside the previously sleepy little market. Saito knew his brother didn't really like the crowds, he was more private, and more likely to prefer the silence. Saito reckoned it was because it helped him think and that Shani was constantly under stresses unknown to Saito. However Saito did like the noisiness and the business of the people. If Saito had been a commoner who never had to raise a sword and just lived like one of the people he would have been just as happy.

"I wish we didn't have a next in line some days, that it didn't matter how much money we had or what our blood was. But other days I look at the things I can do because of it, the lives I could change and help and I think, maybe its all for the best." Saito disregarded his brother's mention of not liking women. He didn't judge him for it and to be honest Saito didn't really care either, but the family line would have to continue at some point and Saito wasn't the legitimate heir so he couldn't do it. That meant at some point Shani would have to suck it up and find some woman of noble blood and use her as opposed to another male. It was such an awkward and vulgar line of thought for the young warrior, if Saito thought of anything sexually it was almost only because it was romantically appealing to him.

"It wasn't that easy being gone from home three seasons out of the year. Master Hiko is strict, I used to swing a sword till my hands bled." Saito said upon hearing about his training. Saito knew Shani knew it wasn't easy just like Saito knew that Shani's training had been hard for him. Turning children into warriors was never easy, however Saito had witnessed women dying at the hands of rapists and slavers, and bandits slaughtered for killing them all. He could attest to the weight of a dead body in his hands and the aches of having to dig out the cold ground for a massive amount of graves. "Our family needs some successful Shinobi so they don't have to feel like they're on the edge of extinction anymore. Then the training would tone down. It didn't used to be like this."

As they sat down in the resturaunt Shani ordered for both of them, once they were where they were going Saito stopped speaking or making choices of his own. He sat down across from Shani and kept his sword within arm's reach. Saito was no longer the bubbly boy who was walking with his brother but the armed killer and bodyguard. He didn't have a choice, a thought, or a mind of his own, he was a slayer and a protector. Judge and jury, sinner and saint. It was the way of the Tachibana second born, and Saito was the perfect living example of it.

[Shani Tachibana]

A faint smirk came over his face as he looked at his brother slightly biting the inside of his mouth, His eyes slowly looked over to the cooks as they looked very busy, Resting his hands on the table he leaned in a little to his brother letting out a low hum. Some what sad his brother didn't say anything about the stories there mother told him he let out a groan of disgust as two cups were placed on the table with a jug of water the cook bowed and went back to his job.

"You bring up good points brother like you always do."

Sitting back he poured him self some water and then took a drink letting out a refreshed sigh he tapped the table with his left hand. Trying to really think what he should say to his brother next wasn't to sure what to talk to him about.

"To change the topic on things, What would you like to see more for are training exercises. I'm sure my exercises are getting old."

He looked at his brother resting his elbows on the table the he rested his hands on his chin he let out a low breath smiling softly.

[sainteaon]

"Just tilting the glass slightly..." Saito trailed off when his brother mentioned that he'd brought up good points as usual. Saito didn't think they were very good, because the way Saito and Shani were raised did actually suck pretty bad. It did have undeniable benefits, but it wasn't fair for children to have to bare the weight of the burdens they carried. In a lot of ways though, that was just the way of the world. Saito and Shani weren't unique, perhaps to them they were, in their village and to their family, but there were other children probably in the same and worst positions. Saito just chose to try and tilt his perspective slightly, to see the light sparkling through the glass, and remain in mental obscurity where there is no silver lining and there are no heroes.

"As far as training goes I think our situations will be at conflict pretty much constantly." Saito spoke up before letting his eyes gaze down into his glass of water. As he shifted around on the floor he could see the ripples in the water pull across the surface and it made his mind wander. Still before he could travel far down his wanted state of mind, reading possible futures in the sea, and contemplating the meanings of life Saito had the ever important issue of training to provide more detailed thought on.

"Our current training exercises aren't the most effective anymore. We all have techniques and jutsu we can execute with our eyes closed, however if we can't apply it to combat its not useful anyway. I would recommend combat." Saito spoke up, he always preferred a fight over stances and posturing anyway. Stances and posturing had a place, but they didn't necessarily help in martial combat or in a mission which is what Saito was going to be dealing with. Even here though Saito imagined each of them had their own legs up on each other. Saito sparred with Master Hiko usually every day, Shani had trained with his parents, and Miss Perfect Vision probably did something as well too. Still Saito felt the level of dedication he'd had made him more applicable in this sense, he was the honed swordsmen after all.