A New beginning.......again........

[Falorein]

The doors creaked open pushing rays of sun into the musty damp of the restaurant, a figure walked in with his head bowed and eyes looking to the ground.Without a word he walked to the furthest corner of the wood shack that served to be a restaurant ,seating himself he waited.Shifting his eyes upwards, Zen leveled his eyes to view the room he was in ; the walls were brown streaked with green moss, there were a few tables around with only one occupied at the far end and the occupant seemed drunk, the door was made of rotted wood that seemed covered with green paint with cracks and chunks. Zen looked around at his own table and viewed the table top, it contained a vase filled with wilted flowers and a dirty glass with a spoon.

Zen sniffed at the air; it smelled of the bay which was directly out the door.Zen waited a moment for the serving girl to approach, when she arrived Zen asked for some sort of stew and whisked her away. The young gennin stared at the far wall and soon began to think;his thoughts traced back to what had happened over the past year and the events that had consumed his life and destroyed the very fabric of his belief in justice.

Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro..that name has haunted him for one year since he attacked him, the rubble, the death and he was ANBU. The law, the ones who brought people to justice. His heart began to beat faster as memories of the past year flooded back to him Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro Why had he done it? this question was all Zen had thought about for the past year why?Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro he thought again about the previous months and found himself drift into his memories Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro

Flash back (2 months after attack)

Puffing Zen slumped to the ground with exhaustion, his legs ached and his eyes stung.The young Mist nin had been training non stop for 2 weeks only leaving to bring food back to his clearing;where he trained. He had a new drive, revenge, Kill Ziro, get stronger and kill him that was Zen's goal. The nin had begun to advance quicker then ever before and this revenge gave him strength and power. He thought back on that moment in time, when he saw his cousin fall to the rubble , his heart pounded, increasing each second until it felt like his chest would rip open.

Zen felt his eyes get heavy with exhaustion , but holding fast, out of fear Zen stayed awake he hated sleeping now all he could see was his face and all he heard was his name.Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro like a heart beat it would ring with in his head and synchronize with his own beating heart. Zen began to feel the weight grow on his eyes and eventually he weakened allowing for sleep to ensue Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro.

Zen opened his eyes pulling himself from his melancholy memory,he stared once again at the small dirty shack he now sat in ;ever since that day he had isolated himself and began only eating in places like, these devoid of life.He had become difficult to handle and erratic at times; more then people could handle. Zen had lost himself and this time it was harder to find himself once again like he had done when he had served his former "master." The mist nin felt his heart beat again Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro Shaking his head the nin tried to rid the name from his mind, it would not leave Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro the more his heart beat , the name continued to pulse through his very being Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro.He felt his eyes swell Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro.The serving girl placed the stew on the table, Zen ignored her and continued within his own thoughts. why? Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro why?Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro Why?Ziro.......Ziro.........Ziro.......Ziro

Tears began to roll down his cheeks as he stared into the stew, staring down at the stew; which was unusually clear, Zen saw his own reflection and saw the change and what he had become.

His tears continued down his face creating a watery facade and soon they began to fall into his stew; like rain drops in a pond. Zen stared into his soup and continued to cry as he thought about what had happened and all the searching and training he had done , now he wondered why? Staring at the soup Zen continued crying lijke the child he really was and wished someone would help him. Zen showed no sign of stopping and none bothered to see what was wrong. Zen stayed there crying waiting for some sort of divine intervention that would help him but he did not believe in such things.

[Itaru]

It was a deeply saddened vision to bear. The nameless boy sat alone at his empty table, salty tears crashing down into a bowl of soup left untouched. Had the young one failed to observe the teenaged man situated afar...? The scent of mildew had been irritating the young man's naris for some time now, causing him to slouch with his head down on the level surface, eyes peering over his arms that were settled on the table top. Unusual it was indeed to simply stare at the sorrowful kid, but Toraku understood there was more to this young child than what the eye could process.

The shadows denied Toraku's identity to be revealed for the time, not even so much as shifting from his immobile position. There wasn't really concern for the ninja whom Toraku couldn't put the name to, but regardless, various questions unanswered were pertaining to this same kid. The sun gradually making its way across the heavens had finally beamed its powerful rays into the building at a particular angle, shining through window near Toraku's table.

Due to this, the left side of the man's face would be illuminated, but his forearms hid away much of his complexion. The royal blue tone in his left eye had been exposed, as well as wintry white unkempt hair. There was nothing in his gaze; nothing but emptiness, as though there was no person left behind those emotionless optics of his. If the two separated pair of eyes had come to meet one another, Toraku's reaction would be to tuck his face between the table surface and both his arms that had placed themselves there.

This may have made the shinobi appear shy or reluctant to engage in any form of conversation. Truthfully, Toraku just wouldn't stand for looking into tear-filled hues. It wasn't only a difficult sight to behold for Toraku, it was almost insulting to the name of the Kiri Shinobi. Eye lids now forbidding him sight, Toraku was well prepared to walk out, yet there was something else keeping him in that structure. Hardly audible sniffles were all that could be heard. The silence engaged perplexing opinions about the boy, but Toraku did not care to express his mind.

[Falorein]

The luminescent tears continued to roll down the child's face, as the uncontrollable sobbing continued all the child could hear was his own heart pound and the name echo within his mind Ziro....Ziro.....Ziro.... Shaking his head as the name consumed the entire space of his mind, Zen would open his eyes slowly to see a reflection staring back at him. The reflection was not his own, but it was Ziro's, the child's face contorted into a pure look of horror. At that moment the madness that had been slowly building and causing his erratic behaviour, finally came to be, once again.

Zen's eyes intensified, moving his hand quickly he flipped the bowl off the table to the floor and shouted "I don't want stew , get me something else now" as he spoke the word "Now" his voice rose in volume and seemed to echo within the room. The serving girl quickly hobbled over and cleaned it up, looking up the girl squeaked "what would you like?" Zen stared at the pathetic creature and whispered "guess."

Ziro...Ziro...Ziro... ripping his eyes away from the serving girl, Zen began to shake his head Ziro...Ziro...Ziro... opening his mouth he shouted "No m..more" placing his hands over his ears he continued to shout "Go away, pppplllleaseee" Tears began to flow more heavily rolling down the boy's cheeks, shaking his head he gasped for air and began to shout once more "GO AWAY"


He swung his leg towards the girl , the impact would hurt her severly but he cared not for her at this stage he was lost in his madness.

[Itaru]

There was disorientation in this Mist ninja, there was no mistaking it now. Hostility his behavior was, and this Chuunin of Kiri would be carefully observing every movement made by the young man. His frustration was growing, for what reason, Toraku couldn't yet fully understand. Skull ascending from the table upon first hearing the frustration in the boy's tone, eyes of royal blue would stare as a witness to this kid's unusual behavior. Something had to have upset him, but what could drive a ninja, even as young as this boy seemed, to act in such a manner as this? It was utterly ridiculous and Toraku wasn't prepared to stand for it much longer...

"Go away!" The boy had moved from his sitting position to stand upright. In this moment, the Chuunin had already risen from his seat and preformed the Shunshin no Jutsu^1/10 to appear at the ninja's right side. Toraku's palm would take the impact of the powerful kick, stopping it just inches before it could connect with the plate held by the defenseless waitress who had already fled to a separate room. Taking a strong hold on the boy's ankle, Toraku would force his remaining foot out from underneath him, attempting to collapse the ninja flat on his spine. Had his counter been successful, Toraku would take one step forth, directly in the pathway of the Mist ninja.

A long outward breath of air passed through Toraku's nostrils, as though attempting to calm himself from growing frustrated with the situation at hand. Arms dangled at his sides, shoulders relaxed and standing perfectly upright, Toraku revealed no signs of wanting to begin a fight with this boy. The reason being, simply, he had absolutely forbid himself from assaulting a fellow ninja of the Mist Village, disregarding almost any exceptions. "Releasing frustration on an innocent isn't as a Shinobi of Mist should act. Watch how you treat civilians,"

There was no reason for Toraku to become threatening, as his vocals were although rasped and deep, they strangely sounded rather calm, but not so much kind or generous. Uniquely, at ease, as though his words were released from his vocals without any meaning behind them at all. The room grew still, the few customers previously occupying the building having long since evacuated. In deep focus, Toraku awaited the moment for any sudden jerks of motion, indicating the ninja wasn't afraid to commence battle against the Chuunin.

[Falorein]

Shaking his head softly, Zen looked up to see what had occured and to his surprise he saw a figure standing there. The figure was his own height and had bleached hair that hung loosely from his head, he wore the band of a mist shinobi like his own, he was draped in a black cloak of some kind.Zen looked curiously at the figure for a few moments. Realising he had knocked him down from his attempt of kicking the girl, Zen was stumped, who was he and before saying a word he looked into the royal blue eyes owned by the figure. At this moment time seemed to stand still and Zen was pulled into a rush of his own memories, he felt his head go dizzy and he heard the name ring in his ears Ziro.....Ziro.....Ziro

Flash back The land of sound-Slavery (8 years old)

Zen rushed as his master called to him, he had taken to long with his tea and his master had grown impatient.Zen gathered together the tray and walked quickly but carefully into his masters study, there in a seat by the fire sat his master; Lord Renael. Zen walked in and placed his tray on a side table next to the chair and waited by his masters side, Lord Renael lifted his tea and sipped it, without hesitation he spat it out in disgust.

Zen cowered in fear of his masters disgust, then without a moments warning his master stood to full height and turned to face Zen.Lifting his hand he struck square on the cheek bone knocking the child to the ground, scrambling to his knees, the child cowered into the nearest corner . His master approached him bearing down on the boy with royal blue eyes, and his black cloak making him seem more like a shadow of nightmare.The boy looked into the eyes and drew his knees to his chest, the Lord of sound lifted his leg and kicked him. Zen bowed his head in his knees, as his master kicked him again and again, soon the boy began to sob. An hour passed of kicking , punching and utensil stabbing, his lord left the boy sobbing and nursing his wounds.

Ziro....Ziro....Ziro His heart began to beat, as he looked into the eyes of this Mist Nin he began to tremble and soon his heart began to beat faster and faster. Ziro...Ziro....Ziro tears swelled in his eyes and began to pour down his check tumbling like broken memories.As he stared into the royal blue eyes he began to crawl to the nearest corner, tucking his knees into his chest and bowing his head he mumbled "please don't hit me I won't do it again, Ill do better I promise please don't hit me"

The young Nin glanced back up at the figure looming over him, this time when there eyes looked on one another's Zen had changed and now looked nothing more then a defenseless child.The look of innocence was spread throughout the sapphire of Zens eyes , even fear touched them aswell.Ziro....Ziro...Ziro.... He buried his head once again in his knees and began to sob muttering "someone please help me stop the noise..... stop the noise"

[Itaru]

As the kid dragged himself to a darkened corner of the room, Toraku's eyes would be trailing him. The boy had only muttered his plea for Toraku to refrain from striking him. The Chuunin had no such intentions. Separate sets of eyes locked, Toraku wasn't ignorant of the terror cast upon the ninja, but it was beyond what Toraku could endure. In the watchful sights of Toraku, this ninja's behavior was pure foolishness and couldn't go on like this. Toraku adjusted the massive cloak to drape over merely the left side of his figure. Any form of sleeves was non-existent on the pure white torso covering he wore.

His pants were perhaps just slightly oversized for his physique. Constricting his lean waist was a forest green belt revealing his rank in Krav Maga. Sandals swept across the wood flooring, approaching the boy without taking any precaution to the mental state he (Zen) appeared to be suffering in. Toraku would snatch the boy around his shoulder, taking a strong hold on the utility vest. Forcefully, the Chuunin would haul the boy's pitiful body out of the structure and into the roads of the city capitol. The hours of night had drawn by faster than what it seemed, as the skies had progressed to navy and the moon suspended high. Once coming to the emptied streets, Toraku would attempt to carelessly thrust the boy to the dirt.

The citizens of Mashimizu long since returned to their homes were they would soon lie to sleep away the nightly hours. If his struggle would come to an end successfully, Toraku would tower above the early-teenaged boy. A distance of merely one foot would separate the two shinobi. "You're obviously having some difficulties right now, and I have no reason to harm you because of that. However, you will not make it known to the entire capital of your anger. Tell me what it is that's bothering you." Toraku's actions may have created the illusion he was very upset at the moment, however he revealed no emotion that would deem that statement to be the truth.

[Falorein]

"You're obviously having some difficulties right now, and I have no reason to harm you because of that. However, you will not make it known to the entire capital of your anger. Tell me what it is that's bothering you."

As the child was hauled onto the chuunins shoulder and hoisted out, all he did was mutter words which were nothing more then gibberish. The boy laughed as he was placed down, slumping to the ground the boy just watched as the chuunin spoke his offer to listen and help? The figures actions had suggested he wanted to help, but there was no hint of that as he had spoken. The child was taken back by this and for an instant he smiled, just briefly, but he had smiled.

The Mist nin felt his heart beats lessen and the name leave his mind Ziro...Zir....Z... As the name left him, his eyes straightened and the look within them died and he came back to his normal state. The child smiled and laughed, it was giggle of glee that someone had offered to talk to him.Looking up at the chuunin he spoke to him OK, I will, you might want to sit down its a long one

Unsure whether the other Nin sat or not Zen began his story,from the death of his parents and the life of slavery and its significance in his sense of justice. continuing he relayed the attack of Ziro and how as Anbu was his dream, it had destroyed him and then he described the last year of training and Mika's face in the rubble. The voices and his blackouts where he knew nothing of what he did previously, like now, he had no idea how he came to be here relaying his story but he did know he had to relay it.

Breathing deeply he smiled it felt good to talk to someone whether they listened or not, the young nin looked at the figure to see his reaction to the story. The young child then spoke again " why did you listen? No one has ever bothered to listen, also you made the voices go away, what's your name?" at his last word the young child went close into the face of the chuunin, noses almost touching he stared into his eyes and waited for his reply.

[Itaru]

The ninja had suggested that Toraku made himself comfortable while listening to what the boy had to say. And listen Toraku did indeed, every bit of information would be processed through his mind, missing not a single detail. It was obviously Toraku wasn't permitted the entire story, but after the boy had ceased to speak, he seemed more relaxed, almost outgoing all of a sudden. Toraku may have been mistaken, but he was sure he saw a small grin on the boy's face. "Why did you listen? No one has ever bothered to listen, also you made the voices go away, what's your name?"

Voices...?

Having been kneeling down on the gravel road while taking in the boy's words, Toraku would rise to his feet at this point in time, if Toraku hadn't known any better he'd say this ninja stood exactly same height as him. "Itoyama Toraku. And yours?" The Chuunin didn't bother to reply to any other questions the boy had for him (Toraku), seeing it as a waist of time. In all honesty Toraku despised merely thinking of his own self, let alone share a conversation concerning just who he was.

So this boy's own friend had betrayed him it seemed. It was an upsetting situation, it was a disappointment to realize how often it occurred... How easily somebody could betray those they once cared for, once called their friend, their family. A shinobi who would have given their life to assure that person's safety, suddenly turning into a traitor, a fiend, a fake... Toraku flinched awake from the day dream interrupting his focus on reality. "Follow me if so chose, Zen (assume he's introduced himself by now)."

Using a second Shunshin^2/10, Toraku would appear along the rooftops of the same building the two ninja had just exited from. Jumping from one roof to another, Toraku would make his way outside the city capitol.

[Exit, will continue in Zero Hour III]

[Falorein]

"Follow me if so chose, Zen

The young child watched as the chuunin went into day dream, he had said his name was Toraku. The young nin(zen) thought for a moment in fact he felt rather happy, which had not happened for a little over a year and this was a relief.The nin had shown some compassion just by listening even if it he did not show any more, his actions made him seem like he cared but his voice was emotionless. As he continued to think Zen realised something, the voices were not coming back he heard no name or saw no face.

Zen grinned as toraku appeared on the roof of the building, he had invited to come with him if he wanted to. Zen thought about this and as he went to reply the other nin was already moving.The young child decided to go, because this Mist shinobi makes the voices leave him and that meant there was something diffrent about him. The young nin jumped up onto the building and grinned once again, smelling the air and enjoying the silence of night no voices, no noise just the bay and as he looked out to the bay all he saw was water. With a swift movement, the nin trailed after Toraku and maybe his new friend only time would tell.

(EXIT to Zero training hour III)