The Runeska Manor [Invite only]

[loyal]

Learned.

[Runeska]

“Alright then, try this one.” It was simply all he’d said, no explanation given this time. In somewhat of a blur, his body seemed to disappear from the ground. Appearing in the air a moment later, it became rather obvious that he’d simply jumped high, with his natural propensity toward taijutsu making it appear that fast. Whether the jump was that necessary or not, would be for Asakuro to decide. Once he’d gained enough height, he turned his body downward in mid air. This had the immediate effect of causing him to fall far quicker than he otherwise would have.

A second or two passed by in the fall, bringing his body close to the ground, head fall first. Once he neared the ground though, he struck downward with great force. The ground would boom, and his body would immediately shift itself to land solidly and safely upon the ground. A cone shaped force exerted itself, likewise into the open away from anything important, with 40 meters. A noticeable amount of debris shot off at the same time in a cloud of debris nearly obsurring his front. So it basically came down to an over glorified falling slash, but would Asakuro follow suit with comparable force?

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūtsuisen (Dragon Hammer Strike) 10 tp
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is a sword-drop technique delivered from above, targeting the crown of the head or the shoulder of the adversary.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The key to the technique lays in the height gained from the user’s jump and the free-fall, which is applied to the sword to multiply the force of the sword-stroke. If the user misses, the opponent will be forced to endure a force attack that occupies after the initial attack breaking up the ground shooting off a wave of force towards oncoming opponents in a cone effect. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

[Asakuro]

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūtsuisen (Dragon Hammer Strike)
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is a sword-drop technique delivered from above, targeting the crown of the head or the shoulder of the adversary.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The key to the technique lays in the height gained from the user’s jump and the free-fall, which is applied to the sword to multiply the force of the sword-stroke. If the user misses, the opponent will be forced to endure a force attack that occupies after the initial attack breaking up the ground shooting off a wave of force towards oncoming opponents in a cone effect. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

Sharingan Stage 3!
0 / 20

As the shock wave continued on down the ground, I'd see as the ground would be dented into as it had been when the Kage had completed the technique. The dip in the ground wasn't as far down as his had been but the debris that had been ejected had been the same amount when considered in proportion and since I hadn't been able to cut in as deep, I didn't have as big as chucks of ground as he had. I'd get to his amount soon enough. With the technique ended, I'd place my sword back to my side and away in it's sheath. It was time to learn the next technique if there was one.

There wasn't much that had been said by the male this time and he then jumped into the air. Though he was moving fast, my eyes kept the movement to way past traceable. I wasn't quite sure what it was that I was supposed to do but considering the fact that he had jumped, it was quite obvious that I would need to be doing that as well. Then again, it could easily be him trying to trick me. I'd simply have to wait for the rest of the technique to play out in order for me to know what I need and what I don't need. From here he changed his body direction so that instead of falling at a normal speed, the speed that he fell would increase quicker until he equaled out at max falling speed.

Regardless, there must have been reason for the shift in body and I would place extra attention into the movements that occurred while this male was in the air. It seemed that this really did have something to do with it. At this point, the kage swung his blade at the ground and I could see the energy swirl out of him and into the ground. His body leveled out and he landed normally on the ground but the after effects were rather immense. The crater in the ground just seemed to continue to grow and ground would raise itself as it traveled further and further. My arms would shoot up as I prepared myself for the attack. I could see it coming, but there wasn't much else that I could do. I'd need to get used to his attacks regardless.

The crater went past where I had been, considering I was about ten meters from him. My eyes opened as I finished taking the attack. I wouldn't allow myself to show the pain that came from the attack. I had to worry about my own technique to learn. I then pulled out my own blade and I'd use an Inkaten in order to jump up in the air and I'd alter the direction of my body so that I could also fall quicker than usual. With the energy of my body flowing through my blade, I'd swing down and the same effect would occur that had happened with the Kage. My own attack landing in the crater created by the Kage, mine would deepen it even further and debris would detach from the ground as it went up into the air. My figure had come to a standstill and I was easily able to get on my feet since the force of the attack had moved my body back to an upright position.

[loyal]

Learned.

[Runeska]

Gekkido watched as Asakuro had marketable success with the technique. He nodded and assume another stance to show him the next technique. However, as he prepared to moved, he spotted something in the air. It was a bird, more specifically, one of Kiri’s messenger birds. The Red tailed hawk would swoop down quickly, circling overhead. Grasped within it’s talons was a note which it dropped, screeching once before leaving in the direction of the tower. Immediately pausing, he’d catch the note, reading it quickly to find out that he was needed in the tower. That was… quite odd. Hadn’t he left the shadow clone of his in the tower? And this was Katori’s manuscript. Guess she’d had woken up. He wondered what the problem could be. Whatever it was, it seemed like he’d have to depart for a moment.


“Asakuro, I’m afraid we part here for a moment. It seems I’m needed at the tower again. If you wish to have a break and wait for me, feel free to go back into the kitchen and grab a snack. There should be something in the fridge. And you may rest in the living room as well. Before I go though, I will show you two more techniques, since you seem to be catching on rather fast.”


For the first said technique, he readied his lower body as if to jump again, as he’d done moments ago. This time however, the moment he jumped, he slashed upward. Response, the combined jumping motion with the might of the slash created another ryusen like shockwave. This one however, shot off in a cone, expanding gradually for 40 meters. Every tree in it’s path appeared visibly shaken for a moment, followed by his very prompt landing on the soft soil. “That is the Ryushosen.”


“The next one is a personal favourite of mine, the Ryukansen. It’s an evade in counter attack type of technique. Just watch.” Taking up a more so defensive stance, Gekkido quickly stepped to the side in a juking motion. Executing a very prompt spin, he slash sideways, towards what would typically be about rib or chest level on an average person. As there was no actual target, the Uchiha would witness the force that followed afterwards in a 40 meter cone. It woudn’t strike him at all, completely breezing past in missing, as it wasn’t aimed for him. However, it appeared as though most of the techniques were invented to have a “Just in case I missed you” effect.


“I hope you observed closely enough Asakuro. I should be back soon enough.” With that said, he left with quickness, passing by his house in out the front gate. His destination loomed out far ahead.

[Exit]

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūkansen (Dragon Spiral Strike) 10tp
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is a move which takes advantage of centripetal force to accelerate the draw of the blade while simultaneously avoiding the adversary's assault, shifting directly into a counterattack.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When attacked straight on, the user spins to avoid the attack. Using the motion of the dodge, a strike is immediacy made afterwards to hit the opponent's side. A user can simply rotate their body while performing this attack as well. If an opponent attack attacks along the right the user jukes to the right making a full spin while avoiding the attack delivering a blow with the sword along the side. If the user misses, the force of the attack follows with a range forced attack launching a wave of force to the opponent in a cone effect. The effect of the cone is shot up outwards from the user's body vertically in the same direction as the sword moving horizontally away from the user's body. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūshōsen (Soaring Dragon Flight) 10 tp
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique was originally a move meant to utilize the edge of the sword, cutting the adversary below while aiming for the jaw and/or the pit of the stomach jumping on the air.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The key to this technique lays in jumping power, utilizing it to its fullest. The user jumps and performs an upward jumping attack where he slashes upwards from beneath an opponent. Main target is the neck. If the user misses, the force of the attack follows with a range forced attack launching a wave of force to the opponent in a cone effect. The effect of the cone is shot up outwards from the user's body vertically in the same direction as the sword moving horizontally away from the user's body. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

[Runeska]

Aclime returned to his humble abode for just a moment, being sure to take with him, every possible piece of equipment that he might need. He chose to depart quickly after that task had been accomplished, less he leave the others waiting for some time.

[Enter/Exit]

[Runeska]

[Enter/Exit]

Well, that was it. Whatever he had been doing was long forgotten, and either a failure, or not worth giving thought to. With that being the case, perhaps it was time to take a look at the outside world for a bit. Of course, doing so, it would be a personal affair. As such, he would go as close to his native inner self as possible. As the Akumu were long gone from the public eye, he would have to simply settle for a wandering swordsman... or, as his appearance typically suggested, a lone runt with a sword, a lost child, depending on which persona was in charge and who was looking.


Aclime quickly stripped himself of anything that distinguished him as a shinobi. that included head band, kage or anbu gear, and even the shinobi like clothing that was suited for combat. Most of his weapons were discarded as well. In fact, with him, he only kept a single katana and its sheath. For clothing, he took a simple plain shirt, a pair of travelers pants, and a robe. Once that was settled, the shinobi turned tail and left his house, his home, a shinobi no more, until he might return at a later date.

[Asakuro]

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūshōsen (Soaring Dragon Flight) 10 tp
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique was originally a move meant to utilize the edge of the sword, cutting the adversary below while aiming for the jaw and/or the pit of the stomach jumping on the air.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The key to this technique lays in jumping power, utilizing it to its fullest. The user jumps and performs an upward jumping attack where he slashes upwards from beneath an opponent. Main target is the neck. If the user misses, the force of the attack follows with a range forced attack launching a wave of force to the opponent in a cone effect. The effect of the cone is shot up outwards from the user's body vertically in the same direction as the sword moving horizontally away from the user's body. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

Sharingan Stage 3!
0 / 20

I had to watch carefully now as the Mizukage would begin to show me another move. He had been called away from our training session, but he would leave me with a few moves to practice during his absence. My crimson eyes would watch carefully as the male began the first technique. Ryushosen was my target and it bared a lot of resemblance to the technique I had just used, except it was in the opposite direction. The Kage would jump into the air, like the time before, but this time, he would strike his blade upward. He would unleash a slash of energy, and I could see the trees in the area shake.

He'd show me another technique after this, but then he would disappear off to take care of his business. The good thing about him leaving was that I could take longer time learning the techniques. I didn't feel obligated to learn the attack in one attempt. The strain that would be palced on my body would be a lot less this way. I would begin by preparing myself for the first step of the technique. I'd bend my legs and take off into a jump, as he had. The next part, the attack, would be followed through as i copied the motion that the Mizukage had shown me. What escaped the blade, though, was nothing but a baby strike that only traveled about 5 meters.

After a few relaxed breaths, I prepared myself for my second attempt. This wasn't difficult, and I refused to get bested by a technique that was this easy. I wasn't expecting to get a result like the Mizukage's, that went over fifty meters, but I did expect to get much more than a simply tenth of his distance. I quickly prepared myself for the jump. The jump was there for a reason, so it played a big part in the power of the technique. I pictured an imaginary opponent in front of me, and replayed the Kage's take on the attack. The cut was to go through or around the neck of the opponent.

With a forceful jump, I focused the energy gain in my blade, and I made sure I made a complete and fully powered swing. I could hear the blade slice through the air as I swung upward toward the neck of my, soon to be, dead imaginary opponent. I could see the blade continue on for quite the amount of meters, as it made it through the unseen enemy. The distance that the technique had gone this time was well over double. I could image that it was around twelve meters this go. I was okay with that distance since it was a lot better than the last try. One more go wouldn't hurt, though.

Three tries to be satisfied with a technique? That wasn't my style, but I had to to what I had to do. Another jump would be followed with a slice from my blade. This time, however, the strike would continue on for fifteen meters. Trees that were nearby could be seen move; nothing close to the magnitude of the Mizukage, but something was a lot better than nothing.

[GO AWAY]

[Asakuro]

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ryūkansen (Dragon Spiral Strike) 10tp
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is a move which takes advantage of centripetal force to accelerate the draw of the blade while simultaneously avoiding the adversary's assault, shifting directly into a counterattack.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When attacked straight on, the user spins to avoid the attack. Using the motion of the dodge, a strike is immediacy made afterwards to hit the opponent's side. A user can simply rotate their body while performing this attack as well. If an opponent attack attacks along the right the user jukes to the right making a full spin while avoiding the attack delivering a blow with the sword along the side. If the user misses, the force of the attack follows with a range forced attack launching a wave of force to the opponent in a cone effect. The effect of the cone is shot up outwards from the user's body vertically in the same direction as the sword moving horizontally away from the user's body. Depending on the user's class level depends on the strength of the technique.
"D" Class - Ten Meter Cone
"C" Class - Fifteen Meter Cone
"B" Class - Twenty Five Meter Cone
"A" Class - Forty Meter Cone
S Class - Sixty Meter Cone

Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin - ブレードの剣聖人 - Blade of the Sword Saint, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

Sharingan Stage 3!
0 / 20

I could hear the excitement in the Mizukage's voice as he spoke of one of his favorite moves in the style. By him saying that, I immediately paid close attention, even more so than before. My crimson hues watched carefully over the movements made by the male. His sword began sheathed and he would pretend to by in a fight with an enemy, seeing as how this was a countering technique. The male teaching me would place himself in one of the defensive stances that he showed me. I would keep a close watch as everything else quickened from here. My eyes made sure that everything stayed at a slow pace so that I could follow everything done to absolute detail.

The spin preformed was a short one; just enough to dodge the attack made by the invisible enemy that I imagined there. It seemed that he was always rather precise with his movements. Did that mean I would mess up if I turned too far? Before I could even argue for an answer, I would find out. The blade would come bursting out of it's holding cell, and I could see that the spin helped strengthen the strike. The blade would crash right into the rib area of the faux foe. It seemed rather easy, in a way. Definitely something that I would enjoy accomplishing. The after effect, since there was no real enemy there, would be felt from where I stood. The power that emitted from the strike blew past me and shook the trees that were over fifty meters away. I was expecting to get as far as I did with the first technique.

All in all, it didn't matter if your turn was too big or not, because this technique, like a whole bunch others from the style, seemed to like to make sure that the enemy was caught within the technique, even if they are at a distance. The spin was a key part of this equation, and that meant that the faster I turned, the stronger it would be, but that wasn't the only thing that would effect the power. The smaller the circle of the curve, the stronger the strike would be as well. It seemed that it was my turn to begin training the technique physically. Mentally, I had the move down pact. I could only hope that the Mizukage would return soon; if not, I would need to find my own technique to train. I suppose I could rest, if I really needed.

My body would situate itself in the defensive battle position that I witnessed earlier today. The enemy would come charging forth, and I would prepare for my strike. The dodge was executed easily, as i would spin off to the side of the attack and get away, but the spin was larger than that of my sensei's, and my blade, as I struck to the opponent's rib section, didn't quite make as much contact as I hoped for it to. It didn't matter, though, because the after effects of the technique would kick in and the concentrated force of the blade would move forward until it crashed into a tree fifteen meters away. The more interesting

I would need to call upon my animal companion soon enough so that we could train together. It was so much easier when training in a pair versus training alone. I was glad that the Mizukage could help in my obtaining new taijutsu techniques, but I also needed to understand that he couldn't stand here and help learn them the whole time. We both needed time to learn our own things, and do our own things. For one last try, I would once again spin to the side and swing my blade, this time I focused on keeping the turn tight, and the after effect. I wasn't too worried about actually striking my fake enemy. The attack wold continue on, and fly the fifteen meters as it had the first time. For once, I had free time. A nap wouldn't hurt. I was safe in this house, right?

[GO AWAY]

[Runeska]

[Enter]

So much lost time. Wow... Aclime rushed back into his small mansion to fetch the shinobi gear he'd left here. But... one whiff of himself made him realize that he reeked. Of course, traveling the sea by foot and leaping everywhere did have it’s own drawbacks. Maybe one of these days, he’d fix that. But for now, he simply showered, had a small meal, then geared back up in full shinobi gear, including his head band, greaves and gauntlets. He then placed the Tenkyo Buryoku back on his belt, then proceeded back off of his property. He was glad to be greeted back by his fellow anbu when he returned to the village, so to return the feeling, it was about time to get back to work.

[Exit]

[Asakuro]

From a house guest to what seemed like a roommate. It had been a while since I had ventured into the Land of Water, and was taken in by the then Mizukage. Since I've been here, there's been two changes in Kage, which isn't much to my liking. That was, after all, part of the reason that I left Sunagakure. The thought had crossed my mind every now and then about here, but I don't feel like I'm finished learning what I need to here. There was still much to learn and I still needed to visit the temple of my people. I was told that it was in these lands, it is just a matter of finding it now...

It had been a long time since I heard much noise within this house, other than my own. Once the door opened, I quickly began to search around. Who the hell would attempt and infiltrate his house? They entered the bath room, and I awaited their exit to see who it was. Once the person left, though, they went to the kitchen, and that's when I realized Gekkido had finally returned. I didn't interrupt him, but simply followed in quiet. He was still alive -- that was good to know. Once he ate, he grabbed the gear he had left long ago, and headed out again. What had he been doing for so long?

Once Gekkido was gone, I took my place in the back yard again. It was time to do some more training. I had been relaxing for far too long... I was going to need to be stronger if I was to continue down the path I had chosen for myself...

[Runeska]

[Enter]

This was not good. How could he forget the one whom he’d left here quite some time ago? Sure he was rushed, but how would Asakuro feel knowing that, if only for a moment, the one he’d placed his trust in had forgotten him? For that reason, Runeska returned rather quickly back his manor. He couldn’t have imagined that Asakuro would stay outside in the back yard, the entire time he had been gone. Rather, he pushed the front gate open to his property and proceeded to the front door. He’d open the front door and peak inside to the living room area to the left.

“Asakuro!? Are you in here!?” his voice would echo for a moment in the emptiness of the house. Clearly, it was empty, but was his student here at all? Just a brief moment of silence, he decided to handle this the easy way and use his sensor abilities. In just a moments time, his protégée’s presence appeared outside… in backyard… around the same place where he’d left him at a year or so ago…. That’s right, Gekkido Runeska, Sensei of the year… not really.

Quickly, Runeska closed the front door and proceeded to go out to the back. There, he saw the young standing, as if in preparation of a task. Just how should he begin? Surely, the renegade he had taken in other his wing must have been greatly upset, maybe even furious. There had been no one else that he’d placed his trust in around time he’d taken to wanderlust, so had he simply sat here alone? Ne shook his head to loosen the thought from his consciousness. Regardless, Asakuro was his student and confident, it meant anything, this little reunion wouldn’t go too sour.

“Asakuro? I’ve returned. It’s good to see you still about. How has the time passed, without me? My absence wasn’t intended to be this long. I’ll answer any questions you may have.”

[Asakuro]

As I stood outside thinking of what to learn next, I heard the back door open and a familar voice rang through the air. I turned to face the old mizukage. He spoke a little and posed a question. I thought for a second, as he said I could ask any questions, but not too many came up.

"It's good to see that you're still alive. I began to wonder for a second if it was time to search for a new home."

I smiled as I spoke, showing that I was joking, but as I thought about it more and more, would I have actually done the same as I had twice already? This was the longest I had stayed in a village in a while. Perhaps it was 'cause I kept myself so secluded from everyone else. It allowed me to not worry about any other worries that roamed the village.

"I actually got a lot of Genjutsu training done. I figured it be nice to know since the Uchiha are supposed to be good at it. After you left, there really wasn't much more Tensora that I could learn."

I took a glance around, to look for my blade, since it had been so long since I last used it, and then I remembered that I didn't really have too much of my things with me. I had left my items inside the house from the times I had gone in to take a break from training.

"I actually have two questions. Where did you go off to, and why did you lose kageship?"

I simply stood there awaiting an answer. I took a few steps closer to my sensei. My eyes completely focused on all his movements.

[Runeska]

“I see,” he quickly responded. “Yeah, I’ve known a few Uchiha. They were certainly gifted in that field, more than someone like me, in any case.” He then paused as if trying to figure out how to go about his explanation. How does one simply lose kageship? And just where was he? He took a long deep breath, not for the relief of any stress or anxiety, but for clarity.

“Alright, I’ll start with what’s simple. A kage is supposed to be strong, powerful, skilled, and wise. He is supposed to be a beacon of light and hope to all those beneath his rule, as well as a leader that all can depend on. As well as that a kage should have a firm grasp on diplomatic and home turf business affairs. So the reason for my demotion is simple. The council kept their attention to my reign and felt as though I had failed in one or more of those responsibilities.” His tone was dry and serious, as if he’d already known the reason, without words needed.


He shrugged his shoulders though, as if it was of little or no consequence. “I won’t make excuses in that regard. Not everything can be controlled quite so easily. A few shinobi betrayed my confidence in their loyalty and dedication, and thus betrayed the village. When they did, they saw it as imperative to return to kill a few of my emissaries to foreign nations. Without emissaries, you can’t conduct business with foreign nations, and thus, I was unable to perform some of my duties. But that’s in past, and it won’t stop me from doing those things that I feel I must. Even if not the active kage, I’m still the Sandaime, before that, a shinobi of this nation, and before that, Gekkido Runeska, the man who’s trust you invested in.”

He sighed and frowned a bit, having said that. He hadn’t expect such a long explanation. “Well, that was long winded. But yes, if you should ever feel that this land is not right for you, I won’t stop you from leaving it. But don’t betray me, for you placed your trust not in this nation, but in me.”

“To answer your other question though, it’s trickier. Despite all of my strengths as a shinobi, people of my birth require considerable reign to travel and explore. Wanderlust, if you will. But for years now, as a chuunin, I’d not done so. It ached considerably, so when the council advised me to step down from active reign, I conceded, and decided I would clear my head a bit. But then, that only begins to explain what occurred. I’ve been around a lot of places, perhaps lost in a number of foreign countries. I’m surprised this land didn’t suspect that I had abandoned it. If you wish to indulge in my story more though, I’d advise we go inside. It could be some time.”

If he seemed to agree, Runeska would head back into the house via the back door, then proceed towards the kitchen. After some rummaging about, he would say, “I’ll put on some water to boil for some tea, alright?” The kettle was under a cupboard near the sink, and he promptly filled it with water and set it to heat. Returning, he’d make a motion to simple but sturdy table with a number of cheers set up at it. Once he was seated, he’d say, “Let me know when you’re ready.”

[Asakuro]

With a deep breath, I listened carefully as Gekkido explained the job of a Kage. The old Mizukage seemed to have all of this, though. Thinking back to all the Kage's I have seen, only a few have the traits that he had listed. The first was the one in Kumogakure -- she had even hunted me down when I didn't return from the mission in Tea. The second was the Kazekage. She knew what she wanted from all of us, and she expected nothing less. The situations she put all the genin through were rather rigorous, but she must have messed up somewhere to be removed from the seat of power. All those who followed after her had been terrible... In fact, I hadn't even met the current Mizukage. The one prior to this one had had me go on countless village monster hunts, and then he disappeared, and now whoever was in control had been missing for a while, as long as I was concerned. Did he or she even match up to what the people wanted in a kage? I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't

As Gekkido continued on about what events led to his step down, it all made sense. It didn't really matter how well of a job you did or didn't do. To the people, the first set of things that Gekkido said mattered to the people, but as far as the people in power cared, the council, they only wanted whatever they saw fit, and they would use any form of blackmail possible. Surely the council had it out for Gekkido. No one can force a shinobi that wants to leave from staying, unless it was physically.

I was rather taken aback by his next statement. He had given me permission to leave if I saw it fit. Knowing that he was the old Mizukage, I was incredibly surprised at the thought that he would let me leave without a fight. I couldn't help but feel that that was the whole truth, though. It was a thought to keep in mind, though. As long as I didn't betray my trust with him, he doesn't care what I do. He had answered one question, and the second question was answered in full with about half the effort the first one took, even though he thought it'd be hard for him to explain. By the time he finished, I could only smile.

I can understand perfectly the feelings that Gekkido had felt, and I couldn't blame him at all for travelling for as long as he did. Gekkido offered to tell me more of his story, and I was more than willing to listen. Insight on what he's gone through could very well help fill in the blanks for questions that plagued my own mind; ones that I had to answer myself. I walked in after the Sandiame and followed him into the kitchen. I'd take the seat across the table from Gekkido while I awaited more of the story.

"I'm ready."

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[Runeska]

Runeska watched as his pupil listened in full to his words. He seemed to absorb them all in full, for the face value, which was good. Nothing he’d said thus far had been a lie in his eyes. The water going on the stove, and it would take some time for it the heat properly. When Asakuro said he was ready, Runeska nodded. Took a nod and smiled once as he thought where to begin the depths of his story. It could either be a short one, a story that could span many hours. So, just what would he say?

“Alright Asakuro. I’ll start with saying this. I have never mentioned my origins to any, so it’s somewhat of a mystery to who I am. You are forbidden to speak of this to anyone. To this day, it is part of my cherished secret, so after this conversation, lock these words away somewhere, ok? Now, Gekkido Runeska is not really my name. According to this village, I have no name, no origin, no family, and no memory dating further than a few years ago, when I was discovered. So they gave me this name, and invented me in the form of a shinobi.”

“You see, I have severely compartmentalized amnesia. I awoke from a sheltered darkness one day inside of a stone box. When I freed myself from imprisonment, I had no memories of any kind whatsoever. So after a few short events, and interaction with the shinobi of this land in the country, I was brought back to the village. They took me in, and gave me a bit of an education, under the circumstance that I be a shinobi. I had nothing else to do or live for, so I complied. However, as time passed, I would remember small things and events.”

“My real name is Aclime, but it’s not something I want going around. I am a killer, a hunter, a murder, or so, my memory would say so. That’s a story for another day though. To get to the important parts though, I have no family. They would have passed away a long long time ago. After events that transpired which led to my rise and fall as a kage, I was taken by an unbearable lust to wander, as I explained that I’d done many times before. I traveled to Kaminari to visit the sensei I was given to, as well as Cha and Umi, in search of dojo’s and such. I explored the wilderness like I had done many times before, but something felt different in the air.”

He paused and covered his mouth, as if he were trying to reconfigure his words into a different format, something that might make sense. But even so, he found himself looking down in confusing. It was weird, but he removed his hand and took another breath. “It’s hard to explain. But it was a feeling I’d never felt before. It’s like, if nostalgia carried a presence, it weighed so heavy in the air, in a trail. I followed this feeling to Kusa… or was it Ame? Either way, it was like fate. I met someone who’s presence reminded me so much about someone who should not exist in this world. They were so alike, but fundamentally different. This person, that is, she, was my sister, or like her. Yet, the mannerisms were different in every which way, and she knew not who I was.”

The talking had taken up a bit of time, and the kettle on the stove announced that it was ready by fiercely whistling a short distance away. The Sandaime stopped his talking to go retrieve the boiled water and some tea leaves. He prepared them, using a blend of green and black leaves, and allowing them to soak in the water to obtain a decent brew. While it was brewing though, he thought to himself.

Do you really intend to tell such personal information about us?

Well, it certainly unlikely to harm anything. Besides, it gets lonely sometimes. Normal people don’t carry conversation with themselves, and then actually receive contrasting opinion, do they?

HA HA HA! Fair enough. If this comes back to bite you in the ass, I take no responsibility in it.

Once he’d finished brewing the tea blend, he took out 2 mugs and poured some in both. He brought it an a plain looking container container sugar, along with a few spoons for mix and stirring. A moment later, the items were set between the 2 of them, and Runeska reclaimed his seat across from Asakuro. He suddenly began brooding, slumping forward a bit as he spoke about it, and his tone and atmosphere shifted slightly. Runeska began talking once with one of his eyes slightly covered, though it had turned crimson red in the meanwhile. “I chanced an encounter with this person and after a roundabout discussion, I convinced her to follow me. I wished for her to return to mist with me so I could have the chance to confirm my thoughts. She wanted power, and I could help, and promised to lend her my services. But as I took my eyes from her, I turned some time later to find that she had vanished without a trace,”

The atmosphere shifted slightly back to normal, with a sullen undertone as the eye retained its silver gleam. “like a phantom. Was she really there? Did I really meet a figure of my past, or had I gone delirious on my travels? I couldn’t simply leave without confirming anything. So searched high and low through a number of countries searching for some sign of her presence, something that said I hadn’t gone mad. I wasted a lot of time, but all I was able to confirm was that this figure was somewhere in this world, but her identity is still questionable.”

Runeska removed his hand from his face and corrected his posture. He suddenly reached for the sugar and added an amount that might be unbearably sweet to some people, but stirred the mixture as it was only natural. Taking small sip, he’d savor the sweetness of the flavor, then say, “I couldn’t stay out forever, so I returned to fulfill my duties. Afterall, I have a home here, and people who depend on me. I couldn’t chase down an uncertain past indefinitely, right?”

[Asakuro]

There was so much to take in. It seemed that Gekkido kept so much bottled away; so many secrets that were never told. I nodded my head in response to him telling me to keep this secret. I had no issue with that, but why me? What made me so special that he felt he could inform me of all of this? Not wanting to make him lose his train of thought, I kept the thought to myself and listened on. He told me of his amnesia and how he first became a shinobi of Kirigakure. It was such an empty past. Surely there was so much that he wanted to know. I couldn't deal with only having glimpses of what I should be able to have completely. Memories were solely belonging to the person that had them; to be stripped of them was just wrong... He spoke of his visit to Kaminari, and I could feel my body tense up at the mention of my old country's land.

He then spoke of a feeling that made him go from one place to another; simply searching for whatever it was that could be causing the feeling. If it was anything like the one I had, I could understand exactly what he spoke of. It was the main reason that I moved about so much. I couldn't quite tell where it was that I needed to be; where the hell my drive came from or what the hell I was looking for. Answers is what I needed, but the more I searched, I simply lost more and more hope. A break... that's what I had taken. I would return to my search eventually. Conversation of family was brought up -- well, what Aclime felt could be family, and I could feel my stomach knot up. It had been years since I had seen my family. Surely they thought I was dead by now. It wasn't even as if I could go visit. Who knew what kind of action would be taken against me if I waltzed back over there.

Before Gekkido could speak of her anymore, though, the kettle whistled and he stood to handle it. I sat there, thinking of everything that he spoke of, and how much I actually understood him. While the situation wasn't the same -- it was close enough for me to relate to. It made me feel more comfortable with him. As he returned with the tea, he placed everything in between the two of us. He began to act strange and I could see him cover up part of his face. I could tell that one of his eyes had shifted crimson, and without much though my eyes followed suit. My onyx hues were quickly replaced with the crimson red of the sharingan while three black tomoe swirled around each eye. I contineud to listen to what Aclime was saying, but I was just so much more aert. i diddn't know what was going on, but he wasn't the same as he had been not too long ago.

As Gekkido finished speaking of his sister-like acquainted, he seemed to return to normal. He spoke of how he searched country after country trying to secure his hold on his sanity. Finally removing his hand from his face, I could see that he looked like before, and the air around us felt normal once again. My body relaxed and the sharingan returned to it's dormant state; onyx eyes taking back over. I took my cup that was placed in the center after I saw him do the same. I poured myself a cup of tea and took a sip. Afterward, I added a single teaspoon of sugar before taking another sipping and listening to Aclime pose a question. While it seemed rhetorical, it was one that I wanted to put input on.

"Answers are important to all of us -- I'm sure. I feel like I could search for an indefinite amount of time if I had to... Surely you'll return to your search, right? I'd be willing to tag along the next time. It'd be a nice change of pace, and perhaps I could find what I'm looking for; not that I know what it is."

I took another sip of the tea as I thought about how to bring up the question of his eyes. There was definitely something different about him at that point in time, but perhaps that isn't something he wants to share. I was sure I would find a way to ask him...

"Tell me, Gekkido... What drives you?"

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Gekkido was still a mystery to me, and I just needed to know. Supposedly, there is something that every shinobi keeps on going for. I hadn't found mine yet, but had Gekkido? At one point I felt like I knew what it was, but I was wrong.
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[Runeska]

Runeska could tell that Asakuro went on the defensive ever so slightly as the Akumu spoke. Perhaps it was too soon for him to make an appearance. He continued to sip off of his tea for a moment, then Asakuro gave a response to his last question. He smiled a bit at the idea. A bit of company on his travels. Yeah, it had been quite some time since that had occurred.


“How kind of you Asakuro. Certainly. I don’t know when for sure, that I will search for her, but I will. And when I do, you are welcome to accompany me. I’ll find out just what is the deal with her. And for yourself, you’ll find that being out on travels feels significantly different when you have a place you’re returning to. Who knows. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then perhaps you’re not ready to receive it just yet. But I’m sure the journey will prepare you.”


Silence fell again, and Runeska continued to drink down his tea while it was still steaming just a bit. The heat dripped down his throat and heated his belly before ultimately loosing it’s flare. It was a good heat, relaxing and soothing. Asakuro asked him another question. It seemed this line of questioning brought up a lot of deep thought, and Runeska found himself actually giving it time to stew and sit in. Curiosity was an interesting emotion. He had to wonder what others thought of him once they tried to look past the surface. Sure, there was this powerful authoritative figure, but what about the person beneath.


Yes, there was this unmistakable mysterious air about himself. What was his motivations? What did he live for? Power? Revenge? His past was deeply scorn, but that was uncertain. Sure, somewhere along the lines, there was hatred and angst, but a part of him had grown past that. There were some noble motivations as well, such as his servitude to this land, and the morals he’d developed in recent years, but they were all a byproduct of a single will that pulsed at the core of his being. He wondered if this core is what Asakuro sought to understand with that question. Well, Aclime, as a whole, was a complicated being. If Asakuro sought to understand him completely, it would take some time, and he could only reveal but so much at a time.


“Hm… that question is simple, yet complicated at the same time. There are a lot of different things that can drive me. When I first awoke, I was driven towards being a better shinobi for this village. I was driven to pay off a heavy debt. Then I was driven to do right, but you can never truly know what is right, and it cost me at times. So... I guess what drives me at this very moment is opportunity. I was given a chance to live without whatever influences I may have once had, in an environment that can’t judge me for things I may or may not have done in the past. I am more or less free, in a sense. Free to start a new beginning, be a different person. It’s like a fleeting dream, and what drives me most… is what will happen. The uncertainty, the chaos, all of it. Who’s lives’ will I effect? What miracles will I bring, calamities that I’ll cause. What will I feel when it’s all over, when I sit back and reflect on this life?”


“I’m sorry, I must be in a weird mood. I seem to be making a lot of rhetorical questions.” A small sheepish grin overtook his face for a moment as he spoke with a small laugh, but he quickly straightened out and regained his calm composure. “Well Asakuro, I must say, I find myself wondering, what exactly made you trust me? I mean, perhaps I don’t have your deepest trust, but you came from a foreign land and I took you in without question, only to disappear, yet, you’re still here to greet me when I return. Sure, perhaps you had your doubts somewhere along the line. I could have turned you in about as easily as I took you in, or given you a mountain of stipulations to stay here, but I don’t get the feeling that you ever truly doubted my words.”