the good life [private]

[Naoki]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g543t.png); width:494px; height:313px; border-top:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-left:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-right:2px solid #f7f1e1;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/35b8jnp.png); width:494px; border:2px solid #f7f1e1;] Truth be told, Naoki was well aware that genjutsu masters were rare. Many times he had been teased about how he wasn’t good at either taijutsu or ninjutsu, having been told by his peers so many times that those were those most important because they actually did damage. Though he did prove them wrong on some occasions, when he left them incapable of using their fancy techniques. “Not only genjutsu… I can also preform my clan techniques and am capable of using techniques of the sound release,” he muttered, quietly correcting the shark boy. It was just that he knew almost only genjutsu. “Animal creations, huh?” Naoki mimicked those two words as he looked around at his butterflies, wordlessly commanding two of them to go and settle on Tsuyu’s shoulder. He couldn’t really track the butterflies, but if he did manage to lose the other in the mist, he could command a butterfly to return to him and simply go towards the direction it came from. “Just keep talking,” he said as they started moving into the thick mist, figuring that following the sound would make things much easier. Silently he listened to the other’s strategy, following close enough to still be able to make out Tsuyu’s form within the clouded air. “My techniques are all about disorienting the opponents,” he admitted almost hesitantly, knowing damn well that he hadn’t really an offensive follow-up. He knew that he would do well to actually train some sound techniques to help fix that, but he didn’t want to admit the fault aloud. Even though his style of fighting was best when he was supporting others, he had never actually been on a team before. Just talking to someone like this was going to be something he’d have to get used to. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” Naoki reassured the boy when the mist was mentioned again, confident that they wouldn’t be separated.

[Mist]

Tsuyu kept walking along through the streets of the martial district of kirigakure. Kirigakure was a big place. It wasn't one of the five great nations for nothing after all. It would be quite odd if it was and the place was small or understated in anyway really. It was a good thing and bad thing for quite many reasons. The good reasons were that it offered more to the people who actually lived in the mist village. With many homes it ensured enough sheltered homes to prevent homelessness.


Some of the reasons as to why a large village wasnt so good was well it was large. So large that you nee to learn for quite some bit how to get around. Theres a silver lining in thatt hough. Should there ever be a breach in the village an enemy wont know where things are. But the village usually found its own citizens lost however those were mostly people new to the village, or the youngest generation who only have been to parts of it. The longer you stay the more you know. Kind of like the two boys walking through the mist as of now. The two just kept walking through the misty jungle of buildings.


It was a good thing that the blue one was learning to to come out of his sheel more often. Because of that he was able to learn a slight know how through this maze of buildings. Only certain sections of it. Not everything quite yet was known to him, but the more he went out the more he learned. He might not have known everyplace but he knew how to get the kage tower from where they started. He just kept leading the way knowing that they were almost there too. It wouldnt be too long now.


He listened to everything the boy behind him had to say. He didn't really need Naoki to say it to figure out he knew his clan techniques. It would go without saying that Naoki woulld figure that Tsuyu could use Hoshigaki techniques. Though it did seem like the genjutsu could use a little non genjutsu after all. Well that might be useful after all in support but what he did know about the sound release is that it didnt differentiate itself from ally or foe going after everyone. He will have to ask the boy if he knew what he was getting into.


He turned around to make sure that he was still being followed. He could see Naoki being half shrouded in mist but there was something else. But what was it? It was small and moving around. Getting a little clearer in his vision. It was a butterfly. It was staying around Naoki. He kept walking with the boy and the butterflies following. Was this his doing? He;ll have to look into this during his research."Sorry for being a bit quiet. but here we are. Well almost." he said as he walked closer to a large structure where the mist in general wasnt as thick.


In front of the two boys was a large structure. It was a giant door about thirty feet high. It was embedded into a rocky cliff of sorts. Some stone towers located on and before the cliff and some stone buildings ontop of the cliff."Here we are. The Lake Gates. Though we're not walking in them. Theres some stairs to the said to get us to the top of the cliff to get to the lake, where the tower is located in the middle." He said pointing to the stairs over to the side. They were white and also made of stone. They made theyre way up to the top. The blye boy walked over to them."Come on we're almost there so dont wimp out" he said unawringly somewhat ironic.

[Naoki]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g543t.png); width:494px; height:313px; border-top:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-left:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-right:2px solid #f7f1e1;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/35b8jnp.png); width:494px; border:2px solid #f7f1e1;] A small frown pulled down at the brunette’s lips when the other went silent, having just told the other not too long ago to keep talking. The sound of Tsuyu’s voice would have certainly helped make sure they didn’t get separated in the mist, no doubt. Naoki didn’t say a thing about it though, remaining silent as he continued to follow the dark outline of the Hoshigaki clan member. Maybe the boy just hadn’t heard him, or didn’t understand what he had been trying to say. It didn’t really matter, though. “I’ve been living in this village for years, you know,” he muttered when the other explained where the tower was and pointed out the stairs to the side, voice nearly quiet enough to be lost in the thick mist. Naoki certainly wasn’t much of a talker, and he shied away from most social situations. “Although it has been a while since I’ve been here,” the genjutsu master admitted after a short silence, golden eyes looking over the stairs and large gate before them. Naoki blinked when the other mentioned him wimping out, remaining silent for a moment because he wasn’t sure what to say. “Never,” he said after a couple seconds, that being just about the best he could come up with. Words weren’t really his thing, but he wanted to make it clear that he was no coward. Well, maybe he was a very large coward when it came to his personal issues, because he always ran away from them. But he sure as hell didn’t want anyone else knowing that. Wordlessly he began to climb the steps, not waiting for Tsuyu if the boy hadn’t already started to go.

[Mist]

The hoshigaki had several thoughts on his mind at the moment. The first was thinking about how seeing Akiko would be like. He thought about the last time he saw her. Truthfully even though he hasnt said this to others he hasnt seen her in a while. The last time he saw her was before she left to the chunin exams so back when she was still in a team with him. She then passed the exams and after the last mizukage dissapeared she was appointed the mizukage position. So it has been a while. hopefully she still remembers him. It would be weird if she forgot about the time they spent together.

He will just have to wait and see. It would feel a bit different now that she will no longer be on his team. He will just have to adjust to it then. The boy didnt hear Naoki's first remark as he showed him the way to the tower. Seeing the other boy walk to the stairs however confirmed something. Naoki was true to his word and was going to form the team. He really hoped it was because he wanted to not for anything else. He didnt want this to be because of naokis honor, pity, pride, obligation or any other emotions or concepts of the sort. He just wanted it to be a team purely because he wanted to.

Tsuyu slowly started to follow Naoki to the stairs. But realized he gained some distance between the two. Some he briskly jogged a bit to catch up to the other boy. Well with everything thats going one he supposed he was glad things are getting to be better now. "well im starting to look forward to seeing Akiko again" he said mentioning the mizukage with her name. Though this was the first time he used her name in front of Naoki. Walking up the stair seemed pretty boring. Walking a bit faster to catch up to the brown haired boy he grabbed his on of his hands to catch his attention and shook it."Come on lets just run up to pick up the pace." he said while gently shaking his hand then softly releasing the grip.

The blue boy ran up the stairs just wanting to get to the top. The stairs were long but he just wanted to get through them all. After several flight of stairs he saw a few steps away from the top. Then he mis-stepped his foot on one of the stairs. His arms and body flailed out. From below it would have looked like he would have failed. Tsuyu managed to balance himself with his arms and a quick foot readjustment. Then went up to the top. Sighing in relief that he didnt fall "I'm ok!!" he called out to Naoki.He walked out further away from the steps and closer to the lake lake in front of him. In the middle of the lake was a large white tower. There was no bridge to it so the only way was just to use the water walk technique to the tower;

[Naoki]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g543t.png); width:494px; height:313px; border-top:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-left:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-right:2px solid #f7f1e1;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/35b8jnp.png); width:494px; border:2px solid #f7f1e1;] Truth be told, the main reason Naoki was going through with making a team was because he felt an obligation to do so. He had attacked this boy and made him cry twice, so now he felt as if he had to repay the kid. Not to mention he felt the need to protect the boy, with how helpless the guy seemed to be. When Tsuyu mentioned Akiko, he merely hummed a little and he just continued walking on, then he nodded in agreement when the other suggestion they run. It was a good thing the other hadn’t been touching his hand for long though, so it hadn’t triggered another mini panic attack. The brunette channeled a small amount of chakra to the soles of his feet to make sure he wouldn’t slip and fall on the high steps, wanting to avoid a nasty tumble to the bottom. But it seemed as if the other didn’t have the same idea, when his eyes went wide as he watched Tsuyu’s near accident. His own golden eye had gone wide in alarm at the scene, and his arms outstretched to be ready to catch the other. But thankfully the boy caught himself. “Are you always this clumsy?” Naoki’s voice had been void of any annoyance or accusation, he were merely curious to know if the other was always this unfortunate. Honestly, with how pitiful the other seemed, he was actually starting to wonder who the hell let this boy pass the ninja academy. And it stirred the need to protect the younger one as well, as it seemed as if the blue boy wouldn’t be able to take care of himself. “Well, at least we’re almost there now,” he muttered quietly as he looked across the lake to the tower in the middle. It was rare that he came here, and without a word he stepped out onto the water as he walked towards the structure on the very surface of the lake.

[Mist]

he stared at the white tower in the middle of the lake. It was quite huge. Though he found its height unnecessary. It didnt really need to be all that high. What could possibly be in there to need all that room? Hes been in there several times before. Even read the kage tower map directory. Yet all of it didnt really seem that important. He believed the tower was only there for one reason. It had to be a symbol of sorts to the villages. It was good to have a giant building that was standing out should enemies be around. Because it drags attention to itself.

But if its purpose for the village than maybe that was why its still there. He knew it was an old tower from long ago. If its all the same even governments sometimes tear down history if its deemed unsafe or unneeded. It wasnt unsafe as people used it daily. He felt like it was kind of unneeded. The tallness of the tower just made everything seem more alright in the village. Perhaps thats what they were going for. Keep an old building to make the villagers think that the government of the village is alive and strong just like the tower? It was only a thought but it seemed to suffice

He then turned around to look for Naoki. He was still climbing up the stairs. It was good to see that he was tagging along. He stared out of the view from the cliffs. It did show a good view of the village in its entirety. He could see all the districts from there. The mist gave it both an eerie touch yet a whimsical one. Like it came from a painting or some sort art maybe. He doubt he would be able to find it but he looked in the direction of the modern district. trying to see if he could locate his house. It wasnt easy with all this mist. But he couldnt in the end.

Naoki finally reaching the top asking The shark boy if he was always this clumsy. Clumsy? Trying to understand him than getting the reference. He must have seen Tsuyu losing his balance a little bit ago. But that was just his one mistake of the day. How would this one instance make him clumsy?? He thought about it. Did he maybe think that when tsuyus foot fell asleep he tripped over himself? That wasn't his fault really he had no control over that."Im not clumsy no. That was my only clumsy mistake of the day." he said because he didnt count the tripping thing from earlier.

He followed Naoki onto the lakes waters. If they just kept walking normally at this rate it would take about ten minutes to go.So here i am. Im about to form a team again. With a stranger. I hope we can get along. he thought about Naoki and the team formation. But something was biting in his mind about the formation. Ive been meaning to form a new team replacing the old one. but why does he want to be in a team with me? he questioned himself. Thinking about how before climbing the stairs he was hoping Naoki was joining because he wanted too. Is this whats been bothering me? He stopped walking on the water. "Can you tell me the honest reason why you want to be in a team with me?" he asked."We hardly know each other and you agreed so quickly. Please tell me." he wanted to know why.

[Naoki]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g543t.png); width:494px; height:313px; border-top:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-left:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-right:2px solid #f7f1e1;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/35b8jnp.png); width:494px; border:2px solid #f7f1e1;] Maybe Naoki was judging a little too harshly- No, he definitely was. The brunette was hard on everyone, especially himself. “What about when you tripped, earlier?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, having thought that was a clumsy move as well. Besides, just one mistake was too many in his opinion. Especially for someone in their line of work, considering one mishap could get them killed. But again, as a perfectionist he judged too harshly. The brunette actually enjoyed the short silence that fell between them, always having been more of the reserved sort himself. But when the other suddenly asked that question, he blinked as he slowed to a stop as well, turning towards the younger boy. “So I can help you,” he answered as if it was really that simple, because that was his initial reason of wanting to go through with this. And as time went by, it seemed as if he was finding more reasons. “Besides, I’ve never been on a team before myself, and honestly I’ve wanted to try it. As I’ve told you before, my entire style revolves around support, but I haven’t actually been able to put it to use, unfortunately…” Naoki trailed off for a few seconds, taking a moment to think before he continued. “I’ve never really got the chance to join a team, though. I’m not very good at dealing with people,” he muttered reluctantly and quietly, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. It took far too much effort than it should have for him to admit that, absolutely hating to mention any flaw he had. But if Tsuyu wanted to know what he wanted to do this, he was going to be honest… Mostly honest, at least. He still didn’t say anything about wanting to protect the younger teen, as he had a feeling that would piss the kid off. And he didn’t really want to ruin this team before it even started.

[Mist]

So he wasn’t too far after all after all. Tsuyu was good at analyzing things. He was wuick to notice things when it dealt with people. Though it was mostly because he was always doubtful of things and its was lead him to be like this really. So when the brown hair boyed brought up the him tripping earlier in the ark he had a feeling. Though he never knew exactly but more like a hunch that it was o Naoki’s mind. ”I did trip yes, but it was merely a loss of balance. It wasn’t entirely my fault. My foot fell asleep when I tried to free it from that genjutsu of yours.” he explained. During the illusion he wasn’t paying much attention to his foot.

He did want to escape at the time but he didn’t move his foot which made it all asleep. All his attention went to the boy and making sure he would be able to get out of there. During the process somehow his foot must have fallen asleep. Of course must clumsy incidents were purely accidents so this might not have justified it much. To him it vilifies the point that it wasn’t entirely in his control. Though the little slip up he had earlier on the stairs was mostly him. He purposefully didn’t pay attention to what he was doing.”I’m not that really clumsy. When you’re in you’re home environment people seem to let themselves go. All defense seem to go down. A t least for me and others” he said wanting to explain that.

Whether Naoki accepted those words were up to him, but to the hoshigaki this is what truly happened. Oh well it would seem things happen and there wasn’t much a way to change it. Perhaps he should focus on the now rather than what happened than. It was a greater way to look at it. The boy stood there wanting to hear a response for his question. The question of why Naoki really wanted to join and form a team. It might seem trivial but he wanted to know why he wanted to be a team with a person he just attacked for him being in a bad mood. He was hoping for a satisfactory answer

Though when he heard the answer from the darker skinned boy he wasn’t all too sure what he thought of the answer. It was just that nothing more simply something Tsuyu wasn’t expecting. He didn’t think hit would be to improve himself. Well it was better than other possible answers. He didn’t want to hear it was because of some reason to due to naoki’s honor, pride, pity or obligation because of the attack incident from. He suppose it was better than merely that or nothing at all. Tsuyu started to walk forward again toward the tower accepting the answer “Well we should get going” he said heading to the tower to make the team final.

-exit-

(see you in the kage tower roof)

[Naoki]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/34g543t.png); width:494px; height:313px; border-top:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-left:2px solid #f7f1e1; border-right:2px solid #f7f1e1;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, background:url(http://i48.tinypic.com/35b8jnp.png); width:494px; border:2px solid #f7f1e1;] A pang of guilt hit Naoki again when it was explained that the boy’s foot had fallen asleep because of his technique. For a few seconds he couldn’t make eye contact, as he quickly tried to recompose himself and push that guilt to the back of his mind. Truth be told, he didn’t really like how the other was trying to make up an excuse, but he didn’t utter a word about it. Naoki was the kind of guy who blamed everything on himself, but then again he would probably make verbal excuses to others just as Tsuyu had. “I suppose so,” he muttered, even if he didn’t entirely agree with the excuse. Of course he knew it was true that people let their guards down when in places that were supposed to be safe, but he certainly wasn’t one of them. Naoki didn’t want to make a bad reputation for him in this village, so he was always trying to act perfect. And he slipped up all the time because perfection was impossible for a human to obtain, but he usually tried to forget his mistakes. The brunette felt relieved when Tsuyu accepted the answer he had given, the partial truth that he had just revealed to the boy. Silently he nodded at the other, and he followed the younger one towards the tower. It wasn’t often he came here, so he was currently relying on the blue teen to lead the way. [exit]