In search of a purpose... (Open)

It was a rainy day. Along the rain slowly hitting the sheet metal roofs of the poor neighborhood of the less favorable district of kirigakure, a faint singning could be hear. some sort of humming, but also, some wood thud, cause from someone.

''success again'' mumbled Izu, bored of throwing one more time one of her senbon on the paper target she drew on a scroll.

''i wonder if anyone would train me, or if other genin from the academy remember me... oh well'' said Izu, sighing and throwing another senbon precisely in the middle of the target.

''guess i'll wait here for today and practice my accuracy'' said izu, closing one eye to aim better and throwing a third needle at the target.

Kaimera sighed, the rain fell softly as he looked ahead into the small pond. Small rippling effects even with the mild storm ahead, it seems departure is still inevitable. The pitter-patter of rain upon his umbrella gave him a sense of equanimity. He didn't know what it was, but it was almost as if it was washing away all the tribulations that he had gone through. To start anew. However, this time it was almost as if the skies were warning him about the things ahead. He couldn't shake this ominous feeling of dread. Even though there was the sound of rainfall. Something fell over them that made it seem silent.

Sometimes when it’s unsettlingly quiet in a space that is usually characterized by disorderly noise and movement, Kaimera’s hands itch. It’s a feeling not unlike the tightness in his chest before his body would be abused. That feeling is one he’s well acquainted with, but it’s no less nagging despite its persistence. Today is no different. He’s always found silence uneasy, discomforted by the uncertainty of no voices to echo thoughts other than his own. Sound, regardless of whether it is rough or near deafening, is a sign of life, a sign of movement at the very least. If he had been lucky enough in life to choose between dying in eerie silence while restricted to a sickbed or dying to the pained cries of battle, he’d have chosen the latter without a second thought. However, he’s been particularly lucky, though, but thinking too hard on it just makes his restlessness worsen.

Letting out a raspy sigh, he turned away from the pond and began walking down the street.

The streets of one of the largest villages were never what one could call "empty," night or day. Yet, the delicate rain that patterned down and washed away the grime of city life had, at least, acted as a check on the congestion within Kirigakure. Enough people looked upon the mild storm happening outside their doors and prized dryness and warmth over their business that the streets leading to the headquarters were, at the very least, tolerable to walk through. One particular pedestrian walked those streets as a swift wind might sweep through the cracks and clefts of an old, abandoned home. A figure cladded in a black jacket with a white collared button-up shirt underneath it. A wide black umbrella above his head to keep the rain off, moved with swift and sure footsteps, weaving in and out of the pedestrians before him like a ghost among men. Some, indeed, seemed frightened as though by a ghost.

It didn't take long before Kaimera found himself in the slums of Kirigakure. Most of the homes here did not keep up with any maintenance as many had been run down. Such a travesty for what these people has gone through to end up living in this filth. Luckily for him, he grew up in a fairly wealthy family in one of the adjacent districts to this one. While he held no prejudice or grief towards those of the lower class, he couldn’t bear to live like this at all.

Looking on ahead, he saw an individual around his size and age appearing to be practicing. ‘Hm, do I know her?’ Kaimera thought to himself as he approached the figure. However, the messy long blonde hair and the ghost-like eyes gave a clear indication of who she was. “Izu? Is that you?” Kaimera said with a smile curving upon his lips to greet his fellow genin. He knew her from the academy days, as she was one year older than him. He rarely spoke to her then but perhaps this time could be different.

“It is nice to see you. What are you doing today?” He asked, starting up a simple conversation.

TWC: 640

Izu was getting bored. After countless hours of overthinking, practicing and singing in the rain, the day was getting long, and her belly started to growl loudly, as if an hungry wolf inside her tummy was howling out of starvation. As time seemed to stop, she closed her eyes slowly, and exhaled with a smile, as if reminiscing a long lost memory. She was indeed thinking about a dear childhood memory, one close to her heart.

Her mom, when she wasnt drinking, use to make ''Ushio Jiru'', or fish broth soup, and add soba noodles and big chunks of seafood and vegetables. The smell would fill the kitchen, and with the warm weather of kirigakure and the land of water requiring the windows to be most of the time open, Izu would smell it from afar when comming back from the academy. It was, to her, a memory of comfort and home, but also one of the few good memory of her mother.

She was salivating, her imagination deep into the food and sensation, flavors and odor of the food she remembered and deeply craved.

But, along the rain, she heard a noise. Her sense being sharp, she sensed someone comming over, wich was rare in the labyrinthine back alleys of the lower district of kirigakure. It was the soft footsteps of someone walking. Someone walking with the lightness and swiftness of a cat, barely audible, if it wasnt for the puddles made by the rain on the un-even cobblestone road of the back alley.

''whoever it is, they are either very lightweight like a kid, or very sneaky'' tought to herself Izu, suprised by either possibility of individual being in this unlikely place. She turned around and saw someone she recognized immediately. With the white shirt, and black coat, and his iconic red hair, alway well put together.

She remembered. He was Kaimera Yakedo, a fellow student of the academy who graduated soon after herself. She remembered how he was alway well put together, and how she tought he was lucky to have a more comfortable way of life, and to not struggle for every meal. Her memories intertwined, making her remember how she used to get hungry even at school when looking at others lunches, while she had most of the time no food whatsoever. ''Kaimera's lunch always looked tasty, if i remember right'' she tought to herself, a half smile on her face as she watched the young boy getting closer and closer. ''oh well, im still hungry, so I guess nothing as changed...'' sighed Izu. But it was enough of negatives toughts. She remembered him fondly, as he was always polite and kind to her, even tho they were not close.

''Hey ! its been a while Kaimera'' said in a low and soft voice Izu, a bit shy.

''im holding on, and still working on my aim, as always when bored...'' she said, pointing toward her senbons on the targets, now wet rags of papers after hours of training in the rain.

Her belly suddently growled again, as a bad joke made by fate to embarass her even more, and to remind her that she was, again, very hungry.

''.... and hungry !'' laughed off izu, getting a bit blushed from the awkwardness of the situation.

''what about you ?'' said izu, geting off the concrete block she was on, to be on level with Kaimera.

“It has, hasn’t it?” Kaimera offered a warm and inviting smile towards the elder girl. Secrets and rumors are two things that have closely been intertwined ever since the beginning of time. Kaimera has heard some things about this individual that stood before him. A poverty-stricken teen that has fought tooth and nail to be where she is today. Whispered rumors at his family’s mahogany table is that she is a descendant of the legendary Zabuza Momochi but lost the name and lineage somewhere down the line. As well as the Hyuga name it seems.

“It is nice to see that you are using your time well,” Kaimera let out a gentle chuckle as he studied Izu over, taking in all her features and insecurities as she continued practicing her accuracy.

Letting out another laugh, “I could grab a bite to eat. Care to accompany me to lunch then, my treat.” Kaimera said, inviting the girl to join him in eating out while offering to pay. Hopefully, she wouldn’t take offense in this by insinuating that he is only paying because she lives in the slums of Kirigakure. He offered out of generosity and because he did just invite her. It would be otherwise. Believing she would accept the answer, he would start leading them back the way he came from as a small bee landed on his shoulder, as if trying to hide from the sprinkle of rain. Looking at the bee upon his shoulder, a memory flooded into his mind.

The field was truly beautiful. It stretched in opulent swathes of grass, flowers dotted the green in starbursts of color, pulling every eye to the telling signs of spring. The sun filtered through wispy clouds, bathing the world in a golden glow. It was serene, the grass soft reaching just above the ankles, the smell of warm earth thick and comforting.

Kaimera sat in the meadows, knees brought up to his chest, head lolled a little to one side as his eyes stared vacantly at his slightly outstretched hand. Bees buzzed softly as they landed upon the steam breather’s hand, sights set on the dab of honey that was smeared on the back of the worn hand. The bees held no aggression, simply humming softly as they gorged themselves. If it would have been anything else, Kaimera’s blank face would have been disconcerting, worrying even, but the bees didn’t care. Maybe that is why he was here, to be with things that didn’t mind his apathetic demeanor. He didn’t know why.

Kaimera’s gaze wandered, so did his mind into the cloying fog that filled his head. It was quiet in the valley, the omnipresent hubbub of chatter from people gave way to the sound of languid insects and the occasional breeze. It was nice, the peace of this untouched land. Akaime didn’t know why he was there. It felt wrong, sitting without doing anything but feeding the bees. He should be doing something productive, yet he couldn’t move. Something clung to his bones like cold syrup, keeping him immobilized here in the warm cradles of the grass.

A bee buzzed from his hand to bumble up to the motionless face. Kaimera kept still as its fat little black and yellow body landed upon his nose, curious, exploring the source of its meal. It was only when the bee attempted to crawl from his nose onto one his eyes that Kaimera blew it away, setting the insect aflight once more. The bee hovered for a moment the best it could with its sugar-saturated body before flying away. Kaimera lost track of it almost immediately.

How much time had passed? The sun was still high in the sky but that did not say much, the sun rose at four and went down at six. There must be a reason he was here. Has he ever liked bees? They certainly seemed to like him. Was he here with anyone? It was a beautiful valley, surely someone else had to be here. Where ‘here’ was, he didn’t even know.

Kaimera focused on his hand again, a vain attempt to center himself as he felt himself drifting away once more. His hand held numerous scars already even at his eleven years of age. The bees buzzed, annoyed as he turned over his hand. The palm of his hand was still just forming calluses, tinged pink and raw from training. He turned his head. There was his sword, sheathed and placed beside him securely. A half-full jar of honey sat next to the blade. He must do this often or had been here for a long time for the supply to be so low, he was never fond enough of the taste himself to eat it.

“Kaimera.” It took a moment to recognize the voice that floated to him over the wind and flowers. His brother smiled at the boy serenely as he picked his way closer to the huddled figure. Kaimera finally was able to unfreeze, forcing his legs to move. He heard his new brother's smile now more than saw it as he spoke.

“Hello.” His brother let himself sit down on the ground next to him, head tilted towards him, a small smile still present as he watched the bees bumble in the air, seemingly drunk off honey.

“The bees in this meadow are always docile when the first flowers come up. Mother comes here every so often. She adores bees, they symbolize love as well she says. I will miss seeing them here when I take over the clan.” Kaimera nods along with the words. He was drifting again. Nails bit into his hand in an attempt to keep himself centered as the elder spoke; the brother was not truly expecting a verbal answer from the passive boy as more comments of the mundane were given to fill the warm air.

Dark and stormy clouds hugged the skies as they began to cast a bleak indifference over the walls lined around the village. It was getting ready to storm harder, and from the looks of it, not a very friendly one either. Not a very unusual occurrence for the land of water. The nature of the skies seemed to predict the hassle and torment that was to come to the village being kind of close to the sea. Kaimera didn't speak much on the journey to this destination besides the usual topics regarding ninja life, asking them questions on if they've been on any missions, what they hoped to achieve in the future, things to those nature. Sometime during that, the bee decided to take its adventure somewhere else.

With all his thoughts, he finally led the duo into the Ginza district of Kiri. Basically, where the rich people come to shop and eat out. Elegant stores and eateries packed the area, scent of high-end pork filled Kaimera's nostrils. The aroma was mouthwatering. However, none of these places were what Kaimera had in mind to eat at. Yes, he did do most of his shopping here; but exquisite dining was not his forte, so, they were going to a tavern right outside the district. It was loud and rowdy, excellent food, and decent party goers.

It didn't take long for the duo to find themselves outside the tavern. From the outside it looks cozy, rustic and humble. Large and small stones and hard wooden pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's hard to see through the large, stained-glass windows, but the inviting music from within can be felt outside.

As Kaimera entered the tavern through the well-crafted, metal door, he was met with a lively, warm aura as chatter filled the area. It's as enchanting inside as it is on the outside. Squared, wooden beams support the upper floor and the large candles attached to them. The walls are swarming with photographs, some of what undoubtedly must be famous people and others of happy customers.

The tavern itself is packed. Several long tables are occupied by separate groups who, after having had quite a few drinks, seem to be trying to prove which group is best. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who are indulging in great food and drinks, while some do try to strike a conversation, others can barely speak a word between eating what must be delicious food. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.

Scanning the area, he found a table that was empty. Giving a slight wave to Izu, Kaimera led them to their seats. It was right next to a window in the back corner, but since it was stained-glass, sight wasn't an option to look outside. However, with a bright light and a low roar, you could tell that the storm has started. Kaimera was very thankful not to be caught in it.

Looking at the surrounding area once again, one of the serving wenches took notice of the new table and quickly made her way to them. While the place was packed, it seemed everyone was taken care off for the time being, so service should be quick. As she approached the table, she sat down two menus for them to look at and then started off, "Hello, I am Mieko, I'll be taking care of ya'll today, what can I get you started to drink."

"Ah, yes. Can we get a bottle of Daiginjo and two glasses," Kaimera said with a smile, and waited for his fellow genin to order something if they did not want the sake. Of course, Kaimera ordered the most expensive and very potent alcohol in Kirigakure. The server took no time getting the drinks and made her way back and took their order. Kaimera had his usual: beef ramen. He was more wanting to drink than eat, but he figured he better get something in his stomach.

TWC: 2299

Izu was proud that the young boy noticed her accuracy. She, after all, was a perfectionnist who thought skill was above almost all else, how people should be compared and mesured by. She had a difficult upbringing, and her training, almost all the time relentlessly, was one of the few getaway from her toughts she had. She thrived to be one of the most deadly, precise and skilled ninja that kirigakure and the whole ninja world whould know. And, as the many hours of practicing under the rain showed, she was ready to do anything and under any circumstances to attain that goal. But, as the boy suggested, and as her belly enforced, a meal wouldn't be bad, nor would some hot food and warm, dry temperature either.

Izu looked at Kaimera, a bit of an awkward stare in her eyes, regarding the offer he just made. ''yeah... sure, I guess a bite wouldnt hurt...'' muttered slowly and calmly Izu, shy to accept the offer and feeling guilty of not having the option to afford her own food. But, deep in her mind, she was happy he offered. After all, a rich boy like him could probably eat banquets all day and everyday right ?, she tought to herself. And it could be an occasion to get closer to him. After all, she had no friends, and he was kind of cute too, even if a year younger.

She smiled inconfortably, shy of thinking to herself that she found Kaimera cute and of the offer to go eat together. but, nonetheless, she nodded in agreement when the boy gestured her up to follow him.

As the storm grew bigger and bigger, the wind got more and more agressive and started to turn the leaves in the trees, and the sky started to darken. Kaimera asked a few basic questions to Izu but the conversation was mainly polite and to occupy the silence. Both knew that and felt the same way in regards to it. She was, again, a bit shy but started getting more at ease the longer they talked. As they walked up the narrow alleys and serpentines roads toward the more wealthy districts, and the storm grew bigger, she clutched on her oversized jacket, pulling her arms and hands inside of the warm sleeves of the worn and old coat, and pulling on both sides at the front, as if to wrap herself with a blanket, and sunk her head in the coat, to warm herself up and confort her. Still, she kept the talk on the surface of her toughts, not telling her long terms objectives and personnal motives unless she was sure he was to be trusted. Izu was, after all, a very carefull and slow to trust person, almost on the verge of paranoia sometimes. But once her trust was gained, it was a stell like bond, solid, and broken only by betrayal or death.

The walk was short, but they ended up in the Ginza district. Izu was almost immediately unconfortable. She burried herself even more into her jacket, this time not to warm herself, but as to hide from the judgments of rich people, and to avoid confrontation and discrimination as much as possible. She wanted to disapear, and hide under the ground. As the duo walked through the districts, wealthy folks looked at her as if a ninja from the farthest village just arrived out of nowhere covered in blood. The stare. She hated that stare. She much prefered being unnoticed, invisible, non-existant. She blushed and got red almost immediately, and hid even more in her jacket, now almost a cloak hiding her lower face, and all of her arms inside the coat, hugging herself from inside. The smell of all the perfumed peoples, freshly cleaned shop windows, and high end food filled her nose, and overwhelmed her mind, already bombarded with the weird looks and head turns she was causing. She wasnt comfortable, and started to walk faster than her usual slow and almost lazy-like demeanor. She was in a hurry to get out of that situation. Kaimera tho, seemed unphased by that, almost in his natural habitat in the Ginza district. After all, a rich kid in a place like this WAS invisible. But Izu wasnt, she was sore to the setting, as a single tree standing out in a grass plain.

After a bit of fast paced walking, they finally got to a more modest but still expensive, in Izu's mind, tavern. It was a more rustic place, belonging to the old kiri, when it was still ruled by a true mizukage from the land of water and not a foreign conqueror. The place warmed instantly Izu's heart, being fundamentaly a traditionalist of kirigakure. She wished she could live in the old days of kirigakure, and this tavern made her felt nostalgic of an era she didnt even experienced, yet yearn for. A more grounded era, where life was more hard, people more down to earth and more gratefull for what they have.

As kaimera open the door, the duo got inside and Izu instantly felt at her place. She released all of the pressure of her jacket, letting it drop almost too much, hanging only on one shoulder now and all open. The gesture exposed her shape, too often hidden underneat the coat she wore all the time. She was athletic, her torso being skinny as all her body is, but still showing muscle definition and a six pack visible trough her see trough fishnet crop top shirt. Her pants were being low, showing also the V lines bellow her flat belly and abs. She was dressed almost not decently, her see trough crop top almost showing too much, if it wasnt for the few stripes of bandage coverings her chest more private parts, but still showing a lot of underboob and chest. She was agape of all the ambiance and was again overwhelmed, but this time positively, as she let the smell of delicious comfort food, hit her nose.

''WOW'' proceeded to say izu to Kaimera, turning to him with her mouth still open out of sheer amazement. She noticed her vest was open, and got red almost immediately, closing it with a speed baffling almost anyone who noticed and got their attention on such a small gesture. She, for once, showed her true capacity for speed in that motion, desperate to hide herself and not get even more embarassed. She chuckled, looking at the boy while awkwardly scratching the back of her head while smiling, her eyes closed.

''its packed... do you think there is place for us?'' asked Izu, as to brush off the subject.

Kaimera had found a table, and pointed towards it, as to answer without words. The duo kickly got there and sat down, eager to get food. A nice lady droped menu in front of them, and Izu immediately burried her face into it, looking at all the good things she could eat. While busy looking trough every menu items, Kaimera ordered some fancy sake. Izu noticed, and gawked in suprise at the idea. She could, after all drink a bit, but booze wasnt her drink of choice.

''hmmm one Genmaicha too please !'' said Izu to the waitress. It was what she was used to drink anyways. The poor's man tea. Not rich enough to only put green tea leaves, rice was put into a blend of leaves and stems discarted from the more beautifull tea leaves used in regular green tea. It was a common drink amongst the poor.

After pondering over the menu, Kaimera ordered Beef ramen, and Izu, after struggling to make a choice, as everything seemed delicious, ordered an all you can eat of yakitori and edamame, so she could eat and nibble her food slowly and at a nice pace while still talking and getting to know Kaimera.