Sound of the People

Sometimes the flow of time seems to float you down the river of life without so much as a bump or hurdle. The current swiftly moving till you blink and the passage of time has brought you into a new era of your life.
 
Seventeen years of age and the third oldest of his siblings, Crom was a musician. In a world full of war and strife, the constant news of villages being raided, destroyed, disbanded and plundered by those of greater power, what place did Crom have? He lived his life of one you would expect of a nomadic clan. Traveling their area of influence from season to season. Though life has a way of turning your world upside down and with the gathering forces of a Sunagakure shinobi and others the re-establishment of Otogakure was put into place.
 
A new journey, a new place, one built off the culture and name that Crom’s own clan was greatly tied too. This was the place that Crom was drawn to most. Would he ever raise through the ranks of the Shinobi forces to be a contender of those with the strength to rival the legends? Most likely not, but he only wishes to leave his mark on the world with the sound of his music. If he achieves that and nothing else then his time on this world would suffice.
 
With his goals in mind, what was his objective? What did he need to do to accomplish this dream, this ambition of his? Why that’s a simple answer, he simply needed to go and be among the people and play for them. So that’s what the young Orochi did. Here in the housing area of the minor districts he would sing and play and talk with the people who came by.

WC: 301

As a byproduct of none other than Guren himself, Zidane was brought into this world with an undying curiosity of the world. He had been receiving training and education from the Chinoike, but still was exceptionally curious on everything their lessons did not cover. One of which, was the simple concept of the environment. And it was one that Zidane would have to learn himself. He knew what simple things were like trees, mountains, and more; though the more complex subjects fascinated him. And so every time that Guren would leave his younger "brother" alone and in the house, Zidane's curiosity would get the best of him. Setting out from their home in the Residential District, Zidane would maneuver his way through the bustling streets of Otogakure. To him, the clamor of its happenings was like a band of gnats, incessantly swarming by his ears. It was somewhat of sensory overload, and an unfortunate reality that he would have to get used to. Though Guren warned him of this. The Third had mentioned to the clone that exploring Otogakure may best begin with either the Academy, or the Minor Districts on the lower level of the village. Seeing as Zidane figured he'd have ample time to explore the Academy, considering Guren enrolled him in it, he figured he should set his sights for the minor district. Therefore he made his way across the Suspended Bridge, and was teleported to the Minor Districts upon reaching the small floating island.

The process of teleportation was miraculous to Zidane. In a matter of mere moments he had gone from overlooking the downward residency of the district, to standing within it near the walls of Otogakure. Guren had informed him of how the process worked, and what specifically he would need to do in order to activate it, but seeing it for himself was a completely different beast. The same could be said though about the grounded section of Otogakure. It was an incredible sight, with lush fields of grass as well as a town of a smaller community. They looked to be predominantly farmers, merchants, and non - shinobi. But just what did those things mean? How did those people live their daily life? The question began to etch itself in Zidane's mind, forcing him to walk within this town and investigate for himself.

Upon reaching its housing sector, Zidane's ears were pierced by a symphony of strumming. They were sounds which he had never heard since his creation, and so they allured him to the source. Within a few moments of him walking within it, he'd be standing amongst a small crowd of commoners who were all gathered to listen to the sounds coming from one pale colored musician. The group seemed to erupt into joy, with some going as far as clapping and dancing. Zidane however, refrained from participating and instead allowed himself to be moved by the music. It was soothing, jovial, and light. So far, it had been the "purest" thing that the clone had witnessed. 

Amongst the crowd though, was a figure which his brother had informed him of. Kaito Inuzuka, the First Otokage of Otogakure. He seemed to be quite pleased with the music as well, evident by his own engagement. But just what was such an esteemed figure doing in a place like this? Standing near the rear of the crowd, Zidane continued to listen to the music and observe both the guitarist as well as the Otokage.

WC = 581
+1 NE Stack

This was a nice break from the many horrors of the world. Outside this joyous little residential area of Otogakure, where people had come together on a random afternoon to join in harmony and unison through song. All from the lone villager who had started it all, the one who was the current center of attention. Literally; a man stood at the center of the small crowd in a half circle, and was singing the loudest chorus one could ever possibly hear. It was extremely heartwarming to see the amount of positivity which was being uplifted through use of musicality. Compared to the rest of the world which had become cold, hardened by the silence in most of the lands, cold to the touch and bitingly so.

A fact in which Ronin, a former ronin puppeteer, now puppeteer of Otogakure, had become to know unfortunately well. Many hardships throughout the past, the weight of these burdens still crushing to this very day, were endured. But, this was a new day. There was still the thing in which mattered most that remained same throughout each one. Hope. So long as this remain unchanged, success was almost guaranteed. And with an atmosphere such as this, hope was high to say the least. Even the ghost of his past, a thing in which in recent weeks the shinobi had learned to be his Yuumei, was acting passively, while not being fully dormant. It simply stood there, at the front of the crowd next to all the dancing people. Unbeknownst to those up there, the shade was swaying to the melody being played. Amongst the crowd, Ronin would also make note of someone else who was currently present. The Otokage, a man by the name of Kaito.

While they hadn’t met yet, and this was a great opportunity to expand upon his social life, unfortunately the black and gold clad man was still stuck in his ways. He’d be a silent onlooker of the group. At the corner of an alleyway, 15 meters directly behind the crowd. Leaned up against the building, dressed in a black, scarf like wrapping which covered the lower half of his face, stitched with golden seams along the soft edges of the accessory. A plain black t-shirt and jeans combo was worn for the rest of the outfit, combined with touches of gold in the other accessories; the shoes had gold stitching along the heel and toe areas, 2 bracelets strapped around his left wrist, and a single gold necklace. Attached to the chain of which, was the kanji symbol for sound. Silently, to himself, Ronin would tap his right hand to the beat of what he was hearing, against the shinobi headband which was fastened to his one belt loop.

WC: 462

Soma Shin would wake up to noise he could hear from outside the clans cave system, probably from the housing district right on the other side. He would grab his sunglasses and some ear plugs, he would look around for Boka and put on his jacket to find him already in the secret inside pocket which would allow him to sleep. He would make his way out of the Mochizuki caves. He had walked them so often it was no problem. Plus with echolocation it was going to be easy to find his way out. He had been doing a lot of work for the clan lately building new houses and expanding the caves. It seems weird to outsiders but they look like normal houses on the inside except they are part of caves. For some of the clan they like statues and music. Stuff that stimulates their senses without light. Everyone has a couple of candles for visitors but otherwise they live in darkness.

Their entrance to their sector of the city underground. Was a plan building with the words Mochizuki Clan over the doorway. He would walk out and squint till he got his sunglasses on and head towards the noise and music. It was not too loud so he would put his earplugs in his pocket and look for the large group in the housing section. He was excited to see the group because he did not have many friends outside of the clan. He would see a man who looked like he had also been living in a clan. Pale and playing a guitar. He would join the group in song. In the land of Otogakure song was an everyday appearance or at least not a rare one. He would go down to see more of the man playing guitar. He would see other shinobi members of village he would politely wave even if he did not know them.

WC 323

Quinn had taken a leisurely walk upon this day. Between resting and awaiting a review of the crafts back at the forge, Quinn's task was actually one of just feeling out the new village. New sounds, new emotions, and new people took the streets of Otogakure and in its development, Quinn's focus was that on the forge. Two major orders within the village had landed on their desk and as much as they were handling their procedures and operations of the business, Quinn still had reservations about them being in charge. The sound of the forge was what they fell in love with as a young child and growing up to be the adult they are now, that love never faded. Recently enrolled in the first course of the newly established Academy for the village left Quinn with very little free time between the order and studies.

Lost in one's mind is always a terrible place to be. Quinn listening to the sounds wandered within the streets into the more residential side of the village. Never been one for exploring it occurred to Quinn quickly, they were lost. Not mentally no, Quinn's mind was as sharp as the edges of the blades they made. Physically the issue for Quinn wound up listening to the sounds of people and finding their way to a part of the village, while heavily focused, they were not familiar with. Letting out a sigh, Quinn figured this music that brought them towards this side of the village was worth a listen if their mind and body disconnected that hard. Approaching where this makeshift concert was forming, a small gathering slowly became larger and larger as more found their way to this location.

Quinn found themselves towards the back standing next to Zidane. A blank expression was laying upon Quinn's face as they listened forward to the musician and their art. Many others found themselves enjoying the music in many ways. From admiring the young Orochi who sang when the residential district was quiet, to the two who would tap to the beat or sing along even. Quinn's stoic nature would've been relevant if they stepped any further into the crowd for a closer look or listen. This was for the best in Quinn's mind. Enjoying the melodies and words was a place to be as it reminded Quinn of their own rhythmic clangs within the forge. This to them was no different than that, as Quinn's face slowly broke a small smile enjoying someone else's art that wasn't just their own or their families' crafts.

WC: 430, TWC: 430

The rhythmic trance of singing and playing music was one that made you forget the world and the going ons in it. There was a sense of vulnerability when it came to performing for others and in front of strangers, you hope that your feelings and passion come across the music you make to those who hear it. Bringing them feelings of joy, anger, sadness, and many others dependent on what you played that day.

Crom wore a smile on his face as he strummed away with his guitar, as he sang his song to the people who had gathered. The crowd was of surprising size after all there wasn’t many people who had come to the village just yet, there were many more on the way as many of the clans in the area were farther away then others. Yet here was a good amount of villagers, singing with Crom their voices building the excitement of the song, many others danced to the beat, while others simply took a moment to enjoy the music and bobbed their heads and tapped their fingers.

For the young Orochi, this was just a minor start to his ambition, but this was the truest sense of his enjoyment and dream. The sight of seeing people who are strangers to each other, smile and dance and enjoy themselves under the same music was what drove Crom to continue his singing and playing. With the passing of time, it was time to call a break, the young Orochi needed something to drink and to rest his voice a bit. “I figure this would be the best time to talk with some of the people around here.” Crom said to himself as he looked around the still decent size crowd, there were quite a few people that had caught his eye as he had been performing and for now he would make himself available to be talked to with this break between performances.

WC 327

As Zidane stood quietly and too himself, he'd observe the crowd of spectators growing larger. Curious on just how many people had now gathered around the guitarist, while standing in place the Genome would take a generous look to both of his directions. On his left, he'd see people unevenly spaced out bobbing their head to the music. Off in the distance and closer to his rear was an alleyway, which seemed to house a shady individual listening to the music from afar. The sight of this sort of gave the abomination a sense of comfort, as he had been unsure about placing himself in the mix of things, but at least he allowed himself to be outgoing enough to be near the people. Still though, this individual had been interesting. They wore quite a stand out attire, lavish enough to suggest that they might come from riches. He'd remember this one, as he casted his gaze towards his right. On this side had been a scarlet haired individual who was only slightly taller than he was. Their frame seemed a little less built than his own, though from the leather apron they wore, the Genome inferred that they might come from a heart background. In his, albeit very limited experience, aprons of that design and composition were those of the blacksmiths. At least that's what he had seen in a few of the shops around town when searching for a weapon.

Continuing to survey his right, he didn't see any more notable looking figures aside from a few commoners. Though once his attention returned to the crowd at hand, there'd be a new figure amongst them. And although Zidane wouldn't have noted anything miraculous about this individual, the fact that they had been the only one wearing sunglasses was particularly interesting. Especially considering that the light of day didn't feel intense enough for he himself to even squint. Shortly after noting this man, the Genome's gaze would lock onto the guitarist who seemed to be concluding his performance yet was open to speaking with the people in the crowd. Was he some type of famous musician? Or perhaps a local talent that the villagers were familiar with? Zidane felt compelled to go speak with the guitarist himself, but refrained when he saw the Otokage approaching him instead. They looked to engage in conversation as the crowd itself began to disperse and mingle with those around them. 

Directing his attention back to his right, he'd offer a nod of acknowledgement to the assumed blacksmith next to him. "I believe that is called music," Zidane would awkwardly say aloud to them. He wasn't sure how exactly to socialize, nor was he well versed in music itself. So he'd turn his body a little more so that it was oriented towards the blacksmith and continue, with an expression that reflected both his interest and his confusion. "Do you know much about it?" His eyes reflected an eager glimmer, cast upon them from his own bewilderment as well as the sun's soft rays. Although he may have been coming off as odd to the blacksmith, he hoped to engage them in conversation and eventually segue into who exactly they were. Perhaps if he could learn more of their profession, he might be able to learn more about bukijutsu as well; which had been his goal as of late.

WC = 565. TWC = 1146
+1 NE Stack; 2 Total

Everything was go swimmingly.

Everyone was so...alive. Even the puppeteer was left rather awestruck by the impromptu celebration via song and dance. It was a true sight to behold, a good amount of townsfolk coming together as one collaborative unit. Something which resonated and beckoned to the past of the very lad standing by himself in the very back. It hearkened back to days of his youth with his family, who similarly shared the comfort in being such a tightly knitted group, and even some more recently within the past few years of where he grew up after leaving his family. But those were days long past now, and there was no need to get hung up in it. Ronin though, a man riddled with the slight curse of overthinking, would unfortunately do so. Slightly at least, but in a relatively good sense. While the thought of it would linger, when he caught himself from this the man had realized that he had begun to nod his head to the melody of the tune. A slight smirk would grow on his face, but it would be hidden from everyone else. However, there would be a small flame alight now within his eyes. The spark of brighter days to come hopefully.

Taking a moment to pause though, he'd see some newcomers who had made their way into the enraptured crowd of lively townsfolk. Another Otogakure shinobi, one who was rather pale, would be seen immediately offering a warm welcome to the lot by smiling and waving. This only added to the already jovial nature of what was taking place around them. While Ronin wouldn't wave back towards the man, eye contact would at least be made if Soma had peered in his direction, followed by a friendly (ish) nod. The ish there slightly being denoted due to the fact that while this gesture was made, there was a certain lack of energy behind it. Almost potentially coming across as if it was being done simply for the politeness of it. Then there was another; a man with red hair. He stood next to another shinobi which the Shinkou had taken notice of earlier. Both unknown, but judging from the looks of things, Ronin made the newcomer out to be a fairly a low-ranking village member, not in a bad way of speaking it. He could infer that he was also a nin, but most likely still in the Academy, prior to receiving a headband. This being given on the basis of who he was talking to, but this was all a mere assumption at the time being.

For now though, after scanning back over these two people, Ronin would let himself get lost in the music once more; silently nodding and humming along.

WC: 461
TWC: 923