A Necessary Distraction

Haru is Pacing. A tired and dazed look on her face. She is wearing a slightly oversized teal jacket with her gloved hands barley peeking out of the sleeves. She suddenly stops pacing presses her back to a nearby tree. She stares at the distance for a while before once again moving in a pacing motion slightly faster this time. ;; I really should get started now ;;

Haru has been in the training grounds for a while now. Though she hasn't been doing much training. She is lacking in the motivation. This is one of the worst parts about her recent acceptance into being a shinobi. Its not that she thinks its too hard or uncomfortable its just that its boring. She would rather be experimenting with poison or testing her medical skills. Despite this Haru understands that in combat her physical capabilities are paramount to her survival. If she dies in her first fight she wont get to see the results of her research. However whenever she goes to begin with a exercise routine. The energy leaves her body and Thoughts of her books and vials at home fill her mind. She begins to pace and wander aimlessly. Losing track of herself in the moment. Before snapping out of it and once again contemplating leaving. She decides that mediation is a better idea. She finds the cleanest looking spot she can given its outside and sits on her knees. She focuses on her breathing lets it take hold of her every thought.

---

WC:  252 - 252

Akiorama had slowly started approaching the training grounds as he stretched. His arms raised up high and he let out a sigh of relief. Soon after he'd tighten up his gloves and slap his cheeks to fully wake himself up. He's finally happy to be out and about again. The sun beaming down with rays of warmth, The birds chirping their sweet melodies, and sounds of grass flowing through the wind. Perfect. Every moment of it filled Akiorama's heart and soul with peace. The breath of fresh air had filled his lungs and created a feeling of refreshment. Sometimes, as they walked, his eyes would look towards the nearest animal and would observe it's little motions.  This was the peace and quiet he wanted. And to get some training in while under these wonderful conditions? This would turn out to be an excellent day indeed. He hadn't been around Maro and his little brother in sometime but it couldn't be helped. At one point he had collapsed and felt ill for some time. Despite his desire to keep on working his brother and father made it clear that he had to stay home till he felt better. But now he's here and ready to at least get back on his regimen.

"I'm thinking of taking it slow today. My Muscles will ache bad if I push myself too hard after my little break." Akio said towards his brother who had accompanied him here.  It had been sometime since they had hung out so Akiorama was happy that his brother came with. He would have wanted something more fun however this came as a priority. "So...Let's find a nice little spot...What do you plan to do for training? Work on your ninjustu? Or maybe you wanna do some breathing and physical exercises?" Akiorama would look at his brother with his usual warm smile. His eyes flowed with curiosity.

---

WC: 317-317

Yaijōrama followed beside his brother, Akiorama, though it was clear he lagged behind in his steps some. The two were brothers but most wouldn't be able to tell with just a passing glance. They had a lot of things in common between the two but the same couldn't be said for their physical features. While Yaijōrama has dark brown eyes, his brother has blue; where Yaijōrama has long black hair, his brother has short stark white. On this fine day, Yaijōrama was wearing dark blue jean overalls with a pair of tan pants and a white t-shirt underneath. His shinobi headband was wrapped around his forehead, with most of it hidden underneath his hair but the main part was on display, the shinobi of Hoshigakure.

Yaijōrama already knew the answer to Akiorama's question. It was as simple as ever for him today. "Ninjutsu. I have so much more that I need to work on." As Yaijōrama spoke those words, his eyes went to scan around the training grounds. Normally there were always various shinobi working on a number of different skills and today looked to be no different. "Come over here, I think this could be a good spot." Yaijōrama went to jog ahead of his brother some and made a quick left. 

The area Yaijōrama led them to had little to no grass around, it was a sandy circle with four mannequins around. There was a small stream nearby for water and a couple large rock piles. The total training area that they were at was about twenty meters in diameter. Yaijōrama had not been able to show Akiorama his progress, but he would end up doing it eventually. "What about you? Are you going to work on taijutsu?"

---

WC: 276 - 276 Total

The work at the farm could be considered taxing for many. It wasn't too different for Maro. The towering boy was strong, of course, and had never had an issue with the heavy lifting he was required to do, but the desert heat and the capsaicin of the product could often lead to long, uncomfortable days. Not that it would ever show, of course, with Maro's outward self being that of a static, stoic creature. It didn't bother him very much, but admittedly the training grounds in the garden, where water streamed and people moved freely; it was a more eventful place he'd rather be. At least, today, when Yaijōrama and Akiorama lingered and spoke.

Maro was nearby. Perhaps he was guarding them, or maybe he intended to approach them, but right now, he shadowed. His footsteps were surprisingly quiet, masked by the yelps and the huffs of the trainees around him. His smooth gait, which almost seemed to be a gliding float, unnatural in its motions, made him almost blend in with the environment. The brute's capacity for stealth and tailing was perhaps one of his strongest assets, and yet, he always seemed to use it for the oddest things. Often could he be found lingering in a room you didn't know he was in, or watching you through a window. At the farm, it wasn't necessarily creeping. He was like a big brother, always watching.

Today, Big Brother had followed Yaijōrama and Akiorama to their secluded training area. In truth, he was simply a curious person. The words people spoke intrigued him. Their discussions, the inflections in their voice. He was the audience to the stage play of their life, and with the unique case of the two brothers, he had yet to decide if it'd be a rags to riches success story, or a tragedy.

..

Maro had never been much of a comedian. He didn't understand it as others did. He didn't find things funny and he didn't tell jokes. But sometimes, very rarely, people would laugh as if he had told a joke anyhow. He was perhaps, a little slow when it came to the realm of entertainment. What could be so funny about him that would make others laugh at him? Maro couldn't think of a single thing.

Anyways, Maro was hidden behind a mannequin, eyes peeking over the top, watching the two boys. Stealthily.

---

WC: 401-401

Haru's mind was beginning to still.  People spoke of meditation in a strange way to Haru. Phrases like feel your breath spreading through you body didn't make sense. humans were not inflatable balloons. Air goes into the lungs where the oxygen is sent through the rest of the body via blood to help fuel your cells. A process you should not be able to feel. But none the less she has found her own way she will think of things. think of them deeply and intimal break them down and rebuild them in her mind. question every aspect of its existence and make it prove itself to her. Through this she has developed quite the eye for detail and it makes meditating easier for her. She decides to think of something abstract like the moon. The Moon is hard to judge. It is real based on base observation and she doesn't intend to think it isn't. She can see the moon and so can others the only reason she would be able to see the moon and it not be real is if its an illusion. an Illusion that everyone is under a very potent genjustu. The chances of this are slim so slim that they aren't worth considering and even if it were true there is nothing she can do about it. she continues this surgical examination of the moon as far as she can go. or at least that's what she wanted to do.

She is a few minutes in her deep thoughts when something cuts in. Voices? an active conversation. the thoughts melt the mental imagery once tangible begin to fade and muddle like until rending apart, A watercolor piece in the ocean. Her eyes slowly open. A small groan like sound escapes her. She chose this area because it was one of the more isolated spots very few people were training here and mostly they were also keeping to themselves. But there was something else going on. Normally Haru could drown out people speaking especially when she gets lost in her own head. Something else sparked when she heard the voices. Recognition. She recognizes those voices. Though cant put names to them yet or faces. The desire to know drew Haru further out of her trance until she finally decided to get up and check.

She didn't want to disturb the voices she actually didn't even care about what they were talking about. She just wanted to know who they were the familiarity is strange and comes with an odd sense of urgency. She walks quietly through the area following where the sound came from until she sees them and it all clicks into place. Those are the Senju brothers she has seen them around the academy once in a while. Along with their identities comes the reason for her urgency. She doesnt see them often and expects to see them less now that she is not going to be by the academy anymore. She had intended to approach them before or well at least approach Akiorama. Specifically about his illness she hears he has. It has come to her attention that Akiorama has some condition that she would like to observe. She begins approaching the siblings. its rude to interupt people right? So she waits a little too far from them to actually start talking but close enough they can clearly see her. she waits still and expressionless like a statue her eyes locked vaguely on their form though not making eye contact or focusing on any particular area.

---

WC 594-846

"Yea I should have figured, if your good at something might as well take it as far as you can go, right?" Akiorama said with a slight chuckle as he followed his brother to the aforementioned spot. Akiorama watched for a moment as his brother jogged ahead and smiled. He'd go to jog after him till he could catch up. Not too hard now since he's trying his best to not strain himself. Likely would just meet his brother there. Once he stopped he took a deep breath. He had rolled his arms when he was about to answer the question his brother asked him about what he'd work on. "I think so, yea. Though it won't be as intensive as I usually make it. Body has to get used to all of it again." Akiorama placed both of his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky. "I'll probably see if I got the form right for all my moves after some stretching. Gotta see if I'm lacking anywhere and make up for it. Once I finish with that I'll think about what's next." He'd set his hands back to his sides and have them swing lightly, side to side, as he started walking. "Anything in particular you wanna work on for ninjustu? Earth, maybe?" He'd ask as he began walking up to a Mannequin. He began to stretch as soon as he was a good distance from it. Beginning with a hamstring stretch. "I don't really know too much about your progress so I'm not really too sure about what you gotta work on. Hoping to show off something today?" He'd transition to stretch his legs with the splits.

After a few more stretches, his body felt nice and loose. Exactly what he needed to minimize any possible muscle injury during his training. Excellent. He'd look to his brother once more but as he would do so he'd notice a girl standing and watching them. He attempts to meet her gaze and crosses his arms. Perhaps she wanted something? Typically people who stalk normally try to hide. So he was sure it wasn't any secret admirer. At least for the moment. But then he took a closer look. After a very brief moment he started to recognize the girl from back in the academy. Why was she here? She did have a nasty reputation from what he had heard. No it went deeper than that. He remembered the harsh words people had to share between peers about her. Many feared her and Akirorama started to remembered distinctly on how they would treat or act around her. To many, The likely response is to follow the masses and begin walking away from her. If Akiorama was like any normal person, he'd have grabbed his brother and started aggressively walking out of there. Far away from Haru. However...Akiorama was not a typical person. He didn't feel fear but a weird sense of compassion. He felt bad for her and knew she didn't exactly have any friends with her. Perhaps she wanted a friend? Akiorama had many thoughts go through his head. But to save himself from going into a state of absolute deep thought, he simply acted.

"Yaijōrama, You know that one girl? Haru? The one who wore the gas mask and has short black hair from the academy? She's watching us right now. Not sure what she wants but might as well ask." Akiorama, with a smile on his face, made a big motion with his arm for Haru to come by. He did it a few time so that she'd understand his signal. He thought that maybe this could be a chance to get to know her and make another friend. People call her creepy? He thinks she's misunderstood. And besides, he likes seeing when people are happy. Maybe he could make her happy somehow.

---

WC: 649-966

"Take it as far as I can go." Yaijōrama smirked as the words left his mouth and he went to roll up his sleeves. He rolled his sleeves to about midway up his forearm, allowing the show of a tan from his time working on the farm with his father. "I plan to take Ninjutsu to its limits. I want to cast a Ninjutsu so powerful that Ma and Pa can feel it from wherever they are." He looked towards his brother with his usual look of determination and flare. Though there was a light hearted tone to his voice. Yaijōrama wanted there to be a day where his parents didn't have to work the farm anymore. They could live the rest of their days out in luxury. But to make something like that a reality, he needed to become a great shinobi. It's often said a shinobi that takes even one day off, becomes a less effective shinobi than one that didn't. 

"Well my progress has been... Interesting you could say." Yaijōrama's cheeks grew red some when Akiorama asked, not as if he didn't plan to show him but he enjoyed when his brother took notice and active interest in his work. There was many things he could show his brother. He had spent the whole time Akiorama was sick training. Yaijōrama started to get lost going through his mental list of the things he could show his older brother. Whatever jutsu he settled on, he knew he wanted it to be good. Something that was both useful but done well, something he's practice enough that he feels confident in using casually. Though when his brother addressed him, he snapped back into it. 

As was snapped back he blinked a couple of times. "Huh? Who?" Yaijōrama went to scan his surroundings around the both of them. His large black eyes attempting to comb through every piece of detail as he possibly could. The first thing he saw surprised him. No it wasn't the girl in the gas mask, with the dark black hair. Nor is it the expression Yaijōrama noticed on his brother's face. The look of an optimist, someone looking on the bright side of a situation or person. No it was Maro, standing behind one of the mannequins. He let their eyes lock as he questioned Maro mentally. ;; Does he think I can't see him? He's about a foot taller than that thing... ;; Yaijōrama let these thoughts go in his head for a little longer. But after a second or two of eye contact, Yaijōrama let a smile grow on his face. The image was hilarious to Yaijōrama and no matter what Maro thought, he thought it was great. 

But he went to turn around to face Haru. Yaijōrama knew of Haru, the girl the kids in the academy not only disliked. But was actively feared by his class. She was in a difference class than him, but like any school word gets around about someone. Yaijōrama didn't care too much for these, they were stores of someone else's making - rumors his father tell him. "Yeah I know her. I've heard about her at least." Yaijōrama didn't know what he felt about her watching them, while he didn't care with Maro it was different. Not that he expected her to have been there long, maybe a couple seconds? Was she there before they had arrived? Whatever the case maybe, Yaijōrama guessed there was a reason. 

Yaijōrama went to wave at Haru. He didn't mind his brother calling her over, though he just hoped that gas mask was for fashion reasons.

While Yaijōrama could point out his big friend, he didn't care to. He knew Maro to understand that he liked watching. If he wanted to become apart of something, he would. He continued to think about a jutsu he wanted to practice, though with Haru here he didn't know if he'd be doing many jutsus. Maybe learning some, but he didn't want to show someone what he could do just yet. Though maybe that could change, Yaijōrama did like to show of. 

---

WC: 688 - 964 Total

By the time Yaijōrama had looked back to Maro, the large boy was already gone. Haru, from the distance she stood away, could see the way he moved. A deliberate casualness, a slip and a shift around his friends in a way that wouldn't outwardly be considered sneaking, but was no doubt a deliberate attempt to stay hidden. From her point of view, his new hiding place was no secret, and he knew that very well, with the way his gaze focused on hers, a slight tilt of his head invoking curiosity. The towering youth lingered behind Yaijōrama, easily a head taller than him.

Maro would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in Haru. She was an unknown. Another outsider, another person with nobody, another person surrounded by ignorant and malicious rumors. He wanted to know her, and he could sense in the air the interest of his two not-brothers. Of course, they'd take interest in her, the very same family that took interest in himself. She was a lot like himself in that regard. In his thoughts, his head tilted the other way, akin almost to a dog. He could see her eyes, a pale red that almost seemed pink when the sun hit it, and a blood red in the shadow of her brow. Behind those little ocular organs was a certain intelligence that he could recognize.

She wore her hair cut short in a cropped sort of fashion that he imagined she could do herself- that she had done herself. A filtered mask, an oversized jacket. Was she trying to hide, or did it serve a purpose? Perhaps a mix of both. She was watching them, but she wasn't watching just to watch. Her eyes weren't focused on anyone in particular. She had even moved there so that they may see her better, and notice her. The little creature wanted something. What could she possibly want?

This was more than curiosity, but Maro knew that curiosity played some part in this interaction, even if it didn't manifest as peeping eyes. She wanted to ask something about them. Hidden behind his curtain of dark bangs, Maro's eyes flickered down at the two boys in front of him. Yaijōrama was a prodigy in the making, a dedicated child with a bright future. Akiorama was his older brother, fighting a disease that often left him bedridden and training all the same despite it. Training twice as more, even. Maro could understand how someone might take interest in the two.

He himself had taken interest in them.

But he could not sense that sort of smothered maternal instinct in her, the urge to see someone's growth through. No, she seemed even more clinical than himself. Clinical. His eyes shot back up to her, bangs parted just enough that she could see the white light of reflections against his pitch-black irises. She was a medical ninja, wasn't she? Or was that just a rumor as well? Small neck, he could fit his hand around it. Unmarred skin and softer hands. She was a ninja, undoubtedly, but not quite as hardened as himself- or either of the two boys in front of him. She was soft, like a little sheep. A healer.

Then, he pondered, was she interested in Akiorama? Her gaze didn't linger on the boy specifically. Did the little lamb think she could fix him? Or was she just curious? Maro imagined the sort of mindset that would simply approach others and ask whatever they wanted could garner more information than he could by looking and assuming, as he always had. Language was useful in that way, and despite that, she had not yet spoken to them, nor had she vocalized her intents. He wanted to hear her bleat.

---

WC: 630-1031

Well she certainly has their attention. There are many aspects of having to interact with others that Haru doesn't like. One of the worst of them is the way people look at her. Not the faces something smaller than that. Their eyes. The way peoples eyes beacon for hers to look into them. She hates it and everyone does it. Almost everyone the taller one who just showed up doesn't seem to do so. His eyes focus on her but not her eyes or at least not for long. his eyes are mostly covered by his bangs so where exactly he is looking isn't always completely visible. Now that she thinks about it she knows him as well. In a strange way Haru knows both the most and the least about him. In that she doesnt think there is much to learn about Maro. He was in his academy class. He seemed to have a similar situation to hers socially. Though she has never seen or heard him speak. Perhaps he is mute.

That is Besides the point however. She sees Akiorama wave his arm in the air. They are inviting her to come closer? Not many people do that. If they havent heard the rumors about her then that would be quite impressive. If they perhaps they are skeptical of them. Either way this makes this easier for her. She walks closer a few more steps enough so that they can hear her without having to raise her voice. as such her focus begins to lean towards Akiorama. A few moments of silence pass as she thinks to herself. Until she finally speaks in after a moment of silence that likely lasted a bit to long for the others. "Akiorama Senju. I have recently become a medical ninja and wish discus and perhaps study your condition. When are you next available?" Her voice was cold with little inflection. Why say anything else. This is what she is approaching them for. 

---

WC: 331-1177

Akiorama took a moment. The request was blunt. To the point. It sorta took him off guard. So used to people either being blatantly loud about themselves or keeping to themselves with some desire to be listened to. But he didn't notice any of that. Not with Haru. Her speech was cold and her actions didn't waste any time. Sorta reminds him of how he fights. Never skipping a beat, never wasting time. However, he didn't expect this behavior in regular conversation. His thoughts began to jumble a bit. A few of his old thoughts would start to shift to better fit his new idea of Haru. Perhaps she wasn't looking for a friend really and just wanted him for his disease. Hoping to understand what it was. But Akiorama still wanted more friends. Perhaps this was a chance of some sort that was disguised with other intentions. Besides, it's not like he'd truly say no anyway. A chance to possibly learn what was wrong with him? This could possibly help the both of them very well. Yes...Perhaps this was some sort of blessing.

As he went to open his mouth he'd notice the large shadow standing over him and his brother. Many would be instilled with instant fear at the sight of this. But, again, Akiorama wasn't exactly normal. "Nice to see that you've joined us, Maro." He turn to give him a warm smile. "Always nice to see you around". Akiorama was never really scared of Maro. It made sense to Akiorama as to why people had feared him. However, Akiorama saw him as more of a silent protector. Never really complaining about being watched. If it was Maro watching then he'd never feel fear but comfort in some odd way. He never really troubled or got into Maro's business as much as he does with others. He knew when to leave well enough alone. He respected was Maro wanted but did hope they'd get to know each other more. He was an interesting guy and he always liked meeting interesting people. Mostly because he never saw himself as interesting, so it was only natural for him to attempt to learn about them. However, his attention quickly turned to the matter at hand.

He'd look back at Haru. "I have no plans for most of today really. If my brother or my friend here wants me to stick around longer with them then we'll need to schedule for a time. Tomorrow at 12:00 pm perhaps? Otherwise...I'm ready now." He knows he could exercise later. His Illness was a priority. However, so was his bother's happiness and even Maro's. He didn't like keeping someone waiting but he never ever passes a chance to bring a smile on someone's face or a sense of joy. To some, it may seem Akiorama is diificult to deal with in that sense at times. He wouldn't deny it. But sometimes his actions can surprise others.

"So, How's that sound?" He directed at mainly Haru but also at the other two as he crossed his arms. Waiting for an answer to whether his presence was needed or wanted.

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WC: 525-1491