Small Pack of Wolves

Amidst the fluttering descent of winter's leaves, Ayato Hyuuga stood, his gaze fixed on the horizon, where the promise of a new era lingered. Today, he wore the traditional kage robes typical of his station, with subtle variations unique to Hoshigakure. The attire blended black and white fabric, symbolizing balance and authority within the village. The black represented strength and resilience, while intricate white embroidery adorned the garment, depicting symbols of protection and unity.

"Good morning, Ayato-sama," greeted one of the villagers as Ayato passed by.

"Good morning," Ayato replied with a warm smile.

It had been a considerable span since the tumultuous clash at the wolf's den, where Sebastian Loghain and Vaenar Hoshimura had valiantly defended their turf. Despite their apparent success in driving out the Grimma, Ayato harbored a lingering concern, knowing the threat loomed as long as Axwell remained a factor.

The recent liberation of Kirigakure, orchestrated under Akabayashi's astute leadership, had shifted much of the acclaim toward the unification of the two villages. Ayato felt relief as around fifty of the so-called vulture's talons departed with Akabayashi. Though effective, Ayato abhorred their methods; he remained hopeful they might aid in maintaining Kirigakure's stability.

Now, their focus shifted to the wolves. Two white-cloaked figures stood before Ayato, representing just a fraction of the four. Yasha Okami of Takigagure, who had taken Ayato under his wing after Kyousuke Snow's passing, and Dusk Tachibana, Ayato's peer and a revered figure from the Kirigakure upheaval, stood poised at his side. Behind them stood Ayato's siblings, Natsuki and Toneri, now integral village members.

"Everyone, it's time," Ayato called out, his voice carrying across the training yard. "We're promoting the Wolf's Den squad today."

Awaiting their cue in the heart of the campus yard, Ayato felt a surge of anticipation. Three individuals were expected: Youta Shinkou, Typhon Sepsus, and Ryuumi Hiyu. Today was not about training; it was a moment to recognize their dedication and elevate them to higher ranks within the village. As they drew closer, Ayato couldn't help but swell with pride. These were not merely skilled shinobi but pillars of their community entrusted to safeguard its values and people. With a solemn nod, Ayato stood ready to bestow upon them the recognition they had earned, marking another milestone in their journey as shinobi of Hoshigakure.

[WC: 386]

Typhon looked himself over in the mirror and adjusted his green tie nervously. He wore his father's old black suit because he didn't own anything nearly lovely enough for a recognition ceremony. He was sad that his dad wasn't standing in front of him wearing it. The young medic had received a summons to an event recognizing the party in the raid on the Wolf's Den. It was a highly defensible position close to the village and in the hands of a bandits. It is a rough scenario for a village with a booming economy like Hoshi. His dad would've been proud. Ty couldn't quite feel pride in the moment, but he silently promised the old man to try to make the most of it.

It was undoubtedly a good way to send off his extended leave from the shinobi forces. Being commended by the top brass meant he would have to keep that level of work up. He had a lot of respect for their Kage and the Nova Corps members and wouldn't want to let them down. Once this ceremony finished, he would return to hitting the books. Ty felt like he was making some good progress with his studying of medical knowledge and techniques. At his current pace, it wouldn't be long before he felt like a real medic.

But before any of that, he needed to go. With his mask affixed, he would head out in his nice suit and make his way to the Campus, where he would await his further summons. The university wasn't a place that Typhon frequented often, but he always enjoyed walking through the halls. If Hoshi had one thing, it was style, that's for sure.

As he waited in the training yard for the event to begin, the medic would scan the area and pass the time by watching others train. The determination to get stronger that people showed when training was always a sight to behold. The booming voice of the Hogokage would snap Ty's and everyone else's attention toward where he and his attendants were standing. He would make his way towards the man and hoped to see his comrades from the mission arriving alongside him.

(WC 386)

She couldn’t even contain her excitement while getting dressed. The gleam of the sunlight pouring into her room, her arms laid bare, her Bo-Staff remained near her bedside while she got ready for the big day ahead of her. She was happy, too happy in fact, especially given that she could also take her father with her. She held her small smile, even as Lloyd had seemingly rolled himself into the doorway, his own smile etched on his face.

“Seems someone got up nice and early?” Ryumi could only nod, readjusting her outfit for a small moment. It was her usual attire, a full black bodysuit that was worn under blue skin tight pants and her own dark purple shirt with a small star symbol etched in the back. Her ninja headband wrapped around her neck before turning towards Lloyd.

“How do I look?” She asked, to which Lloyd could only respond with a small nod.

“You look great, come on, let’s get going.”

Ryumi only nodded, rushing over to wheel Lloyd through the small hallway and out of the front door. She was honored to be called upon by their very own Kage for a potential promotion. Yet she was bringing Lloyd with her for one specific reason. To show the Kage what the religious sector of the village had completely failed to do, and that was to help the people when they needed them the most. It was for the best that she showed what they were willing to ignore if a fellow clansmen of the Kage had been largely ignored as a result. She always knew the village had problems, too many to count that she could go on, but there was a time and place for all of her complaints, and now was not the best time to do them.

Yet she could only imagine Lloyd’s face when he could see the Unseen University for the first time in nearly 3 years. The massive plot of land had been filled out to the max, students and scholars alike strolling in and through the vast building to study and research. Ryumi only gave a light smirk at Lloyd’s face when he did see it. Yet she could only hope to see Lloyd’s face when he saw her with a new flak jacket, and a much larger responsibility towards the village. With that, she’d stroll him along and through the doors of the university, traversing through the building to reach the massive campus over yonder. Her appearance made some people surprised, some thinking she was even a veteran shinobi given her scars and appearance. Yet here she was, finally completing a step within a Shinobi’s journey that she wished to have completed long ago.

When she arrived at the center of the campus, with some guidance from Lloyd thanks to his Byakugan, she had finally been able to find where the meeting place was. Yet she hoped that Lloyd would be allowed to watch, she did not wish to be scolded on a day of recognition.

Almost parking Lloyd near the somewhat forming crowd, the older man gently rolled himself to get a view of the stage. The loud, booming voice of their Kage alerted Ryumi that she should join her fellow shinobi up on the stand. Her arrival marked by the sight of her foster father watching her with the same joyous smile on his face.

WC:569

Youta would receive a notice to dress up as a reward for the team's work at the wolf's den. He would not be sure what to wear. Does he wear a tux, a military uniform, or a traditional garb? He just wasn’t sure what to put on.  He was panicking, unsure what to wear to an awards ceremony.  It was his first time getting recognition from the village, not just from Sebastian or other team missions.  He would finally pick out a solid black button-down collared shirt with a red tie and black slacks, saying, “  I will put this armory seal on my armor in case they want me to have armor on. Just in case.”This made sense to him.  

So, he would be very nervous about meeting all the top brass at this ceremony. He has met most of them in passing but never anything like this, where they would recognize him for some accomplishments that were a team effort. And not just Youta, so he is happy that everyone is getting the recognition they deserve. They all deserve this as much, if not more, than him.  

He would then go through the mission, remembering that man, if that’s what you could call that monstrous being. He remembered ripping the man to shreds and then going to help the others. They all did great and were doing well. Deserving this, Ryuumi and Typhon were terrific. But he would head to the training yard, see Typhon, and walk up and say, “Hey there, buddy, looking good! Are you ready for this?”

[wc=292]

Ayato stood at the center of the Unseen University's courtyard, a bastion of tradition and wisdom in the heart of the ninja world. As the crisp morning air swirled around him, he couldn't help but notice the unique attire of the three Genin he had summoned. Typhon and Youta sported shirts and ties, a stark departure from the typical ninja garb, while Ryuumi opted for a sleek jumpsuit, reflecting her martial prowess.

With a faint smirk on his lips, Ayato observed the ensemble, which contrasted sharply with his preference for traditional eastern clothing, a nod to his Hyuuga lineage and his mother's samurai heritage from the Yomiyama clan.

"I suppose that's what they call 'smart-casual' these days," remarked Natsuki, Ayato's sister, her lilac eyes sparkling with amusement. She always had a keen eye for detail. "Perhaps you should give it a try off duty, just for fun," she added teasingly, earning a chuckle from Dusk, one of Ayato's comrades in the Nova Corps.

Ayato's brother, ever quick-witted, couldn't resist chiming in. "That'll be the day Suna sees snow," he quipped, eliciting amused smiles from those gathered in the courtyard.

The atmosphere in the courtyard swelled with jubilant cheers as the trio made their way forward, each step resonating with the pride and admiration of their fellow shinobi.

The Canopic, Hiyu, and Shinkou bloodlines, though sometimes overlooked due to their darker and grittier nature, had left an indelible mark on Hoshigakure's storied history. During the Hoshimura Rebellion, Canopic's pyrotechnic expertise disrupted the rebel forces' supply lines, turning the tide of battle in favor of the village. Meanwhile, Seto Yomiyama, a priest of Yuumei, performed heroic actions against the notorious S-rank Missing Ninja, which earned everyone's respect and cast the Shinkou in a new light.

Ryuumi, bearing the lineage of Atarashi Hiyu, a martial legend known as the 'Grave Digger,' had continued her forebear's legacy. Hiyu's exploits had spread terror far and wide, and his role as a founding member of the Nova Corps had solidified his place in history despite his dramatic departure from the unit.

While their bloodlines may have softened the crowd's initial reception, their dedication, hard work, and undeniable success ultimately earned them the applause and recognition they received on this promotion day.

"Congratulations!" exclaimed a comrade, clapping Typhon on the back with a hearty pat.

"Well done!" echoed another, offering a nod of approval to Youta, their eyes gleaming with respect.

"Keep blazing your path!" a proud family member called out to Ryuumi, their voice filled with unabashed pride and affection.

As the vibrant cheers enveloped the courtyard, Ayato's gaze lingered on the trio with a mixture of pride and anticipation. He couldn't help but marvel at the diverse talents and legacies they brought forth. In that moment, he understood the weight of his role in shaping their futures.

"Good morning," Ayato greeted the trio, his voice a blend of authority and warmth that echoed through the courtyard. "Today marks a pivotal moment in your journey, a milestone carved from dedication and grit. Your strides have not escaped my watchful eye, and I'm impressed by the depths of your potential."

Pausing momentarily, Ayato allowed his words to sink in, the weight of the occasion hanging in the air like a heavy cloak. "As you march onward, bear the torch of our village's values with unwavering pride and honor. Remember the trials you've faced, the victories you've earned, and the sacrifices you've made. Today, you stand not as mere Genin but as Chuunin of the Village Hidden in the Stars."

His gaze swept over each trio, acknowledging their journeys and the qualities that had brought them to this momentous day. "Typhon, Youta, Ryuumi," he continued, addressing them by name, "You've demonstrated resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Carry these virtues with you as you embark on this new chapter of your shinobi journey."

With a final nod of approval, Ayato concluded, "So, harness your courage, polish your dreams, and demonstrate to the world why Hoshigakure outshines even the morning sun."

[WC: 674]

It was strange and uncomfortable for Typhon to be at the center of attention. The Hogokage was standing before him, and all eyes in the crowd were on the trio standing side by side. He could hear congratulations being given to him and his two companions. The young medic recognized many people in attendance from various missions and positions within the village. He had never expected to receive any honors like this. When he enlisted, it was out of desperation. Nobody wanted to hire him. His whole clan was seen as a liability to most. Very few in the clan's history had amounted to much. 

Ty couldn't help but wonder if his father would be proud of him at this moment. The old man never wanted his son to join the shinobi forces. Having lost his wife and his health to a mission, he wanted a better life for Typhon. It was why they moved out of the Byoki district and into the center of the village. It was a hard childhood growing up as a pariah, but nowadays, Ty is thankful for his parent's decision. He had made good friends and reliable allies that he probably wouldn't have ever met had they stayed secluded with the rest of the clan. 

As Ayato spoke with a graceful presence, Ty blushed, though it was hardly noticeable behind the mask. He tried to maintain composure, but looking at his friends, he couldn't stop smiling. He was proud of what they had achieved, and he planned to strive for even greater things.

Turning to the other two in the group, he would clap a hand on both of their shoulders and say, "We did it! We're in the big leagues now."

(WC 302)

Youta would see Typhon and ryumi back on the stage and whisper to him, “How much to take off your mask and just scare everyone? Maybe get this over sooner.” he would say, kinda laughing jovially.  He was joking and just trying to lighten the mood.  They would be lined up, and Yputa would say, “Alright, guys, time to get serious. He will make a speech that reminds me I have a dead body for that man.” They would then go on stage, and Ayato would be congratulating them. Then, he would walk on stage following Typhon. You did not want to be first out, so he let Typhon go first.  

They would all be smiling, and Youta would look out and see his adoptive parents in the crowd.  He would see some of his colleagues, too.  Being a Chuunin Youta, I was unsure what that entailed, which made him nervous, too.  He was looking at the crowd, and it made him nervous.  Youta would walk down and feel Tyler's hands on his shoulders.  “I don’t know which league we were in, but I am excited about this. Do we put the vests on before going out there again? I am not sure. I am also sure Ayato will want to talk to us. I have a dead body to give him.”

WC 233
TWC  525

Ryumi had not expected such a gathering of people, her deep purple eyes sparked with curiosity as she gathered the heads of the people that were there. This gathering for their promotion was exciting, Ryumi’s smile wavered slightly as she heard someone calling out to her, supposedly another Hiyu clan member, one that didn’t know of her existence beforehand. It made her surprised that she had been so disconnected from the main part of Hoshigakure, she had been up in the religious sector for so long. So much so that she had family here, a family that could have helped her, a family that could have helped both herself and Lloyd from their current fates. Ayato’s voice, boomed with that same sense of warmth and authority while he greeted them. Ryumi, standing the shortest out of the 3 would have to slightly turn her head upwards to meet the gaze of the leader of their village. Her scarred visage contrasted with the rest of her teammates. A practitioner of Taijutsu, and one that seemed to have honed her body to perfection in a physical sense.

The announcement of them becoming Chunin of the village made her heartbeat race, worried that she wouldn’t have enough time to request something of their leader, the Kage was usually busy with so many things, that hers would probably be a pin drop by comparison. But she had to try and ask, at least so that way she wouldn’t feel bad about it if she was turned down. Yet she felt the hand of Typhon on her shoulder, her eyes wide with surprise at the contact made by the Canopic warrior. Yet she kept her gaze on Ayato for but a moment longer, until she’d ask, not caring if the crowds would see it, only that she wished to make this apparent.

“Lord Hogokage. . . I have a request!” She’d shout for a moment, her voice sounding small for but a moment, before picking back up in earnest as she saw Lloyd still in his wheelchair, enjoying the festivities of the event and staring at the stage.

“My. . . Father, Lloyd Hyuuga, he’s one of your clan members, his spine was damaged during the Hoshimura rebellion by my. . . people from my clan. The priests, the doctors, everyone up in the religious part of this village. . . They didn’t help us, not like this part has. I’ll pay anything for it, I just want Lloyd to finally be able to walk again, to enjoy life walking and being able to move. He deserves that for helping this village, just as my two colleagues deserve this promotion. I will do anything, any mission, I’ll fight anyone for this village, and show them why this place is brighter than the sun!”

Her voice had transformed, her tone shifted from sadness to anger, into pride for what she could do. She had blood on her hands, it scared her to have that blood on her hands. The crowd grew silent for a moment while Ryumi gave her small speech. She stood tall, her stance unwavering. Her fists clenched, a fiery desire burned in her soul to have him fixed up, to have her father healed for saving her. She stared at her leader, hopeful that he would answer her plea.

WC:559
TWC:1115