The town square of Iwagakure is usually empty and ghostly. Pillars line the inner courtyard in front of bigger store fronts. Long sotne benches provide seating for those walking around town and very little else goes on during the week. But tonight it is glowed bright with paper lantern and banners strung from pillar to pillar. On each of the pillars were also posters that displayed one of two symbols. The symbols of the Kazako Clan and the symbol of the Fantomusudo Clan. The town square itself flooded with people conversing and enjoying themselves. There were groups of people enjoying drinks and others playing small party games overall creating a merry spectacle of the night. In the middle was a make shift podium and stage made from crates and other boxes found around the town square. As the moon was just rising and the lanterns glowed brightest an older man dressed in long black robes approached the podium and cleared his throat to get the attention of the crowd. Everyone became silent and looked towards the stage to hear what was to be heard.

"Welcome one and all. Tonight we are here to get to know and create a bond with our fellow brothers and sisters of Iwagakure. The long rooted Kazako clan and the rising Fantomusudo clan. Tonight we hope to create a connection between the two of us to strengthen the spirit of Iwagakure in these times. Now everyone feel free to enjoy the food, drink, and festivities of the evening. And may this be a time for everyone to remember when we came together as a village and forget all the troubles of life. On behalf of the Kazako Clan I wish you all many more good times in the future.


A loud cheer rang out through the crowd and the older man walked off the stage. Harichimo was there sitting on a bench while his younger siblings were off playing with the other kids their age. He wore his best jacket and pants. His arms weren't bandaged as he didn't think it would be necessary. And his hair was tied back to be more presentable. He looked around to see where everyone was. His father was off enjoying drinks with some of the other men. His mother off chatting up a storm with the women. The elders of the clan were enjoying the music and overall zen of the place. Elder Tichigo sure knows how to make everyone feel important and kick off a party. And now finally, a getaway from missions, training, and chores. It's great to see that everyone can come together and find time to create a get together like this and just make everybody forget about anything but the here and now. He thought to himself. Speaking of which I should see what there is for me to do around here. Maybe I can find someone to talk to from the Fantomusudo clan.


Harichimo walked around a bit and didn't quite see anyone around his age or anyone what seemed approachable so he decided he would head over to the food and see what was available. Hopefully he would find someone he could talk to or fill his stomach. When he got there he saw his favorite foods laid before him so he grabbed a plate and served himself some rice, chicken, and a small bowl of soup. Just enough to keep himself in check. He found a bench that wasn't totally full and decided to at least have a full stomach if nothing else. He took his seat and began to chow down.

607/607

Iwagakure looks so different with everyone out here celebrating Sekuro thought to himself while walking about the square. He looked around and saw the symbols of his clan and the symbols of the Kazako clan, one of the premier clans in Iwagakure, and as Sekuro would soon take the mantle of leading the Fantomusodo, he was glad that they were getting involved in the village. He was dressed in his ceremonial Kimino, except his being black with the clan symbols in grey where as most of the clan had theirs in gray with the symbol being black. The color variation was appropriate to distinguish himself among the other members of the clan, as Sekuro would soon be titled as "head of the clan" acting as an ambassador in some sense to the village for the clan, but the darker robe was more symbolic of his dark past than it was to distinguish himself, or atleast thats what he chooses to think. It was rare for the clan to leave their homes in the mountain and not everyone in the clan had come but many of the children and families, but for such an event as this, those who had not been down to the village in some time decided to attend and see what it had to offer. While a few of the more traditional elders who wished to remain isolated in the mountain stayed back to, as they put 'guard' the shrine and protect our homes from intrusion. As Sekuro wandered around he noticed a man approaching a podium and preparing to speak.

"Welcome one and all. Tonight we are here to get to know and create a bond with our fellow brothers and sisters of Iwagakure. The long rooted Kazako clan and the rising Fantomusudo clan. Tonight we hope to create a connection between the two of us to strengthen the spirit of Iwagakure in these times. Now everyone feel free to enjoy the food, drink, and festivities of the evening. And may this be a time for everyone to remember when we came together as a village and forget all the troubles of life. On behalf of the Kazako Clan I wish you all many more good times in the future

It was a kind speech to help everyone ease into the party. Something Sekuro would have to learn to do one of these days, but he was not one for speeches and parties, what he was for was delicious food and drink, and he had brought a special whisky that was distilled in the mountain using the springs of the mountain and their own natural and fresh flavorings.
He avoided running into many of the children running around who were playing ninja or playing other games like Hide and Seek, as he made his way towards the area where the food was being kept, Sekuro could already smell it and it smelled delicious. He looked around again, and noticed everyone getting along so well, something only those in charge would care to keep an eye on, he decided that it was time that he also join in and took the two bottles of whisky to the food table to share with everyone. As he approached he noticed a member of the Kazako sit down alone with his plate of food. He looked relatively close to Sekuro's age and he could tell that he was also a ninja of the village. Sekuro decided to pour two glasses of the whisky and grab a plate of some barbequed pork and some rice and started walking to sit down next to this stranger.
As Sekuro sat down next to him he looked up from his food and Sekuro introduced himself, "My name is Sekuro Karumo and I am one of the Fantomusodo, I see that you are from the Kazako and I wanted to find someone who could keep me company for the night. It wouldn't be right for the clan leader in waiting to sit along and drink by himself all night. I can also see that we are both ninja here in the village so I thought I would come and talk to one of my comrades. So tell me, what is your name? Oh, and before I forget... Sekruo set the food down in his lap and offered one of the glasses of whisky to the member of the Kazako. Here, try this whisky, its distilled privately in the mountain and is absolutely amazing. He took a  rather large sip of his own glass and he could feel the smoothness of its flavor hit his throat. Honestly, he wasn't sure if he drank or if he could even drink. Sekuro would have broken out one of the cigars he was keeping in his pocket, and offer him one of those as well but those are usually for after the party starts to wind down.

[821 words, 821 total]

Harichimo looked up from his plate to see the man come and sit by him. He looked a bit older than him but not to much, and was wearing really intricate robes. He looked about as skinny as he was and had hair about the same length if not longer than his own with piercing blue eyes. The man introduced himself as Sekuro the clan head for the Fantomusudos. Sekuro had wanted a little company for the evening and decided he was the best fit offering him a glass of whiskey. Why the heck not. He thought to himself as he prepared to introduce himself.

"Well it is an honor to meet you. My name is Harichimo. I am a genin medical ninja and taijutsu practitioner. I am also one of the younger members of the clan who can be trusted with day to day tasks at the Kazako clan house clinic. I deal with small injuries and making herbal medicine for patients. Now don't mind if I do partake in drinks with you." Harichimo took the glass and raised it up high in a toast. "To Iwagakure and the future of our clans may we create a great alliance and bring this village to higher grounds," Harichimo put the glass to his lips and took a good swig trying to hold a straight face but still succumbing to coughing a little bit from the strength of the whiskey. "Woo, you weren't lying. That is some good strong stuff and a little rough on the way down but still very good. I will definitely have to find out where I can get some of that. Now to what do I owe the pleasure for meeting with the Fantomusudo clan leader?"

As he asked he took a small bite out of a rice ball and waited to see what response he would get.


314/921

Sekuro was holding the glass of whiskey while he took another sip of it. He took the glass freeing up Sekuro's hand so that he could bit into some more of the barbequed pork he found so delicious. Indeed it was, and the man began to speak, he had such a tone about him, positive and yet he spoke with command. "Well it is an honor to meet you. My name is Harichimo. I am a genin medical ninja and taijutsu practitioner. I am also one of the younger members of the clan who can be trusted with day to day tasks at the Kazako clan house clinic. I deal with small injuries and making herbal medicine for patients. Now don't mind if I do partake in drinks with you."
His introduction was nearly flawless. Harichimo Kazako, he seemed an ally that Sekuro felt he could call upon one of these days. He could also see him leading the Kazako one of these days, he had the same energy about him as the old man who spoke earlier to kick of the party. Sekuro was confident that he could rely on him as a comrade in Iwa, he seemed skilled and could be a great teammate. Harichimo then raised his glass, "To Iwagakure and the future of our clans may we create a great alliance and bring this village to higher grounds." Sekuro raised his glass to the sentiment as well, but much more apathetically and watched as Harichimo took some of the whiskey down his throat, almost embarrassing, as he nearly coughed it back up on himself. No matter, he took it down well.  Not much of a drinker, are you? Sekuro asked him. He felt that he already knew that answer but no matter. Harichimo had questions of his own and probably wanted to get to know him as well, I will definitely have to find out where I can get some of that. Now to what do I owe the pleasure for meeting with the Fantomusudo clan leader?"
It was a question worth asking, although Sekuro himself wasn't even sure of the answer, he just felt it necessary to become one with the village and start acting as it's representative. If you act quickly you could probably sneak out with one of the bottles I brought, left it up at the table. I enjoy whiskey as much as any other but I'm more of a cigar man. Nothing is better than relaxing in a hot spring with a good cigar and nothing to do on your plate. As for the pleasure of meeting me, I am not the leader yet, so there's no reason to worry about any of that, and I'm not sure it is that great of a pleasure either.
Sekuro thought about what would happen next, what was there even to do next. Sekuro took a few more bites of his food to finish up his meal so that they could continue on with the night's activities. In between the bites he decided to more thoroughly introduce himself, Well, while we finish this delicious meal allow me to introduce myself, as you have. I am a new genin to the village, I specialize in ninjutsu and kenjutsu, better known as a traditional style of swordsmanship. As you already know, I'll soon be taking over as the clan head, I would rather take things easy but the clan is insistent since I descend from the bloodline of the man who founded the clan. My family would have been in charge previously but they died before I even entered the academy. But that is a story for another day. Sekuro decided to change the subject before he started pulling up too much of his dark past into the mix. Perhaps you can help me out, we are a party with many people here, and many very good looking women out there, and yet we sit here eating and talking about nothing. I'm going to go refill my whiskey, then you should show me about and show me what is out there. The night is young and it has so much potential to offer.

[721 words, 1542 words total]

Harcihimo smiled as his new acquaintance gave him the info to snag a bottle and letting him know more about his position of the clan. Poor guy. No real guidance on how to lead but being expected to at the genin level is a whole other challenge. Hopefully some of that bloodline will kick in and give him what he needs. He thought to himself as Karumo got up and walked to fill his glass. Harichimo looked over and saw about a dozen or so empty bottles from the tables where the elder members drank away the night and he got a small storm of an idea when his friend would get back.


"Well if this isn't enough to wet your appetite for the evening how about I show you something I find fun?" Harichimo got up and walked over to the table grabbing the bottle by the neck and mentally measured how light it was. He opened up his jacket and reached for one of his inside pockets. He grabbed a senbon and held it up to Karumo. "The nice thing about being a medic and having your tools on you at all times. Small, eaily concealable, and never without a use" Harichimo focused and made a visible chakra thread and wrapped it around the senbon. "Alright kids how about a little fun destruction? Pay attention to the sky and don't try to catch it on the way down because there won't be anything to catch"

And with that Harichimo heaved the bottle straight into the air a good distance and aimed the senbon for his mark on where the bottle would end up. When the bottle was about to reach the mark Harichimo let the senbon fly with the string following like a rocket tail. The senbon struck the bottle right at it's base dead center with the tip of the needle piercing through causing it to start to shatter and out the neck of the bottle. Then with a jerk back Harichimo pulled the string making the senbon stand on end and break the bottle from the top as well causing the forces from both ends to make the bottle break into dust sparkling in the lantern light like falling star dust. And as the senbon flew back, tripping end over end, Harichmo grabbed it with ease between his fingers. And turned back twirling it. "This was a fun simple game I played with a few of the other graduates from my class after school. Gather everyone up in the schoolyard and take bottles from the dumpster or from the near by hobo dens. Simple goal of who can break the bottle better mostly a game of show for the little ones but a good training of hand eye coordination, reaction time, and all around better than just letting them lay there gathering dust. But the maintenance people could care less when we could only break it into shards and not into fine dust like this. Now how about you take a turn at it and we give these people a show? Harichimo said with a big smile knowing the ninjutsu and kenjutsu user would have something spectacular up his sleeves. Maybe thousands of slashes mid-air or a technique to disintegrate it entirely.

551/1472

Sekuro watched as he grabbed a bottle and attached the chakra string to it, he saw him throw it up in the air and in a stunning display of weapon control he destroyed the bottle, no one really saw him throw it but they saw it disintegrate into dust and him catching the senbon. It was quite a show indeed, just the kind of thing need to keep the tensions of upset and dissenting clan members in the background of Sekuro's mind, if only for a little bit.
Hmmm, that was actually pretty cool, I never did anything like this when I was a kid. Too bad I didn't bring a sword or any of my ninja tools but I absolutely want to give this a try. I might just have an idea but it will be hard to pull off.
Sekuro rummaged through the bottles and found two rather large bottles of the same size and poured the strongest liquor he could find in them so that they could be lit on fire. He filled one bottle about halfway and then held them opening to opening and used a small bit of katon chakra he expelled from his mouth to melt the glass openings together on the bottle. At this point everyone was watching the pair now, some whispering and some wondering if he would blow himself up with the bottle since the liquor he chose was in fact flammable and not meant to be drunken without something to mix with. After he did that he attached a chakra string to the center of the bottle just as Harichimo did and held it.
Most of my jutsu are too large to really highlight the bottle so I will have to stick to something small. You said the custodians could get upset, but what will they get upset at if the bottle ceases to exist?
Sekuro thought about how it would be best to do this, he didn't want to go to stylish and show off, he wanted to save the finale for last but he knew he could use his flame bullet and make a miniature version of the jutsu by just using a much smaller amount of chakra. He threw the bottle up in the air trying to get as much height as possible, he watched as his chakra string extended and he built up a very small amount of chakra in his mouth. Once the bottle was probably 20 meters above them he launched his Flame Bullet right at the middle of the bottles, where he had just conjoined them. As the bullet hit, Sekuro pulled the chakra string to stop its upward momentum and then dispelled the string, the bullet passed right through beginning to light the liquor on fire that was in each bottle, also separating the two bottles again.
The fire in the bottles began to burn them and caused them to explode like rockets away from each other as the gas initially burned and once the bulk of the liquid caught fire the both blew up in two small explosions away from each other. Everyone watched, children in awe of the makeshift firework, and adults both smirked and laughed at the feat. Small fireballs began to rain down but they dissipated before they got to the ground, some of the older members began to complain that they would burn the entire village down doing this but very little of the bottle remained.
Sekuro smirked at the fun of destroying the bottles, never had he thought such pointless destruction could be so enjoyable, he turned to Harichimo with the smirk still on his face. Alright, it's time to put the cards on the table, this last one is going to be for the money. Many watched in anticipation at what they would do next, hoping for something on a larger and much more impressive scale. It doesn't seem that everyone is taking kindly to this so I figure that we have one more good attempt each so let's have a little contest here. The more grand the better and whoever can incite the most awe from our crowd here will be the winner, anything goes. How about the loser has to clean up the party in the winners place? That is unless you don't think you can win? Sekuro said with a sly look in his eye, he wasn't even sure that he could win since Harichimo clearly has more experience but he would definitely enjoy the challenge. He had never done anything like this before and had no idea how he was going to top his little firework other than just making it bigger but he would think of something. Now it was time to see what his opponent would say, and if he accepted then see what his amazing weapon control could really do to these bottles.

[823 words, 2365 words total]

Harichimo watched as the bottle flew into the air and when the bottle came together Karumo launched his jutsu. A small fireball eh? Not a bad choice and ninjutsu does create a much more spectacular show. He thought to himself as the bottles disintegrated in mid air like medium sized fireworks. With a smirk Karumo turned around and laid down the gauntlet. A little bet to wind down the night and create the biggest show for those in attendance. 

Harichimo looked over at the bottles left on the table and found two of equal size. He put the two aside and grabbed a small length of banner that was laid on the table. "Wouldn't be much of a show without a little chance of me failing now would it?" Harichimo gave a smirk and grabbed a few strands of hair from the top of his head. He focused the chakra and in a puff of smoke he created a reflection clone. The clone grabbed the bottles by the neck. The it and Harichimo took a couple steps from each other making a good twenty foot gap between them. When he was happy with how he was lined up with his clone he looked to his parents both smiling and gave a wave. "It's time to show what I have learned from being a student of the Tsuchikage."



Harichimo tied the banner scrap around his eyes and took a stance holding his fists up and bent at his waist. Then with a nod from Harichimo the clone launched the two bottles flying parallel to the ground one after the other at him. And when the bottles were an arms length away Harichimo let a straight punch fly connecting with the bottom of the bottle. When the two connected the bottle began to glow purple  and disappear in a cloud of dust just in time for his other hand to connect with the second bottle and make it disappear in the same purple glow. What was left was the glass dust mixed with visible purple chakra. As the dust dissipated the clone disappeared in another cloud of smoke and Harichimo undid the make shift blind fold as the crowd let out a small applause at the feat. He looked over to Karumo. "Not as flashy as ninjutsu but I have learned to make my taijutsu just as impressive. And with that the floor is yours to command." Harichimo stepped aside and crossed his arms still smiling and wondering what was up the next-in-line's clan leader sleeves. 

429/1901

It was a great night indeed, Harichimo accepted his little challenge and proceeded to prepare his final trick. He called a shadow clone and blindfolded himself and destroyed the bottle in another even more impressive display of finesse and taijutsu control. The blind fold could have been a mere ruse as the clone threw the bottles where his hands would be but still, it was an impressive trick. No doubt, very impressive. Sekuro said and clapped for Harichimo as did the rest of the party goers. I guess it's about time I embarrassed myself too Sekuro said as Harichimo stepped to the side and crossed his arms.
Hmmm Sekuro thought to himself, I can't use clone justu like he did so that trick is out of the books. Besides why copy him, I can use my same fireball technique except go bigger and bring out a full Flame Bullet this time. Hmmm but what about a target, a bullet would over do it and completely eliminate the bottle. I need to go bigger. That's when Sekuro had an idea. He gathered roughly 15 volunteers and told them to grab a bottle for each hand or as many bottles as were available and huddled them into a group.
After they were together he told them that he was going to have them all throw their bottles up in the air, away from themselves, at the same time, while they began to fly he would began to fill his mouth with fire AND wind chakra, trying to create the largest Flame Bullet he could possibly muster, he would also use his jutsu to send the bottles flying in an explosion and disintegrate completely into nothing this time and leaving a huge explosion in the air, aiming for a grand finale type feel.
The volunteers sat there anxiously as Sekuro prepared, one small child who had to help threw one of his bottles early and everyone laughed and chuckled. A sign everyone was having a good time, atleast in Sekuro's opinion. This was it, he had built up as much chakra as his cheeks could possibly hold and he gave a small hand signal for them to throw as far and high as possible. The volunteers threw and shrugged backwards as Sekuro let out all the chakra he had at once. The bottles were well scattered but the size of the bullet alone should cover it as the bottles themselves began disappearing in the giant flame that began roaring upward. Many of the villagers began watching in awe as the giant bullet traveled up through the air, nothing left of the glass bottles but sparkles glimmering in the night behind the fireball.
The fireball began to diminish and just before it had gotten out of sight exploded into a giant swirl of fire in the night sky, letting out sparks in all directions. Then the pyrotechnics began and several more fireworks from the party itself were launched just after the explosion, trying to draw the pary to a close after a very eventful night. As everyone gawked at the concession of fireworks Sekuro pulled a fresh cigar out of his pocket and lit it with a match. He took a few puffs as everyone watched and then walked next to Harichimo where he would offer him a cigar as well should he want it, and then shake his hand as well. It would be difficult to hear him over the fireworks and everyone yelling and the children playing but he turned to Harichimo, Hey, I wanted to say thanks for keeping me company tonight. I would say the fireworks after were a bit unfair so I will take the loss for tonight's contest. Besides with all the bottles gone there isn't much more to clean up. He chuckled and smiled as the fireworks began to cease, after most everyone had dipersed he would then begin cleaning up the mess that wasn't destroyed or burned in a fireball. Wanting the whole time to go have a late night soak in the hot springs with the cigar that was calling his name in his pocket.

[697 words, 3062 words total]

Stats Trained:

[Exit Thread]

Harichimo had been proud of himself and was chomping at the bits to see what Karumo could do to top his display. But for this trick everyone was involved. At the flash of a hand signal dozens of bottles flew high into the sky. And in an instance the young man released a bigger fire ball with much bigger magnitude then the one before and started a huge fireworks display. Well I certainly couldn't think of a better way to end the night of festivities. He will certainly make a fine clan leader and village ninja one day. But for now he is care free and should take it easy while he still can because being a clan head probably won't be as care free and easy as being a shinobi.  Harichimo thought to himself smiling. Everyone was cheering and applauding for the two of them for putting on the great displays. A taijutsu user showing feats of speed, control, and power. And a Ninjutsu user showing flair and finesse. Shining examples of what was soon to come in the Iwagakure ninja ranks.


And then Karumo turned and walked to Harichimo offering him a cigar. Thanking him for the company since they seemed to be the only two around not doing much at the gathering and offering to clean up after the party. Not wanting to be rude Harichimo took the cigar and put it into his inside coat pocket for safe keeping. He wasn't much of a smoker since he likes to keep his lungs clean being a very active taijutsu user but one day he will have it to remember this night. "It was good meeting you to. Now don't be up to late and maybe I will see you around the village again. The Kazako clan will be glad to have new allies and another party interested in creating peace for the village. You take care Karumo of the Fantomusodo clan. Harichimo shook his hand and turned to join his family as they were leaving the town square, his father a little tipsy from the strong liquor, his mother smiling and laughing while trying to keep them walking straight, and his brother and sister both full of energy even though it was way past their bed times. Harichimo just gave them all a big smile and slung his father's other arm over his shoulder to balance him out on the trip. Now it was a start towards better days in the village as the family had gathered and started on their way home to ready for another long day at the busy clan house clinic. 

443/2350

Training:

Exit Thread