~ Yesterday ~
The sun had set a few hours ago and yet it was at this time that Fukai returned from his solitary training. Being by himself was good for his focus but it sure was boring. He had met so many new people recently, each turning out to be stranger than the last. He had decided recently that exploring the world would be something to aim for. The ultimate adventure, the genin smiled. To be truly honest with himself, he was slightly afraid of what was out there. Never once had he been outside the land of stone and he was intimidated by the unknown. Sure, he had read history books and the like, but that cannot compare to experiencing something yourself. So that is what his recent efforts have been about. Fukai remembered that adrenaline pumping encounter with Zennyo, the mysterious man that had turned on him and attacked him for no reason in the dead of night. That had been a thrillingly dangerous experience with someone that had come from another place. From then on the genin had started to imagine the people and adventure that could be awaiting him in the distance.

The young man headed back to his residence in the Fantomusodo compound. Weaving through the alleyways, he took a shortcut that lead behind a few of the meeting houses. Amidst the twilight he heard someone arguing in a raised voice. It was coming from the meeting house that also emmitted a little ambient light. The voice quietened down a few seconds later, but Fukai was curious. Domestic desputes are taboo in the public clan rooms, and it didn't sound like the average daily exchange of words. The genin crept up underneath the window and listened in. You won't guess what that brat has done now. He's made us present all of our assets in a big inventory to him. Like the bloody whelp has any idea of the stock that I hold in the shady part of town. I just know he'll mess everything up for us. Fukai's brow creased. He knew this was coming, yet the strength of the hatred that had built up already shocked the young man. They were talking about the new clan head, Karumo. Fukai supported his friend and trusted his actions, these men just represented the old criminal roots of Iwa. They were trying to secure their ill gotten wealth despite the reforms the new blood had bought in. Fukai sensed rocky seas ahead. It wasn't long until the meeting was adjourned and the hidden man overheard the plan to meet again at the hotsprings the next day.
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He had not been able to sleep much that night. Fukai was an observant young man and had noticed the brewing trouble, yet the raw viciousness of those words last night hat been a shocker. He wasn't one for gossip but he decided that this was his business and that he should keep an ear open. Stepping up the pace and glancing from side to side to make sure he wasn't noticed, he poked his nose inside. Nobody that he recognised was there. Hiding his giveaway purple eyes, the large male dumped some coins on the counter and walked passed the reception. If the man and woman behind the counter were to see that he was of the same clan as the others, they may say something to give him away. Fukai generally wasn't the sneakiest of ninja, but push had come to shove.

He undressed in the locker room, changed his hair and wrapped a towel around it. He then would exit to the back where the males were bathing, spotting the group of his clan. It was three elderly men, huddled and talking softly. Fukai entered the second pool so that he could get close without facing them. He sat still, slowing his heart and willing himself to overhear something important. After a few minutes without any luck, a newcomer to the baths trotted in. Fukai barely noticed him until he entered the pool right next to the elderly group. The three old men made some sideways comment at the new guy and left. Ahh damn. Fukai was pretty disappointed that the opportunity had been missed. He wasn't going to glean any more info today, he may as well enjoy the dip since he had paid for it. Hi there, how's it going. He said to the young man in a courteous manner. Fukai noticed his eyes didn't seem to focus on anything in particular, guessing he was blind.

[772]

Fukai was a little annoyed at his failed attempt at surveillance, it was a missed opportunity that could have uncovered some juicy secrets. He would definitely have to keep his ear to the ground from now on, this situation was starting to look troubling. The best case scenario was that there was a little unrest in the clan, something that will soon settle down once things get back to normal and only temporarily affect trade and other such things. These things would be resolved simply with the addition of time. The worst case on the other hand, was the possibility of an uprising or coup. If the situation was that bad then there was surely trouble ahead. A coup with enough support could implode the entire clan and have a massive effect on the village around it. That was the sort of force that could plant the seeds of deep seated racial hatred into the village. History books are filled with numerous cases of just this happening. The young man worried for his heritage but had not much of an idea or plan as to what to do about it. The new arrival replied to his greeting.

Hello there! I'm doing well, thank you. It's nice to meet you, my name is Izanami, Uchiha Izanami. What's yours?
It's lovely to meet you Izanami, you can call me Fukai. Uchiha... now that was a name bathed in blood. A name that has had a long history of troubles, some of them were like the ones that troubled the white haired man now. Despite his name, the young male that shared the tub with him seemed all kinds of happy. It was the kind of genuine happiness that couldn't be faked, the kind that contrasted greatly with the backdrop of misery that the ninja world often painted.

Let's play or do something!
Fukai watched, slightly exasperated as the new guy's face changed from over the top joy to to a sunken depression. This kid really has no filter, must not be a shinobi. Fukai had been taught that a good ninja will surpress every emotion to make sure that nothing distracted them. While he himself did not comply to this teaching, this guy was something else. How was your day today? Ahh not too bad, thank you. All the same, Fukai couldn't help but smile at Izanami's friendlyness. The young man was a little bit younger than him and his hair almost looked blue in the glare of the sunlight. His eyes stared through him in a way that confirmed his supsicion of the males blindness. It must be hard for him in a world such as this. Looking around, Fukai could not see any sort of minder that was there to help him. Izanami leaned back in the water and floated up a little, his lower half coming dangerously close to surfacing. Not that this bothered him in the slightest.

Are you new here like me?
He realised that he wasn't adding much to the conversation and tried to be a little more social. Being on his own for large periods of his life had rendered him a little useless in social settings. Nono I've been here in the village for half of my life, I know Iwa well. She is a beautiful place during the day, when the light wipes away her shadows. Fukai continued in a pleasant tone but could not help but let a little of his troubles slip into his words. And where might you come from. You sure don't look like a local. He sure didn't look like the person that would survive an evening stroll down an Iwa alleyway. The young man sung the praises of Kirigakure, the village hidden in the mist. Fukai was surprised at this, the kid had come a long way. Did you travel all this way by yourself? Fukai was instantly curious about his new companion. He had wanted to travel himself and if a blind boy could do it, maybe his fear of what was out there was unfounded.

So what did you want to do today? I could show you around or.. you said something about a game? He decided that maybe he would hang out with Izanami for the day.

[753] /1525

Izanami started singing Fukai's praises after the offer of a tour. This guy is something else Fukai thought. He is completely blind yet seems to have compete confidence. He is alone, yet still manages to smother me in innocent joy and kindness. It seemed like the young man in front of him came from a completely different world. Fukai had never met anyone quite like him. The genin prided himself on his good judgement of character, he could tell this kid was completely genuine. What's more, Izanami, who looked a few years younger than him, had the courage to travel with complete strangers across the land. Sure, he didn't go alone but it's not like travelers didn't get ambushed every other day by scavenging packs.

Hey, no problem. You sound like a cool guy- Whaaah! His new companion lunged at him, grabbing him as they both fell into the water. Fukai had let his guard down in the bath house, thinking he would be safe from any attack. He was wrong. The two splashed around as their heads returned to the surface. The purple eyed male couldn't help but let a little giggle go at the attack. After a while, Fukai spoke. Alright. Shall we make a move? Fukai! I can't get out! He held out his arm and touched the shoulder of the kid. Here, take my arm. He helped the blind male out of the water and to the changing rooms.

Thank you, sorry I might have acted childish..
The genin smiled and tussled his new friend's hair. Don't worry about it. He had been an adult for a while now, and lived quite a straight and serious life. His new company felt like a pleasant breeze. Izanami mentioned that he wanted to see the best restaurant, Fukai returned with Well let's see what we can find, shall we? The two got changed, the genin fitting back on his grey and brown casuals and coiled his red scarf around his neck. The pair then proceeded to start walking out of the bathhouse and down the street, Fukai offering his arm to his companion if he wanted it.

Fukai are you okay? ... I am your friend.
The genin continued to walk in silence for about ten seconds. He was struck by Izanami's words, they were words of great weight, especially to Fukai. The kid turned and smiled at him, showing his beautiful soul. After a while, Fukai replied. Well... Thank you Izanami, you are a very kind person. Anyone would be lucky to have a friend like you. He then lead the pair down the road, turning off into the main street.

The pair arrived at one of the eateries on the main street. Well, I've heard this place is good. Fukai then realised that the kid may not have any idea what he was talking about. This is a restaurant that specialises in beef and barbecue. Let's grab a seat. When they found an empty table towards the back of the place, Fukai would sit down and help Izanami if he needed it. He did feel a sense of kinship building between the two of them despite the small amount of time shared. I want to see the world.. I want to meet people and discover wonders. The older male was slightly embarrassed that he had blurted out his desires without any context. Well, you see, I've been meeting all these new and strange people. Many of them have travelled around and yet I have not even left this country my whole life. Fukai waited to see what his company would reply to this with, valuing his input greatly.

[671] /2196

The waitress had walked over and asked what they would like while throwing a few stutters. Fukai was bemused to see the woman blush so violently in response to talking to his friend. He grinned at the girl and waited for Izanami to order.
BEEF! BEEF! AND A STEAK!
The Uchiha boy had leaned over and whispered these words to him as if they were some deadly secret. Pffft! Fukai couldn't help but to let out a little air in response to the ridiculous kid. His companion seemed to have a strong sense of humour aswell, another trait that was not all too common in this world. He turned to the waitress and ordered. Yes, beef, beef and a steak please. Fukai smiled at the confused, red faced waitress as she scuttled back to the kitchen. He turned back to his company, feeling that they were bonding already and disclosed a few things. Izanami seemed to sense that the genin was seeking his council as he replied at length.

The young man told Fukai that he could travel and that he believed in him. Scary and fun, aye? Fukai smiled inwardly at the inhibitionless kid. Izanami then went on to suggest that they travel the world together. He said that it would be 'tons of fun'. He would have to agree that the idea of travelling, especially with one so delightful as this young man, sounded like a great adventure. Well, I would love to come with you to see the world. Fukai instantly regretting his choice of words but carrying on, hoping that Izanami wouldn't mind. But I have things tying me to this place, maybe one day when I become free I will join you. The idea made Fukai's horizon seem a little brighter.

The purple eyed young man thought about all the interesting people he had met recently. I wonder what types of people there are out there. I want to meet the powerful heroes of this world. During his childhood, he had been told tales of legendary shinobi that fought against the powers of evil. He knew now that real life wasn't quite like one of those tall stories and yet, he still wanted to meet the inspirations for these tales. As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Izanami said that he was also looking for a few people, mentioning two woman's names, one called Tenmei and the other called Ukiyo. He sung praises for both of the females, but it wasn't until he got to the end of his long speech that Fukai realised that this Ukiyo was the one who had taken his eyes. Being from a dojutsu clan, people seeking the eye power was something that was familiar to him. But usually, this meant that the people that sought to take the eyes of power were seen as the worst type of criminal. In the Fantomusodo clan, it was seen as a major dishonour to take eyes or have them taken. The loss of an eye was the mark of someone who had been defeated to an enemy without honour. Fukai had head of people taking their own lives after such an event.

Fukai was stunned at the kid's manner as he continued on, saying that he had forgiven her straight away. What? Someone took your eyes and you forgave them? Do you not seek to take back what is yours? You have not only been left blinded but also lost your dojutsu power. Only scum takes eyes, you shouldn't forgive them so readily. He didn't realise he had these feelings until he spoke them out loud, he realised that that they must be the product of the attitude of the clan that he grew up in. Fukai's words were not filled with the usual hate that his clans people had, they were just more or less recited from things he had been taught. He had assumed that the attitude was 'correct' as he had never encountered anyone with a different outlook. He became curious as to the young man's response, saying I'm sorry, that was a little intense. But surely you want to get your eyes back? Don't you want to see again someday?

He realised that the waitress had been standing there for a few minutes, the timid mousey woman quickly putting the meat onto the table between them and scurried away. Fukai didn't start, he was too interested in Izanami's response.

[788] /2994

The genin listened to Izanami talk about losing his eyesight and what he had been disabled from doing. As he talked, Fukai listened, his purple eyes filling with sympathetic sadness. He cupped his hands and rested his elbows on the table. Then the Uchiha boy started talking about wishing the person who mutilated him happiness. This made him feel even worse. The situation was tragic and yet his companion was so upbeat, it truly touched something inside of him. Ukiyo. He would have to remember that name, should he ever meet her, Fukai would be sure to give her a piece of his mind. Izanami may be too good natured to care about himself, but he cared. Not just for his new friend but for the great discourse of justice that had happened. The young man may have completely forgiven her but Fukai would not. Not that he had any hopes of fighting an S rank ninja, the weak were trampled on in this world. The young man realised that this was another important reason for becoming stronger. Nobody would listen to some whiny baby, the strongest had the power to enforce their beliefs on others, right or wrong. There was a large amount of injustice in this world, it was simply a way of life. Fukai had lived with this fact for a long time and had not been bothered about it. But when it happened to someone so close to him, the strength of emotion that welled up was truly visceral. This was a new revelation about himself that Fukai had just come to terms with while hearing Izanami speak, he had never had people close to him for over a decade. But recently, that had all changed. He now had new friends to share this world with.

And he sought strength for their sake.

As the woman delivered the food and scurried away, four thugs swarmed into the room. The biggest and loudest of the group stomped over to a table and grabbed some poor young lady by the hair and held a knife up to her throat. Fukai didn't bat an eyelid. This wasn't an uncommon thing to happen in Iwakagure, he had been held up and assaulted by muggers a few times himself. That was just the law of the streets around here, you learned to keep your head down and mind your own business. Alright, now everyone line up and dump your valuables into this here bag. Don't try anything funny or lil miss here will get a new breathing hole. Izanami leaned over to whisper to Fukai to leave the situation to him. Fukai watched the boy, unsure about his intention but decided to trust him. If he had it his way, they would just give up their stuff and walk away from the situation. It wasn't that he was a coward or strong enough that he could easily deal with these four clowns. It was the fact that the criminal organisations were still a major force in this country. This was still a ninja village, thugs like this wouldn't live for very long without the protection of their leaders. Opposing them would make your life very uncomfortable. The young boy was new to Iwa, he may not know this and make a stupid decision but had said to trust him.

Fukai watched the gang that was holding up the restaurant. They did seem rough around the edges, organised operations were usually conducted more professionally. Also, this sort of action was rare on the main high street of the village. Maybe they weren't part of an organisation after all, just some filth that was baring an ugly head and trying to make something out of a crime of opportunity. If that was the case, the two young men should be alright. Fukai continued to watch the situation, his body was completely relaxed and ready for any outcome. His last two fingers curled around the staff that he had propped up against his chair when he sat down. A few little jumps of raiton wormed themselves around his arm, building up a static charge. He wished Izanami good luck for whatever he was about to do.

[708] /3702

Izanami stood and showed the thugs one of his warm smiled. Fukai's arm twitched as he drew his sword. It was a fine weapon to be sure, he knew his stuff when it came to weapons and that piece was no toy. He grew anxious about his friends action. Don't move too suddenly, you'll get that poor woman killed. Was I right to trust him? The men started making a threatening growl in response to the movement. Quickly scanning the room, he could see this uncertain fear in the other occupants of the restaurant. The boy would then place the blade on the floor in front and bow down to the men.

Please I beg of you, leave these people be! A wave of awe flowed through the room. Both the muggers and the diners probably expected him to be some sort of upstart with a hero complex, trying to rescue the damsel in distress. But no, here he was with no considerable danger to himself, bending over to some common scum. One of the thugs roared in laughter at Izanami's display, striding over to him, grabbing a bottle from a table as he passed and then continuing to smash it over the poor boys head. Fukai was already halfway to the man, staff one metre from caving in the man's windpipe when he caught his friend's look, tinted blue hair turned purple with blood. A red tear ran down his head and into his right eye, then continued down his cheek. Fukai looked up and saw that a similar bead of blood was being drawn at the throat of the woman, his actions had startled the man that held her and had nearly been the end of her. He hesitated for a second and then slowly retreated to his seat. I'll trust him.

The robber who had assaulted Izanami was now yelling at Fukai and telling his friend to slit the woman's throat. The poor lady whimpered and the sound of twenty or so bleeding hearts went out to her. The young man on the ground had changed the atmosphere in complete, the diners and even a couple of the robbers were affected by his sincere display. The man that towered over the bowing boy and screamed at him in frustration about his failed responsibility to his family. Slowly the boy lifted his head and rushed forward and embraced the stranger in a hug. The man holding onto the woman forgot himself in surprise and she escaped to her family.

I beg of you all, let's solve this peacefully! It was a truly touching scene, a boy, a stranger to the country now begged the people around him in the restaurant to dip into their pockets and help the men that had previously sought them harm. Everyone in the room now listened to him, like a spell was cast on them. They were captivated by his complete resolve of good will and generosity, the robbers were taken aback. A heartless young man opened his mouth and started to refuse, but quickly changed his mind when he received a sharp jab in the obliques from a staff. Izanami then proceeded to take the bag off the petrified criminals and run around the room collecting from the diners. He even deposited a large amount himself. Fukai had never seen such a large amount of money before and judging by the large circular shaped eyes that the thugs now sported, he guessed that they hadn't either. Fukai 'encouraged' the less generous to cough up at least a little something.

There were a few voices yelling outside. It was the criminal defense squad of Iwakagure. So they are not part of a syndicate after all. Those crime syndicates had paid off most of the law and order authorities in the village and were usually nowhere to be seen when shady operations were taking place. The fact that they were here meant that the syndicates disapproved this action, it would probably prove bad for business. That is how desperate these men must have been as they all knew what serious consequences this sort of action had. As the defense squad invaded the room, Izanami threw his hands up and clicked. Mist covered the entire restaurant and clouded everything from sight. The squad started screaming as their perp's went missing. A few minutes later and a lot of jostling in the murk, the young Uchiha appeared back in his seat and the mist dissipated.

He looked fatigued and a little drowsy. No wonder, that mist jutsu looked pretty strong. Also that blow to the head seemed to have taken it's toll. It was apparent to Fukai immediately as the mist rolled in as to what his friend was trying to do. It would have never occurred to the genin to try to help out some 'lowlife'. The two of them were quite different, and the genin would definitely agree that Iza was the rarer breed. The criminal defense squad made an uproar after the mist had cleared but the two young men ignored them. Fukai smiled. Yeah, tuck into that meat, it'll make you feel much better. Here. He leaned over and wiped up most of the blood that had poured from his friend's wound.

The squad cronies noticed that the young male suspected of using the mist jutsu to help the thugs escape was still in the steakhouse. They strode over and called out to him. Just before they reached the table, Fukai stood up to intercept them, stretching himself out to his full height and puffing out his chest. He looked the male eye to eye, letting him realise he was opposing a member of the Fantomusodo clan before hitting with a potent dose of Phantom's Enervating Curse. The officer had set out to confront them but was now crumbling under the large man's will. Fukai spoke in a hushed tone, three inches from his face. Let him enjoy his meal. I think I can still hear those men in the distance, if you leave now you may be able to catch them. He didn't hear anything but was giving the man a way to retreat from the confrontation without losing face. Alright men, lets move out! The officer gladly took the opportunity and lead his squad out onto the street. His clan held some sway on the street, he had become suspicious lately that the clan may have deeper criminal ties than he had previously thought.

He sat back down silently, watching his jovial companion revel in his food and take the odd break to throw out a joke. Fukai laughed. He hadn't had such a good giggle since he was a kid. Fukai had been raised as a serious kid, a great pressure had been put on him to master weapon technique and to become a strong ninja. All of that pressure had ended abruptly when the 'incident' happened.  I am glad I met you Fukai. Izanami leaned over and outstretched his arms, Fukai met him half way and hugged the affectionate boy. The cheeky fella then tried to wipe his greasy hands on the genin's silver locks. Ahh! No, I don't think so! He grabbed Iza's hands as they squirmed inches from his head. Onlookers from other tables laughed at the two boys in men's bodies. They recognised the blue haired man as the hero from a few minutes ago and started cheering him on in the little struggle.

Fukai chose not to mention that his friend's actions probably hadn't helped the four men and their families in the long run, a syndicate was sure to find them and stop by to collect that money. But Izanami was not to know about the state of the country and it was still an incredible act that he had pulled off. he was truly impressed at both his kindness and use of shinobi skills. Alright! So where to next my lovely friend Fukai!? Or are you busy? The genin smiled. Well, I do have a few things still to do today.. But hey, let's have one more little adventure. He stood and walked around to his new friend's seat and gave him his arm. He decided on a post lunch stroll around the village.

They strolled out of the restaurant, the eyes of the diners still on the the pair. Fukai left some money on the table to take care of the bill. As they strolled down the street, Fukai slowly started on a little advice. ..Hey Iza, I know you well enough now to know that you have the best intentions but here this country is sick. It is getting better but slowly. Doing kind acts comes naturally to you but just be careful, if you do anything to anger the crime bosses then you could get in a heap of trouble.

The boy asked Fukai what he looked like. Uhhh, well I can assure you I'm no work of art. My hair is white and my eyes are purple. Oh and I belong to the Fantomusodo clan. This is my mother's scarf, it's red. He put the end of the scarf in Izanami's hand to feel. She left it behind for me... He lingered on that sentence and they continued on their casual walk down the street.

[1630] /5332
~exit~
Thread closed.

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