... Just what the husband and wife needed after just giving birth to their handsome son. This particular child who happened to be Enma stayed in his mother's womb for thirteen month which was very unusual. In this period of nine to thirteen month, Enma while in the womb began to develop normal organs that grew at a faster rate. His brain also developed as well as his body system in general such that when he was given birth to, he had extreme wisdom and heightened senses meaning he could see farther than usual, hear louder than usual, smell and the likes. The boy grew up to about a year old when his parents decided to make this trip. The trip to Nowashi was a pleasant one and as they got there in one piece, they started to settle in. They stayed in this land for a couple of months, teaching their boy everything he needed to know. Enma’s father, being a samurai often read to him about how monks mediated so as to void their minds and give them a broader thinking range. His father was also a good fighter likewise his mother that had great skills in healing. Together, they would watch over their son and give him the best care or so they thought.

One faithful night, Enma developed a fever. His mother tried all she could but no healing techniques seemed to work. She decided to go out even though it was late in the night to get some herbs. She wandered off in search of this particular herb. It was a rare one and the worst part was that it looks so similar to one other plant that was highly poisonous. She continued walking with the zeal of wanting to save her son that she wandered into the land of forests. Unknown to her, an evil had been unleashed in this part of konoha by an unknown source. The evil which would later be known as the Akuma lurked in the forest as it caught scent of a human. Being a tricky and sinister entity, the akuma watched and admired the beautiful woman as she found the plant she was looking for and picked it up. The akuma who happened to have no form followed the woman while laying low in his smoke form. As she knocked on the door, the demon dived straight at the woman and entered into her body while taking control of her. She then picked up a nearby metal and stabbed herself while under the control of the demon but she did not die yet as the demon was still keeping her alive.

The husband opened the door, glad that his wife was back home but all he found was her standing at the door with blood dripping from her body and a weird grin on her face like she was someone else. The akuma still controlling the woman began to laugh as dray's father looked in horror. Your wife is going to die soon.. And am going to kill you and that child too..
Enma’s father, mad with rage engaged the person who he knew was no longer his beloved wife with his sword. The fight was tough while it lasted but in the end, Enma’s father lost to the demon from a different realm. The demon dragged the man into their home as he faced young and scared Enma.. Your parents are dead.. Now, I'll eat you up from the inside pretty slow and painful... Hahaha.. He laughed. As the akuma went into Enma to possess his body, Enma’s father managed to kneel upright with one last breath as chakra erupted from his finger tips. Using a certain technique he had learnt from a certain monk temple, he sealed the akuma inside of Enma as a certain tattoo appeared on his chest. It was now left to Enma what to do as he father died.

The young child was adopted by a certain rich family and he grew up there though he was treated different from the other children. He began to hone his ninja skills in secret while finding out more about his mother and father. He had no idea when he was going to awaken his yonugun since his mother or father did not possess one but also, he had to get rid of the demon that was sometime taking control of him. The young boy grew of age with some skill and decided to travel back to Akunan. He escaped from those who had adopted him and hid in the goods of some merchants till he got to Akunan. He settled in the village while finding some of his relatives just for them to know that he was alive. He began his own life as he started attending the shinobi academy. He was far more skilled than the academy so he graduated in no time. He also enrolled for the nunchi exams and he was promoted to nunchi level after passing the exams brilliantly. He served in the ranks of Akunan shinobi system as one from the yonugun clan until his skills impressed the village leader but his isolative nature was something that concerned the village elders.

Enma was sent to the secret force and he became an koari agent. He was assigned missions individually and together with a team. He travelled far and wide and he reached all most all of the lands in the shinobi world. He began losing his old self after travelling and seeing more of what the world entails. He was removed from the secret force program because he no longer possessed the dark spirit required to execute missions. Some years later, he was promoted to the level of ninjou and then he had a goal. . He sought out the great temple where his father stayed for some years as a monk. The monks refused to let him in as they sensed the dark chakra of the akuma in him but he asked for their help to purge himself of the demon. The monks let him in and they began the ritual. They brought out a sacred vessel and placed it in a circle together with him as they began chanting. Enma’s eyes lit likewise the tattoo on him as the demon began leaving him and was being sealed into the sacred vessel. The ritual was done and the tattoo was gone. Enma was free once again and he could act of his own free will but then this was...

A loud blare disrupted Dray from his concentration as he was suddenly startled. It was his bed side alarm and it was morning already. Dray closed the book as his concentration was lost. He had been working on this particular story which he titled ‘Tales of Enma’ out of motivation for quite a while and he did not know how long he had been on it. Even sleep never distracted him whenever he was motivated so why this alarm when he was just about to finish, he wondered. Anyway, it was morning and he was not ready to seat with the book all day looking for his motivation. The season was different even though one could not entirely say that it was festive. The chunin exams were starting in a few days and with new people coming in and new stuff everywhere, one could expect a festive environment and Dray was not going to miss out on getting to meet new people who knew new things. The young shinobi rose up from the bed and headed for the bath room as he pulled his cloth. He had a nice and quick bath before making his exit from the bath room. With a towel around his waist, he looked to the mirror and sighed. He was getting older and he was changing or better put, he was adapting to kumo. No one had ever seen his face in the village hidden in the clouds but very soon, he would change that and very soon it was. He once green hair had now become completely black and he loved it for that. His dressing had also changed from a green overall to a nice grey shinobi vest and trousers with sandals to match. He took time to dress properly after which he kept his scrolls in the pockets around his belt. The young man was done with his dressing as he headed to the dining room of the giant sleeping inn to have some breakfast. The food was served and Dray ate calmly. Some toasted breads and a cup of hot tea was nice for a cold day. Once he finished his food, he relaxed at the table and waited for time to pass. Once it was seven am, he stood up and walked out of the inn. There was some place that he wanted to check out.

Dray walked the streets of kumogakure no sato towards Mount Ikkyu. He had intentions of climbing to the top of the water fall and meditating on it. The natural spirit that would fill him if he got to the top was non- questionable so he just had to do it by any means possible. On a more usual kumogakure days, people would just be getting up from their beds and probably brushing their teeth but today was different because it looked like most people did not even get to sleep the previous night. The streets were not crowded but they contained more than they should. Dray made his way towards the village gates and with a wave to the shinobis on guard, he was out of the village. He turned to his right and headed for his desired location. After some nice walking that seemed to pass as an early morning exercise, Dray could see the water fall in the distance. Of course, there were hotels and little settlements made for and by travellers so Dray took a simpler route to the water fall itself.. Soon, he would achieve what he was aiming for.

WC:1693

Sero had almost immediately abandoned those who had arrived in the ship with him when Kirigakure arrived. It had obviously been what was best based on what happened. He had arrived the night before with the moon high in the air but a mist settled over the docks. A few dock hands were still working to prepare a ship to leave before the others did when a creak slowly echoed across the mist like a long whine. Then the mists seem to part like an opening maw as a dark ship stained with blood approached. Its hull splitting the dark waters like an unholy thing rising from the depths. Still it arrived expertly as it carved its way into port. An older man dropped anchor and then plank to the docks as he climbed off the ship and began to secure it. He seemed normal enough. Still he kept looking back at the ship as the port overseer came down the docks with his book open and eyeballing the ship. He seemed displeased to have such a ship parked at his dock. Still he reached the ship just as Sero emerged from below deck and everyone there felt him. It was like everything just suddenly weighed more. The water stilled as if it feared moving as a young man with shoulder length silver hair and a pony tail slowly moved across the deck.

His outfit was fairly simple. A grey, high neck tank top and grey pants with a thick , smoke grey, wide sleeved robe hanging on his shoulders loosely. Even as a cold breeze rolled in it didn't seem to even stir them. His booted feet didn't seem to make a sound even as he crossed the old ship and stepped along the plank. The dock hands edged away from the dock they were working on slowly as they felt him. They all felt him. Even as his dead, grey eyes scanned them they barely swallowed as he seemed to barely make note of them. Minimal threat level. Still his eyes settled on the overseer as the man stared wide eyed. Sweat dotting his brow in a few places. A lone bead dripped off his chin as Sero moved towards him. His thin lips moved to try and speak but all that came out was a whimper. Still Sero stood in front of him. Those eyes staring into the mans soul before he held up his right hand. Into his right hand mist seemed to swirl before finally a headband appeared. Taking the headband Sero lifted it and tied it around his forehead before pulling out identification. He left it with ryo for the docking fee with the man before making his way away from it all. The others could manage without him. He just needed to avoid the populace and be on standby if he was needed. Along with that, everyone was hoping his services wouldn't be needed. Sero was not known for being a kind individual and his work got messy every time.

He had moved around the outskirts of town avoiding the masses. After all if they felt him then they would panic and run to a Jounin. Not that he didn't have to identify himself to a couple of them. Still they confirmed with their computers that he had indeed checked in before noting he seemed to have no weapons on his person and let him on his way without registering anything more. Still it had taken him half the night to make it to the waterfalls but it was there that all he found was a lone cave. It was clear a predator had at one point inhabited the dark indent in the mountain but it was gone for a couple of months now. It wouldn't of mattered to Sero anyway. As far as he was concerned he was the alpha predator where ever he went. He was yet to meet many people who were confident enough in his presence to turn a blind back to him. They always kept him in a line of sight. Not that he blamed them. He kept them all within his line of sight as best as he could as well. He didn't fully trust anyone but that was a choice. A couple of people had done good by him but he wanted to keep from gaining any of these so called attachments he had read about. It always seemed to bring up some sort of emotional issue when business had to be conducted. He was no slave to his emotions. His blade was meant to go where it was directed and beyond that he didn't care. People died around him and more often then not he was the one killing them. Getting emotional about murder was just a huge waste of time.

Still he set up a fire and lit it before catching a rabbit with a burst of speed and a quick twist of its neck. The pop of the neck as it broke was a tiny thing and one could wonder if they had actually managed to break the neck if not for how the animal that had been struggling and screaming in its own way didn't suddenly go still and silent. Everything always went still and silent once the blood stopped dripping. Either way he spent the last bit of night cleaning the guts out and ripping back the fur before placing it on the end of a pointy stick and holding it over the fire. The fire was small but the blood sizzled ever so slowly as the sun rose. He was alone this close to the waterfall and away from the resort and springs but his back was still to the wall and grey eyes stared into the surroundings. Most people had a demon inside and he didn't trust them if they found him. Mostly because he had a demon on the outside and people always wanted to poke the demon. Still anything attracted by the smell of rabbit, mostly wildlife would step into his aura before breaking the treeline twenty meters away from him and feel it. It would feel like he was already watching them even if he wasn't looking at them. Like he was already one step from a blade to their throat and two steps from ripping it out. Of course if they had come hunting for him. It wouldn't take him much more then that to do it in most cases. Still his dull, dead like grey eyes stared passed the fire they didn't reflect without blinking. Just watching.

1114

The once green haired man got to the base of the mountain as he looked to his right and saw the water cascading beautifully. He knew what it felt like to be drenched in the falls of Mt. Ikkyu because he had done it one night when the moon was at its fullest and the pull was almost irresistible and the howling of wolves could be heard thousands of miles away. The light of the moon shimmered on the waters as the petals of the tree beside the mountain fell onto the water surface. It was a night to remember but alas it was now in the past. From where he was, he looked at the top of the mountain and his completely black eyes could not really see the top for the clouds that lingered around it. He was heading for the top and there was no stopping him. He thought about how to go up, it was not much of a deal because he could simply cause wooden branches to shoot out of the mountain so he would step on them till he got to the top or better still, he could focus chakra on his hands and legs and go up easier but still a little exercise for one morning could not hurt so he would go up climbing it like a regular civilian. It was a lucky thing that the mountain was not all that smooth so climbing would be very very easy.

As he placed his right hand on the wall, the thousand cells of plant life dwelling within the mountain all came at him as he felt a simple jolt and withdrew his hand suddenly. It was not as if he was hurt by it but it was all too sudden and he wondered how the plants had managed to survive this long but the answer was simple. With roots and stems as broad as that of plants, survival was almost impossible. He could liken himself to plants seeing as he should have been dead long ago but he had that feeling that he was given a new life or that he had clung to life and had somehow defiled death. His roots had dug deep into the water of life and had transported it through his body systems to awaken him from his dying state but at the cost of something, the loss of his memories. He remembered the first inner search of who he was, the pain of not knowing who he was, how it hurt him so bad. How tears flowed from his black eyes down his tender face and his existence seemed to be entwined like vines around a tall and thick tree. When people get hurt, they learn to hate and when people hurt others, they become hated and racked with guilt but knowing this pain allows people to grow and how they grow is up to them and as for him, he had tasted this pain and he had transformed into something much better, something more greater, something that was the current him, an embodiment of a living mystery.

He started climbing the mountain with ease because the rigid structure made climbing it look like child’s play but even with the height of the mountain, the fear of falling down and hitting rock bottom, he was still confident and he often wondered where he had gotten this confidence from. Even in the face of his adversaries, his calm look never faded. He could remember his first meeting with the raikage, the raikage appeared in a panther like form with red piercing eyes that not only looked at a person for how they appeared but also peered into their soul to see who they were but instead of Dray panicking, chills running down his spine and beads of sweat forming on his face, he stood there and looked calmly. It was not because he did not know what fear was, his body felt it but his existence was not threatened by it. It did not seem to easy to believe but it is who he had become. He no longer worried about the part of him that was lost, he simply calmed himself by saying that the lost part was the blemish his life had and now he was free of it, like a horse strutting in the wild with no man or woman sitting on its saddle and pulling the reins.

The journey to the top of the mountain seemed smooth enough though he was not exactly sure of what he would do once he got to the top. Perhaps he would make a sign board and write on it that Zennyo was here but of course he was not going to do that. Once he got there, he would figure out what to do if he did not find anything unexpected. A shinobi of his caliber would know how to make his own path other than following the part of other but him, Zennyo could make his own path and at the same time walk the path of others while pulling strings from behind. It was what he is, what he was made for, to pull the strings without being seen but even when he is finally figured out, a puppet master always has an hidden agenda. Up ahead, he could now see the top and it was very close to where he was. He climbed to the top safely and the first thing he did was to look down below, the height was indeed something. He walked to his right, trying to find the source of the water fall as he also looked at the many relaxation centers that were put away several meters away from where he was. It was a beautiful scene from up above. He sighed first before inhaling deeply, the sweet smell of the mountain top but in that moment, something else was filtered through his nose, it was a different smell even though it was not much, Dray knew the difference between fresh air and the smell of roasted meat. He would go on walking trying to explore more of the top.
WC:1032

Sero sat there as he rotated the carcass over the fire. He watched the skin bubble and pop as the flames slowly seared it and cooked it. He could smell it burning and the smell reminded him of the few times he had chosen fire over acid. It was always flashy and the smell was so different. Somehow liquefying flesh had a really putrid smell that lingered and had a taste to it. However once fire burned flesh hot enough it had the same smell as everything else that turned black from the heat. The smell of coal was almost suffocating. This fire however was not hot enough to get to that point quickly. The smell of the rabbit actually made his saliva build up in his mouth a little. He didn't really care for flavor often as he simply ate what was readily available but he could still appreciate good flavor when he knew it was coming. His stomach growled as he wondered quietly to himself about the last time he had eaten. He had been so focused on getting the Kiri representatives here that he had forgotten to handle his own mortal affairs. However now they had arrived and he had time to himself.

He had just finished rotating the carcass as he let his eyes shift to the side. His skills of detecting things at a distance were improving but the truth was, whatever was approaching was big and was making zero effort to remain stealthy during its approach. He knew what this creature was. This beast was not so foreign to him that he couldn't recognize a bear returning to its cave. He had miscalculated how long the cave had remained empty and now its inhabitant was coming to reclaim its territory. Still Sero watched calmly as the bushes and smaller trees shifted as the thing grew ever closer. It was a behemoth of a creature. He could tell that much already. Even approaching on all fours the bear was taller then him standing. Still Sero slowly rose to his feet and waited with his hands at his side. Dead grey eyes gazed as the bear passed his auras range and a loud growl echoed across the woods. It had felt the aura of another predator and had decided it was willing to reclaim its territory anyway. It was the king of this mountain all its life after all. It had never known its equal.

The trees parted as the massive bear finally cleared the treeline. Its huge snout sniffed as its black eyes took in the boy before it. For a second it seemed to almost be confused. Such a small creature was what felt like that? No matter though. It was the bigger creature here. The invader of its home was going to be crushed under its power. Still the Bear slowly lumbered forward until it was about five meters away and there it stopped. Slowly its front end lifted as the beast began to tower beyond the height of any man. It stood so tall over Sero its shadow enveloped him. Its maw opened and saliva dripped and it bellowed out its mighty roar. It was going to tear this kid apart and it wanted the kid to know his mistake. It was in full intimidation mode. If anything that Bear was ready to rumble and the boy before him was not going to be given the chance to run. Still the boy in front of it didn't flinch or blink. Just stood there watching the bear roar until the bear dropped back on all fours. However the bear only advanced one step before it paused as Sero shifted.

Sero brought up his pale right hand as he let out a breath. His claw like finger pointed at the bear as the breath he let out came up from his mouth and nostrils like steam. Then suddenly everything seemed to shift. The fire cooking the meal flickered wildly as if trying to survive against some unseen force. Then in a swirling motion the force pushed out as grey chakra began to swirl around the boy. Grey eyes never leaving the bear as the grass around the cave began to wilt and the rocks began to have steam rise off of them as if burned. The breeze picked up and pushed away from Sero in a wave of hot air as the grey chakra began to take on a face. A thing like the kind of face on would carve into a pumpkin...a jagged toothed smile and slitted eyes with horns rising from its head as its mouth opened around Sero. It was then that the bear understood. If it charged this boy it would die. This creature was far more dangerous then anything else in the forest. So with that the bear turned with a huff and quickly on all fours moved back into the woods. It was far too dangerous to remain challenging such a beast even for the king of the forest. Still after the bear was out of range of Sero's perception only then did Sero relax. His chakra fading as the fire regained its life and the rocks stopped steaming. Only the grass remained damage as the air rapidly dropped back to normal temperature.

2004

Dray was exploring more of the mountain top and trying to figure out what this different smell really was and where it was coming from. It could only imply that someone else was on top of the mountain but Dray could not be certain about it yet. He kept walking towards the smell but his focus would soon be diverted. He did not need extra ears to hear the loud thuds that vibrated through the earth. What could be making these thuds, he wondered. Was this mountain top enough to harbor a large and wild animal because that was the first explanation for these or maybe some one was having some taijutsu training and they were really hitting whatever it was that they were hitting very hard. The special jounin gently followed the sound as he was curious to know what this was. Walking or more specifically, tracking for a short while, in the distance and out of the large overgrown bushes, he could see a cave up ahead but also there happened to be what was a large bear and then a man before it. Was this man in danger or something? Dray could not well see his face to make out an expression but he was not calling out for help either. Had he given up that no one could hear him and that his death was certain? Dray was trying hard to decide. The bear was a large one with visible sharp claws too but that would not stop Dray from taking it down if he had to. For all that mattered, this bear could as well be the summoning of the man before it but the best thing was to remain in the bushes and watch if the man needed help or not.

It was now clear that this man was the other person on the mountain top and the smell coming from inside of the cave was now greater than it was earlier. Something was really roasting over a fire, Dray was certain about it. The tables were soon turned as chakra erupted from the young man’s body in some form that took the bear aback. The details weren’t clear to Dray given his range but he knew chakra if he saw it and this was chakra rotating around the young man to take on some form. The bear soon understood that this person was not food for it as it took off in the other direction and disappeared into the bushes. It was interesting how such a large predator scampered away in fear but maybe it wasn’t fear, it was just common sense. Dray would come out of the bushes now. It was not like he was hiding or anything, he was just taking a better look since the other man seemed to have everything under his control. “Hello there..” Dray would call out to the young man as he would walk towards him. “I figured there was someone else on this mountain top because the smell of whatever you are cooking seems nice.” Once Dray got within range for the man to clearly hear him, he would continue. “I suspect you are not from the cloud village so if you have travelled here for the chunin exams, why not lodge in an hotel or an inn?” Dray would ask seeing as the man was very much different from how cloud ninjas were.
WC:572

Sero watched as the Bear went crashing off through the brush again with cold eyes and contemplated hunting it later for meat. It would be a lot to store for food but he could certainly be well fed for his time here. Certainly a cheaper option then purchasing food. At least until he was allowed to take missions and he could collect his meat from those. Still his dull, grey eyes slowly adjusted over in another direction. Another bush that barely moved at all at first. He could tell there was another there. Some being watching him. He could almost feel the doubt within them. Still the bush stirred and out emerged a young man, brunette with a well built body and an interesting uniform. He couldn't tell if he was wearing any sort of identification but his very stance, the way he held himself spoke of training. Some discipline at least. So another shinobi had entered into Sero's domain and didn't seem at all affected by the aura he put off. He had come across a couple of people that didn't seem to even notice the warning signs he put off naturally. Both times it had ended in violence and blood shed. They were too confident in their abilities and had challenged him when others would know better. He wondered if he would have to draw this mans blood too.

Still the individual called out a greeting. Certainly an odd one. He had a comment about how the meat smelled nice. Was he coming to inform him he had broken some rule by hunting here? Or perhaps to try and claim the meat for himself. No one could be trusted to begin with yet approaching him at a steady and calm pace made him ever more wary. His aura shifted to less of a stirring monster watching to more of one with lips pulled up over its fangs. The sensation one got when a dangerous animal stood before them and was ready to render their flesh to shreds flooded the area as soon as the young man stepped within casual talking distance. So it was that Sero produced his fang as a white mist slowly formed around his right hand and thickened before clearing to reveal Sero gripping a loaded, double barreled kunai launcher. He held it at his side but still it echoed out of the cave as he pulled back both hammers. He was fully prepared to press his fangs at the throat of the newcomer. When he spoke it was cold but calm. He didn't need to be angry or panicked to take the life of another.

"That is close enough stranger. I do not know you nor what you seek. I am Osada Sero of Kirigakure and have permission from my Kage to be here and watch over the genin that came with me. As for lodging out here. Can you not feel my presence? It has always led to trouble. Slowly driving those too close to me insane. People are quick to engage what they fear or find someone who will. I am all the way up here to avoid the people of this area. My orders are to only kill if it can not be avoided but I can not help maiming those who attack me. Simply put...I am up here for the safety of those who would make poor choices. I have given you information you desired....now its your turn....Who are you and what do you seek from me?"

2599

The stranger did not seem to be much of a talker. He kept quiet as Dray spoke as once Dray got within a range where they could hear each other, silence filled the area as Dray felt a certain aura around the young man but he was not put off by it just yet. He could now very well see him and get some details. His face was young but even if Dray was older than him, it would not be more than a year or some months or it could even be possible that the stranger was older than Dray because looks can be deceiving. His outfit was grey and so was his hair together with his eyes that held not brightness in them. Dray was trying to decide if these were the eyes of sadist of just someone that loved isolation. Whichever way, he would see if it was possible to communicate with the young man. In a short while, a kunai launcher had become visible in the man’s right hand and his grip seemed firm on it. The launcher seemed loaded and the stranger had no doubts of firing it at Dray or so he thought. The stranger spoke his name and also stated that he was in kumogakure on orders of his kage to watch over the kirigakure genins participating in the chunin exams. He also said that his main reason for staying up here and away from most people was to avoid death of those who would make poor choices.

It was a pretty quick explanation and Dray wondered if this was the young man inside or it was just another personality that he usually put on whenever he was on duty because this was also considered as duty, leaving his village to watch over the genins. On a second thought, should he not be where the genins were so as to watch over them better? Perhaps this was not the best question to ask right now. Dray wondered if the kunai launcher went off at any time and headed straight for his face. It was not a silly imagination and considering this young man’s explanation, he hated people who made poor choices but what were poor choices anyway. Dray put his hands in his pocket as he exhaled. He was not here on duty or anything besides he was only suggesting that the young man could have lodged into an hotel instead of being here all by himself but now Dray could well understand why he was by himself. It would not speak well of kirigakure if a shinobi of theirs had a trail of kumogakure bodies behind him. Dray was not much of a talk person too until recently when he became a shinobi of the cloud and he tried to mingle with the shinobis around. He had met a lot of people with different appearances and personalities ever since the land of stone and he would like to know this young man too if he had a chance to.

“My name is Zennyo Ryuo and I am a shinobi of the cloud village. I am not here on any duty, I just decided to come to the top of this fall and see for myself what is there. I don’t see your presence as trouble but I would admit that it is cold. Never have I seen such aura dance around a person like this but even then I would like to be given a chance to know you briefly if not very well.” Dray would conclude hoping thee kunai launcher doesn’t set off in the next minute towards him.
WC:612

Sero watched the young man with unblinking grey eyes. They showed no sign of what he was thinking nor did his expression. If anything if not for his overwhelming aura Sero would hardly be noticeable outside of being so bland. No emotion seemed to register on the persons face. He had about as much going on as a statue. Yet somehow just standing there as still as could be it seemed like he was ready to spring into action and let the blood fly. Something about him just screamed a constant danger level. The Kunai launcher never raised yet it seemed to echo out like a silent scream. The damned that had their lives taken by it held within seemed to call out. Whether they were seeking freedom from their purgatory or seeking a new brother it was hard to tell. But someone of their level would be able to feel the death that weapon had caused and its bond to its wielder. It was obvious that this person could hardly be considered a shinobi. He was a slayer of all that moved. A hunter nin as his birth right and that was something he embraced fully. No qualms with it what so ever.

Still as the young man put his hands in his pockets those cold grey eyes finally twitched to watch the now hidden hands. His grip tightened on the launcher as it shifted ever so slightly. If he had been on a mission to target this individual he would of opened fire the moment he hid his hands. It was a tactic he used often to conceal his next move. Then again a lot of his attacks came from a place of stealth. Still his eyes snapped back up as the young man began to speak once more. A cloud shinobi...Well if that was the case then based on how he wasn't acting yet he should remove a weapon from the equation for now. He couldn't be known for keeping a weapon trained on an off duty shinobi from another village with no reason be doing so. Again, had he been on a mission he wouldn't care who bled but he was under orders at this point. He let out a breath and slowly unclicked the hammers on his kunai launcher before releasing his grip on it. Slowly it descended but instead of hitting the ground the moment it should have it split apart into a burst of mist which seeped into the cave ground and wall. Just like it had come it was gone at a whim. Still his guard seemed to be up. A wolf growling now instead of snarling as the fire danced back and forth before regaining life once more. The man mentioned wishing to get to know him which was a little odd but Sero would attempt to socialize. After all he had mentioned his aura so he could start by explaining that.

"The aura...I have had it since birth...one of the few things I inherited from my father whom died before I was born. Most Osada are cold by nature and quick to violence. Just our nature really. Yet...I was born with this...dance of death around me. I fought it for a time but eventually I learned to embrace it. I was meant to be the monster other things stalking the night fear. So it was and so it will be. What of you? What role do you play in this mortal life?"

3189

The young man watched Dray without doing as much as blink an eye. He seemed to be taking in all of what Dray was but all Dray did was be the man he was with his hands in his pocket. That was pretty much what a person could describe just by seeing him. His height, his hair color, his physique, his attire and what other physical properties they managed to see. The look on his face was something that could only be influenced by himself and he had discovered that for a while now. He knew what fear was but his mind did not always seem to register it completely therefore making him look fear in the face like it was some other things not worth his attention. He remembered his first meeting with the raikage, those predator eyes of his panther form that seemed to peer into the soul of anyone and burn right through it, he just looked into them directly like they were a set of eyes he had never seen before and it was nice getting to see them. Dray appeared not to be bothered too much by the kunai launcher though he seemed ready to lift himself off the ground if it came to that. The kunai stood sharp where it was like it had eyes of its own, the man’s grip still firm on it, the kunai launcher seeming to want to let go on its own or at the order of its master. The form in which it came in just caught Dray’s attention as he did not pay much notice to it early. Perhaps the kiri nin had used a kind of summoning jutsu but then the grip he had on this weapon, there was no doubt he had had it for years and Dray could picture blood dripping from this weapon even though there was none at the moment.

The moment Dray’s hands went into his pockets, the young man’s eye moved as he tightened his grip on his weapon as if he hated the fact that something was holding him back. But of course, he could not just go on and attack a kumogakure shinobi for no reasons. He could not call this trespassing because the land belong to the hidden cloud village and Dray was a certified shinobi of this village. He had every rights to here like any other citizen. The moment the man registered the fact that Dray was a shinobi of the cloud village, he reconsidered his actions as he exhaled and slowly disarmed his weapon before letting go. The fall of the weapon appeared in a slow motion to Dray and it was evident that the weapon was going to split once it hit the hard ground of the cave but then Dray was proved wrong. The weapon burst into what seemed to be mist as it disappeared shortly after.”Interesting” Dray thought to himself. He liked it even though others would consider it a show off, he did not mind. The fire in the cave sprang to life again seeing as the waiting moments were finally over. The young man spoke about his aura and how he had inherited it from his father. He explained that it had been about him since his childhood and he had learned to embrace it. It was a nice decision indeed. Like he had written in his book of poetry, a man without a monster in him is no man. He had once told Asura of the Senju clan not to fight the monster in him rather embrace it and control it because only then could he sit on top of what once tormented him. Dray wondered how long it would have taken this man to embrace this aura seeing as he had had it from his birth. It was really amazing and Dray began to see things from the man’s perspective with just the little that he had heard.

“What of you? What role do you play in this mortal life?” The question hit Dray as the man finished his explanation. ”My role…” ”I have to say, I am pretty impressed with myself. For one with no origin, I have survived in this world of shinobi. The feeling I get each day that I have a previous life which I know not of. As far as I can remember, this is the second life I am living but then I had to start on a new slate and rewrite myself just like when I found myself at the gates of the land of stone with nothing that seemed familiar. Each day, I perform my duties to the hideen cloud village but then I work towards finding my origin but then the question comes in a flash, what if my origin does not want to be found? This is not something I can embrace like an inner monster, it is something I must explore and that I will do. Dray would motion to the fire and the burning rabbit over it. ”Why don’t we sit and have a little talk by the fire?
WC:861

Sero listened to the individual before him speaking as if he had asked for a life long story. Really all these people outside of himself were alike. All afraid to awaken the monster within themselves. Always trying to resist the urge to go out and kill those who challenged them. He on the other hand had accepted he shared this vessel with his inner monster and had decided not to fight it. if anything he had consumed it, or let it consume him. He didn't really care which. Either way this person across from him had revealed something interesting. He had awakened in the land of stone with no idea whom he was. He had made his way to Kumo and earned his position as Shinobi then. If that was the case perhaps they didn't care if an honorary member of their ranks didn't return from the mountain. He could feel the impulse to go and take the man down surging through him with his pulse. Each time his veins flexed with an increase in blood flow as his heart beat he could feel it urging him forward. Feel his body itching towards the weapons on the other side of the seal he had them on. But that was all theoretical anyway. None of it was really happening. He couldn't feel anything.

Still he wouldn't let it bother him for now. None of it really mattered. He knew how to remove a body if he needed to. He could leave no evidence of the kill. All that would come of it was questions. Besides he would do better if the target was closer. In the cave with him. Not that he really intended to kill the person over a leg of rabbit. He considered it and weighed the life of the man over his amount of food available. He judged it was not worth the trouble to go through killing such a person and chancing the fact that maybe just maybe they would know he had done it. Not like he couldn't fight his way out of here but it wasn't worth the leg of a rabbit. So he turned and nodded his head without much thought as to the idea of an enemy behind him. If the man came at him he would get one blow and that would be it. If he wasted it he would die. That was all there was to it. For the time being he reached into the fire with his bare hand and gripped the smoldering stick and shifted it to the side. Ripping off a leg before holding it out to the man in front of him. Indicating he could approach the cave if he wished. After all as an Osada a cave was the most ideal position a guy could ask for. Still the leg sizzled in Sero's hand and yet he did not flinch at the heat.

"Eat if you wish. I have more meat then I immediately need and rations from home still. If you prefer some seasoned jerky I have some with me."

3712

Even though the man did not seem chatty at first, a part of Dray was sure that the man would agree to sit by the fire. No matter how unsocial he could prove to be, what Dray had just asked was something that was impossible to refuse in most situations though not all. The man could prove him wrong and say he did not want to sit and chat but still everyone had a little courtesy in them except if they did not wish to show it. Dray waited for the man’s response as soon as he made his suggestion. A yes was ringing in his head but no expressions were registered on his face. The young man nodded and turned as he walked towards the fire in the distance. Dray was right after all but it was not like it made him happy that the man agreed to this. He just wanted to have a conversation and get to know him better if possible.

The young man reached into the fire and grabbed the stick on which the rabbit was. He yanked a leg from the rabbit and handed over to Dray. ”Eat if you wish, I have more meat than I immediately need and rations from home still, if you prefer some seasoned jerky I have some with me.”] the man said. Dray was right again, the man did have a bit of courtesy in him and it was clear that he was in control of this beast and not the beast in control of him. He still controlled his ability to make decisions and if he wasn’t in control then he could not. Dray was always prepared even though he did not seem on guard. That was his thing, to let the enemy believe that they were pulling the strings, that they were on top and when this thought was the only thing that enveloped their mind, he would reveal his face down card and flip the tables that they were standing on.

Dray moved forward and sat at the fire, opposite the man. He looked in the grey eyes with no fear rather positivity that something good was going to come out of their conversation. He received the rabbit’s leg with a nod showing his appreciation. He had no reason to refuse this after all he had suggested that they sat down and talked. Dray took a bite from the piece of meat as he considered the situation. Seated before him is one from the village hidden in the mist. The raikage had given him a mission that would take him to kirigakure no sato soon enough. He was to investigate the case of the missing Dray Senju that the raikage had caught wind of. He had no doubts that this person before him would not divulge anything including the village hidden in the mist. He was solely devoted to his village, that Dray was sure of but then he did not intend on prying into the business of the village hidden in the mist. The missing ninja Dray Senju was last seen in the village hidden in the mist and that was why the raikage wanted to send Dray over there and perhaps this individual before him could be of some help. It was only a low possibility and Dray was going to give it a good try.

”So Sero, I understand that there is not much to ask anymore. Your brief explanation of yourself has given me the idea except if you still have more to say to me. I have lived an isolated life once where I did not regard anyone as friends. At the very least, they were acquaintances that I did not meet more than twice so I know you have no reason to regard me as a friend. I also do not know if I have earned the right to ask you for something yet but I will give it a go. Seeing as you are from the hidden mist village, I have one request to ask if you are willing but then how long do you plan on staying here in the cloud village?”
WC:700

Sero watched the young man before him take a bite of the meat as its juices dripped and sizzled on the cold ground. His grey eyes simply stared as he studied the interaction between man and meal. He really had no sense of taste at all so it was always interesting to watch others who most likely did. His body was in a constant state of numb that didn't allow him to feel anything which coincidentally also eliminated taste. The often thought that crossed his mind was why he should bother actually seeking out high quality foods like rabbit when he just needed the proper nutrients in his diet to remain at peek condition for battle. He could push his body if need be but a body as flexible and as much energy to spare as he needed was preferable. His own pale fingers peeled a line of flesh off the rabbit about as long as his finger and three times as wide before he consumed it. Chewing on it as the other had as if eating with someone else was awkward. After a bit he swallowed and wondered how much more flesh he might need to consume in order to remain at peek performance.

Perhaps that was why he also was cautious around this individual. No other had been this comfortable around him. He actually felt irritated at the shocking simplicity of the situation. He knew he felt like a monster in the cave with the man. He knew it felt like he was going to go at the persons throat any second...like a beast dripping drool from its fangs. Both Kage he had met had been less calm around him. He could feel them becoming more wary of him the longer they stayed around him. Yet this person was either brave or a fool...not that either excluded the other. It aggravated Sero to be so close to someone who ignored the warning his aura gave off about being near him. Enjoying a meal while a slayer was watching. Preposterous. If anything the man was underestimating him. Grey eyes narrowed as Sero contemplated teaching him to know when to be on guard. He wanted to hurt the man. Almost chomping at the bit when the man finally spoke. Mere moments had passed but interaction was not something Sero was good with. Killing was second nature but spending time with someone and no blades drawing blood was...irritating.

Sero frowned before touching the meat again. The rest of the rabbit other then the part Zennyo was eating faded apart into mist as it was sealed away to be consumed later. He rose from his seat and glanced at the fire a moment before the fire whipped wildly under his gaze and smothered out. A thin plume of smoke rising as he turned his attention back to the other before him. His words were as cold as ever when he spoke but he had no issue with it. He didn't care to be warm towards others. "I owe no favors...so I will do none. As for when I leave...when I find what I am searching for, when someone survives it....I will leave with them. You obviously do not suit my needs in such an individual. Only a Kirigakure shinobi would understand.  Do not follow me Kumo nin...I do not care to gain any friends. Nor is our company together healthy. I can not promise that if you hunt me....I won't nail you to a wall by your own remains." With that he turned and blurred away. Zennyo was quick enough to tell that Sero had taken a single step and allowed it to carry him rapidly into the treeline. A very unsocial type.

Exit thread

4344
2608/4000 Bukijutsu A-S
continued from Here Makes 4000

1736

1736/4000 Suiton A-S

The kirigakure shinobi rose from where he sat and glanced at the fire before looking away and begining to talk in a manner colder than the one he had before. He seemed dramatic at first but Dray could see the truth in his words as it spoke for his words only defined who he was.“I owe no favors…so I will do none. As for when I leave…when I find what I am searching for, when someone survives it…I will leave with them. You obviously do not suit my needs in such individual. Only a kirigakure shinobi would understand. Do not follow me kumo nin…I do not gain any friends. Nor is our company healthy together. I can only promise that if you hunt me…I wont nail you to a wall by your own remains.”

The man did not even wait for Zennyo to reply. He had been precise to let Dray know that he did not want to be followed and besides Dray had no intentions of doing so. He could get help elsewhere or even do it himself if it came to that since doing it himself was what he mostly does. He just felt like trying out this kirigakure shinobi and see if they could get along just for a bit. Anyway, he though wrong and there was no other reason to remain here. Dray got up and put out the fire. Whatever animal stumbles upon the remaining piece of meat can have it first. With that, Dray walked down the mountain calmly since there was nothing rushing him.
WC:267
TWC:5737
EXIT

Training: