Karumo checked in at the gates of Kirigakure no Sato, reporting himself in the village and seeking out the Tsuchikage for some potential unfinished business. Telling them put them on slight edge, it was always risky to let someone enter the village a bit unwarranted, but Karumo had a feeling that they wouldn't be leaving him alone. A few ANBU guards disguised around to keep tabs, he had no doubt that even Akira might be watched as well, at least to some degree. But that wouldn't matter, receiving his permission and removing his mask to place in his backpack and removing the hood, to show the genuinuity in his actions.

He received the relative location of Lord Akira and the others, no idea whom he would find there but from the sound of it, lone penthouse, it was definitely his style of location. Thankfully for Karumo it was a cool and cloudy day, making his way through the foreign village, his headband wrapped around his head to identify himself. A smile and nod here and there to the locals, part of him wanted to explore a bit, his first time arriving and being in Kirigakure no Sato. But there was business to attend to, and for now, he would save the tourism for a better time.

Everything felt so moist to Karumo, like the entire nation had been under rainfall and it was the hours just after, the humidity could be felt in the air. Karumo made his way to the reported empty hotel, probably used for guests of the village and such during events like the Chuunin Exams and all else. For all their hospitality and their current alliance, it was certainly hard for Karumo to be so trusting. He'd learned a little from his time in Sunagakure no Sato, that all the kindness in the world could end up being nothing more than a formality and that didn't always promise respect.

The hotel itself was nice, it was clearly not in heavy use, maybe not even light use? But despite all that it was clean and worth the reputation for visiting Kage. Karumo immediately entered the elevator, he imagined the penthouse was on the top floor and that was no doubt in Akira's style as well. Pressing the top floor button and riding it up, a small ding as each floor passed by, he waited his time to get to the top. Finding himself in a single hallway and a set of large double doors at the end of the hallway, everything fairly brightly lit. Karumo cracked his neck and made his way to the door, a quick knock and his voice trailing afterwards,

"Lord Akira, you needed to see me?" he spoke loudly so that he could be heard clearly through the door. Both his knock and voice could be heard well within the hallway, if not clearly but a loud muffled noise to catch anyone's attention nearby. Maybe he could catch Jet or Suutei while he was here, who knew, but for now, he would await for a reply or to find out that he was in the wrong spot. If anyone was even here to tell him otherwise.

[539 words]

Akira had risen that morning with the intention of waiting for someone he had sent a message to. For some reason his emails and texts were failing to reach a number that was supposed to be dedicated to the University headmaster. In the end he had rented a carrier bird to fly all the way to Iwa which to him meant waiting a couple of days. So he had waited and passed the time visiting the sites in Kirigakure while playing a game with himself picking out the multiple ANBU that tried to tail him without being detected. It was adorable to him that they used disguises and ANBU armor in shadows to try and hide from him as if he couldn't see through it all. However he understood a need to keep an eye on him with his status and considered them body guards for the time being. Twice he had bought coffee for all of them. Approaching them one at a time to hand them a coffee with a smile as they never took off their masks. He wasn't sure if they ever drank the offered beverage but he was sure that new ANBU had been appointed each time. It appeared him spotting them was viewed as a failure. Pity that they were held to such rediculous standards. Ayakashi probably wasn't involved with that particular series of events simply because she of all people would know of his all seeing capabilities. No Jounin or lower had a prayer of hiding from him.

Still now he sat in a chair looking out the window at the top of the mists over Mizu no Kirigakure. The village hidden in the mist was properly called such as he couldn't make out the village beneath the mists. The penthouse itself had risen above the mists and for him it was like looking over a great white sea below him with the blue sky above. The bedroom doors were closed for the moment but he was sitting in a white leather chair with a high table next to him and a newspaper in his hands. On the table was a cold beer still dripping with condensation and a half eaten salad. His chair was facing a wall of windows on a risen section of the hardwood floor while that dropped off to more hardwood with living room furniture of the same white leather facing a large screen tv. A couch and two love seats with a green glass table in the middle on top a white carpet. A theme there. Off to one side was a kitchen with a fridge and all the appliances that could be used with it with a stand alone counter. The bathroom was down a hall the other way with a section set aside for a laundry machine and a walk in shower. He prefered baths but hadn't cared to go and have one brought up for him. As for the laundry machines all his clothes were dry clean only so that was of little use to him. Perhaps if he had house guests? He supposed it could be useful then. Especially if Karumo arrived today.

He himself was sitting there in a pair of slacks with black socks on but no shoes. Left those in the shoe rack by the door. He had on a white button up shirt unbottoned halfway down the chest but with the sleeves rolled up. An expensive looking watch rested on his right wrist and for some reason tinted reading glasses sat on the bridge of his nose as he scanned the paper for interesting news. Still his ears twitched as he heard the elevator ding on his floor and his gaze lifted to the window focusing on the dim reflection of the door behind him as he waited. Soon there was a knock and a call much louder than he needed it to be. He was capable of knowing when anyone was on his floor so he hadn't demanded sound proof walls. Still Akira smiled as he spoke in his silk tone. Raising his voice just enough to be heard clearly through the door.

"It's unlocked young Master Sekuro. Please come in."

708

"It's unlocked young Master Sekuro. Please come in." a voice rang out from the other side of the door. Pushing on the handle and entering the room, the door moved without a sound like the hinges were perfectly oiled and maintained to the highest quality. The room itself was quite nice on it's own, to which Akira seemed to have accustomed himself to as well. Karumo took a quick look around the room, taking in its readily visible amenities and giving a slight grin in approval. "It's certainly no room for genin, I'll give you that much." he spoke a bit snidely with a hint of sarcasm in the tone. Taking note of the white leather chair and newspaper in hand, it certainly seemed to be a bit of a luxurious vacation here.

Karumo removed the Oracles cloak entirely and set it upon a coat rack by the door, leaning his sword against the wall and being careful not to cut the floor. Underneath he was in all grey ANBU armor and a black undershirt and pants underneath that. The symbol of Iwagakure no Sato lightly scratched into his right shoulder piece and the Oracles symbol on his left. On the back plate of his armor, he had printed the symbol of his clan, the face of the phantom that he represented, his purple eyes and all.

A thought crossed his mind as he made his way to the center of the room, then towards the couch atop the white carpet. He wondered how the emergency was going, the call for aid from Iwagakure no Sato, whether it had passed on already and what had come of it or if it were yet to happen? There was certainly no lack of topics here, Karumo would briefly motion his hand towards the couch in a gesture to ask permission. He noted that Akira looked comfortable though, so it was at least a good sign as far as that was concerned. With permission, Karumo would take his seat on the couch and cross one leg over the other.

A bit of gesturing, if Akira hadn't already started then Karumo would be the first to speak, "So I got your message. Hopefully everything is alright? Nothing too climactic or dangerous... I hope." he led on as he took a slight exhale after. The couch certainly sunk a bit, a very comfortable piece of furniture, he shouldn't get too comfortable though, he had business to tend to and if that all went well, a bit of a request to make of the Tsuchikage as well.

A chance to build up his repetoire a little more with Suiton and Doton if possible, he had just traveled to Kirigakure no Sato after all and had increased the pace quite considerably. It only took him 3 days to make his journey, leaving him a bit exhausted at the notion of it, but there was no way he could show it. He was an ANBU of the village after all, trained to be the best and not allowed to show weakness. At least that's what he would tell himself, truthfully, the couch was becoming more and more comfortable the longer he sat in it.

[543 words, 1082 words total]

Akira would fold the newspaper and tuck it between the cushion and the arm next to him before rising to his feet and his right hand rising to his left shoulder to press against it and let it rotate with a couple of cracks. His eyes shifted to Karumo as the door opened and he smiled from behind his glasses before he released his shoulder and removed them with the same hand. Folding them and setting them on the side table between the salad and the beer. His yellow eyes shifted to Karumo and for the first time Karumo would easily be able to notice how they were not as they once had been. Before they had almost shined gold and now they appeared a faded yellow at best. Still Akira seemed to almost radiate power. He was restraining it but for someone as trained as Karumo sensing it would be a simple task. Like a great flood held behind a strong damn. He was every bit as potent as he had been when he left if not more so and yet here he seemed less stressed and allowed himself to relax. Neither his daggers nor his armored coat was in sight.

Still Akira glanced over Karumo and took in the sight of him in all his armor and the modifications the man had made. He had certainly risen through the ranks quickly and now was standing there almost an equal to even Akira. Akira would take in a deep and relaxed breath as he would feel for Karumo's energy and slowly find its presence in the room. The Anbu gear was good quality but not enough to halt Akira from sensing what he wanted. He could sense a power there and with a smile he realized it was at least A rank level. The man across from him had truly grown strong and so fast too. The youth these days sure were promising. Still Akira would point at his foot as Karumo moved into the room to indicate he needed to take off his shoes. Akira may only be staying in the penthouse temporarily but it was his place for the time being which meant no travel crusted shoes on the floor. Once Karumo took off his shoes assuming he did Akira would smile and bow his head in the direction of the couch to indicate he was free to take a seat before moving and settling on the coffee table in front of the young man. Letting it hold his weight without damaging it. For glass it was a good solid make.

Still he would sit back and place his hands on either of his own thighs to rest them there as Karumo looked about for a moment before meeting his eyes and speaking up. He had grown confident in his speech more so than the last time they had trained in the dojo. Akira fondly remembered being forced to stand up and then feeding the boy his own fire. Oh sure he was a little rough on him back then but it was all worth it. For now though he just smiled and shook his head. He knew the young man was eager to get to the point right away but still Akira would chuckle and speak a little sentence letting the anticipation build.

"I suppose a genin with some connections could stay here but it is spendy. One moment, you look parched."

Akira would rise from his seat and move into the kitchen at a comfortable pace making him seem almost like a normal civilian before opening it. As the light came on it was apparent that it was stocked with food, condiments and a whole door full of cold beer. Akira would grab one and pop the lid off into the trash with a gentle push of his thumb before closing the fridge and moving over to Karumo handing it to him by the bottles neck. If Karumo accepted it Akira would sit down and wait for him to take a sip before speaking enjoying the idea of the comedic effect that might take place with the timing.

"Karumo, I am retiring and I would like you to take my position."

1415

All the details of the maan he had known before were faded some, he hadn't realized it until he removed his shades but the color of his eyes had faded but a little. What eyes were striking and powerful had become a faded yellow color, and the air around him was as shifted as it had ever been. Even the times before, Karumo knew his power and how much he had held back, the monumental difference between them but even now. There was still a considerable gap that Karumo partially hoped to close, but never to face.

A quick correction, leaving his shoes at the door as to not mess up the carpet, revealing black socks underneath, Karumo then made his way to the couch as Akira spoke, "I suppose a genin with some connections could stay here but it is spendy. One moment, you look parched." Karumo would smile a bit as he took his seat, crossing his leg as intended and waiting as he grabbed a glass bottle from the fridge and making his way back over. Karumo accepted it and nodded lightly as he took in the label with his hand, "Thanks, it was quite a long journey."

Karumo gave him a chance to sit down and took a sip, the flavor of the beer was nice and it was cool. As he began to taste the flavor against his tongue he heard Akira speak out, "Karumo, I am retiring and I would like you to take my position." his head went from leaning back to forward immediately. The beer lowered from his face and his hand went to cover it as he nearly spit it out across the place, like some sort of foul joke. He gulped it down heavily and coughed a bit, setting the glass bottle down on a coaster and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Is that supposed to be a joke? I hope you found it funny... he said looking from the corner of his eye as he reached down for the drink again.

His eyes rolling up as he took it in his hand and leaned back, "Oh... you're not kidding, are you?" he would ask a bit inquisitively. There was so much more to this than he prepared. What happened to bring this about, did he get injured or something, an event to change his perspective? What in the world was going on. Whether Akira had responded or not Karumo would continue on with his questioning, "I came here hoping that it would just be a call to up the escort back and maybe a chance to learn some new elements from you. But this is so much more..." he would pause as he mused to himself. "So, what happened? Why do this here and not back in the village?" he questioned so.

So much uncertainty and so little time, Karumo wondered who else knew. Were Suutei and Jet already aware of this too? Perhaps everyone in Kirigakure no Sato? Would word reach back to the village that Lord Akira was stepping down while he was away? And what would the Daimyo think of it all? Maybe it would be a joke, maybe he just wanted to have a laugh, but Karumo wasn't laughing. Not on the outside at least.

[557 words, 1639 words total]

Akira could only smile as the young man choked on his beer a little. He had wanted some comical relief for the conversation. After all what was about to go down was serious. A part of him was nervous. He wasn't entirely positive how Karumo would take all this information. He found the young man to be an intelligent and cautious individual but emotions typically ran hot when someone found out they had been lied to. If nothing else Akira had been betraying his trust since the day he attended the mans corronation as head of his clan. Even now as he looked into those purple eyes he could see multiple lines in them indicating that Karumo had unlocked a couple of new levels to the Kenkai Genkai of his clan. His blood line would serve him well if he didn't choose to fight Akira to the death. Still he let the young man speak a moment before he would sigh and stand up. Quietly he moved over to a spot on the wall close to the bedroom and brushed his fingers across it in a square pattern revealing a hidden safe concealed with genjutsu. The wall opened up and slowly revealed a metal safe with a single folder inside. Akira looked at it with sadness before taking it in his hand and holding it as he held back trembling. He was going to leave friends behind...lose a nation he had grown to consider a family and be alone again. This would be the second time he felt so alone in the world. For a moment warm tears stung his eyes before he held them back with a deep breath. It was only fair that they have their country. He could not keep what was never his to begin with.

With a shuddered breath Akira would walk passed Karumo and toss the file on the table in front of him. Moving to the table by the chair to stand by it and take his beer taking a long drink from it. Maybe he would let Karumo take his life....he wasn't sure he could raise a hand against one of his students if they truly hated him. He hadn't remembered the mists below coating the village looking so mournful. It had been beautiful a moment ago but now, now it looked like oblivion waiting to swallow him from this world. In the file was a detailed file on himself....his true self. Starting from his exploits as a genin named Tsuyo Hyuga and ranking up with his squad. Up until a minimum bounty sheet with his true name on it and a face that he used to own. It said he was only wanted for leaving. A minimum bounty for not having harmed anyone or commited any other crime. After that it detailed the work he had done for the previous Tsuchikage as Mr. Kajiya and the Aoi Bara. How they had destroyed the crime syndicates in Iwa and refueled the life in Iwa before detailing his transformation into Akira Kazako. Before and after pictures of the surgery. It was here that it would become clear that Akira was a missing nin hyuga from Konoha that had infiltrated the Iwa ranks and taken a seat of power. Even with the details of all the good he had done that fact could not be ignored. Still he watched Karumo through the reflection as he spoke and let the boy read.

"That file is why I can not remain as I am. I understand if you hate me but I ask that you take what is your birthright from this imposter. If you want me dead I suggest you put a bounty on me as your people need you too much for you to risk yourself. Truly I am sorry that I betrayed your trust. I just wanted to make a difference somewhere and now.....now I can no longer remain this fake creation of mine. I intend to help stop this war that is brewing but when it is done...I will not be returning to Iwagakure. I urge you to take that to the Daimyo. Demand he banish me as punishment and he will see it as you being the loyal person you are to your country. He will take your advise and name you Tsuchikage I am sure of it. If you do this for me......for Iwa and yourself...I will teach you the basics of what elements I can before you go."

2175

Karumo looked and waited for a response, Akira's eyes and demeanor changed rapidly. Melancholy filled the room and the brightest of the sky and mist outside now seemed to cast gloom on the entire room. Karumo gulped to himself as he watched him approach a wall and grab something from a safe that was hidden from view before. Every movement he made wasn't as before, it all seemed a bit apathetic, like worry had come over him. The man who breathed confidence and power seemed shaken by something, but Karumo couldn't tell what. Uncrossing his leg as he watched the events unfold, his own demeanor would fade, his body slumped a bit as he tried to anticipate whatever would come next. He could see the heavy breathe as he lost himself in thought for a minute, almost like tears would well up in his eyes, Karumo would blink as if he were seeing things.

Akira would walk by and set the folder in his hand on the table, continuing on and remaining standing. Karumo's eyes followed it like a hawk, reaching slowly and taking it up in his hand, rather thick with papers, he opened it and began scanning it. At first skimming over the papers, unsure of what he was reading, his face would become quickly enveloped over it. Going from skimming back to the top and reading through it, piece by piece. Karumo would gulp as he read it, the details and ventures of Hyuga Tsuyo, thumbing to the back to see a report of his abandoning Konoha and ending up in Iwagakure no Sato. Then further on about his time in the Aoi Bara and most discerning a transformation that brought him up to look like the current Akira. To become Akira. It was in that moment that his chest dropped a bit, the ramifications and implications of it all.

That a Missing Ninja from Konoha could join and rise through the ranks, helping destroy most of the serious crime elements and bring the village to its place of power. Karumo would close the folder briefly, keeping his finger as a tab for that spot and then looking towards Akira, a blank expression on his face. He had no idea what to think or say, Akira began to speak.

"That file is why I can not remain as I am. I understand if you hate me but I ask that you take what is your birthright from this imposter. If you want me dead I suggest you put a bounty on me as your people need you too much for you to risk yourself. Truly I am sorry that I betrayed your trust. I just wanted to make a difference somewhere and now.....now I can no longer remain this fake creation of mine. I intend to help stop this war that is brewing but when it is done...I will not be returning to Iwagakure. I urge you to take that to the Daimyo. Demand he banish me as punishment and he will see it as you being the loyal person you are to your country. He will take your advise and name you Tsuchikage I am sure of it. If you do this for me......for Iwa and yourself...I will teach you the basics of what elements I can before you go." Karumo scratched his head a bit, what to think of it all.

He ignored the implications of it all for a moment, ignoring the bits about deceit and all. Strangely enough, through their time knowing each other, Karumo hadn't felt like he had been lied to. Not to the extent that Akira was making himself out to be as a fraud, but to go to the extent of turning him into the Daimyo to be essentially crucified by the entire country? That was insane, there was no one in their right mind who would agree and want to go through with something like that.

A thought struck his mind though, he wanted to almost burn the folder on the spot and leave it at that, but if Lord Akira wasn't returning then there would be no point. The war intent still being waged in the pseduo battelfield and pregame of it all most likely, meaning that things could still change. Karumo gripped the file tightly as he thought, a smile and chuckle crossed his mind. One last training session, homage to the old times and that time in the dojo where he swallowed his own fire jutsu. He had so much on his plate and so many questions, but a part of him didn't want to berate Akira with all of his mess. The files would probably explain most of it, or anything that he needed to know.

Karumo grew into a full laugh, a broad smile on his face, "A bounty? Demand you be banished?" he began to posture, "You didn't betray my trust and you served the village beyond any one else's extent. We are where we are because of you, I'll take your file but I won't push for anything extreme. If the Daimyo and nation call for it, then so be it I guess, but you can keep your trust in me. I won't let your legacy go to waste... I will do my best to find another way to prove my loyalty, I can't abandon my mentor and friend so easily." he held his smile and stood up, taking the folder and going to slide it in a pouch of his coat. A heavy sigh as he thought about the current state of affairs, "Do Jet and Suutei know yet? Or anyone else?" he would ask, just checking on the details of it all. Should he run into them, he wouldn't want to say anything until the time was right and they were back in the village. Or whatever Akira felt was right for the situation.

After the answer their, he would bring up another smile and turning towards him, "So you still up for that training session? One more for old times sake?" he would say smiling, his whole body reeling of the nostalgia of it all. He almost wanted to just hug him, but he would save the goodbyes for when he was actually leaving, he truly owed so much to Akira. Fast tracking him throughout his career and seeing his potential. Even naming him to be the Headmaster of Diamond Heights and to lead the Oracles Special Division as their Captain. This training session would be one he wouldn't forget for a long time, and it would be like Akira died there in Kirigakure, the one that Karumo knew at least. Whether it was a birth of his new self or a rebirth of his old self would be hard to tell. That's not for Karumo to decide, but instead for Akira to do and shape as his future. Akira's tale though, would seem to end here, a mentor to the village thinking himself a fraud. Ironic.

[1190 words, 2829 words total]

Akira waited with bated breath as a truth so long carried on his shoulders alone was revealed. He didn't recall when he had stopped trusting absolutely anyone with his secrets but a part of it had been so lonely. He breifly considered revealing the other missing nin from Konoha he had brought into Iwa after he himself was established as Kage but he decided that was not his tale to tell. Nor did he think that boy could handle being hunted as well as himself. For now it was enough that the weight of his own lie be lifted from his shoulders. He would keep his face this time and hide no longer. Of course it was easy for him to change his face and fade away once more into the bends of the world. However he couldn't stand to go through all that anymore. His soul was so twisted with his lies he no longer remembered how Konoha smelled in the summer or the lights in the winter. He couldn't remember the faces of his family anymore and above all he had stopped being surprised by his own reflection. His memory of his own face only brought back with the photograph. He felt insecure and for that to be overwhelming him he couldn't understand it. He had always been the most potent person in the room up until this last fight and now he was ugly on the inside...like rain turning dirt to mud. He felt like his stomach was going to twist into a knot.

Still a chuckle caught his attention as he turned with a confused expression to watch as Karumo slowly began to burst into laughter. Of all the reactions he had been expecting they had all been more somber or angry than this. It confused him that someone was laughing at this whole ordeal like it wasn't something that could change the world. At least something that could change their world. Still he listened to the boy speak with a raised eyebrow in surprise. "A bounty? Demand you be banished? You didn't betray my trust and you served the village beyond any one else's extent. We are where we are because of you, I'll take your file but I won't push for anything extreme. If the Daimyo and nation call for it, then so be it I guess, but you can keep your trust in me. I won't let your legacy go to waste... I will do my best to find another way to prove my loyalty, I can't abandon my mentor and friend so easily." It was touching to hear those words from someone he had been dreading would hate him for this. No one knew what it was like for him to be the bad guy to his home village and now he had expected them to hate him for being fated to telling only lies. However with those words his dreams became less empty than before. A moment ago he had given up any urge to improve. He had never felt defeated like that before and even as Karumo moved to pocket the file Akira smiled as he moved back to the table and sat down in one of the love seats facing Karumo and the couch. Listening as he spoke again. "Do Jet and Suutei know yet? Or anyone else?"

"No." Akira said bluntly before leaning back and continuing. "Neither Jet nor Suutei were ever my students or close to me. Both of them are eager to fight and I doubted they wouldn't try and kill me if they knew. Jet less so than Suutei. No doubt this will hurt them though. They will need guidance through this and I hope to rely on the one person I revealed this to because I believed he could be a great leader. As for considering me a friend that does warm my heart but be careful not to sound to on my side with the Daimyo. He won't push for a kill order on me anyway. He is a business man and the risk of me being killed when a great deal of the public might still love me is to great a loss to him. Riots and losses in taxes are costly. At worst he will banish me. At least until he needs me."

Still Karumo would turn to him and smile before speaking up once more. Interested in one final training session after all. It was amusing to Akira that even in this situation the young new Kage would want to improve himself from an old man like himself. If nothing else he could pass his knowledge onto the next generation. He sipped his bear again before setting it on a coaster next to Karumo's and patting the couch cushion with his right hand to indicate to sit. With that done he would reach to his side and set a flower pot with a decorative plant in it on the table between the two beers. Speaking as he finished doing so. His voice soft like silk again but warmer now. Like someone fond of his child. A parent almost as he watched his child grow before his eyes. "Of course. You wished to learn elements yes? I fear I am only currently in tune with Suiton and Doton. Will either or both of those suit your desires?"

3086

"No." Akira responded, Karumo thought about it for a moment. The decision to leave them in the dark and such for the time, probably for the best given the situation they were in and their potential call to battle at anytime. Though Karumo would disagree with the deceit of it, he understood the idea behind it, even if he was different. He surprised himself though, even for all he wanted to trust Akira, the revelation would change things, more so than he would probably like to admit. And for all the trust and admiration Karumo had, others in the world would most likely not share the same view or even be as level headed about it. He leaned back and continued on, "Neither Jet nor Suutei were ever my students or close to me. Both of them are eager to fight and I doubted they wouldn't try and kill me if they knew. Jet less so than Suutei. No doubt this will hurt them though. They will need guidance through this and I hope to rely on the one person I revealed this to because I believed he could be a great leader. As for considering me a friend that does warm my heart but be careful not to sound to on my side with the Daimyo. He won't push for a kill order on me anyway. He is a business man and the risk of me being killed when a great deal of the public might still love me is to great a loss to him. Riots and losses in taxes are costly. At worst he will banish me. At least until he needs me."

It was certainly a tough pill to swallow, he knew the both of them fairly well though, Suutei might have a problem. But he wasn't even a native himself, but as nice as Jet was, she always had a feel about her. Nothing evil of course, as far as Karumo could tell, but her demeanor and understanding were colder. She would aim to see the logic of the situation and the repercussions of it, rather than seeing the good and ignoring the bad. Just like that mission she saved Karumo and Fukai from, swooping in to save the day and unrelenting in her criticisms. Karumo smiled though, being praised for the potential of being a great leader, despite his failures and other shortcomings, he was glad for that. Humbled by the thought that he could be so trusted, and comforted by it all.

The next was warning and insight into the Daimyo, a person that Karumo had never met or knew much about outside his own notoriety and what he had learned from Nanashi. But Karumo understood, it seemed that he was a man of business and understood the value of it all, it was re-assuring but nothing would be truly decided until it was over. Emotions running high can bring even the most logical to hasty and irrational decisions. Karumo would respond though, "Of course, I'll tread the waters carefully, it will be important to keep the village together and deciding what information they will need to know and all. I can't blame you for not telling Jet and Suutei, hopefully they take it well enough. A lot is surely going to change..." he lead on, his gaze wandering to the distance and out the window as he rejoined Akira on the couch.

Akira taking a pot with a plant up and setting it on the table in between the two drinks. He added that he would be more than happy to teach him, but only knowing Suiton and Doton, it was perfect. "Of course, those two are perfect. Karon and Fuuton are nice and all, but those will round out perfectly, and who could claim to be an Iwagakure ninja without knowing Doton." he would chuckle. It, in a way, made Akira more fit to led the village than himself, not even using the lands primary element. It was a bit juvenile in reasoning, but those two elements would be perfect, Karumo watched and waited to see what would go on. The nostalgia kicking in, and their last training session about to begin.

[707 words, 3536 words total]

"Of course, I'll tread the waters carefully, it will be important to keep the village together and deciding what information they will need to know and all. I can't blame you for not telling Jet and Suutei, hopefully they take it well enough. A lot is surely going to change..."

Akira was happy with that. It was a simple statement but he was happy with it all the same. He had hoped the young man would be wise and responsible and it turned out he was far more in control than Akira ever had been. Akira had manipulated his way into plenty of agreeable situations but his temper and frustration usually got the best of him. He usually turned to his comforts of drink and smoking to calm himself but he took a minute to see how things could turn out to his benifit. Usually he had to sit back and study a situation and it had taken him years to reach that point. Karumo was from the generation after his and he was far faster at calculating everything around him. Akira saw all but it didn't mean he understood all. He respected this kid which was saying something. He had a part of him that wished his other students from the past could of been there too. From the angry girl and the poet Uchiha to Harichimo and Karumo being the last of them. He would probably never see them again which saddened his heart but he knew they had promise and an iron will in their soul. Bright as they may be he could only sit back now and hope their shine never dulled.

"Of course, those two are perfect. Katon and Fuuton are nice and all, but those will round out perfectly, and who could claim to be an Iwagakure ninja without knowing Doton." Akira would chuckle with Karumo on that one. It was a fair statement that was true enough. Iwagakure was the land of stone and such a potent element it was. He wouldn't forget his time there or how it had increased his understanding of chakra either. For now he simply scooted to the end of his seat and held his hands over the pot. Slowly a golden chakra would slightly glow around his hands as dirt lifted from the pot in a small circle slowly rotating before beer emerged in droplets from the beers before stretching out and combining to form a ring vertical to the horizontal earth ring. Each rotating in opposite directions like gears turning each other. It was then that Akira spoke while focusing on the chakra concentration in front of him.

"All chakra has a latent energy. Each nature having its own feel to it. For instance your katon may feel like a warm breeze to anyone sensing it. Concealing it is an art but as an ANBU you already know how to do that. Each element is different but there are properties each preform as well. While Katon and Raiton can burn the target they also can provide light and warmth. However to me three elements set themselves apart from the base five. Fuuton, Doton and Suiton. Fire and lightning are ever brief moments of energy and gone just as fast as the fuel for them fades. However the world is filled with earth, water and wind. One can never fully remove those three elements regardless of the terrain or temperature. Even in Suna liquid can be found and earth and wind are plenty. However even among those three Doton and Suiton are superior because unlike the other elements they can create new terrain. A new lake or hill that wasn't there before. Testaments to their use. Now, Practice feeling out the moisture and the solidity of the earth. Hold out your hands and let your chakra flow but in a controlled way like water filling a basin. Gradually feel out until you feel your chakra connecting to the liquid and the dirt. Let yourself feel the elements and your chakra gradually become part of them and once you feel control take it from me. It isn't a test of strength....it is understanding. infinity at the edge of your hands."

3795

Akira started by moving to the edge of his seat and holding his hands over the potted plant. Slowly chakra began to form from his hands and dirt would lift from the pot as he began to explain, the dirt flowing into different forms and lifting into a circle. His explanation about the latent energy of the terrain, being different from Katon and Raiton in that it was from the form of the earth and the world around them. A request to hold out his hands and try to feel the energy and control them, a test of understanding and insight.

Karumo clapped his hands together and closed his eyes, feeling a surge of chakra in his arms and holding them out over his drink, reaching his chakra out to bond with the water and liquid in the beer. At first doing his best to control it and lift it from the bottle, dragging it out slowly in the form of a rod and spinning it around in air. Then moving it into a small sphere and then lowering it back into the bottle, feeling out the moisture in the air and despite the crudeness and irregularity of his control, he could feel some control of it.

If he had the chance he would turn his attention next to the dirt, trying to imitate the same movements as Akira had. Feeling the dirt out and bringing it up in a chunk, rotating it into a crude ring as well and letting it spin. After a moment of practice and feeling the heavy weight of the chakra compared to normal, potentially some more instruction and he would release the earth back down into the pot and around the plant.

A smile would come across his face as he began to get the basics, a great place to get started and continue on. A moment of sadness came across him as he realized that things were soon coming to an end. Karumo would stand up at the end of the brief lesson, a smile on his face and a bit of shine in his eyes, not tears but aware of what was coming. He would stand next to Akira, holding his hand out to shake Akira's if he would allow him, "Well, I think we know that this time has come..." He would wait for him to accept or reject the offer. If he would accept then Karumo would take his hand and pull him in for a hug, giving him a fairly masculine hug and patting his back. A rather emotional moment for him, saying goodbye to his mentor, and his Tsuchikage or rather, the previous Tsuchikage.

After all would be said and done, Karumo would head for the door, beginning to gather his things together and preparing to venture off again. Grabbing his coat and checking the folder again, and throwing it around his shoulders, along with his weapon and sandals. Turning back for one more moment to give his final bit, "It's been an honor Lord Akira. If you ever find yourself in Iwagakure no Sato or even in Tsuchi no Kuni, you'll know where to find me." he would offer with a smile, "Until next time, I'll see you when I see you." he would offer.

That may have been the last time that they would be together, part of Karumo wanted to break out one more cigar, but his mind knew it would be best to rip the bandage off in one clean stroke. Perhaps one day, they might end up in the same place or on the same battlefield, but there was also a chance that they could end up on opposite sides of the battlefield. Hopefully it would never come to that, for now though, Karumo thought he would find a nice spot to relax for the night and begin the long haul back in the morning. Maybe he would run into Jet or Suutei, but who knew. For now, he would just take things as they came, he long and melancholy trip back with lots of decisions and things to deal with when he returned. In some sense, it would be a bit of an emergency, but for now, he was just feeling like taking it slow.

[717 words, 4253 words total]
[Exit Thread]

Training:

Akira would take his time as he patiently waited for the young man across from him to gradually move into the groove of the practice. Truthfully feeling and manipulating a present element was a common practice amongst academy students for their first elements but it served a purpose in this case for learning two new ones. For the moment Akira watched with pride in his student as he picked up quickly with the liquid first. It wavered and shifted with difficulty controlling it but that was to be expected. However what he was really thinking about was how three of Karumo's four elements would have immense potential. He would be able to pull from three energies always present anywhere in the world. Even in Suna if one sought underground far enough they would find water. To be able to pull from nature and life itself was going to be a potent combination. To top that off he had Katon which in a way was a symbol of human evolution. Survival and warmth. He could see Karumo becoming like fighting the essence of life itself and for a moment he turned away and used a slight bit of chakra to burst a tear off his face. He wouldn't let his student see him shed a tear. He was going to be fine and Karumo needed to see that. Besides they would know where he was. If they wanted to visit in this brave new world resting on their shoulders it would be up to them.

His dull yellow gaze shifted back to the table as he heard the liquid plop back into the bottle. So he had a basic understanding of it already? It had only taken a short while when it was an entire semester lesson for academy students for chakra natures they naturally had. Akira could feel the energy like a heavy air in the room as he observed Karumo moving the earth next. He was a capable man even for a jounin and Akira was sure he would be fine without him. Still a ping of guilt wracked him for leaving the country on his students shoulders. Perhaps the Akira he had been had to die here. Perhaps he needed to return to being Tsuyo in order to evolve further. No doubt hiding his true identity was keeping him back from his full potential. However he knew as the rocks settled back into the pot this final lesson had drawn to a close. He wasn't sure if he would ever see any of his beloved students again but he was happy to have shared a lesson with one of them once more. At one point Harichimo had been his strongest desciple but now he saw Karumo is a new light and found him to be someone who would surpass him faster than he could of imagined. He watched as Karumo stood and stood with him. As Karumo held out his hand and spoke Akira would embrace his hand in his own and accept the hug while returning his own. Karumo packed his things then and turned to wish him well. A casual see you later really but still some emotion there. Akira would smile quietly. Waiting until the door closed before bowing his head in respect.

"Remain strong Lord Tsuchikage. Serve your people well with honor and integrity."

With that Akira would return to his chair. The sun was fading over the mist now and still had failed to burn any of it away. He felt odd now. No longer did he have rank or title. He was just a man in a penthouse with a story to tell. He wasn't sure how anyone would take this news as it spread but he would focus on taking on Sanosuke next to Ayakashi before he announced his revelation to the world. Iwagakure was likely to complain to Kiri and claim they planted Tsuyo there but there would be little evidence of that and he was sure Karumo would smooth it over. For now he sighed and flopped down into his chair and let out a breath as he relaxed there and watched the sun set. The deed was done and now there was no turning back for him. He had to follow this through now if not for himself....he didn't need to think on that. Instead he picked up his beer and sipped from it again tasting the chakra in it before sitting back and dozing off. All that weight off his shoulders....he could finally sleep. If only just a little.

Exit thread
4564
Byakugan trained to S rank 3000/3000
B rank jutsu Iron body Style-Advanced guard trained 1500/1500

64 words left over