A crack of thunder fell behind the vivid flashes of lighting in the distance. The wind howled mercilessly as if the wails of foes long forgotten still fretted, tired to their fading existence on this mortal plane. Rapid drops pelted furiously against the window panes but they would not cause due harm to the manor though no doubt a certain beast was keeping the window's on its floor open regardless of Yasuo's advisement. The kurohebi sighed, already making plans to mop it up later once the storm passed and making even more repairs. Although they and the beast got along, she still enjoyed pushing certain buttons of theirs to get their attention or make fun, no doubt bored of maintaining the manor's lord's spy network. Thankfully she hadn't caused too much mayhem...but by the sound of glass shattering she must've broken one of the newly installed windows again. Perhaps, they thought, it would be in their best interest to get not only hurricane proof windows but maybe a diamond finish too so they wouldn't break so easily.

Still these costs were getting quite high so and even though Yasuo tried their best to keep costs down as much as possible by cashing in on a few favors all these repairs were getting quite extravagant especially if more raids were to happen. They knew their master was not a well liked individual by far and acquired numerous enemies from various factions but could they still not see, no assault against him would be successful, especially when taking their surrounding into account, he cared not for how the manor fared or at least he did not make Yasuo aware. Sadly Yasuo could not rely on the manor's other occupants to defend the estate leaving it all on their shoulders. The shark did not leave its tank often and the mechanic was too busy exploring. The supposed handyman did not visit and the master's relative was out often doing their duties or that young flower girl. So in all, Yasuo was left to pretty much run the estate. They did repairs, cooked the meals, cleaned it from top to bottom, sewed garments, kept Mama and her children entertained, along with various other duties. And honestly, they were not made to live such a mundane lifestyle. It was quiet yes and they could practice their various medical theories as they wished without fear of the local authorities but even they needed some liveliness every once in the wild.

They went out to the village yes but could not do so often because of their certain features that made shopping a task on its own and relationships with the villagers poor; minimal at best. Perhaps they could invite the young flower girl over for dinner? They were sure the master would not mind if they were truly friends. They hadn't sensed any hostilities from her anyway and she was just a lovely specimen they could help but wonder how her soft supple flesh taste or the extent of her abilities for to be able to withstand their beloved Sero for as long as they did. Stop, they told their mind, trying to halt the various explicit fantasies in their head. The thousands of whispers and the call of their blood. The madness from within from leaking. No, she was friend of Sero, and more importantly a well liked established kiri nin they could not touch no matter how fucking much they wanted to!

Breathe In. Breathe Out. Breathe In. Breath Ouuut. Good. I am calm. Every thing is fine. I am sated for tonight. A small furry leg poked at Yasuo's cheek making them turned their crimson gaze to the spiderling and listen closely to them speak before they thanked them and sent them on their way requested it to get a few of its siblings and bring a few things from the sewing room but to take their time before returning back to their task at hand. It seems Sero was on his way back from a long mission. Well then they must certainly prepare a worthy meal as be famished. Unfortunately they could not do the six or seven course meals they would prefer for his arrival having not gone shopping in awhile they would have to settle with a simple four course menu. Thankfully they found a decent cut of meat from a couple wayward men who had 'found' their way to the island. Yasuo gave a few quick orders to some of Mama's children who were lurking around the newly renovated kitchen to gather certain ingredients from the cupboards while they got the slab of meat they cut out earlier. They had a few things in mind but so far only Beef Tenderloin stuck in the mind so they decided to get the best substitute for it. Good thing they all ready stripped all the meat from the mens bones which were being used for stock for tomorrow's soup earlier. They took out the better of the two and put it out to thaw while they worked on the appetizers. As they cooked the entire meal plan, the children were gracious  enough to not only send their mother's meal upstairs but also sent the table in the dinning room to which they were grateful for.

They continued to whistle a short tune as they put down the appetizer on the table, consisting of a mix of  cream cheese, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, chives, parsley, salt and freshly cracked black pepper spreed on lightly toasted baguette bread slices that were garnished with more chives, walnuts, when a spider told them Sero was near. Yasuo nodded then poured two glasses of wine, Chardonnay, and set them down when they head to the door with some warm dry towels in hand. Feeling his presence near, Yasuo opened the door bowing a bit and smiling towards Sero "Welcome Back Home Sero-sama"

1002~

How much time had gone by? Had it been hours? No...the sun had cycled a few times....he thought back into his memories and counted five nights before this storm rolled in. Directly after he had dragged Maigo's half dead and mostly broken body to the hospital he had been assigned a long mission hunting down a group that had proven elusive. Some decently potent Yuurei. Some how they had the ability to fade away from the senses and even sensory to an extent and most of the normal shinobi didn't have a chance of tracking them. Even when they had come across them they couldn't compete with a true ninja fighting style. So it had been passed up to the hunter nin since they had a fighting style so similar. However Sero had opted to go at it alone simply because he was only matched by one other hunter nin in all of the division and while she was potent he hadn't felt she was designed for stealth combat drawn out over time. Area of effect jutsu were a good counter for a short battle but anything prolongued would mean having to retreat. So he had gone it alone. He was capable of that much.

So he had pursued them through the border lands. There was no surprise they had chosen that route as there were plenty of places to fence their loot there. A criminal element living as far from the village as possible. He had moved through the camps as little more than a shadow until he had found a bandit camp with a fence in it that hadn't any of the loot yet. He had found where the Yuurei group hadn't made it to yet and it was a pity for every camp after that. Each time the Yuurei would approach the next camp a pillar of smoke and screams could be heard. Enemies of the country nailed to burning buildings and left there while those that were strong enough to get away were simply cut down and piled at the entrance. As he had gone through the tiny enemy encampments though he had begun to learn the names of each Yuurei of the four man group. A full squad. Just to keep the mind games going he had begun using entrails to spell out each of their names in big bold letters on the ground in front of the village. He knew who they were, he was brutality walking, and he was hunting them.

For a time they had tried to get ahead of him but even after Sero slowed his pace and waited the camps were no longer dealing with them. Most of them were packing and running as word traveled faster than they did. It was then that they had been informed of the nature of their persuer. As an ANBU he had been known as Mercy but that had been a joke at best. Now it was rumored he had a new mask that was the skull of a man molded into something darker and he was a hunter nin. No one knew the name he used now but if anything he was more brutal. However they had started calling him Hakaba. It was a direct translation of boneyard and no one had cared to engage that monster. One camp had hired a strong guard just to give it a try at escaping but he had only bought them thirty seconds and they had heard his screams the whole time. At first it was battle roars and oh how quickly it switched to pained screams for help. The one who had described it to them held his head as if trying to remove the memory and moved away to continue running away. Muttering like insanity and panic was his life now. Always that Hakaba was coming.

Sero had persued the Yuurei after that as they abandoned stealth and made a break for the border only to find a trap waiting for them. The first of the four to go down had been running along the edge of the treeline closest to a forgotten road when suddenly he looked to his side and felt it. A dark presence had overtaken him but he could not see it. All he could see was the spark of an explosive tag on the tree next to him at face level. He tried to brace himself but it was too late. The explosion rocked the treeline as a tree begin to fall and his body bounced into the road. Twitching as burns covered his right side and half his arm was gone. He was out of commission for the moment and dying. A young lady in the group screamed and charged out to meet him as the leader shouted for her to stop in vain. It was her lover dying in the road but he knew something so obvious had to be a trap. Only he and his second in command stayed back in the treeline and assumed stealth as the battle was soon going to be a two on one.

As she ran out she came to a sliding stop and tried to hoist him onto her shoulder by his left arm in an attempt to get him out of there before she could be attacked. She wasn't stupid but she was passionate. As fast as she was though Sero was faster. As she began to stand with him draped and turned to dash suddenly there was a burning pain as a green trident seemed to appear out of her and fly a little further before fading into the air. She looked confused as blood trickled out her ruby lips before she looked down. Most of her chest was just a gaping hole now. She choked as her eyes rolled back and she fell there with her lover. Their blood intermingling as she held his hand. Two dead in the street. Sero yet to be seen. That had been day three.

For two days straight the remaining two and Sero engaged on occassion in breif encounters whenever one detected the other. A cracked twig or a foot print on the grass were the only give aways. A swung blade would meet a defending one as the air was distrubed with the swing before both sides would retreat at the failed attempt and the game would begin again. However the clashes were more tiring for the enemy since Sero was far stronger physically. By the second day their arms were shaking and their grip was poor on their weapons. They could barely stand and yet they couldn't break free either. There was a river just ahead they had to cross and a bridge and if they approached either he would know. Still it was late in the last day when a clash sent one of their weapons flying out of stealth and Sero stepped up into a follow through. Cutting down the first one only to have blood fade into nothing in the spray next to him allowing him to obtain the location of the last one and hitting him with an acid dragon. They had been intense but no match for Sero.

Now he was walking down the path of his home as the storm beat against him. He couldn't feel it but he was soaked and he knew it. He could hear water pouring off his clothes in a constant set of streams even as he approached the manor. Still his eyes took note of the impressive work done to the building. The Yard had been cleaned up to presentable. Probably better since the storm had likely ruined a lot of it. The manor was actually in repair with some constant work being done by the look of it. A lot of windows fixed though the fourth floor one was gone. Not likely at the fault of the butler. Still he approached the door as it stood solid now only to twist the knob and enter his own home. He stepped within as he was greeted. His dull grey eyes taking in the butler Yasuo before noting the lack of any of the other occupants being present. Not that he minded but it was a little surprising only Yasuo would greet him. Still he closed the door behind him as let out a breath and with that breath his wet clothes faded away leaving him in only his under garments as he took a towel and dried himself. His outfit was torn, burned and stained with blood anyway so it was unsalvagable. However Yasuo would see most of his body now aside from the knee's to the waist as Sero dried himself. So many scars littered that muscled form that it seemed like he had been more pieced together than born. However one on his right shoulder seemed a little fresher and still red from where he had burned a wound from Maigo closed. As he dried himself he would glance at yasuo with one undead eye and speak in his usual dull tone.

"Thank you Yasuo-Kun. Please fetch me a new garment. I assume the state of the manors improvements is your doing?"

1551

The harsh weather had not been kind to their master who had just returned from a long tenacious mission that left his attire in ruin, but his body fared better and they did not need to worry for his mental state whatever it was. However by the various delectable scars that marred their beautiful skin, one of recent caught their eye. The wound was fresh and in order to keep it from being infected, he had recklessly cauterized it instead of calling Yasuo to service. They must not have been in the manor at the time still if they were summoned they would heed it without any word. Perhaps this maybe be why Mama had been particularly vexing lately. no doubt having this knowledge and chose not to share it despite how much they would've appreciated it just for a bit of amusement. It seems her children made better company than her which was pitiful in itself since they had no better a temper but at least they respected them enough to cooperate with them when politely asked. If only their lord could do the same on them and depend on them though by this lack of care the others had been showing perhaps he had reason to do so.

Sensing them near, awaiting further instruction Yasuo called out to them to await in Sero-sama's room and set them by the bed while they turned towards his undead gaze "Indeed it is. I do hope it is to your liking. I would've preferred for you to see it in a better state had this storm not drawn near so close to your arrival" Yasuo flicked their wrist and in a flutter took out a larger dry towel for Sero to wrap himself up with. As must as they would love for him to shed himself further of clothing they still had some semblance of decency. Instead they occupied themselves with his clothes that were torn bloodied and ashen, no doubt beyond repair, in hand to take them away to the incinerator "Would you like me to draw you a bath? A set of fresh clean clothes are awaiting within your quarters right now. Oh and dinner is to be served promptly. The children had already prepared the dinning room but if you wish I shall withhold or send it up to your room if you are too withdrawn to dine with I?"

Regardless they began moving up the stairs towards Sero's quarters, no doubt he would follow though they made a quick stop by a chute they blended seamlessly into the wall, large enough for a body or two, and tossed the clothes in after removing anything of interest from them and made a mental note for a new one to be prepared, still they had already stocked Sero's wardrobe with plenty though they awaited further judgement to see whether they pleased him or not. Afterwards they continued onward until Yasuo held the door open for him, waiting for him to enter. On his bed was a silk brocade yukata with various layers of differentiating shades of grey and an intricate silver dragon hand embroidered onto it with a matching black obi. A pair of geta sandals stood by it along with a black jacket with the osada clan symbol sewed onto the back on a hanger. The undergarments were pure white and laid on the dresser near the bathroom.

1578~

"Indeed it is. I do hope it is to your liking. I would've preferred for you to see it in a better state had this storm not drawn near so close to your arrival"

Sero would pause as he dried his hair to look behind him as the door drifted closed. The storm was beating the island pretty heavily though he had hardly noticed. It was just another surrounding to him. Though he had to admit he was likely exhausted even if he couldn't feel it. Minimal resting periods and nutrition coming into his body over the last week. He normally kept better track of his health since he couldn't sense when something was wrong he had to monitor it closely. For now he noted he would need to consume something and probably wash as well as sleep. However there was another pressing issue as well. Searing his arm wound closed had prevented infection and bleeding but he could see a lack of mobility in that arm now. It wasn't enough to cause him trouble but he didn't like having a weakness. For once being numb had benifited him in a fight because he was almost positive the pain would of been savage on his senses. He had studied pain and when he seered closed wounds the subjects usually suffered more then when he had cut them. Cutting open the seared spots was simply all the better. Still a larger towel being handed to him made him turn back to the scene at hand. He spoke as he set the first towel draped over his hair and wrapped the new one around his waist. It was important to warm the body to prevent disease after its soaked so much.

"I hired you and told you to do as you like. The improvements have not only improved the appearance but created less infiltration oppertunity. If anything the place is more secure now. Do try and add in some security measures like reinforcing the door and outer walls. Once its done a storm shouldn't have much affect on the building itself."

Still Yasuo would busy himself with Sero's clothing as terrible as it was while Sero turned and walked away from the hallway. Pausing as he heard what was said and looked over his shoulder. "Would you like me to draw you a bath? A set of fresh clean clothes are awaiting within your quarters right now. Oh and dinner is to be served promptly. The children had already prepared the dinning room but if you wish I shall withhold or send it up to your room if you are too withdrawn to dine with I?"

It was interesting that Yasuo had gained any influence with the children. Her service to him and momma must of had some influence with them. If nothing else it meant they could grow to accept others. Still he would move again and make his way to his room. Ignoring the clothes for now as he moved into the bathroom. The silver was reflective and didn't really suit him but for around home it would do. He didn't care for flashy looks and prefered to stick to the shadows. Still he would step into the bathroom and turn on the hot water without bothering to touch the cold and dropping his towel and removing the undergarments with a flick of his hand to the side as he stepped into the water. Only allowing Yasuo to see his backside before it was under water. He spoke up anyway as he leaned back and the soap began to bubble up a froth as the water stopped halway up his chest. The dark blood fading bit by bit and staining the water crimson as he sat within it.

"We will eat soon. For now collect your medical equipment. I need you to cut open the cut on my arm I closed and stitch it properly. If I leave it as is I won't be at my best. Bring me the financial reports and the predicted cost chart for the new repairs if you have them, I will go over it while you work. No need for anasthetic of course."

709/2260

"Of course. One moment if you please"

Once they departed they headed down to the study to get the financial reports in their desk after unlocking the drawer with a key. The candle light blew out with their soft breath as they took the folders in hand, along with a pen, a notepad, and a calculator if need be then closed it behind them. Lighting flashed in the hallway and if Yasuo had been none the wiser, they would've missed the brief silhouette in the darkness. A part of them dismissed it but the more paranoid logical side pondered it carefully. If this had anything to do with the reports they've received...they let the thought hang as a kunai slipped out of their sleeve into their hand, hidden from plain sight as they wordlessly glided across the floor making the most faint of footsteps down the hall into an open room...but when the door eased open there was nothing there accept one of the larger children around the size of a small pup. They let out a breath they didn't know they held and shook their head closing the door behind them and went on their way. Perhaps they had been too tense lately and needed a small vacation. They heard of some bandits causing a ruckus on the outskirts recently, and maybe they could volunteer to be sent out and deal with the renegades.However those were thoughts for another day. For now, their master needed some medical aid. They dropped by their bedroom for a quick moment to get their medical kit before returning to the lord's quarters. In front of the bathroom a few children who had helped them were waiting to which Yasuo simply chuckled, digging into their pockets and tossing them a few treats of candied eyeballs which made a fantastic jelly sweet by the way.

Once they left on their way with their rewards in hand Yasuo returned, bringing a small stool and setting it down by the bathtub. "I have returned. Here are the financial reports you wanted. As you can see there were quite a few structural issues and I am awaiting for a few steel beams to be brought in some time tomorrow. Oh and would you be so kind as to sit up straighter so I can examine the wound?" As soon as Sero got into a proper position Yasuo put on a pair of glasses and opened up the kit. The glasses were a bit unnecessary but for finer details like this, their eyesight required help as whenever something got too close or was too small it always turned a bit fuzzy and they would rather not cause further injury to him. They took out sanitation pads and wiped their hands clean before discarding them into a bin and pulled a pair of gloves on.

First the assessed the location and whether stitches were necessary. Seeing its location where the muscle required a lot of movement they injured yes along with the fact that the area was cauterized messily and was reopening a bit during his trek making it suspectable to infection. From the looks of it no pus or cloudy fluid draining from the wound however it was red, whether or not from the reckless cauterization was not clear, but it was forming a lump and was causing issues with its movement. Before they went further and took out their scalpel, they put two fingers together and gently prodded the area along with the neck for any enlarged lymph nodes since they could not see any red streaking lines but thankfully there were none so they took out any idea for an infection in the lymph system. Yet there was the fact it was inflamed so carefully they took out a clean scalpel, gave it one more swipe to clean it before fully reopening the wound. Minimal discharge came out so that's fine. They simply cleaned the wound with disinfectant and dragged any more pus from it with a clean towelette that were also tossed in the bin. They replaced the tools in hand with a suture and a needle before seamlessly stitching the wound closed in a matter of seconds with precision to avoid as much scarring as possible. They cleaned it once more and took out a roll of bandages before wrapping it up.

Yasuo cleaned everything up and tossed what needed to away before taking out a bottle of pills and handing two to Sero "You have inflammation on your wound and some discharge. These are antibiotics. Take two a day for the next week for it to completely heal"

2360~

Sero would sit there without flinching as yasuo worked on his wound. He wasn't interested in watching as he had never had an interest in medical practices himself. He had been focused on dissecting things, not putting them back together. Closest thing he got to a doctor was his mental games where he tested the limits of criminals psych. However his wound would bleed and sizzle as if his blood was hot as it pushed the discharge free and lifted up steam from the bath water as it hit the cool liquids and boiled away leaving the bath water stained a little more red as he scanned over the reports. Keeping in mind to sit high enough without moving that arm as it was stitched up. He could see the expense account he had left behind was quickly draining as the structure needed more repairs then he had been prepared for. Still his recent work as a hunter nin had proven profitable. Enough so that he could easily refill the account and leave it maintained to repair the entire property and pay any workers. Shinobi of his rank got paid a decent amount per S rank mission. Still he would need to work more it seemed. He was able to calculate it all and saw no abnormalities at a glance. Yasuo was recording everything well.

Still as he noted the stitching was finished and the wound cleaned he set the reports to the side on a small side table and rose from the now crimson bath as water ran down his body. He was as pale as moonlight and so was his hair. He passed by the pills without a second glance as he moved into the bedroom and seemed to dress himself like the cloaks simply flowing over him. Stepping into padded shoes as he suddenly looked like a bored, young lord like he was. His grey robes with the silver trim catching the light from the bathroom as he turned and tied the robes closed. Speaking as he glanced at his finger tips. Nails still dyed crimson. Interesting. Still he spoke as he examined his dark claws. "There will be no need for that. Simply heal it with your medical arts for now. You have a jutsu which can heal an inch inside which will prevent further infection and the cut isn't much deeper then that. Aside from that my chakra makes my blood burn hot. It will burn out any infection in me easily. For now let us go partake of this meal. Lock away the expense reports and meet me down there."

It was straight forward and factual. He didn't worry for diseases because his body was naturally resistant to them. However he was aware of changes to his forms of sword play. Still he would walk out of the room as he almost seemed to glide passed the spiders eating their treats in the hallway. Like a phantom gliding the halls as a small white child giggled at a corner just down the opposite way and faded into nothing. A spirit that haunted the place perhaps. Still his eyes scanned the halls as he moved down before following his nose and coming across the hallway. Eyeing the food as he found his seat. Waiting for Yasuo to plate him before speaking up.
"The spider population has grown. If we allow it off the island the village may take issue with it and send a squad. In the morning we will order a Ferry delivered where the bridge is now and we will blow the bridge up. Spiders of this nature can not swim."

2871

Nodding in conformation, the butler went and put the documents away locking them safely in the office before departing down to the dinning hall although when they returned to the office the feeling came back once more making the send a little more of their aura than before, more potent than usual before feeling it vanished. The question plagued Yasuo, should they notify their lord? It didn't seem necessary. Once he retires, they thought, I'll go out with some of the children to see what's going on. I have to assess the damage anyway. As soon as they head downstairs to the hall,they served their young master some of the appetizer, before telling them one moment as they glided across the floor to the kitchen. Everything was promptly ready. Yasuo smiled as it had been a long time since Sero was home for dinner, this mission having been a particularly long one. It made the manor quite despite the hustle and bustle of construction. Perhaps it would be best if they went out more, see more of the village, maybe meet up with the twins more. That Nozomi girl too. They already planned to have her over for dinner but maybe she would be interested into going to the hospital as well. She had an interest in the medical arts, as small as it was no and was very handy it seemed so they could if she had time to discuss their theories. Yasuo didn't have the chance to very often since there went many open minded sports and unfortunately the girls weren't very interested in such. Lovely girls they were but things like that went over their heads at time. Hm....actually with that in mind, could their wonderful young master be interested too? His methods were crude, ghastly at times, but efficient. Besides it seems he would be even more caring and welcoming of Yasuo's more malevolent jutsu than anyone on this island nation could. Yes indeed it seems so.

Ah speaking of the young master, it wouldn't do to keep him waiting. Yasuo took a pair of plates from the cupboards and put a good serving on each tho much lesser so on their own since they weren't particularly famished, at least not yet. Though surely the young lord was. The second course of tonight's meal was squid ink pasta with a light buttery sauce and small sauteed chunks of liver. Out the kitchen they went to the young lord's side, putting the plates down. They announced the dish and what it was before wishing their young lord bon appetti. It seemed however, he had other things in mind. Yasuo recalled the reports they had received about the spider population having a more noticeable boom and a particular rise in aggression, at least those who were farther from the manor. "Indeed it has grown, more so than usual. Some of the men I had commissioned to aide in construction did notify me that the spiders were particularly aggressive. They always were of course but it seemed more so than usual. I do hope it is nothing to be concerned of. I shall call the ferry at first light my lord."

2904~

Sero would settle down the stairs as he walked. The uniform buttoned and fitting him well he noted. It didn't limit movement as much as he had feared yet the silver still reflected light more than the grey. He wasn't one to consider himself exposed with that slight change to his usual wear but he was also prepared for what was to come if it should. His measurements likely had been taken based on what yasuo had seen and from his armors. Breathing wasn't shorted by a tight chest and arms had full normal mobility. If he had to dislocate his shoulder to land an attack it might be an issue but he doubted that scenario. Still he let his cold grey eyes shift to the wall as several spiders were crawling along it trying to keep up with it. Those who mirrored Momma's affection for him it seemed. In a way he was a father to them as his chakra connection fueled their creation. He was gaining an understanding of it lately and had been working on limiting what Momma could take from him but still when she wanted it she would fight him. Still his pale fingers reached out and dark clawed fingers lightly traced the railing with clicking noises as he passed over each part where the railing was attached to the stairs. Spiders quickly forming up his fingers as fast as they could as several of them took refuge in his robes. Making a safe place for themselves to relax. If he was as relaxed as Sero could be they felt they could to.

Still he stepped through the swinging door into the dining room and stood in the flickering candle light with the shadows playing across his face from the shadows. Those cold grey eyes watching the room. Seeming to shine out from the darkness like an ever present threat. Seeing everything. Still he moved to one of the two seats and settled into one. Letting it creak as it felt his weight and turning his gaze as Yasuo set out the plates and would listen to him speak as he described the food. His own gaze flicking over it as he calculated how to eat it without making a mess. He cared little for flavor but Yasuo did. So he would eat what was provided and take his time with it. Still Yasuo would continue speaking drawing his attention back to him.

"Indeed it has grown, more so than usual. Some of the men I had commissioned to aide in construction did notify me that the spiders were particularly aggressive. They always were of course but it seemed more so than usual. I do hope it is nothing to be concerned of. I shall call the ferry at first light my lord."

Sero would raise an eyebrow before folding his hands in front of himself and waiting for Yasuo to find his seat as well quietly. Only if Yasuo took a seat would Sero tuck a napkin into his collar and collect the utinsels provided before he began to eat. Taking his time with a bite here and there while sniffing ever so slightly to detect the seasoning he would of tasted. He would continue eating in silence for a full minute before he would swallow what was left in his mouth. His eyes shifting to Yasuo as Sero dabbed some sauce of his own chin and spoke. His left hand lifting and committing what he didn't realize was rude by summoning and placing a weapon on the table. Letting the thin explosive tag settle onto the table like a napkin. He would speak up then. Calm and collected.

"If they have become aggressive we shall blow the bridge tonight. Set that in the center and it should be sufficient to wipe out the majority of it as its already fragile. Spiders with no chakra shouldn't be able to cross and attack villagers. It will be up to you to keep anyone you hire to work here safe. If you wish to hire addittional muscle meet with them before having them meet with me if you approve. We live a certain lifestyle not many can handle. Do keep that in mind."

3584

Yasuo enjoyed dinning with their beloved Osada. He didn't needlessly chatter nor acted uncouthly. Instead he was refined as anyone with his condition could be. He had met a few folk with a similar alignment but none to the degree his young lord suffered. But unlike them, he was deterred by it. How could he when he could not feel the same emotions as them? He lived a life that was quite harsh but it was due to it that he was able to survive, to live, and to thrive. He made this manor his den, this village his home, this nation his territory. He was a vicious carnivore who did not know remorse, who did not know mercy, but instead of being the unreachable animal he could be, he protected this land and those within it. Why was a question many found themselves wondering. It was true the nation was plagued by misfortunes more often than others. It's wall crumbled, its homes burned, folk consumed with sin, defiled by greed. This country was full of despair and need something, anything, to keep it afloat. There were heroes yes. One could argue that there were plenty of them. But how many could do what needed to be done even if they were so unsavory. From that thought came fruition to what led him to be what he were.

The time of heroes has passed, yet the common folk stilled yearned for the far off dream. For their pitiful narrow minds saw a monster, who despite aiding them, protected them, saved them from the darkness of the world, saw only a monster; a monster they did not want but needed regardless. But for why, Yasuo found themselves wondering, why did he protect it? If he truly had not heart, why did he leave it here. Perhaps that was one of the various reasons Yasuo stayed. They could've left at anytime. They were not obligated to remain in his domain. The rest of the dwellers in the manor did not and left the young lord alone. But, Yasuo could not say they regretted it. It after all brought some sort of purpose to them. Something they lacked for quite some time. So when they were told to destroy the bridge tonight, they felt a pang of sorrow. It was the right decision but still it left them in a mild state of despondency even if it was just for a bit. However even with the feeling of nostalgia, they wouldn't allow it to interfere with their work. Smiling softly after eating some of the food, they put their silverware down and wiped their mouth before taking the explosive tag their master carelessly placed on the table and put it aside in their pocket "I will miss that bridge. It has fond memories and led me to you after all. But to keep the peace, I shall do so"

They wondered, how long would Sero guard this nation. His familial ties to it were strong indeed but those were nothing in retrospect. He was willing to go so far for them, but for what reward. A paycheck was something you could get anywhere. A meal just the same. Anyone would be willing to give him land in hope he would not invade theirs. He gave himself to his service but what of his goals? Such goals were not something Yasuo was aware of and very likely they were not to be, any time soon. But if their service was in anyway reliving him of some of the burden, as small as their aide was, they would be happy to do so. "Very true my young lord. It is a lifestyle not befitting of all. But you have your companions here do you not? There may be few and far in between but it is better than nothing. If I may be so bold Sero-sama, do you find your current position pleasing? I knew but a word and I shall do what you will to make you pleased" Yes, they would do so, burned down anyone who they could if it made him pleased. After all, they had to groom themselves in a garden of weeds, before they could reap its fruits. Yasuo's inner voice chuckled as they sipped their glass of wine.

3629~

Sero would watch with a cold and calculating gaze as Yasuo would continue to eat. Matching the individual bite for bite and keeping it civil. If he were left to his own devices he would simply consume the required vitamins the body needed with water. He could neither taste nor feel hunger. He could appreciate the smells the food provided for him and knew that to most pallets the food was something wonderful. Yasuo was not without talent in sewing, cooking, cleaning or managing the manor. He had made the proper selection in hiring them for this position. Even the spiders responded to Yasuo almost as if he were as connected to them as Sero was. The home was certainly cleaner and soon would be ready to receive guests...if anyone was willing to cross into Sero's territory in order to meet with him. Normally that wasn't the case unless they needed something. No one disputed his position as head of the Osada clan but aside from receiving messages of his expectations of clan activity and reports of how those faired, they avoided him. However his position as patriarch of the clan kept it in order. No one dared to step out of bounds with him in play. However as Yasuo set down their silverware and wiped their mouth Sero mirrored the action. Watching as they obediently took the slip filled with so much danger. Listening as they spoke.

"I will miss that bridge. It has fond memories and led me to you after all. But to keep the peace, I shall do so"

It seemed like an odd thing to say and yet Sero simply nodded and took a sip of water. He cared not for other drinks as hydration was his only concern. Yasuo might appreciate a good wine paired with their meal but they knew when they started such effort was wasted on Sero. He ate not because it was good and pleasing to the tongue but because he needed it to increase his own bodies functionality. Still Yasuo would do as asked and for the reasons he had been explained towards the action. So long as he understood the situation Sero had no complaints. However his eyes shifted back as Yasuo spoke once more to him. This time with an inquiry.

"Very true my young lord. It is a lifestyle not befitting of all. But you have your companions here do you not? There may be few and far in between but it is better than nothing. If I may be so bold Sero-sama, do you find your current position pleasing? I knew but a word and I shall do what you will to make you pleased"

Companions? An odd term to use with him. Individuals were statistics of varied use to him or the village. If a statistic went into the negative it was wiped out of the equation and often that meant destroying the body entirely. Even Yasuo was another statistic for him. Albeit a positive one. However the question of his position and if he found it pleasing brought up an important note he had forgotten to cover. He would pause in deliberation before deciding it would be impossible to hide the identity anyway. Not that it mattered to him if his enemies knew his name. Still his eyes were just as cold and dead as his voice as he spoke and never blinked.

"My position....I suppose I should keep you informed. I have recently accepted a position within the new hunter nin division as a captain. You may have noticed a new mask like a skull in my inventory. As a hunter nin I will be expected to travel at times so I will be gone for extended lengths leaving my possessions within your care. If anyone should come seeking someone named Hakaba that is my new code name. New enemies will become apparent as I am asked to travel so be prepared for such. Now if you would be so kind as to do as I have asked quickly. I shall be retiring to rest."

4272

I wounder what it is like to be him. To grow up in his environment or even have his condition. Yasuo had questioned what Sero would be like had fate not dealt him the cards he had, and how drastic the change. However they could never understand a past they were not fully aware of nor a condition they never had the displeasure of suffering. But to be born so numb, unaware of pain and pleasure, one cannot miss nor desire that which they never had. Truly if Yasuo suffered some sort of incident that gave him such a fate, it would be most unwelcome. It would drive them mad, horribly so. The kurohebi all suffered some sort of indescribable madness. It was in their blood. The clan if you can even call it that were feeling creatures, high of their emotions from being so close to death's hand, to be stripped of emotion would leave them bare, exposed, and unstable, like a bomb ready to explode.

Ne Sero-kun, their mind whispered, is that why you fight? In hope of feeling something. However the inquiry would go unsaid. No need to spoil the mood. No, best to keep things light heated and not become like the storm, raging, rampant, and destructive to itself and all around it. So the kurohebi smiled and clapped, giving a sincere as it could be applause to their young master "Hunter nin? Ah that division was reinstated recently yes? Congratulations young masters. I'm sure you'll be kept busy with all the new prey at your disposal. And fret not, I'll make sure to oversee your estate. You won't find a speck out of order"

Saving their sire's new code name they made sure to keep the utmost vigilance for those asking for this Hakaba "And as for your new code name. Should I direct those who hail from the village to you if I feel they do not posses ill intents? Or shall I show them the way out all the same?" Perhaps it would be good to ask the children to kindly watch out for any suspicious characters and if they proved hostile....eat them.

However seeing as the young master wished to retire, Yasuo nodded arising from their seat and picking up all the dishes, pilling them up on the other with prefect balance and cleaned up the table before turning to their lord "Ah yes, I suppose you must have grown tired from such a long journey. The bed is set and is you need my service their is a bell by the door. If you wish to have a midnight snack, there will be more food in the fridge"

Once everything was picked up and the table cleaned, Yasuo bowed down to their young master "I shall get to the termination of the bridge and get a ferry therefore I bid you a goodnight my lord. Sleep well" Afterwards they would turn, heading to the kitchen to eat a little more and clean the dishes, intent on heading out to eat rid of the bridge as soon as this was over.

4156~
Trained:
Dark Arts: Basilisk (3500/3500)
END D2-D3 (450/450)
206 wc left over

[EXIT]

Sero would listen as Yasuo seemed to understand about the division. He himself thought it was pointless to have a cover identity since he was so easily identified within six meters of himself. Aside from Yasuo he had never met anyone that even remotely felt like himself. A monster walking amongst man. Perhaps Yasuo and himself were of a different breed. A nature creation that was designed to eradicate the human infection that plaiged it. However there were far more of them than there was of the kind of monsters like the two seated within that room. Still his dead grey eyes would observe Yasuo as he clapped and would make little more than a slight reflexive shift of his hand at the movement. A simple twitch of the fingers but it was clear that even with Yasuo he was prepared to throw up a counter jutsu and fight to the death right there. Yasuo was the best servant in the nation and a valuable companion yet Sero had never known a day of peace. So many people had attempted to take his life. Since his first memory he had fought and risen in strength and now he was hated by many more than he knew. Still his eyebrow would rise as Yasuo inquired about whom to turn away from the manor. He wasn't sure many would come to him for anything yet it was possible. His power was fully known to the nation so it was possible they would seek him out but not under his hunter nin name. Instead he would rise from his own seat and turn to the door speaking over his shoulder.

"If anyone is seeking me out for normal purposes they shall probably know of me as Sero. Hakaba is likely a name only people of high rank or enemies will know. For now simply offer to take a message. I will of course leave permission for you to recieve all my communiqué with the office. If they insist on speaking with me themselves I will handle it. Do not engage anyone as you are not to be endangered on that level yet. Remember, if they are confident in taking me down they are of some capability or a fool. Either way its not wise to risk the former. For now I will retire and leave the bridge and other such things to you. Oh an have the spiders keep and eye out for one Maigo Uchiha. Avoid him even at the cost of the manor for now. We had a disagreement."

With that said he moved through the door and with a step was at the top of the steps. Moving through the halls and passed a window as he paused and his attention was drawn to the forest as a flare of chakra seemed to flash for a moment before it was gone...it felt like his own which was...odd. Still he decided it didn't feel hostile and if it approached more he would rise from his half slumber. He managed to move into his room as spiders skirted over the window to darken the room and he closed the door. Locking it behind him before moving to the bed. He cast his senses about the room before noting nothing was out of place. Satisfied he layed down on top of the covers. His back firm and his eyes half closed as he stared at the ceiling and drifted to sleep. Half aware of everything around him still.

Exit thread
4861
Perception A-2 to A-3 1300/1300
Wave Style: Acrid Rain Technique 2500/2500

1061 towards Ninjutsu S to SS