Within the isles of the Mist village, the mist looming over it like thick phantom curtain. Souku is seen walking in a much less developed part of the village, compared to the rest of the archaic architecture. His black hair covered most of his upper face, his slouch contributing to most of it. With the mist afoot, his lacking postures gave him the appearance of a ghost, a phantom that wandered aimlessly. It was how he always looked after a confrontation with his legal guardian, the term father would imply that their was a bond between father and son. No, that was not the case. It would never be, the case. His marked back, his bruised stomach, will always serve a reminder. But not his ligaments or face, no. It would be too obvious to his peers, his flogger a brute and a crafty being of maliciousness. However, no matter where he would go, he will always carry his handiwork with him, a memento.

Nevertheless, Souku, had other things on his mind. To be precise, it was actually one thing in mind. His slouched posture aided him in following would had seemed to be a trail, a game trail of a brown rabbit. He had been following a certain critter among the rocks for some time. it was the only way Souku, could relieve himself the pain inflicted upon him by his father. By inflicting pain onto others much smaller than him, yes, it gave him pride and focus. Following the path, passing broken pillars and cracked foundations , he stumbles upon a much brighter area. Surprisingly, to even a local like Souku, the gloomy mist did not touch this area. It was as if something warded off the fog. Although the trail was lost, The setting ahead of him was revealed, including Souka's full frame.

The light revealed Souka, light blue long sleeve jacket, along with a khaki vest over the jacket. His pants were black, which cut off at his mid ankles. His shoes were of the standard shinobi issue, his toes and ankles uncovered. He now stands tall, his hair falls back except his two bangs along both sides of his face. His Kirigakure head bang also revealed itself, fastened tight against his forehead. His father didn't lash his neck this time, so it was fine for him to wear his headband proper.

He takes in the setting, the flat rock flooring which stretched quite a distance. In the middle, a few meters ahead, a two foot tall fountain, barely full. Souka thinks to himself, taking in the area. It looked forgotten, with the lack of maintenance. The rock tiles were cracked, most of them were at first glance. He walks over to the fountain, looks down at what was left of the water. His unfocused reflection, it made him forget about all the scars and cuts his fathers gave him for a moment. For a brief moment, he felt, bliss.

Every shinobi needs to find their inner peace and environment can be an excellent medium for one to discover their true self. When the temperature was nice and the schedule permitted, Seito would go out and meditate in a sense. While it was not the traditional 'empty thy mind', Seito would analyze and change his perspective within to critically think about himself. This atmosphere was symbolic to Seito's mission because the clear ruins were able to seclude themselves from the distracting external barriers, such as fog. The Hattori who was known as a genjutsu specialist often had problems getting lost in his own mind, constantly checking if he was placed in a genjutsu. Seito's superior ability at genjutsu comes at a price because Seito is often unable to get people out of his genjutsu, this includes himself. While Seito does not live in constant paranoia of his own abilities, he certainly is aware of his own mind playing tricks on him; especially when he does not feel in control.

Clearing and resetting the mind has always been a good way for Seito to control himself. Thus, early in the morning, he found himself in a wandering village. The chunin had found frustrations with the promotion boards of Kirigakure. While his application has not been denied for a promotion, it has not yet been reviewed. While Seito does not fit the typical candidate, he certainly believes that he has not only the potential but the ability to be a performing Special-Jonin and beyond. His loyalty has been called into question several times. There was a torn down building that maintained it's structural integrity with a dome rooftop. The young chunin had his back perched against an arch with the sun pressed against his face and a glimmering beam off his Kirigakure forehead protector. The sun's brightness was reflected from his forehead protector as he could witness the clouds pass by but, he preferred to simply look within. "I stand for Kirigakure, not for what it is...but for what it could be." His voice muttered in a whisper. This was one of the few places that Seito could express his true political thought. He always felt pressure from his superiors for his politics and ideals, which has become apparent in his promotion.

In a distinct reaction with no reasonable way to explain how, other than shinobi instinct, Seito flinched his head towards the fountain. A motion from the fountain spooked Seito, especially since he should have noticed moving bodies around him sooner. With perceiving eyes, the Hattori knew immediately that this person was a shinobi, he looked of a younger age and perhaps a genin. Seito had not kept up with the Academy releasing, Seito had issues with them as well. Looking into the reflection, his Kirigakure headband revealed itself to the rooftop shinobi. Leaping down to the floor, he started to make his way towards the visibly distraught boy. While, Seito did not believe that this child was broken beyond repair, but it seemed that the boy may have needed a crutch of some sort. His black hair that had a ponytail close to the end kept his hair out of his face. Seito was an obvious shinobi due to the shinobi slacks, sandals and headband. His blue jacket, similar to Souku revealed a white undershirt but also a tanto on his right shoulder. His hands reached inside his jacket for a cigarette and his flask but then produced nothing as his reached an appropriate distance behind the young shinobi.

"Shinobi life getting to you?" He asked aloud in a sense of comfort. Seito had always been mentally strong and never broke as a genin. But, he had a lot of friends who did. While Seito hated to deal with emotions, he did not help for himself to be a better person but with true motive to help the other.

[655 Words]

As, Souku continued to stare into the half empty fountain, his awareness of his surroundings where cut off it seemed. Indeed, it was blissfulness at the time. No abusive father, no marks, serenity. Souku made sure to keep this location in mind from now on as his own little personal retreat from the world. This place, the ancient fountain to be specific, would now be his and his alone. Or, so he thought. Chiming in back into his ruin like surroundings, he is met with the presence of another, seconds later. Souku was caught off guard.

Widening his eyes, he turns around to the stranger much taller than himself. Souku's heart begun to beat faster, surprised. He feels his blood pressure rise.

He responds out of reflex, "You shouldn't be sneaking up on me behind my back! I don't know you...” he clenches both his fists, placing his right foot out towards him. His back remains slouched forward. His stance of that of confrontation, he stands his ground. The images of his father, the way he beat him, the way his father used to come from behind and knock him down off his feet, it all begun to resurface. His time of peace came to an end, and the one thing Souka's father taught him, was never let some sneak up on you from behind. That was, unless you wanted to get knocked off your feet. In truth, Souka, felt more threatened than anger.

He ponders on how this other Kiri shinobi managed to sneak up on him without him knowing. Evidently, Souku was oblivious to how much attention he focused onto the forgotten fountain. As he took in the man's figure, eyeing his headband, garbs, and tanto, he assumes that he is no doubt a shinobi. He wonders what rank this man held, what power he possessed.  He keeps his stance as it were, showing no fear in appearance. Souka didn’t know what this stranger was capable as of yet, and didn’t plan to back down first. To show weakness first, is failure.

Seito watched as the young shinobi jumped from reflex and exposed his nervous tendencies. These reflexes were considered above average and certainly could be notable in his profile. Typically, this sort of skepticism is understandable and reasonable for a shinobi but Seito was hoping that the shinobi would be able to sense the respect that Seito was showing. The concerned shinobi may have behaviors that would save his life one day, but his life was not in the way of danger. "Quick reflexes there kid." Seito said with a comforting chuckle, almost acting as an older brother. Seito brought his middle and index finger to his eyebrows and gave a quick improper salute to the young shinobi. "My name is Hattori Seito of Kirigakure." Hopefully, the introduction would be able to ease the tension between the two, even if it was not mutual. Seito did not want to intrude on this shinobi's life so if he was not welcomed, then he certainly would head back to his rooftop. However, that did not mean that Seito was not going to keep an eye on the boy from afar.

The Hattori sized up the boy with an ocular examination and determined him not as a predator. Seito had the perception that the child had the potential and capability to become an offensive and aggressive shinobi but this genin certainly was not there yet. Seito had a much more casual persona in this situation. He felt comfortable in this situation because he knew that he was not in danger; he understood why the genin was defensive. A moment like this is when Seito wished that he kept up with the Academy listings but Seito knew nothing of the child. "I just dropped by because you seem to have struggling with some sort of crisis. Could be internal, external. I have no idea." He said with a shrug and almost a sense that he did not care; but why would he be around if he did not care?

"Regardless, shinobi are not meant only to protect the village but each other as well, especially from one's self." He said with the expressing tone that he was there because of his duty and achieving the right thing as opposed to truly caring. Seito is a child of veterans who are known for handling their emotions through suppression. Seito can easily be bothered for emotional bursts and outcrys but understands the role that emotion plays in the lives of others. "What is hurting you kid?" He said, in hopes of quickly dismissing the negative aura that this kid is dealing with and the emotional burden that is being placed on Seito. While the chunin was matured, his emotional capacity and maturity had never blossomed, especially to where they should be.

[1121 WC]

Upon Seito's comment about Souku's sublime reflexes, the boy's once rapid beats heart decline slowly back to normal. He still keeps his solid stance, eyeing the tanto the shinobi possessed. However, it wasn't the comment that allowed Souku to drop his guard slight. It was however, the laugh, the chuckle that Souku found somewhat comfortable. He couldn't explain it, but in the end, it eased him quite a bit. Seeing how he was a shinobi of the Mist, Souku ponder whether he should give him his name in return. However, before he could open his mouth, due to timing, Seito seemed to have sensed what was going on within the mind of Souku. Well, quite a bit actually. Within Souku's mind's eye, he witnesses the events of his father's sins, his abuse, everything. He remembers the time he was flung across his bedroom, for not greeting his own barbaric alcoholic father with an inadequate greeting. Could Souku be blamed? It was hard for him to express any sincere feelings towards a brute, hell; he had trouble communicating with Seito as of now.

Unfortunately for, Seito, he would not know of the struggles and conflicts Souku were going through this day, simply out of fear. Fear of his father, fear of being beaten once again by his father, the list goes on. There was a reason why he covers up the marks gifted to him by his father. If anyone were to find out that his father was abusing him, it would spell the end for Souku. And Souku believed it. That was how powerful of a hold Souku’s father had over him. An invisible chain link that stretch as far as hell and back.

He looks up towards Seito, his fist held tight no more. His bangs slide to the side of his face. “Thanks mister, I’m Souku, Souku Yamadachi. I was out here looking for a brown rabbit, but I… lost him. The mist could get so thick you know?” Souku attempted to play the innocent card. His voice still soft with cracks every now and then, due to his young adolescent age. There was no way he would tell Seito about his father. There was no way he could, bring himself to tell anyone about his father. He simply wasn’t strong enough. Suddenly, it hit him. An idea that Souku realized that could prove beneficial to his plans.  Among the pain that Souku went through he still had plans, to be rid of his father, to no longer be a captive.

“Wait; if you’re a shinobi then maybe you can help me? After I graduated from the academy, I was never put on a team. Actually, I don’t even know where to go to take a mission”, he tils down his head; his bangs cover most of his face, obscuring it from all who were taller than him.  “Maybe you could help me, mister”, his vengeful smirk lay dormant below his hair. If he could obtain power from anyone shinobi powerful than him, his plans for his “beloved” father could perhaps come true.

Seito noticed that he was successful in calming down the young genin who turned out to be named Souku Yamadachi. 'Yamadachi?' He thought as the name was vaguely familiar but he could not come up with another known by the name at this point. Surely, he would keep an eye to remember but would be slightly frustrated until then. Seito let out a chuckle as Souku explained that he found this place searching for a brown rabbit. The fact that the genin let up the search led Seito to believe that it simply was an animal but not a pet. Seito thought, 'A genin should be able to keep up with a brown rabbit.' As he smiled indicating his casual demeanor. His eyebrow rose as he noticed that Souku lit up with an idea, one that Seito was skeptical yet excited to hear about.  

'Hmmm...' Seito tried to reach an explanation for why Souku was not put on a team but could not reach one. "I am surprised that your father has not taken steps to make sure that you are on a team or show you where to get missions. However, since I need to take some more missions, I can show you the mission board and how to apply for them. Of course, if you have any more questions I would be willing to help. I am a chunin and I have quite a bit of time on my hands, least say that I am...lucky?" He said to avoid the fact of political punishment that he has been facing at work. "Keep your chin up pal." He said as he was preparing to walk back towards the Kiri administration building. Seito quickly found himself curious about the abilities that the boy possesses. However, he did notice that recent interns at the office have been less impressive than before. Hopefully, Souku would be able to break that spell.

[1441 WC]

He looks up slowly towards Seito, the menacing smirk he once held no longer visible. Hearing Seito, agreeing to help him pleased, Souka greatly; the boy’s plan seemed more achievable the more he talked with, Seito. The more missions and training would all aid Souku to gaining power. He would need it if he planned on taking down his father, especially if he didn’t want to get caught either. Murder is still murder, regardless of status.  

“Thank you…, mister”, he slowly replied. The happy thoughts of him planning to murder his father swelled up inside Souku’s mind. Suddenly, he began to think what type of skills he would need. Of course, obtaining the basics shinobi practices was a must. However, the real question was, what was Souku going to specialize in? There were dozens of ways to take down a target, from what Souku could remember from the academy. But, Souku needed something more subtle, a more covert method. He didn’t exactly want to get caught after doing the deed.

Souku, then looked over towards Seito’s shoulder, his tanto to be precise. ‘A tool like that would work’, he said mentally. Souku needed to learn how to use weapons like that, but discreetly.

“I’m ready to follow you”



[1556 word count]

The two would find themselves in front of the mission board at the Kirigakure administration building. Seito was certain that Souku had been here before but for whatever reason Souku was not familiar. However, Seito wanted to show Souku how to accept the mission, which was just as important. There was plenty of paperwork in the shinobi world and often times, it slowed things down. The chunin was aware of it's importance but he never was a fan of it. Luckily, he hardly had to deal with it. He waved the genin over while the two would walk over to the front counter. "Hey Lulu." He said with a smile to the shinobi behind the counter. Usually civilians would work this post but for whatever reason, Lulu was taking charge of the counter. "It has been awhile. How have you been?" He said with a warm genuine smile. The two had been in the academy together and had seldom seen each other, obviously because the two are in completely different fields. She had bright red hair and dark brown eyes while dawning a typically admin shinobi uniform consisting of the headband, sandals, pants and a light flak jacket. A smile was brought upon her as bright as her hair as she stood up to lean over the counter to hug Seito. It was never confirmed but Seito always thought she had a crush on him. "I am good. I recently got promoted to department head! But we are so understaffed. How are you dear?" She asked matching excitement.

Seito returned the hug pleasantly. "Congratulations. I am good as well, not as successful as you yet." He said with a wink as the two shared a chuckle. "I am here to help Yamadaichi Souku....excuse me...Yamadachi." He corrected himself. "Can you please pull up his file?" She nodded and quickly came back with his file, placing it on the desk she began to open it. "He says that he has not been able to be placed on a team and he has not accepted any missions." Her faced let out a confused expression as she flipped through the file to determine the reasoning. "Ahhh..." She said with a light smile as she quickly figured out why he was never placed fully in the system. Pulling the paper from the file and handed over a single sheet of paper to Souku. "Your parents need to sign this releasement form. Any shinobi under 17 needs parent permission. After that, you can be placed on a team if you so desire or simply accept missions but you have to be very active on missions if you decide against a team and will have to find a chunin to sponsor you for training."

The two would look at each and smile briefly as they noticed that Souku's reaction.

[1920]

Souku followed Seito, promptly, all the way to the village’s administration building. It was a large, vast building he thought. It was even bigger than he thought once they entered. Although somewhat impressed by the structure, Souku kept his all familiar pose. He is now seen standing next to Seito on his right, as he communicated cheerfully with the shinobi behind the desk, Lulu. He stands with a slouch posture, his face barely showing any expression. Perhaps, slight boredom on and off. This happening while witnessing the two carry on with each other.

He wasn’t used to this kind of behavior, the two talking to each other with such cheer and giggle. It was so new to him; it actually put him at ease. Nevertheless, he tuned most of it out. All he cared about was that he was finally going to get some training, and experience, the missions would help him see to that. His head then tilted downwards, his thoughts focus in more on what he would do once he got approve to go on missions. What supplies would he need? What jutsu would he require? These things, imperative as they may be, he did not know? He simply wasn’t sure? However, one could not blame him too hard not being prepared. It wasn’t like he had a role model, or mentor to help him strive towards the right direction. Suddenly, his mind focused on Seito, the, the guy that seemed to be doing right by him so far. ‘Perhaps I should stick around with him, he knows things I need. Things I could use…’, he said mentally.

“Your parents need to sign this releasement form. Any shinobi under 17 needs parent permission.”

“Your parents need to sign this releasement form. Any shinobi under 17 needs parent permission.”

“Your parents need to sign this releasement form. Any shinobi under 17 needs parent permission.”

The boy’s head jolt up slightly in shock, upon hearing, Lulu. These words echoed harshly within the confines of Souku’skull, bombarding back and forth growing louder with each repeat. Souku immediately took back everything he said about Seito before. How helpful he could be in the future, for he simply brought everything to a halt. That silly rule basically screwed everything up for Souku, his eyes widen while pondering about his next move. Lucky his bangs kept his disbelief hidden from his two taller peers.

There he stood, still confused and scheming; he attempts to figure out a way to get past this little, well rather big, yet annoying policy. “Sig- signature? Right…”, he said hesitantly. some of the fear slipped out along with his words. Souku, was no way in hell going to ask his father for a signature. Souku could already picture and somewhat feel the bruises he would have to endure. Plus, with all that, there was still be no guarantee of Souku, getting his father’s ok so. It just wasn't worth it. Just thinking about his father brought a slight pain to his side, the hold his father had upon him was terrifyingly strong. What was he going to do?

Well, what would a boy like Souku do to get what he wanted?

Souku’s looks up, looking towards both at them with a much more clam face than before, one at a time, before returning his gaze towards, Lulu. “OK, no problem. I’ll just get these signed and bring them back to you. Oh, do you happen to have a spare pen I could borrow? Pens tend to vanish when you need them the most, you know?”

Souku extends both his hands towards Lulu, asking for the papers. The sly kid was indeed lying, he’d cheat to win in order to get what he wanted. No doubt he would sign the papers himself in order to avoid his abusive alcoholic father. You know what they say? You got to fake it, till you make it. He holds a sharp grin, waiting in anticipation of Lulu handing him not only the papers, but the pen as well. Souku was going to make sure he got his.

[2217 Word Count]

[Requesting to end the topic, since Seito hasn't responded in quite a while.]