Since his promotion Kejido had found less interest in living within his clan compound. The feeling there with the day to day training without any change was stagnant. The air never seemed to move and it only felt fresh when he actually left the compound and explored the village. He had been looking around at other lodgings when he had come across a shady individual in the alley. Speaking of having been a soldier for a forgotten organization long ago. The glory days of serving some group of powerful individuals who had apparently murdered a majority of criminals within Iwa themselves. However when they left the village and faded from memory the men under their employ stayed for a time. Keeping up the work against the criminals until eventually they simply looted the mansion and left it behind. Choosing to return to the village for their fortune. Information on the building had cost him a pretty coin. However the memory of where seemed to be blocked. Yet the man knew who had constructed the mansion before the organization took it over. So it was a name and a matter of going to the library. The university held all public documents within it at the edge of the village after all.

He had chosen to wear his specialist uniform. It only had the one white stripe and a red, green and white stripe under it over his left breast but it was enough to indicate his rank. Additions having been stitched in since he had gone up within his clans ranks twice since last he was here. His uniform was pressed firmly with clean creases. Black in color with red shoulder pads and red stripes around his neck and wrists. A row of four copper buttons on each side of his shirt all buttoned up. His slacks were held up by a white belt with a copper seal with his clans symbol on it. Polished black boots and white gloves finished off the look. For some odd reason though he had a kunai in a white sheath on his left hip as if there for decorative purposes. Only the hilt sticking out. Of course he had three senbon up each sleeve but those were hidden. His headband was stitched into his left shoulder carefully marking him as an Iwa nin. In his uniform and with his posture he appeared to be very regal. Straight backed with a solid stride.

Now as a sergeant he had his own responsibilities with missions but he hardly minded. His attention as on a book as he crossed the bridge. Students in uniform would rush back and forth either on their way home or on their way to class. Whatever activity they had chosen they went to class on their own schedules. A lot of newer students were from Suna since they had no where else to go. They had chosen to increase their education and that he could respect. Still they mostly kept to themselves. The majority looked into village history and architecture but that only made sense. Still he kept to himself and his own pace. A toothpick rolled along his teeth with his tongue behind closed lips with only the tip poking out. Silver eyes would glance up whenever someone passed close to him but only enough to avoid any collision. His boots clicked on the stone path until he stopped in front of the university itself. Within was a maze of everything one could be taught within. Which meant the library was rather massive. Perhaps he would recruit someone to help him search? Students likely needed a bit of coin and one could be tempted to aid with a simple task for a light purse he was certain. Either way the mansion was a temptation he didn't intend to pass up. Even if it was hidden by some strange sort of genjutsu. Who to recruit though?

655

Makoto had been trying to find ways to improve the hidden mist ninjutsu so that it did not only hide him and his allies, but also required the ability to see through it as he was not sure how to manage that. He had also been requesting items that he was waiting on for the future as well. Makoto was not sure what to do anymore as it seemed like he just could not find what it was that he was missing, was his ability to perform nature manipulation and form transformation too bad, or was it that it was nature transformation and form manipulation as his mind began to get the two mixed up as he was drowning in this desk full of books on various ninjutsu.

Makoto was beginning to get a bit frustrated and tired as he eventually dozed off on the desk as some of the books seemed to look like they may collapse on him at any moment. After some time Makoto awoke and as he got up to browse around wearing his rather plain white t-shirt and some practical shorts with some pouches for keeping basic essentials and simple sandals that he did not like, but was too lazy to worry about footwear that takes close to a minute to put on. He then noticed someone who seemed out of place not because his attire was wrong, but because he was the only one dressed so formally besides the librarians and university staff who seemed to have a lot of pride in their work.

Makoto had his headband hanging loosely from his neck since he just did not like having to readjust it while he was reading, that and the university was a relatively safe location, so he did not feel the need to be overly prepared. He did not drift too close, but he was looking at the guy curiously for a while until he noticed the Iwa headband and then confirmed this must be a shinobi as he moved passed the man to go return the three books titled 'Nature Transformation for Genin', 'Shape Transformation for Genin' and 'Jutsu Discovery and Exploration' as he took note of the person for that brief moment before reaching to the section on ninjutsu wondering why some weird looking shinobi was roaming around in the library.

Words = 391

Kejido would let his silver gaze shift around a moment to those around the entrance. A load of students obviously and teachers passing here and there but no one that appeared to show any interest in him. Head down and study seemed to be the method of survival here. His eyes would shift with a bored demeanor from person to person as anyone looking to him would avoid his gaze. How odd it was for him to experience this shift. However his thoughts on the matter were simple. Suna had been a demonstration of the superiority a single group of shinobi could accomplish. The ability to completely conquer and entire village with simply two or three people would of been laughable just a couple years earlier. The Bells war in the mist village was evidence of that folly. However Suna had fallen just the same. The difference though there was how woefully unprepared they were for such an occurrence. His attention would shift once more back the way he had come to his own village. A frown appearing on his handsome features. Would Iwa fair any better? Certainly they didn't appear to have anyone of that caliber in the public eye. It worried him.

However with that said it was all just theory and conjecture. Even a well lit place could hide salvation. Still one who sought heroes to save them was waiting for a fairy tale. Princes in shining armor did not suddenly appear with no one striving to face those odds and stop running from their fear. As such this location would be good for some secret training if he was given the chance. He simply needed to find it to change his fate and with it perhaps the fate of the village. His attention would turn once more to the university as his boots carried him up the steps to the entrance. Stepping through the double doors as he closed his book and placed it within his coat pocket. Small enough to fit most of the way within. He would hardly pay the main hall any mind as he turned to the stairs leading back to the grand library. Shifting up them in bursts when no one was looking until he was finally able to step within the library itself. Certainly a walk for such a trivial task. He sure hoped one day he would have servants for tasks such as this.

Still he could not help but be taken back by the mass of it. His eyes shifting over the multiple stories Four in total with different sections on different matters of education. Everything from Chemistry to mathematics to basic elements to a history on ones ancestral line. Still the size of it meant he might be looking for some time. He needed someone more versed in searching through the sections. His silver eyes would drift around until one boy stood out. His eyes kept shifting over to Kejido unlike the others who kept their eyes down. The headband around his neck would suggest he was of a shinobi education. Well at least this one was likely unafraid of him from the get go. Still Kejido would smile in such a way that his handsome features seemed to dare someone to come and ask him anything. Mischief and formality all in one. He had a way about him that spoke of both rigid militaristic training and yet a free mind with something just behind the mask. Still he would step over to the boy and glance at his books. Obviously educated and familiar with the library. Though the books seemed a little...beginner level. A fresh graduate perhaps? Still words would leave Kejido's lips like silk on the ear.

"Well hello there friend. I don't mean to intrude upon your studies but I was hoping you might help out a fellow Iwa nin perhaps? Oh but introductions first of course. My humble apologies. Sergeant Heishi Kejido at your service."

1321

Makoto was not sure as to why he felt the way that he did, but he had this strange feeling that sent a chill down his spine and made him feel nervous as if someone was out to get him. However maybe it was just his imagination as he was still a bit distracted by the weird attire of the man who would eventually bar his path. The smile seemed to intensify the appearance of the man who began to give off this aura of being important, while at the same time seeming completely absurd and out of place as he realized the smile was directed at him as he stopped.

The greeting was rather straight forward and simple, though it made so many assumptions that this left Makoto feeling a bit confused for a moment. He greeted him as if he was a friend even though its the first time they have met, though the apology was well received and made Makoto think more highly of him straight away. He was requested to provide assistance to a fellow shinobi of the hidden stone village, and it was to this end that the man finally introduced his weird self.

His name was Heishi Kejido and he was a sergeant which suggested this guy was from the military, a place he was familiar with as something he has read and also as a group of people he had the displeasure of fighting. The military spent more time fighting with numbers and tactics then with jutsu, which did not sit well with Makoto. If they provided extra jutsu classes he might have considered joining them to get more fit and for basic training overall. However Makoto respected the honesty and finally decided to give a reply of his own.

Makoto rubbed his weary eyes with his hand before taking a deep breathe that turned into a yawn as he blinked a few times as he was tired from all the reading he had been doing. "My name is Makoto, if you want me to help you..." as makoto looked towards the books he was holding and then back towards the sergeant as he wondered if the man could even help him to begin with.

"... well, I can help if it's not too much trouble. Though can you help me with my jutsu training after?" as he tilted his head to the side to suggest he was asking with this gleam in his eye, as his hair hung to the side. His hair had really gotten long as it reached at least a third of the way down his back already. Though cutting his hair was the least of his concerns, he needed someone to help with his jutsu training and he needed something to do to help break this dark spell of boredom that was lulling him to sleep. The look in Makoto's eyes gave the impression that he was rather innocent, but there seemed to be a darkness hidden within them at the same time.

Words = 391 + 506 = 897

Kejido would smile as his eyes would study the boy a moment. Taking him in and measuring him. Always measuring the quality of everyone he felt the need to speak to. Any time he would meet someone and actually engage them it was worth the time it took. The attention to detail. This one didn't carry any weapons of note, no air of power or authority. His very demeanor was outputting simply because of how common he appeared to be in that moment. Kejido was almost certain they were on different tiers of potential. Raw potential and talent anyway. He had always forced his way to the front of any class he was in. Taking leaps and bounds most others considered dangerous if only to achieve being better. It was expected of someone of his class after all. If he was to falter and fall behind it would be dishonorable. Hell if he were to only be slightly above average it would be looked down on. However this one, while he was not clearly talented, appeared to possess a desire to learn and grow. Another type he had come to know and at times despise. Always pressing themselves to be better and putting in so much effort. So often they made it so he had to push himself a little more just to stay ahead of them. Always prodigy over effort. If only he could just be lazy.

Still it would amuse Kejido that this boy would barter with him. Having just met him and already he was making a deal. A cold introduction with out any foreplay and straight to business. All stick and no carrot. It was a shame but he supposed individuals could get tunnel vision. That said Kejido had to be careful here. He could use his jutsu but it was doubtful that this one would gain much from that unless he was of similar talents. Of course that wasn't to say he didn't have his own talents. He would smile to himself inwardly while his lips would hardly twitch. All these types cared for was anything that granted them power. Perhaps he wasn't hungry enough yet to do anything but something simple could be proposed. With that thought however Kejido would let off a shrug with one hand up. His left hand raised to his shoulder with the palm up as if to indicate he didn't much care. Still he would speak up in return.

"Well I suppose that rests entirely on how our talents match up. I find that typically one finds out more about what they lack in a spar even should they lose than they might from a book. Experience is its own reward. If you help me find some old blueprints for a mansion made years ago in the wilds I will in turn have one match with you. One on one all weapons and jutsu allowed. Surely you would gain much from this."

Kejido would smile and let his hand fall down to rest on his hip. He wasn't wrong though he was sure the boy was looking more for actual information. Perhaps clan jutsu or something Kejido had made himself. Still those silver eyes would gaze into the boys own. The smile on his face not reaching them. How dangerous could a man in uniform be? Just another soldier. Nothing in comparison to a real shinobi. Of course that was never the case with his clan. Their grand physical potential and their strive to be the best always made them dangerous. The Heishi. Undoubtedly the boy would come to learn more of them soon. Especially if he took Kejido up on his offer. Not that the boy was in his league. Few were these days. Still he would wait for the response and follow the boy if he directed him somewhere he wanted to be. Such as next to the blue prints.

1980

Makoto was not sure when the smiling would end, was this guy trying to kill him with smiles as he had this clueless look begin to form on his face after a while. He was not sure what was going on, but he was beginning to wonder if this was a contest and battle of wits. However he could not rule out that he was being observed, tested or just being scoped out at this point.

After some time passed it seemed that this guy was shrugging him off as he just waited patiently for the reply, he was not that good at reading body language so he might as well wait to hear the words out of that smiling mouth. He felt like that smile would haunt him if he looked at it much more as he let his eyes look to the side for a moment when someone walked passed, before focusing on Kejido again.

The guy mentioned that it would depend on how well they match up in talent which had him a bit worried, other then his hunger and enthusiasm for jutsu he was not really talented in any areas. The guy mentioned learning more from a fight or a spar then from a book, as Makoto felt there was no way to argue this as he looked down disappointed as he already understood that much, but had hoped there would be a better and more ideal way. The guy then offered him the chance to have a duel in exchange for helping him to find some blue prints as it seemed Kejido finally got to the main point of the conversation as a whole. Offering a spar seemed a bit generous considering those who knew him would not waste time fighting a weakling.

That smile was a bit troubling, while it did not show on his face deep down Makoto wanted to hit that smile off Kejido's face, though he was not sure why as his emotions seemed to be acting up on the inside as he just bottled them up for now.

"I will help you..." as he thought about the request for a while as he stretched raising both arms as high as he could then settling them both in what may look like a Y-pose. After that short stretch his expression seemed to change slightly as he first pointed to the back of the isle they were near. "If you looking for books on the wilds you can find them there, but if you looking for a mansion... is it an old mansion?" as he tilted his head to the side for a moment as his bangs on the one side hung loose, his hair really was long as it was resting on his one shoulder as he wondered when he would go for a hair cut.

"We might find it in the history section that I was heading to, follow me" as he headed off in the direction of a rather secluded section that looked really old and if he was followed he would just walk normally. The books in this section gathered dust at times and while there were many books with good information here, most of the people here were focused on the newer standard history books that were summarized. When he finally got to the section he would look back to his follower and make a small statement. "If it's an old mansion you will definitely find it here, sorry if I made a mistake" as he realized the mansion was not confirmed as old to begin with. He also knew that there was a book on the history of jutsu here as well as he wanted to check out more information on the use of clones, mist and fireballs since they were the main jutsu he had managed to learn at the time.

Words = 897 + 649 = 1546

Kejido would listen to the boy as he replied. Offering his help before inquiring about information further on the subject. Of course it would narrow down the search range if he knew that information. Regretfully the information he had purchased was more of a bare hint at a treasure than an actual specific map. Still it appeared the boy knew his stuff and was willing to help Kejido in response for chance to grow. Surely that was to be respected. Though he sincerely doubted the boy would enjoy that particular lesson. He seemed to be interested in molding jutsu and didn't carry himself like a hand to hand fighter. Nor did he carry any weapons on himself. It could be an oversight as a shinobi he supposed or he was attempting to respect the school. Honestly though it would be misplaced if that were the case. The school taught the ninja arts as well. Dozens of different classes in different weapon and hand to hand forms. It was common to see someone walking with a sword or bow on them around the university. His own kunai didn't warrant more than a glance. Still he was here for a purpose. To find that manor and lay some claim.

Still his lack of response was not needed after all. Or rather he didn't need to respond. The boy was already on a roll. Turning on his heel and heading up the stairs to the second floor and back a bit. The history section was how it was labeled with a white sign hanging from chains. The letters in plain bold black. Still he hadn't considered it would be there. For a moment they looked around until they found a section entirely dedicated to the history of buildings in Iwa. A section that was four rows large. Still the boy seemed sure that if it was old enough it would be found there. Official records were kept in this section after all. Just a great deal of them. He apologized ahead of time if he was wrong. Still Kejido was distracted now. Not replying at first as he moved down the first row. Most of it was buildings within the village itself. However after two rows of nothing useful he reached the third and found a much smaller section of buildings constructed within the wilds. To that his smile would return as his silver eyes scanned the shelves.

"I dare say I doubt you were wrong at all Makoto. This may very well be exactly what I am looking for. Yes....may very well be..."

He trailed off a little before a gloved hand reached forward. Trailing along the folders and books there. Each one labeled with a sticker below it on the shelf. A great deal of outposts and fortresses....some farms here and there as well as more simple living establishments. Most of those had been fitted with a red tag as they had been marked as demolished or unlivable anymore. Old as they were Iwa simply couldn't keep up with anyone choosing to live outside the village. It was indeed a wild lands out there. Man fending for himself unless he paid the village for protection. Still his hand stopped and collected a specific folder. His eyes lighting up. It was a simple one with only a dozen blue prints but it was the only large establishment on the frontier. He would grin as he shifted through it until he found what he was looking for. Coordinates. The exact location it had been built on. Idly he would take the folder and shove it into his coat. His silver eyes studying the boy again. As if doubting he would tattle. Still there was incentive.

"You have done well. Are you still interested in that....training session was it?"

2623

Makoto was worried he made a mistake as it seemed Kejido was lost in his own world searching through the section, scanning for what it was that he needed so desperately. Though it was not a sign of desperation, but it must be really important for him to seem to be all but ignoring Makoto who just got the jutsu book he was looking for as he hugged it against his chest, the book was nearly big enough to be a pillow, but fortunately it was not too thick.

After a while the guy got this strange smile on his face that made Makoto worried as he felt nervous as the guy's silver eyes stood out even more as he wondered if silver eyes were akin to some kind of eye technique. However he did not dwell on that too much as he finally got a reply that said he was not wrong at all. He felt a wave of relief wash over him as if the world had acknowledged and praised him for doing something right, he did not often receive praise so when he did get some form of it he was full of joy. Though it did not show on his face, other then his eyes seeming to fill with a bit of life.

Makoto noticed that Kejido trailed off for a bit and let his gloved hand reach out to search through the folders and the books as he seemed to be browsing passed old outposts and fortresses, as this seemed a bit strange as he wondered why a mansion would be near things like these. Makoto looked up to Kejido as he began to wonder who he was, but decided it did not really matter much as he lost interest when he remembered he would have a chance to try out some of his new jutsu.

That moment when Kejido's eyes lit up as he seemed to have found something, he waited patiently as he watched how that smile evolved into a grin as it seemed that he finally found what he was looking for all this time. It seemed strange that Kejido would shove the book into his coat as he wondered if the book was either restricted or Kejido did not have library permissions. Either of these did not matter to him and it was not like he had anyone to report it to, with the current state of the village that was being kept under wraps for the time being. If anyone knew of the absence of the Kage they would more then likely turn this village into the hidden sand village which looked more like the forgotten dust village with all that had occurred there.

When Kejido finally asked if he was still interested he thought about it for a bit and replied. "yes, so where we going to do it?" Makoto had this look on his face that seemed like he was lost or confused, even though it was just the general look on his face for the time being as he did not socialize often enough to show emotions better. Makoto also noticed more people were starting to enter the library as he started moving towards the exit expecting Kejido to follow or pass him by since they could not think of fighting in this haven for books as he began thinking of where they could have this training session of theirs, as well as Makoto wondering what he could learn from Kejido.

Words = 1546 + 586 = 2132

Kejido would glance passed the boy and identify those entering the room. Students flooding in for a study session. Excellent timing for fading away with what was hopefully the only copy of the document he was after. His silver eyes studied the crowd filing in and the sudden bustle of the librarians. There was but one witness to his theft. His greed. His silver eyes shifted back to the boy who forever seemed to be studying him. His little helper. Such a sweet boy. He of course could simply see an accident happening. Perhaps he would fall over the railing. A drop at this height for an unsuspecting fresh graduate...how unfortunate. However there were too many variables to consider. What if there was someone down there who could save him? What if the boy had the ability to save himself? Would there be an investigation? He had been seen with Kejido he was sure of that. Too many questions. Too much trouble. It was better to simply let it be as it was. If they did listen to the boy should he tell them, well Kejido wouldn't hold the evidence for too long. It would be destroyed once its use had been accomplished. Still the boy would inquire of his training and Kejido would smile. That same charming smile that didn't match his eyes but let out the silky voice.

"Of course my dear boy. I had not forgotten. If you wish to learn from me, meet me outside the southern gate at noon in two days. Bring your gear."

With that Kejido would wink to Makoto. Patting him on the shoulder as he passed before he seemed to simply slip into the crowd. Even as such a sharply dressed man he seemed to blend in like a phantom. One moment the eyes might detect him and the next he had simply vanished into the masses. His steps were like liquid finding the easiest route out away from prying eyes and in moments he was far from the library. Crossing the bridge again as he would retrieve the document. Slipping it open only once he was away from the bridge leading to the university and reading it over. Wonderful. The mansion was extensive and suiting him. Whatever troubles he had to overcome he would claim this land for himself. Of course the claim would be placed under his clan for an abandoned training facility but he would oversee it. Whatever came to pass he now had his mansion. He would pause a moment as he memorized the coordinates before taking it in both hands and ripping it to shreds. With that done he would toss it over the chasm into the misty waters below. Only he and whoever the original owners were could know of this place. If they came back to lay claim to it, well with any luck the law would be on his side. All he needed was the time to claim it. His smile would twist into something wicked before he would pick up a whistling tune. Heading to go and gather some traveling supplies.

3000 +
exit thread
Silencing whisper 1500/1500 trained
Isolated dream 1500/1500 trained

For some reason the reply made Makoto's danger sense or instinct want to kick in as he wondered if there was any reason to fear this weird looking guy, even though the attire was formal no matter how he looked at it the outfit would always appear weird to Makoto. The guy was calling him his dear boy as it seemed a bit strange, but he was not going to ask about it since he was not that interested in the way it was said. He mentioned that he would teach Makoto and that they should meet outside the southern gate at noon within two days time and that he should bring his gear.

The wink at the end made Makoto a bit worried, though he found the weirdness of Kejido to be a bit more interesting then the usual normality which was not all that normal either. The pat on the shoulder was a bit disturbing, but for a completely different reason as he remembered in the past when he received a pat on the shoulder by the one academy teacher when he finally performed his first ninjutsu. However a part of him also remembered his father walking away and patting him before heading off on an adventure, he noticed this and while he was worried that he may never see this man again. A part of Makoto wanted to believe in Kejido, he wanted to put his faith in this strange weird guy who might help him. Even if they never met again it would be a lesson learned as he also managed to get a book he was looking for as well.

As he watched before the man began shifting between the crowds he just went over to the librarian as usual and took out the books he needed and went home to begin doing some extra reading there. Some of the books could not be taken out as he wished to take a look at the book in the restricted section which listed some ninjutsu others could not use at all. However he had no time to worry about that, he had to prepare for two days time when his fight would have to begin.

Words = 2132 + 370 = 2502

[exit]

Training C-Rank Jutsu Shoshinsha Hadoken = 1000
Training D-Rank Jutsu Slippery Stream =750
Training D-Rank Jutsu Pond Creation = 750

Total = 2500