It's morning. The finals of the Chuunin Exams would be held two days from now, and during that time he will once again find himself busy with the grind that comes from working at Takigakure's hospital. After dealing with some trash in his hometown. He decided to visit the reclusive Nation and offer the hospital his medical skills, something they snatched up greedily. There wasn't much of a interview process, for no sooner after hearing his name, and seeing some his more notable  credentials, they hurried up and hired him quickly. It wasn't everyday where a hospital can brag about having Guanyin 'Pestilence of Iwa' Nanashi as one of their doctors on call. The notoriety of the silver haired male was something they couldn't pass up, and the fact he would be helping teach, tutoring, some of their everyday medics and nurses? Yeah, it were a goldmine for them. There were much that one can learn from someone of his skills, and everyone in the hospital knew that.

"I wonder does she care about me working there?" 'She' being a reference to Senju Chisaki, his former lover, and new owner of the hospital that he works at. He had founded out about that tid-bit of information by some disgruntled employees who didn't like the fact of a shinobi from another village owning the main hospital in Takigakure, a normally closed off village. For the longest time the village had owned everything within it's border, and now it seemed like that won't be the case for much longer, and it had caused some employees to be less than happy. Nanashi did his part in listening to their complaints, soothing their concerns, and given them ways to retake the hospital ownership, which most were happy for. Though the majority seemed pleased with the new ownership, and was content with the new owner. Nanashi himself didn't care one way or another, he was simply there to work.

"And here I am thinking about work on my day off. A hearty chuckled ripped throughout the living room of the empty apartment that he rented out for his stay in Takigakure. It's a spacious home away home with furniture here and there while still giving enough walk room and the illusion of it being bigger than what it is. The curtains were spread open, allowing the morning waves to illuminate the room and bring much needed warmth to the slightly cold area.

Standing up from his seated position at the table and closing a file that he were reading, Nanashi placed the now empty tea cup into the sink before making his way to the washroom. . .

A few minutes passed before Nanashi emerged from his apartment dressed in an elegant silk kimono, a deep seated blue in color with intricate golden designs woven onto the back, a white obi, and reinforced geta. His long silver locks were neatly combed and was left free flowing passed his shoulders with the bangs covering up the black eye patch over his right eye.  Nanashi took towards the market district, but not before making sure his door was locked.

"There's a lot of people." The rather acute observation was spot on, for the despite being relatively early(10:20am), the streets of Takigakure were brimming with activity. Children were running about laughing at jokes only they would understand, worrying their parents who had lost track of them due to stopping and striking up a conversation with a friend or two. The civilians, and even some shinobi, were all in high spirits, laughing and joking with one another. The atmosphere were nice.

"One of the better things coming from the Chuunin Exams." While his comments about the handling of the exams are shrewd and somewhat jaded, he couldn't deny the positives of the event. While it does give Kages a chance to showcase their shinobi to potential clients, it also make the hosting village an ideal tourist spot. Some of the same clients ended up setting up small shops throughout the market district, getting their product to people who they normally couldn't reach, along with gaining some new customers. Not all the shops were made for adults, there were some especially catered to children, and it was one of these small carnival shops where Nanashi find himself venturing.

The medic had promised his sisters that he would buy them some trinkets and other little novelties. Stepping up to a shop that sold stuff bears and small jewelry, Nanashi would buy a few of them, sealing them up in a scroll and placing it within his kimono. Leaving the shop, he started heading towards another one, passing by a black haired woman with a blindfold on.

---

799/799

It was never easy sleeping somewhere new. 
The routinely made beds always held one too many lumps to be close to comfortable. The daytime sunlight poking it's long luminescent finger tips through the cracked windows always shone a few tones too bright. And every tiny, soft flickering sound echoed though quiet ears like a ticking clock down an empty hall way. When ever it was. Where ever you are. It didn't matter. Whether the world was closing it's eyes to take a breath, or was waking up with the moments after dawn. It was always hard to find peace in such a different a place. A peace that the young Houkyaku had yearned for since she stepped within the border of Takigakure that night. 


Yes. That's right. 


It was late when Shizuka stepped tentatively across the border of the waterfall village. She remembered feeling the heavy chill resting weighty against her skin like a cool blanket and the ice touched wind that blew right through it. There was the  sound of shuffling footsteps steps from the last few of the walking wake as they searched for their rooms, and the scuttling of nocturnal creatures, venturing beyond their sanctuaries. But neither of them was as prominent as the stinging ache across her ribs, her arms, the pit in her stomach. The resounding patterns paled in comparison to the near painful pounding, thrumming rhythm, beating in her chest. Begging. Warning. Throbbing. Shizuka stopped listening.  No... 
No instead she focused on the pit-patting footsteps across the grass. Lightly treading past the hospital despite the bruises and bleeding. Tiptoeing cautiously away from the closing food stand despite the hunger clawing at her gut. Straight determined all the way to the inn at the end of the road, one hundred and three footprints away. 
Collapsing on to the lumps and nursed by the lights, the sounds; it was the only relief she could hope for.  It was such a shame

Such a shame



It was closer to mid morning when the young chunin decided to head out to start her search.

Pulling herself free from the barely disturbed sheets, the younger female spent the first few hours familiarizing herself with the room. Counting the steps between each wall, cautiously feeling her way around the scarce amount of furniture. Remembering where to walk and what to keep her distance from. As soon as she was comfortable with getting around the area without having to pace out directions in the small space, she was fine to move on to the small bathroom and wash away the last traces of yesterday's troubles and get change in to the only other item of clothing she owned. A dark blue kimono with a silver tie to hold it together, similar to what she always wore.
Again, it didn't matter. New. Old. Today was a new day for new experiences. The cuts and bruises of before, the stresses and anxieties. Evidence of another failure. Their time was over. It would be the first step towards finding what belonged to her since the old woman passed nearly a year ago. And it would be a good day. 

How good? She wouldn't know till an hour after she headed towards the market place. 


There were people everywhere in this place. 
Busily running two and from the sweet salt smelling stalls. Twisting their way through each other like individual rapids. Moving in a chaotic unison like a stampeding wave of resounding footsteps. It took all of the female's concentration to determine which quaking steps were hers and which belonged to one of the enigma's carelessly pushing past. But behind the noise and disorientating shoves there was something else. Something her acute senses picked up on the moment it got within her range. 
A hesitating footstep, followed by a slightly purposeful stride. Careful, steady, calculating, with a slight shift in balance because of a sight deficiency. Shizuka had felt too many people to remember them all. She heard too many before. But there were some that clung to her memory like last night's chill on her skin. Some footsteps she could never forget. One of them, were the people who hurt her. Another was the older male who she had the pleasure of meeting back in Konoha some weeks ago. She had not heard him since.

So, with almost meticulous control, the Houkayu altered her focus to drawing on her chakra. Pulling, diverting, urging it through until she could feel it buzzing under the layers of porcelain skin. Then, patiently, she waited. She waited until he got closer...and closer.... and closer; until he was right beside her. Brushing against her arm, feeling the cool of her skin. And that was when she released her jutsu. And it would feel so wonderfully familiar. 
Like a barely there warm breeze against his skin, she would reach her feather light touch in to his mind, his consciousness. Slipping inside like a secret in a memory if he gave her the chance. There she would rest, holding on until the second ability activated. And then he would hear her voice mingling with his thoughts.


"Master Nanashi. It's been a while. What brings you to this sodden place. I would have thought you would have rather avoided all these people? Either way... it's good to see you again. Well... hear you" 

------------------

Words:905

Chakra (count to be added in later):

Nanashi didn't noticed the subtle prodding of the genjutsu trying to ensnare him within it's dangerous grasps. He didn't hear the sirens of the foreign chakra, trying to lull his guard like the myths of old, nor did he feel the loving, feathery caresses of it trying to soothe him into a false sense of security. He didn't feel nor notice none of this as the invade work meticulous at picking away at his elaborate defensive, trying in van to gain access to the hidden contents. The silver haired man wasn't aware that the invade had finally manage to sneak behind enemy lines and was making a residents there, till it was too late, and by that time the sweet voice of someone he hadn't heard from in weeks had penetrated his mind.

"Shizuka?" the word, at first, came out with some uncertainty, Nanashi having forgotten the voice of one of his students.  It had been some time since he had last heard the voice within his head, a few months to be exact, back in Konoha. The silver haired youth having disappeared off the face of the earth after returning to Tsuchi no Kuni and turning down the position of Tsuchikage. He had secluded himself within a small town on the outskirts of Tsuchi no Kuni: Nakinagarish his safe haven and birthplace. He wasn't hiding for anything or anyone. Miyuko, his mother, had sent him an urgent message that required him to return home for an extended amount of time. The exact reasoning him going back there, along with what happened, were locked away in the deepest part of his mind. Not for his sake, but for Shizuka; she didn't need to see the hell that he caused.

"Normally you would be correct in that assumption, but this time you're not. My sisters. . ." images of girls of various ages, hair color and complexion all dressed in different style and colored kimonos, materialized in his mind, giving Shizuka a glimpse of his family. . . his geisha family" wanted me to bring them some gifts from Takigakure, seeing how they themselves can't travel. So, I been moving from merchant to merchant and buying a variety of little trinkets, and other things for them. " his words being ejected in a calm manner with a hint of happiness mixed in.  Shizuka, had been one of the few to glance at the people who Nanashi held dear to his heart. Of those who the man would go to great lengths in protecting.

"What about you? What brings you out in a place like this?" he asked, having come to the realization that the woman who he had bumped into earlier was indeed the one he was currently speaking to. He would have to apologize for that later, although, if she was reading his thought, she probably already knew that already.

"Shouldn't it be somewhat difficult to maneuver with all these different sounds?" his inquired projecting it through the link that they were sharing. At the same time, Nanashi had spotted Shizuka and was currently closing in on her. Having caught up with her, Nanashi walked side by side the woman " How have you been? No one been causing you any trouble, right? Everything been going fine with Konoha?" he asked in a  caring manner. Nanashi remember that the Hokage, at the time of them meeting, wasn't the most 'kind' towards Shizuka, and it didn't sit well with the Gaunyin at all. It's that reason why he asked how she was doing. Even though there is a new Hokage, a male Senju, Nanashi still wanted to check up on her.

She was his, unofficial and unknown, student. So, wasn't it his responsibility to check up on his students? As they talk the sliver haired male would simply follow Shizuka, having finished most of his shopping, till she got rid of him.

---

It was strange 

It had been years since she had learned the ability to step inside someone's mind. And yet... even now it still felt as alien to her as it did to the people she ensnared. 
The first part, had always come the easiest. All you needed was focus and control. Be steady. Be ready. Concentrate. Just feel the raw flowing chakra coursing deep inside and patiently breathe it to the surface. But then.... after all that; you had to let it go. Let it all go. Lose all that built up chakra. Lose that part of your mind. For a few long moments you had to lose everything, until that small piece of yourself had something else to grab on to. And just hope that it could hold on long enough... tight enough...just enough to crawl in to that small opening to whichever mind was within her gentle reach. But once inside. When looking through the eyes of a stranger's identity; it was like looking at a sunset for the first time. Full of awe and wonder. Curiosity. Each pair of eyes were different. No one saw anything in the same way And this was the secret that helped to confirm that he was who she thought he was.  


And also how she would find them.

But that would come later.

The moment she had felt that familiar pulling placement of her consciousness, the young chunin slowed her steadily sure footsteps and carefully meandered over towards the closest stall. Keeping out of the way of the tidal moving crowds while being careful not to break the strong hold of her jutsu. It was there, at the edge of a nearby clothing store that she waited quietly. Patiently. Anxiously while the unspoken words pierced his thoughts, and for the next ability to take hold. The unusual technique that unleashed a world of colour in to her darkness as she peered through the single seeing eye of the older medic. So clearly. So perfectly. So secretly she would search with him. She would watch him look. And by the time he had found her fingering the silks she could never afford, tracing her fingers across the fringed hems and intricate embroidery. By the time her gaze found her sightless eyes once more, the strangeness had dissipated and everything was once again, okay.   

"That is very kind of you. Going out of your way to a place as busy as this just to buy some trinkets. Correct me if I am wrong, but it sounds like you are fortunate enough to have a strong bond with your family. I think that's simply wonderful" 

She wasn't lying. There was no dishonestly in her words. No false hood in her expression. Even as the images mingled briefly between her thoughts, causing the politely light expression to turn away; there was nothing to hint at the pinching choke hold deep in her gut. The stabbing glass memory at the unexpected mention of the word. The complete and utter burning sadness that sat under her skin like a raging fever. She had said he was fortunate to experience such a concept as family. The binding, empowering sensation it brought. 
But really, deep down after having nothing but a taste, a teasing graze of this feeling against open palmed wanting hands. She would never tell. It would never show. But lucky didn't begin to cover it. 

Still... she continued. 

"Usually you would be correct.... but in this case you too are wrong. Because there is so many people here, the footsteps are a like a constant rumbling across the ground...." the girl started to explain, making her way across the different racks of clothes. Oblivious to the stall owner who watched her with morbid curiosity and a false hope. 
"Because of that, it's easier to determine something out of the ordinary. Kind of like hearing a flute among an orchestra of drums. I can hear my footsteps... and I can hear yours because to me, they sound different to everyone else's here. Helps me to move around... though not so much with direction. That's when these kind merchants yelling out their wares come in handy"

Shizuka turned to the merchant with that same smile just in time to see him look away and feign interest in the kimono set before him. 
She didn't need Nanashi to look, to know what the man was thinking. Blind girl. Raggedy clothes. Nothing of belonging to speak of. A few wishes and a handful of pleading sighs would all she would be spending in a store like this. And yet... and yet one by one, the woman continued to make her way around the shop, brushing her hand against every fabric, running her fingers across every obi she could reach without feeling the owner get a step closer to kicking her out for just dirtying the more expensive items. But then... she stopped. The dark haired female paused her movements and lingered a moment in front of a simple black yukata. It was one of those cheaper garments. Made of cotton and satin it had fine snowflakes embroiled in to the hemming and the matching snow blue obi. It looked nice but it felt beautiful.

I like this one

Then she let go. She moved on.
And turned to answer him once again.

"There is a lot of people here. A lot. I thought that maybe, since everyone else has come to watch the exams; they might have come too. Or at least someone who knew of them. I haven't heard anything more in Konoha... so it was worth a try. But.... I haven't heard anything here either. I guess... fate must have had something else in store for them this time around."


Another sigh whispered it's escape from her lips as she walked to the edge of the store, looking up at him with her smile. 
He asked if there was anyone that had caused her trouble. If she was doing alright. If she was okay. Why was that one question always so damn hard to answer? Well..... at first,  she had thought to explain that everything had been fine. Konoha was at it's usual level of tension. She had gone on a few missions. Met a few people. Had a peaceful walk to Takigakure with a few of the lesser known merchants. But... behind the friendly smiles and short successes other things had happened. In that mission someone had called her a monster. They had called her a freak... and she believed them. After that, she had stopped sleeping. Stopped eating. When she walked over to the land of waterfalls, she had been so weak that when they attacked, all she could do was stand back and wait for them to save her. A graze across her arm, blood dried down her calves. Scraps and bruises hidden behind the tears. 

She hadn't even been to the hospital yet.

"Yeah. Everything has been alright. 
And what about yourself? Have you been here long? Did you find everything you needed?"

Do you believe me?

Shizuka simply watched him with that same light hearted smile, waiting for the answer. Hoping that he would not see through her as she was looking through him.

------

Words: 1226
Total: 2131

Even as he looked around for Shizuka's whereabouts, eyes scanning across the sea of people, looking for the woman who he had met some time ago, Nanashi knew that his sight had been hijacked by her, the same as his mind, and she was seeing everything he was. Although, hijacked might not be the most proper term in this situation because Shizuka's abilities didn't take over a person's mind or sight but rather, to put it in laneman terms, hitched ride. They experienced everything the original owner does, nothing more nor less. But the thought of someone seeing and knowing your very thoughts might seen scary to many, their reasoning being valid, but to Nanashi, it didn't bother him at all . . . well as long as it was someone he trusted, and he trusted Shizuka.

The trust he had for the woman being the dominant factor in while his mental defense gave away without much trouble, it recognized that the woman meant no harm to it's person. The memories of the time spent toward gave it reasons to see her in a non-threatening light. However, it did put up a small resistance more so for Nanashi's own amusement than anything else. Can't allow her to get in so easily all the time, right?

Nanashi closed the distanced between the pair, having finally founded the woman he been searching for, fingering the silks of clothing on display at a nearby clothing shop, with some interest or at least that what it looked like. After mentioned his reasoning for being in such a place, Nanashi took the allotted time to truly look at the woman before him, and he couldn't help but to frown. Knowing that she still had a good hold onto his mind and could read any of his thoughts like an open book, he didn't allow his current, more worrying thoughts to surface for long. They appeared and disappeared like a ghost, leaving nothing behind to indicate that they were once there.

"You are correct. I do have a strong bond with my family." the words were sincere and held a warmth that would surely be felt by Shizuka through the connect they currently shared. "While most of them are not blood related, I see them all as family. Just like how I see you as such." the words were soft, barely a whisper but carried loudly enough for Shizuka to hear them. There wasn't any deceit in his admission, Nanashi truly saw the woman before him as family.

She had been on his mind a lot during his time away from Konohagakure. He often founded himself thinking about her well-being in the village that afflicted additional pain onto her. He thought about her progression in the shinobi arts, and wondered if she still wanted to learn from someone like him. There were even sometimes where he simply wanted to see her, to check up on her personally, and chat with her over a cup of tea or something. Yes,  Shizuka had been on his mind a lot as of late.

When one think of family they immediately think of a close-knit group of people, related by blood, that look after another. While the definition might fit the stereotypical family, it doesn't fit Nanashi's. A family to him is a group of people, not specifically related by blood, who gets along and help out each other. It's a group that will drop anything to comfort a distraught sibling. A group who will go through great lengths in making sure that their family is safe, crushing any and all who dares to hurt them. That's Nanashi's idea of a family, and despite this being their second official meeting,  he saw Shizuka as such. Such a stark contrast from the man of old. . .

"I stand corrected than." Nanashi's hand brushed up against hers, as the distance between them closed considerably. Warmth with a hint of dangerous radiated off his frame, giving comfort to the woman beside him, but also a sense of uneasiest to those wanting to say something to Shizuka. He noticed, just like Shizuka, how the merchant was watching the blind woman with false hope and morbid curiosity. "You would have to mentally map out an area before you could safety navigate it, correct?" he inquired.

A smile graced his features as he watched her linger at a black yutaka with snowflake embroiled on the hemming and a matching snow blue obi, a little bit longer than she did the others. He had the small inclination that she wanted the item but didn't have the money to pay for it. Without much thought, Nanashi picked up the yukata, turning his attention to the merchant and nodding at him, before catching up with Shizuka. To her, Nanashi would simply be buying the yutaka for a family member, while in truth, it would be a gift for her.


"There are too many eyes at an event like this for them to show up and start trouble. Sure, they could try and finish what they started but why risk it in such a heavily populated place? You know I'm willing to help you track them down, just give me the word." being in Anbu gave Nanashi lenient most ordinal shinobi didn't have, it allowed him to visit places off-limits to others along with granting him license to use some more questionable means to get information. If Shizuka wanted his help, he will do everything in his power to track them down.


"I need to pay for something before we leave." He stated before quickly hurrying towards the merchant and paying for the yutakas that he had gather during the walk through the shop, sealing them all up in a scroll and making his way back to Shizuka.


"Do you want to tell me now or wait till we get to your apartment? Either way we are going to find a place where I can heal." He stated, walking out of the store with Shizuka, his hand brushing against her "You are hiding it well but your movements are slower than the last time we met. You walking with a barely noticeable limb. Your hands have small cut marks on them. I wouldn't be surprise if there are more wounds on you."

Seeing how Shizuka didn't want to admit to her injuries, Nanashi decided to confront her about them, though rather this be in the public or in the privacy of her apartment would be up to Shizuka. The silver haired male felt hurt at the thought of Shizuka not telling him about her injuries. She had to know that he would have healed him, if he had known about them, but yet she kept quiet.


Oh what is he going to do with her. . .

---

Words: 1157
Total: 2616

Familiar ties. Distant memories.

That once upon a time may have been just beyond the blind woman's reach; but even now she could still see it in the distance, she could still see it as clearly as looking through a lightly frosted window. A family she once knew in a life she once lived. A different time... She had almost forgotten how small that world was before... and how crowded it had been.
Mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles. Cousins and grandparents from both sides. Mixed and mingled with a family friend or two, the Houkyaku family lived tightly together in a place far from the eyes of the village and away from the cold of the mountains. A place so.... simply, perfectly beautiful, that back then, one tended not to think about the rest of the world and the people in it. No one cared. Well... no one except for Shizuka.
Being the last born to the chaotic squabble, the dark sapphire haired girl, had known nothing but the confines of her family home. The only people she could talk to were the crowd of family, the only walls were the ones she would frequent every day. Even the glacial type mountains peeking through the silvery tinged clouds always remained the same. Everyone everywhere knew everything about everyone else and it got more suffocating each day.

Though she had never expected that the price of oxygen, meant losing everything she had ever known. 

That was... until she had met that first stranger. A woman so unfamiliar, so bizarre that for the longest time Shizuka was terrified of her. Even when locked in a cupboard out of sight, out of mind,  her very presence chilled the girl to the bone. But in time, that changed and Shizuka found family once more....

And once more... lost it again.


Later on, shortly after meeting that mysteriously comforting ninja all those months ago, she learned something. An important fact of life that stuck with her like that misty far off memory. Family: they always left. No matter how strong the tie was, no matter how firm it held. It always found a way to fray and break with time. It never lasted. But with friendship how ever... well.. Friendship was strong. Though the threads were thinner and not as durable, there would always be more. Constantly breaking and frequently repairing. Doubling over even when you didn't expect it to. It wasn't until she experienced the unyielding loyalty and strength of Shakai and the untainted kindness of her wise new teacher; did it finally sink in.
Shizuka Houkyaku had lost all her family, but her friends were always there. Which was exactly what prompted the young female to shake her head, a sadly polite smile shaping the polite expression after hearing the older shinobi's gently kind words. 

"I'm sorry. And I apologise if this is difficult to understand but... I don't want family.  I would be much happier, if you stayed my friend and nothing more. It's hard to explain... but please. It's for the best" 


Silenced followed her around the stall as she continued to finger the fabrics on each shelf, secretly enjoying the sensation against her steady fingertips. It was when she paused at the one Yukata. The one with the snowflakes that reminded her of the home she once knew, did she turn back to him to further answer his questions.

"Usually... yes. In small areas I can tell what is where by walking around the rooms no more than three times. But places like this, its too big... too noisy and it changes too often. Mapping it out roughly would take too long so moving around is purely instinctual. Following people, scents and calls. It's the easiest way in places as busy and as large as this. But yes... you're right. There is too many people here for them to do anything. But they might not be here to cause trouble. They could be like everyone else and come here for the exams... the markets and entertainment. At least... that was what I was hoping for. I guess, I was still wrong... again. Wishful thinking...." 



Always

As Nanashi left to pay for the item, the chunin carefully made her way to the next stall across, focusing mostly on her sense of smell touch.... memories; blocking out his sight so she cold start picking out a few pieces of fruit from the neatly packed shelves. The girl grabbed a small bag of rice, some pieces of meat, and a mixed satchel of vegetables, along with a few random items that together would cost less than that one gorgeous piece of clothing. And then... by the time she had them all packed away in a brown paper bag and felt for the right amount of coins in the handed down, hand sewn purse, the male had finished with his business and she was now back to standing beside him with the bag grasped tightly to her chest. 
This was what she had stuck around here for and now it was time to go.

"Well I....." 

"Do you want to tell me now or wait till we get to your apartment?


"Huh?....oh"

Her smile dropped. She gripped the groceries closer to her chest,as she subconsciously watched herself turn away from him. Head hung towards the ground and shoulders tensed.  Of course he had to notice. Nanashi Guanyin was one of the world's most talented medic, and she was a mere blind girl in a strange place surrounded by stranger people. What could she have possibly been thinking, to hope that he of all people wouldn't notice that she was still in pain when she had woken up that morning. Whatever it was... it didn't matter There was no point questioning it and no point denying it. Instead, the girl turned towards the way she had come; to a building that was just tall enough to peek over the further away stalls. 

"The hotel I am staying in: is just over there. I'm done here so after you have got all you want we can head back? I'll make us some dinner and...." A pause. A deep breath
"You can heal me there... okay? I'm sorry. I didn't want you to worry. I just... I was with some people on the way over and we got attacked I hurt my leg, my ribs. Before that I was attacked while on a mission and hurt my arm. I was fine and I didn't want to go the hospital again. I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry" 

I dont want these ties to break 

-------
Words:1122
Total: 3253

Family. Nanashi never had one in the traditional sense of the word. His father had been non-existence throughout his childhood, possibily dead at the hands of his mother. His mother, Guanyin Miyuko, a notorious killer within the more northern regions of Tsuchi no Kuni, who mainly targeted anyone who annoyed her o did something to those underneath her protection, didn't raise him in a normal home, opting to raise him in a Geisha house. Many could see her choice of living, allowing Nanashi the chance to learn and interact with the geishas and oiran of the establishment, as a bad parenting choice, and they would be right: It wasn't the best choice but given the circumstance it was the right one.

The people of the establishment filled in the rolls of grandmother, sisters, cousins, and aunts. They all pitched in and helped to raise Nanashi from a whining, snot nose brat to the man he's today. They taught him life lessons, both good and bad, and made him see the truth about the world he lived in. They whelped tears of happiness when he spoke his first word and took his first steps. They came running when he injured himself, kissing away the pain with showers of love, and beating up whatever may had been the source of the injury. Chorus of laughter were song when he did something funny or asked an question so innocently. Yes, the love they had, and currently has, for Nanashi is similar to what one might expect from a family.


A group of people not related by blood but yet acts like they were, that's Nanashi's definition and idea of a family. Family didn't have to be related. They could simply be a close-knit of from friends. Because of this Nanashi agreed, somewhat,  with Shizuka's statement "You give me little credit. I have some understanding where you are coming from. Family is a fragile thing in this world. The heartbreak of losing a mother, sister, or any relative that you were close with is a painful experience. We at times distant ourselves from them to prevent the imminent heartbreak that surely follows within ferryman comes for them." he spoke, words being mere than a whisper but loud enough for Shizuka to hear them. " It goes without saying that I'm your friend. For doesn't that comes with the title of teacher and apprentice?"he inquired.


"You don't want my help, do you?" referencing to the lack of response Shizuka gave when he offered his help in tracking them down. Nanashi had an irkling that his student didn't want him to get involved in her matters "It depends on the type of people they are. The Chuunin Exams is a perfect opportunity to scout and recruit potential talent, using a plethora of tactics to lure them away from their village or shift their loyalties elsewhere. This is also an ample opportunity to get in the good graces of some of the upper echelons of the world which can be invaluable. At least that's what I would do." he stated, giving Shizuka some insight on not only his thought process but potentially those who she was seeking.

Having paided for his items, Nanashi looked in the location where he last saw Shizuka and noticed that she was gone. Instead of panicking, the silver haired male began searching for his friend/student, finding her at a nearby stall with a brown bag in hand


Nanashi placed a comforting hand on Shizuka's shoulder as he waited for her to collect her thoughts and tell him the truth behind the injuries he unearthed. While his words might seemed mean to others, they were anything but. He was simply concern about her well-being.


Nanashi's stoic faced morphed into one of concern as he listened to Shizuka list her injuries. While it might have only been a few, the extent of them wouldn't be know till they were seen first hand "Mad? No. I have no reason to be mad at you. If anything, I am concern about those injuries. You are my student, and it's my job to look after you. If that means having to become your personal doctor than so be it. . ." He stated as the pair walked their way through the crowd and headed towards the building in the distance - Shizuka's apartment "Once we take care of those wounds then I'll help you cook. I don't have much planned today, so I rather spend time with you, if that's okay. "

Reaching the building where Shizuka was staying, Nanashi patiently waited for her to open the door and invite him in, before doing so.

---

WC: 798
Total WC: 3414

It had been snowing that day all those years ago. She remembered watching the tiny frost crystals float down from the white capped mountain top and dance carelessly through the evening sky, and getting too close to the black wooden window sills. The contrast as they landed and the moment the light hit the pin prick prism before it melted away in to the damp edging. She could hear her mother's voice, calling out from the chorus of chaos, beckoning her from the window and her father's reply that would grant her a few more moments. By the time the young girl relented and crawled under the scratchy woolen blanket by the slowly faltering fire, the moon was shedding it's pale luminescent glow across the silhouetted monoliths, cascading everything in to a comforting darkness. And that was when she heard the knock on the door. 
Everything that happened back then, the sights and sounds... the red painted feelings all over those familiar walls. Every detail was as clear as a lightly smudged picture in the depths of her mind. But the one thing she couldn't quite place. The one thing she couldn't remember: was the faces of the people who took her life and left her die in that forever darkness.

What was she was supposed to say to him? That she was someone who couldn't see but was looking for faces she couldn't remember? That the only way she could recognize them was through the eyes they stole from her? No. He may have understood her need to not have a family and the blood tainted desire to seek justice against these people. But surely even he would think the idea of finding them now, was as ludicrous as it sounded. 


The hand on her shoulder started the girl from her thoughts, and she found herself turning towards the moment of connection. The polite smile falling from her pale features as her fingers started to trace random patterns against the brown paper bags gripped tight to her chest. 

"No.... No, finding them is something I need to do. But... thank you for the offer. I will keep it in mind just in case" 

Despite her answer, the female listened to this new information carefully, taking it all in and considering each aspect. 
Shizuka had always known that her mentor... and friend, was a wise and well learned Shinobi, but each time they met, he always was impressing her with his knowledge and the kindness he showed even though she was, still, a mere stranger. 
He was right of course. All these Shinobi showing off their skills to the ravenous masses, fighting for their honour in a blood bath inside a fish bowl. It was the perfect place to recruit people to their side. Both the young and the older more... well known who would no doubt be there for similar reasons. It was the logical thing so it must be true right? Wrong. She had skipped through dozens of eyes of this place. Searched their memories, listened in on their conversations. 
There was nothing. Absolutely terrifyingly nothing. They were not here. And deep down, buried behind denial and that fear. She knew it.

"There's no reason to be concerned. I made it this far alright, didn't I? I'll be more careful from now on. I promise. And yes. 
Spending the rest of the afternoon with you; I would like that very much" 

With the return of the lost smile, the chuunin shiffted her attention to the building up ahead once more and started to thread her way through the crowd, around the people towards the building she had indicated before. Silently counting the steps in her mind as they went. A right around a stall selling fresh baked bread. A left up a street that the nonsense had forgotten, and finally, further down the next quietly sitting, she found herself running a hand along the coursely grained wooden door, searching for the lock so she could get in. And as soon as she was in, there was no need to keep sharing his eyes. Shizuka Houkyaku knew this place well enough to move around as if there was something more behind the thick black blindfold. 


"It's not much. But I've liked staying here" 
Shizuka had said while opening the door and walking straight in to place the groceries on the bench of the simply laid out apartment. 
"You can leave your things on the stand over by the door if you like. I bought some really nice sauce yesterday, smelled like it would be nice with some rice vegetables and pieces of diced pork? What do you think? Help me cut up the meat"

It was clear that she was far more comfortable inside the simply laid out apartment. Despite the plainness of the rooms, it was warm and of good quality. With large rugs and tatami matted floors, it had a couch next to a fire with a brail lined book, left resting on the arm. A decently equipped kitchenette separated by a small sized counter and the two doors at the back left to a bed and a bathroom. There was a reason why she didn't have much money to spend at the markets. She had spent it all on the room she had been staying in. 
Without so much as  a thought to the need of healing she started to systematically get the groceries lined out near a shopping board to start cooking. The meat and the rice she would leave for him. 

"So, did you get everything you wanted for today?" 

"Mommy?" called out a young boy with silver hair. His yellow, serpentine eyes looking at the crumpled down, face-down, on the floor. The scene before hm was something of morbid beauty; for the pooling blood formed, metaphorically speaking, a crimson red dress out the cadaver. However, he, himself, didn't see any beauty a front of him, having yet to come and accept the beauty in death yet, but he did see something. . . He saw the evil in men.


"Yes, sweetie?" an equally silvered woman asked. Never once looking back at the child, instead focusing all her attention on identifying the body before her, which wasn't hard, and trying to find out who had killed them.


"When I grow up. I want to vanquish evil." the boy said, voice full of conviction, after having to pause to find the right word he was looking for.


The woman, having turned over the body and closed the terror stricken eyes of the body, chuckled while shaking her head at the boy's naivety "You can't vanquish something which isn't real. . What is good? What is evil? Both all depends on your morale compass. Evil is nothing more than a concept created by humans as a form of separatism" she said, laying down a scroll and sealing the body within it with a 'poof'. "Even if you manage to destroy 'evil' then what would be left? Good? Peace. Humans can't live in peace. We need conflict 'cause it's the only way we grow as a society but not enough to make us regress. " The woman stated, ruffling the boy's hair as she walked passed him


"Just like our Kekkai Genkai, there needs to be a perfect balance of both for the world to truly grow. Hmpf. . .yeah, a balance of the two. . .".


"Just remember: Everyone will eventually need the help of someone else." Nanashi spoke, remembering the time he was bedridden due to a broken back, and had to lean on his student for support throughout that whole ordeal. It was one of the hardest periods in his life, but he is grateful that he had the chance to experiencing for it made him stronger.

Nanashi wouldn't respect the wishes  of his student. No, he will use his resources and knowledge of the darker side of society to dig up any information regarding those who Shizuka sought out. Of course, he wouldn't tell his student this,  he doubt she would appreciate him meddling into her affairs, nor will she know any knowledge of it, if he can help it. The silver haired male will simply have someone, not directly tied to him, to leave pieces of information in some convenient and inconvenient places for Shizuka to find at her own leisure.

While that be going own, Nanashi, himself will be using every opportunity out in the field to make sure that no one was planning anything against Shizuka, and dealing with anyone who does. Why would he go out of his way to help someone who he known only for a couple of months?  The answer isn't some heavy nor deep- he simply wanted to.


"Let me be concern about the welfare of my student. The one who will eventually inherited my teachings and knowledge one day. " He said with a barely noticeable smile "Glad to here that. So then, it's a date. . ." the words came out a little bit louder than necessary, and caused some people to look at the pair in question with curiosity. He mainly did it to see if he could possibly make her blush or at least irritated.

As they reached the apartment, Nanashi felt a slight tingle within his mind which was chalked up to her deactivating her technique. Again, he couldn't get over the phenomenal chakra control Shizuka had to be able to maintain it for such a long extended period of time. He was glad that he had taken her own as a student, not like he would openly admit it.


Warm. Inviting. Comforting. The three words accurately described the feeling Nanashi got upon entering the apartment. The feeling was similar to the one he gets during  his visits back home or to a few geisha houses he frequently visit. It's the same feeling that he tries to have in his places of work - especially the hospital. Placing his things on the designated stand, Nanashi looked around the apartment and was impressed by how well it looked. The woman must have spent a fortune to rent out a place of such quality. "That sounds good to me." Nanashi stated, moving towards the kitchen sink to wash his hands before turning on the necessary burners for the rice and diced pork, respectively.


"Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, outside of Tea ceremonies and sewing." Nanashi stated, breaking the comfortable silent between the pair, as he waited for the water to boil before dumping the rice in.  "It, like most of my hobbies, help me relax and take my mind off of troublesome things. What about you? What things do you like to do outside of being a shinobi?" he inquired, wanting to know more about his student. The man wouldn't mention about healing her till after they ate. Plus he also had a gift for her.

---

WC: 895
Total WC: 4309

After the incident, it was like she couldn't to do anything on her own. She couldn't walk without someone holding her hand. She could make her way in to the next room without some form of help. Her bone thin fingers would tremble so much that the young girl couldn't even hold a glass of water to her lips without one of the local medic's guiding her wavering grip. Every hour.... every agonizing minute of those two months, she was stuck. Snared. Trapped with capacity of a struggling child surrounded by pity eyes and stronger hands. Shizuka hated every second of it. Never had she felt so helpless.  But when that day came, when she was finally able to move around with just a staff and some bloody bandages; when she could dress and wash herself without the plenty of hands pulling at her skin... her hair her clothes; they were gone. Simply... gone without so much as a word of goodbye or good luck. It only took a day before she was missing them again. 

Yes, he was right: Even if you didn't think so at the time, there would always be moments where you would need to be assisted by others in order to get by. But there were also times where there was only one person who could do any good. And that was the one with who needed the help. It was a shame that Nanashi Guanyin didn't learn that same lesson. 


That's right. He must have forgotten about it. Didn't realize. Or maybe he just stopped noticing. But the dark haired female heard every word that crossed his mind. All those plans to creep through the shadows of society to dig up graves and rob secrets. Find the pieces that she was missing and leave them out like bread crumbs for the Houkyaku to follow when she slowly drew her own conclusions. Those ideas he had to make sure she was protected in everything that she did. That she was safe if they ever tried to come back and finish what they had started. It didn't matter what she wanted... or didn't want for that matter. Just as long as he did whatever he could to make sure his student was safe in the world full of venom and knives. 
But despite his thoughts, as she listened to him deliberately defy what she had specifically asked of him... the chunin said nothing. No crease in her expression to speak of the sting. No words that would quietly echo the betrayal. Not even so much as a sigh would give away the minute tears that started to form out of sight.

There was simply.

Nothing.   

A nothing that followed them down the street towards the building. Even the snide little comment about their afternoon being a date, produced nothing more than adding half a line to the polite smile she wore like a perfectly placed mask. He underestimated. Shizuka was someone who people stared at everyday. She always felt their whispers, their judgments. The unsaid questions that prompted their gaze to linger a little longer. If he wanted a reaction from her; the older male would have had to try much harder than that. 
But till, then, she was silently stoic until they got to the apartment


"It's nice, isn't it?" the girl had said off handedly as she sensed him glancing about the spacious area. "I usually spend a little extra for a spacious room with minimal but manageable furniture. It's not essential but it just makes it easier to get around when the space isn't crowded while at the same time giving me what I need to take care of myself. This place... it's perfect. Like home" 
Once again, as the young shinobi started to deftly skin, cut and prepare the fresh vegetables, she listened to his words. But this time with her ears and not with her mind. 
"I love cooking. You don't need your eyes to make a good meal. All you need is taste and smell. Sometimes even hearing. Like you can tell an egg is rotten if you listen to it's insides. Other than that.... I like... using my hands for things. Pottery, sculpting. Arranging flowers. Just... little things like that" 

Silence again.

"Say... Nanashi. I'm going to head back to Konoha tomorrow. I've done all I wanted needed to do here. So would you... I mean...would it be too much trouble to ask if...perhaps... you could come back with me to the village. Or at least half way I don't mind. I just.... don't want to go on my own again. You don't have to of course. No pressure or anything. But if it's okay and you wouldn't mind..."

He was right. Sometimes help from another was best.

"Yes it is. My resident doesn't look this nice." he admitted in an nonchalant manner with a shrug of his shoulders. He didn't see no problem in admitting that Shizuka's current resident was indeed better than is, it matter little to him in the grand scheme of things. The man could have paid out the money for a better place of living but didn't do to him not having plans on staying in Takigakure longer then needed. He had simply came to the village to check up on some investments, show some support to the Iwa genins that were participating in the farce called the 'Chuunin exams', and because the former head of Takigakure's Hospital, before Chisaki took over, wanted him to inspect and tutor some of the doctors and nurses; and it was only thanks to some added incentives in the latter did he agree to teach them. But, of course, all of this couldn't be done ina  few days, so Nanashi founded himself within Takigakure longer than expected but not to the point that it annoyed him. . . yet. He had somewhat for seen the possibility of having to stay in the country longer than the time indicated, and therefore, made arrangements for such inconvenience. So, instead of paying out additional money for a better apartment, it having no importance besides to showcase to others the money one had,  Nanashi rented out a 'decent' one for an extended period of time while using the rest of his money for other trivial, but fun, things - like shopping for his family back in Iwagakure and in Konoha.

Like home . . .

"Yeah, just like home. . ." The words brought Nanashi back to the reason for his disappearance from Iwagakure no Sato and the Elemental Nations as a whole. Things at his home, his birthplace, have been getting out of control lately. There have been far too many attacks on the residents of the town, especially on geisha, with a hand full of them being severe and fatal. There has also been a lot of reported break ins. The vandals not stealing anything but trashing the places, as if they were looking for something of importance. Luckily is the the aforementioned cases no one was seriously injured, but still. Not only that but there was rumors about an organization having plans to take out the small town, using it for their own purposes. As to what the purposes were, no one knows, but many speculated that they are behind the attacks and break-ins.  It was that reason why Nanashi was sent a messaged by his grandmother to return home and help his mother in investigating the matter.

While the town garrison would have been the quicker option, the samurai stationed there wasn't the most pleasant people to work with, and many tend to ask for favors , from the Geishas, in return of their services. It was something Nanashi's grandmother didn't want to deal with, having her children subjected to the woes of those pigs, hence the reason why she asked Miyuko, Nanashi's mother, and messaged Nanashi to help look into the matter. The pair spent a copious amount of time looking into problem, and personally dealing with any that they manage to catch in time. Yes, they did manner to catch and torture quite a few vandals but none had any new information. It was only due to his mother's insistence  that Nanashi return back to Iwagakure, making his return official before leaving for Takigakure sometime afterwards.

Still tho, despite returning back to Iwagakure no Sato, Nanashi's thoughts were focused on the happens at home. Miyuko constantly insisting him to return back to Iwa told Nanashi that she was hiding something from him, though it matter little what it might be, for he was going to find out one way or another.

Throughout his musing, Nanashi didn't noticed the small, barely noticeable frown that had made it's way onto his face and only disappearing when Shizuka started speaking again "It's nice to have form of relaxation outside of our occupations. " he said, pushing the thoughts regarding his family to aside, and focus on preparing their meal and listening to Shizuka "Do you mine teaching me pottery, one day?" he required.

"Sure, I will come with you to Konoha. It's no trouble for me. For I'm done with all of my work in Takigakure anyway, and well. . . the chuunin exams don't interest me at all. Although.  I won't have the luxury of staying that long within Konoha, maybe a day at most, before having to return to Iwagakure and prepare a training schedule for my new genin squad that is assigned to me." he stated, watching the diced meet cook, the mouth watering aromas filling the kitchen and the entire house.

A comfortable silence descended upon the pair as they continue about preparing and cooking the food. "What time do you plan on leaving tomorrow? It might be easier if I just run to where I'm staying, grab my stuff, and spend the night here. . . if you are okay with that?" he inquired, nodding to himself after testing to make the meat was done and seasoned well "This way we can just leave from here. Plus this way I can heal your wounds and make sure you get the needed rest." he added, letting her know that he hasn't forgotten about her injuries.

The pair went about preparing their plates before sitting down, and making small talk while they ate. Nanashi retold some of his more humorous and stupid hospital stories like how a woman refused to marry her fiance, after she swallowed the engagement ring that was placed within a drink by him. Like really. Who put an engagement inside of a drink!? Finishing their meals, Nanashi helped Shizuka with cleaning up the kitchen.

After that was done, Nanashi asked to see Shizuka's wounds and began the process of healing them. Once fully healed, Nanashi mentioned the need to return to his apartment to grab his things before disappearing in a body flicker to do so.

By the time Nanashi return back to Shizuka's apartment, he founded the woman asleep on the couch. She looked so cute, innocent, and peaceful sleeping there to the point that he didn't dare to wake her up, instead he carefully lifted her, bridal style, and made his way to her bedroom(after finding it) and placed her in bed, pulling the blankets over her. Exiting the room, the silver haired male would take his place on the couch, not before checking to make sure the doors were lock, and let sleep consume him.

[Thread End]

---

WC:: 1129
Total WC:: 5438

End: C-0 -> B-0 (2575/2575)
Perception: C-1 -> B-1 ( 2700/2700)

Leftover WC: 163