Five years ago...

Life was stagnant for her. Get up, work, perform, sleep, repeat. An unbreakable routine that was only spiced up when she was used as a training dummy by some of the older members of the band of misfits or being hawked by that pedophile Dr.Doctor changed her schedule. Otherwise nothing much changed. Yes she travel and when she had free time she was allowed to do as she pleased but she was always going to live in fear of punishment. Jester could only cringe as she imagined what her life will be like when she officially becomes thirteen. No doubt she will be put on display and rented out as all other slaves do though for boys it was typically not until they reach sixteen but alas she did not have such a luxury.

The morning sun peek through the curtains of her tent until she was blinded as they were abruptly forced open, no doubt it was time for her to get to work. A large boot kicked violently against the bars of her cage that no for nothing no larger than a dog but she learned what happens when you complain and has thus gotten used to the cramped space a few years back though thankfully she was small enough to fit in it being only around four feet and three inches in height and weighing a hundred pounds. Forcing herself not to flinch as a half empty whiskey bottle smashed against her little home, she remained silent even when the glass shards cut into her skin but considering how the past few years were this was only a drop in the bucket.

"Wake up brat, time to go to work!"

Even when his rancid breath lingers in the air she forced herself to swallow her vomit. She doesn't need her only sleeping quarters to be filthier than they already were. Might be a good idea to find some fresh hay. Jester nodded slightly, making sure not to look directly into his eyes. It was never a good idea to stare them into the eyes. It was a privilege only respectable members of the community were privy to do and for someone as low-ranking as her she didn't deserve such a pleasure but a whipping or two. She breathed out a subtle sigh of relief she didn't even know she was holding as he calmly unlocked her door and disconnected her ankle chains from the metal pole a couple feet away but such a course of life was not for her. Careful not to let out a squeak, her ankle was dragged out and her shell of a body was thrown to a corner; the man not caring in the slightest that her head connected with the sharp corner of a dresser. Tears collected in her eyes as she felt an explosion of pain erupt in her chest. Rapid and powerful strikes connected with her being but she did not let out a single whimper. She hasn't spoken in five years since she killed her father and she wasn't going to start now no matter how much she wanted to plead for mercy.

"Stupid-Fucking-Worthless-Piece-Of-Shit" With each breath his blows began to add of in force they dealt with. She hardly noticed the sudden cool dampness of her head with began to turn crimson or how everything began to blur."When I speak to you you better respond! Think you're some hot stuff or something do ya? Well-you-aren't-bitch" he growled like a primal breast, which was a pretty accurate considering his burly appearance that was a cross between a bear and a caveman; how it ever worked the world may never know. For a few moment she counted how bad the damage was. Mustn't been at least a few bruised or fractured ribs and was losing a considerable amount of blood. It certainly felt like hours until she finally fell into blissful unconsciousness...

Unknowingly to her, her attacker stopped a few minutes after she passed out, wondering why she suddenly felt like lead. Upon closer observation he saw saw wasn't moving and her breathing was barely noticeable to the point he could even tell she was thus mistaking her to be dead. While normally no one would blink an eye to the passing of another slave Jester was special as she was cared for by the troupe's leader and by extension untouchable however it seems he forgot that important detail in the heat of the moment in defending his wounded pride. So not wanting to face the ire of his boss he picked up her body and snuck out of the camping grounds further into the Dense Forest until it was already late noon. He found a suitable spot to hide her body under intertwining tree trunks by a shadowed lake. With a quick scour of the area he left.

834~

Uchiha Tenzō, a fraild kid that was born in a family with debts that reached all the way towards their necks. Humble, kindness and honesty were the most appropriate words to describe him then. Bestowed with a frail-looking body, and with a great lack of confidence that was nowhere to be seen. Due to his immature and naive personality, the young lad was nothing near to a decent shinobi. Just, a late bloomer of the Uchiha clan. The leaves hissed gently once the two individuals emerged between the bushes, they were moving silently and minimizing their footsteps was a key part within their plan. The older one that looked somewhere around his mid-thirties was wearing a standard jōnin outfit, while the other one that was nothing more than a little kid that was wearing a crimson robe above his jet-black sleeveless shirt and tight shinobi pants. Maybe he looked a bit spoiled, although the clothes were rather cheep due to the nonexistent wealth of his family.

“You see it there, Tenzō? Take your time and make sure that you aim for its chest.” were the words spoken by a familiar and stern voice. Under the guidance of those words, the young Uchiha pulled the arrow closer against his ribcage while the bow kept releasing a squeaky sound as it continued arching with each passing second. With furrowed brows and small drips of sweat cascading down those cheekbones, the raven-haired lad steadily aimed against his target before opening up his two fingers in order to let the arrow escape between them and fly freely against his prey. Due to the oscillation of the wind, a screeching noise was formed which echoed throughout the woods while the arrow kept piercing the air, passing its target by just a couple of inches above before eventually stopping against the sturdy bark of a nearby oak tree. Once the collision had happened, the inevitable thud sound alarmed the deer and forced it to gallop aimlessly forth in order to attempt an escape from its hunters.

“I will go ahead and chase after it, and hopefully you’re at least capable of not remaining behind.” the familiar voice spoke once more, although its tone was slightly different this time, as it was changed into one which expressed the man’s disappointment. A deep and long sigh escaped between Tenzō’s lips before letting that cheep-looking bow cling around that left shoulder of his. “Sorry for that father, I will try not to remain behind.” the Uchiha answered on a dull tone while those ebony eyes feasted upon the ground which stood beneath them. Without further ado, the older figure lashed further and deeper within the woods while opening a small and leather pouch that was located around his right upper thigh in order to clench his five fingers firmly around the handle of a medium-sized and razor-sharp hunting knife. Small particles of dust were swirling within the air as the ground was being perturbed by those fierce and heavy footsteps; the man’s speed was incredible.

In just a couple of seconds, Tenzō had managed to accomplish the most unpredictable action by a lad that was around his age; the sight of his father was lost. He was now nothing more than kid below the threshold of thirteen that was thrown at the mercy of this eerie looking maze. A horrible place, crafted by the dense forest which surrounded him completely, encasing this poor soul from the rest of the world. Those sore feet did not seem to bother the young Uchiha at all, neither the fact that he had lost track of time; however, it’s been a few hours since he started scurrying his way throughout the dense forest. Even though those lurking shades were making this whole place darker than it was supposed to be, it wasn’t really that hard to tell that the sun had lost its bright shine. Those rays of light were becoming less and less visible with each passing moment, until, eventually turning within a dim light that was destined to fade away.

Just when he thought that all hope was lost, those two ebony eyes were laid upon a small being which stood deviously hidden between those intertwined trees. Missing her would have not been that hard at all, due to her green hair which blended easily within the background that was composed by the nearby grass and moss. Nonetheless, Tenzō was blessed with a pair of sharp eyes which allowed him to pay great attention to his surroundings, spotting even the slightest details; twas mind-boggling that he actually managed to lose the sight of his own father with that eagle-eyed vision. Due to her numerous red cuts and closed eyes, it was obvious that she might as well be a lifeless body, although, Tenzō refused to believe this and immediately waltzed against her, right after leaving his quiver and bow against the ground. Both of those sleeves were pulled just bellow his elbow when he found himself halting at a small distance of just a few inches away from the girl.

The first and most wise choice was the check the young girl’s pulse, therefore the Uchiha extended his right hand forth before placing two united fingers around her wrist. A joyful smile bestowed upon his lips once he realized that she was alive, although it fainted away quickly due to the words that arose between them. “Hey... hey!” Tenzō exclaimed on a muffled tone in order to not startle the young girl, while giving her a few quick and gentle taps on her left kneecap. While doing so, that fragile bracelet that was chained around his wrist let out a few rattling noises which echoed faintly between the woods. However, the sound was suppressed by the next question which he poised “Are you capable of speaking, miss?” on a calm and gentle tone, despite that his face looked a bit worried.

---

1007 Words

We often take for granted that which we should cherish only to realize their true value once lost

Childhood is truly a blessing in disguise. Growing up we would always dream of the future; what will be and should come to past. Such a fantastic time. A child’s only concerns were playing and their studies. They didn’t have to work; worrying about bills every waking moment or where their next meal will be coming from or when the eviction notice will come about. No those children only had dawdle around, spending their time day dreaming of future success and riches. Of course for those who would decided to walk upon the path of the shinobi will eventually have to fade into the darkness, their hands trembling before their hearts harden as they become stained red but they usually had someone waiting for them back home; a mother, father, sibling, friends, grandparents, sensei. It could be anyone really. After returning from a difficult mission they could come home and find a sense of normality, making them believe they were not emotionless contract killers; just simple people with extraordinary set of skills coming back from a long business trip. If only that could be the same for everyone one.

Childhood, after all, is the first precious coin that poverty steals from a child

The world is not so kind as to spare a child from its atrocities. Ah such a dark putrid world we live in. Life was a survival game full of a myriad of suffering with only a few instances for happiness. Some could fade into the darkness but never truly blend. Others were born into it and given more than mere glimpses of what lurked in the unseen places blind to the uninitiated. Perhaps living in the slums helped her adjust somewhat. With her ability to fade into the background she was able to bear witness to much more than she wanted to multiple cases of theft, rape, kidnapping, and assault but then again these people were trying to survive in this run down overcrowded community in the only way they knew how Heck even in that hellhole, there were some decent people. Either way it was a learning experience for her. She was not delusional to think life was so simple because residing behind a village’s walls could only do so much.

A bob of green hair flashed before it hid behind a barrel of wine. Like Christmas bells her joyous laughter chimed through the air before their owner bit down on their lip attempting to stifle her giggles in order not to have it traced back to her but just as she moved to take a peak large rough hands gripped her waist and threw her into the air “Up you go little lady” spoke a gruff yet jolly voice.

She giggled as she was settled onto the table next to a butchered pig and an unbaked apple pie. “Hehe you found you found me” She swung her hips and moved to hop off the table “Let’s play again!”

His laugh was like thunder as he kept her steady, making sure to wipe his hands quickly on his soiled apron “I’d rather not Jet. I got work to do and you know how your mother will get if she finds you in here and not in your room”

Disappointed she hung her head low in shame “I know but I just want to play. You know mommy always keeps me locked up and doesn’t let me play with the others kids” She paused with a sigh and thumbed an empty pot as if it was the most interesting thing in the world “Not like they will anyway. Nobody plays with the ‘Slum Monster’”

Like a mother consoling her pup his paw like hands found their way towards her head, ruffling the already disheveled bob of her. “What about those kids who saved you from those bullies last week? Why don’t you play with them? I’m sure-”

Panic her voice hitched to an uncomfortably high pitch “What! How did you know about them? Does mommy know? Oh kami she must know. No no no “The stress was becoming too much for her and she began hyperventilating and tears gathered in eyes. She didn’t want to lose the first friends she ever gained to her mother. Should couldn’t after what they done for her. “Please tell me you didn’t tell her please!”

Shit I’ve made her cry. The burly man crouched down so they would meet at eye level and begun waving his hands hysterically “Don’t cry Jet don’t cry. I was just messing with you. Oh jeez c’mon stop crying I’m sorry ok I’m sorry”

Sniffling she tried to wipe the onslaught of tears as her green eyes became bloodshot matching her now scarlet iris. “Re-really? You’re not lying Kirishi-san?”

With a sigh he grabbed her sides and began tickling her in hopes of defusing the tension in which proved to have success as the light reappeared in her eyes “Aye there we go haha” He took a quick look around adding dramatic effect “I heard a carnival is coming to Kaze no Kuni. Just a little ways off from the village. Why don’t you ask your mother to take you? I’m sure she’ll have no trouble getting time off tonight”

Her head bobbed up and down excitedly, already imagining what fun the whole festivities will be. “Great idea I’ll go ask her later!” And with that she waved her hands as she hopped off the table heading home.

Oh if only it were so simple. If only she wasn’t told or didn’t ask maybe things would’ve been different. Hardly it would be. If she didn’t come to them they would’ve most certainly came to her. Her father was definitely planning on it. But can such a man be deserving of such a title? And was she deserving of calling him father either when she was the one to end his life even when he begged for freedom she had denied it. Her heart was too pained and she was blinded by the need for vengeance. She revealed a bit when his blood rain and his body go slump as she lowered the heavy ax and watch as his disembodied head roll over to a corner in the tent, those eyes so full of...fear.

She truly was a monster…

Maybe it was time to go to sleep? She certainly had enough of the world and it was only bound to get worse. Not like anyone would care.

Yeah sleep sounded pretty good now. Maybe she’ll see her parents again in whatever hell they’ll be.

But then again who ever said life was fair?

Her eyes fluttered but it was so hard to keep them open. Although her pain tolerance had gotten considerably better she felt like the horses had stampeded over her frail body. She tried to roll onto her side but only received a sharp pain that caused her wince. And that sound? What was it? No...rather...who was it. Suddenly fearing for her welfare her eyes snapped open, no longer the aqua green but blazing crimson red of a predator. Remembering her lessons she went into survival mode. Gone was Jet and now she was Jester. Ignoring the pain in her chest, probably a couple heavily bruised or fractured ribs, she kicked the figure in the chest to send him away then did a couple backflips to put some distance between them before lowering herself into a charging stance known as hungry tiger catches lamb in drunken boxing; her left leg stretched to the back with her right in the front like a lunge with her right arm defending and the other straight up ready to claw. She eyed him carefully and if he could understand her lips made out the words wondering who he was and where she was. If not he only receive an intense glare as her eyes tried to take in her surroundings wondering where she was all while unaware that a large portion of her lime green hair was sticky with blood.

2228~

***Under the tree***

As she waited for a response countless questions blurred in mirages of uncertainty and possibilities that would drive a normal man insane. Where was she? How far from the camp? Who was the name of that guard so she can kill him in his sleep? Was the Boss informed? Who was looking for her? Was anyone looking for her? Did she get labeled as a traitor? Is she going to be punished? What will happened once she is reclaimed? Does she have the time to rest? Can she make it to the nearest village in her condition? Was the area safe enough for her to travel? Is she labeled as dead? Are they planning on recovering her body and cutting it open for spare change? Her stomach lurched at the thought and because her line of thought was able to be broken by the sapling before her.

When was the last time she met a normal child? The high, the adrenaline rush, began to dwindle down as the reality set it. From the way he moved it was obvious he was only a child, maybe even an academy student. He was no threat and that helped her relaxed. Though just as she was calming down the panic set in and she just realized the extent of her injuries. With a small wince she cringed however slightly though her face was emotionless like a glass doll, not a single crack. The boy may not be a threat, yet her mind reminded her, but she was far from being out of the woods. Oh the irony of that statement haha.

***Encampment Grounds***

Just as a barrel of wine was about to be moved a hand pale as snow and fingers slender enough to be mistaken for a woman shot out and tightly grasped the wrist that trembled in shock. The wrist belong to the guard whom had just left our young child out in that dreadful forest; and when he was confronted just now he tried to wretch himself free but his efforts bear no fruits. "Seems like we caught myself a little rat kukuku" The voice was soft as a feather but had an eerie tinge to it like an innocent death.

Despite being the three times the lad's size with muscles as large as dumbbells pulsing with veins and having an appearance of a thuggish grizzly with his scarred face and choppy greasy blue buzz cut he was no match for the child before him. He was only prey to those cat like storm grey eyes that bared him witness to all the atrocities that should cross his path if he displeases him.

"Oya Oya cat got your tongue?"

Shouja wanted to spit at the insolent brat but bite his tongue, agreeably a bit too hard as it drew blood, and grumbled discontentedly as he looked away "Tear-san..."

His yelped as his wrist was painfully yanked forward and he felt the harsh impact of an armored knee crushed his ribs, driving the air out of his lungs "Prince Tear-sama you filthy peasant Prince! Don't you dare disrespect me trash!" he snarled threateningly like a hungry tiger. After seeing the arrogant Shouja crumble beneath him at his feet he smirked and recomposed himself. "Now then back to business..." he paused adding some tension to the air "Where is Doll-chan? The boss wants to have a word with her." He gave the grovelling man a look as his voice sharpened once more "You do know where she is right?"

For a moment his fear was forgotten as he struggled to his feet, Tear having allowed him to wring himself free "W-what wo-would I know a-about the f-fucking brat" He took a quick deep breath as he stared defiantly at the higher rank "Who gives two shit about the Boss's freaking fetish. If you want to find the whore why don't you ask they people who are actually supposed to be watch her right now"


The impact of skin against skin shot through the air as Shouja was tossed back into tree, skin across his face tearing to the point where you can clearly see bone. With a pained cough, blood poured out of his mouth as black dots began appearing in his vision but a swift side kick to the skull woke him up as the pain increased tenfold. His body went cold as death was at its fingertips and for a moment he mistaken Tear for a shinigami "Never disrespect the Boss or not even the Seven Hells will compete for the punishment I will put you through worthless scum. Tell me wear she is now!"

Tear's hand cupped his throat harshly and lifted him into the air. With a lack of oxygen, bruised lungs and a broken jaw he barely breathe much less talk however he did not have the luxury of waiting for if he did he wouldn't live to see another day. Tear noticed he couldn't speak and there was no use in interrogating a dead man so he dropped the pathetic mongrel into a bloody heap. Shouja's eyes widen and he coughed violent as he tried to get as much air as he can into his lungs. After a few given moment he was able to breathe better so Tear kicked his shin with the usual force. "Where is she?"

Shouja cried with pain but swallowed his saliva mixed with blood and nodded "I...I dumped her....just an hour ago..."

Tear's eyes glowed with a dangerous glint "Why?" His fist tighten as he seethed with anger a foreboding aura around him, refraining himself for beating the defenseless grunt again.

He scurried back till he reach the base of the tree using it for support "She...wouldn't...speak" He gulped some air as he mustered the courage to continue speaking "I-I beat her a-and it w-went t-too far..."

Tear tsked and grabbed the collar of Shouja's shirt to drag him off "I'll let the boss deal with you peasant" He gave a look and a shadowed figure shot off like a bullet into the forest.

***Under the tree***

Seeing as how the child wasn't going to do much of anything except creep her out with that dreadful smile, she decided to check herself for the extent of her injuries. She took the sleeveless vest off and exams herself. The white-shirt was mostly clean with some droplets of blood on the collar. Seeing as how hard her head throbbed she concluded it would be wise to stop the wound from reopening yet since she didn't have any sewing materials she will have to make due. She took the bottom of her shirt and ripped a long piece of cloth from it exposing an two inches of skin since the shirt itself was pretty large. She tied it like a bandage around her head though it was a bit loose which was excusable as she couldn't move her chest that much with intense pain. Breathing was painful and a tad difficult so their was defiantly bruising that will take a few weeks to heal. Once she was satisfied she grabbed a four feet long sturdy branch and hoisted herself against the war with it intent on using it as a crutch till she finds better accommodations. She was about to leave the entryway but she stumbled and fell onto her knees. She cursed mentally for her weakness knowing fully well she has been through worse and with one last glance at the boy she became stumped. She didn't know him and he could easily try to attack her with her back turn. And if she tried to run away now in her condition then she will definitely get capture. With an inaudible sigh, the girl rested against a log and engaged with the boy in an intense but cold stare as she tried to formulate for plans.

3578~

So I'm pretty busted up and stuck her like a sitting duck with a boy who probably can't be of any use to m-

Jet tensed, startled by the sudden arrival of a new person however the lad, Tenzo apparently was his name, knew this person. Either a sibling or mother but we're going with going with the former. Not giving the child so much of a glance Jet sighed and closed her eyes as she attempted to clear her thoughts as she worked on her sensory capabilities? It was that much no doubt but it was a simple exercise the Dr.Doctor taught her during his free time for a little experiment; a painful experience but helpful all the same and Kami knows she is going to need all the help she can get if she want's to live to be twenty which has been a milestone for those in her line of work. The world was a very dark, dangerous place that had no room for children like her, unwanted and useless. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes, feeling the life of the forest around her. It seemed the pair were leaving and thankfully it seemed he did not mention to his sister about her. Last thing she needed was someone else knowing about her. If she was lucky she could get away from this place, far away if she can, and stay on the low for awhile. Just until she could get back on her feet then find a place to settle down. Maybe even out of the elemental nations if she can. Oh and get a job too, that would be very important for her...and the most difficult. Jet wasn't the most educated person per say. The most schooling she ever received was she snuck inside the academy back in sunagakure and even then it wasn't for that long since her mother didn't want even the rats the scurried the slums to know about her.

Actually the most important thing now would be for me to get a damn map

Suddenly the forest went silent. No birds sang, no crickets chirped, no insects buzzed...not even the leaves on the forest's cascading canopy swayed. Before she could even get up she screamed softly for a moment in alarm as an arm encircled around her waist and a hand covered her mouth. "Leader-sama is waiting for you" And with a quick shushined they teleported right out of the tree and back into the encampment her punishment awaiting her...

4011~
EXIT

Sorry for double post, but posting here just because a lot of time passed and I'm going to train here.

I got a Total WC of 3545.

Training Third Spec Genjutu from D-Rank to C-Rank

3545 - 3000 WC = 545 WC Left