It has been four days since Nanashi founded himself teleported to Satou no Kuni commonly referred to Sweet Country by the inhabitants, and the few shinobis that he had run into. During the three days, he found himself helping a locate villages in capture a rabbit, receiving a mysterious egg for his services that will reveal what’s inside of it upon the day the dimension portal reopens allowing all those not from Satou no Kuni to return home. It was also while locating the rabbit that he ran into Aburame Kazui, a ronin shinobi who also was looking for a rabbit of her own. Instead of going their own ways, a mutual agreement was met with the pair with both agreed to help each other out in finding a rabbit. The day after that, he had a strange encounter with a talking cat that wasn’t a summons, but rather, a genin of Konoha in Peekaboo Paddock. The conversation the two had was an enlightening one for Nanashi; he never knew there were clans, outside of summonings, that were comprised up of animals, and that was allowed to register as a shinobi. Suki, the feline’s name, helped him in gathering samples of the local plant life that will be brought back to the Elemental Nation for further studying. The pair got along extremely well despite being man and beast with Nanashi finding himself enjoying Suki’s company.

However, not everything was going well for him. He still haven’t found any clues to the whereabouts of the three missing geishas. Everyone he ask about and showed pictures of  them claim to never seen the girls in their life. Either they were telling the truth about not seeing them or they were simply covering up the truth for him, neither being good to satisfy him. It would be lying to say Nanashi hasn’t lost sleep in his futile search for geishas - for his sisters in all but blood. Finding a missing geisha in the Elemental Nations is incredibly easy for the Iwagakure shinobi, he having many connections among the geisha house and some of the more cleaner parts of the underground underbelly. If someone turned up missing, they were only a few talks/visits away from being found. But, Nanashi didn’t have any connections in Satou no Kuni, he knew no-one, and it made finding the geishas a lot harder. The lack of connections is a novice experience for him and for the first time in awhile Nanashi felt. . . powerless. But his search would continue, even if it meant he had to resort to some unsavory techniques in order to get what he wants. He will not give up on finding the girls. He will bring them home by any means necessary.

Though today was different. Having woken up relatively early, Nanashi went about his morning ritual with the small, but spacious apartment that he rented out for the remainder of his stay in Sugar Country. Laying out his clothing for the day being comprised of a midnight blue kimono with white intricate design on the back of it, a black skin tight shirt to wear underneath the kimono, black hakama pants that would stop an inch or so above his ankles, a midnight blue obi to secure the pants, and a pair of black steel reinforced bottoms getas that will levitate his height by an additional two inches. An eye-patch was also on the bed - it being the same color as the kimono. Stepping out of the bathroom without a towel, Nanashi thought about his plans for today while getting dress. He came to the conclusion last night that he still needed to explore more of the country in order to get a better feel for it. He also needed to check out some of the major attractions they being - Wally Winker’s Chocolate Factory, Cocoa Alley, and Prism Park Lake. While there are other locations, the aforementioned ones are the most notable, and it would be one of those locations that he’ll be visiting today.

Locking up and leaving the apartment, Nanashi looked up noting the lack of any clouds that would otherwise block the picturesque sky. It’s vibrant blue coloration seemingly adding to the uniqueness of the country. It appeared to be a pleasant day with temperatures being roughly 27°C, and a light eastern breeze that was appreciated - at least by Nanashi.

Nanashi would spend some time in the town square, talking with some of the locals among other things. He eventually finds himself in Cocoa Alley where he would buy some sweets - mainly chocolate - before heading out to his primary designation - Prism Park Lake. Along the walk there, Nanashi allowed himself to indulge in the tasty sweets. It having been quite some time since he had anything remotely sweet, not accounting tea. On the path that took him to the lake, Nanashi thought about a certain blind woman who he hadn’t seen in awhile.

Never would he know that he would eventually run into the same woman that he was currently thinking about.

---

856

Posted under wrong account. . .

The member 'Hozuki Yemon' has done the following action : Dices roll

'Easter Eggs' :

How long has it been since he became a shinobi of Iwagakure? Five years? Six years? Or maybe seven? How long ago was it when he gave up the life of a geisha, a high price prostitute, and decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps. How long ago was it when he fell in love with a woman and got married to her, only for it all to get ripped away from him?  How long ago was it that he stopped killing, illegally, stopped removing the scum of the world who dare threaten those who held dear? When did he decided to stop being a monster bumping in the night, and become something more. Something that his mother and family could be proud of? Something, no, someone who children wouldn’t be afraid of. Someone who’s story wouldn’t be told in order to frightening children, making them be good in fear of him coming for them, but rather, inspire them in being good, in becoming someone who can change their world? He didn’t know when all his priorities, motivations, goals, and lifestyle changed. There are many incidences during his shinobi career that could have been the catalyst for the changes. However, the fact remained there are too many events, interactions, etc. that could be seen as the turning point(s).

But, yet there are a few that stands out.

Chikako, his first true love and only wife. A woman of immense beauty who fell in love with him despite everything he did. . . despite all the blood on his hands. Like him, the woman was a geisha and served a variety of upper classed, noblemen and women, clients. How they got together is unusual but yet not so much. It was an arranged marriage between the two, although many might be against such a thing, the two of them were not. They didn't have any problem with the arrangement. Did they fall in love right away? Hell no. There were differences between them that were worked out over time. And it was during these times that their love for each other began to grow. It's done to each other that they both gave up their profession; they had something else more important.

But, it was all taking away from me.

Rage. Hatred. Despair. He felt all of that when ____ died. And for a boy who stopped killing during the period of their marriage became active again - killing all who dare threaten his precious people.

Then I met her. . .

He didn’t have the makings of a good teacher. He had never taught anyone in his life. He was cold, stoic, heartless, caring little for the lives not within his small circle. He was a spy in his own village, wearing a mask of friendliest and trust only to lure in an unexpected victim. No one was off-limits as far as he was concern. Then one day he got a new assignment - he was going to be the teacher of Kazako, Alessi. A woman only a year young than himself, and yet he was in charge of teaching her. The first few meetings were rocky - they didn’t get along. However, ever so slowly a bond between them formed. And for someone who never had a ‘normal’ friend this was a godsend. The friendship they had would eventually be tested.

Uzumaki Trilby, a missing-nin who cared little for other’s life. The man was responsible for the Nanashi’s broken back and ruined eye. That incident was one of the few times he felt fear.

During his recovery, he didn’t have that many visitors. Sure, friends did visit him every so often, however, it was Alessi, his student, who visited him the most. Oh, Alessi, such a wonderful and caring student. She visited him every day, when not on missions, sitting with him, talking with him, helping him when others didn’t. She showed him that, yes, there was some good still in the bleak world. And he would forever be grateful for that.

Last but not least. . .

Houkyaku Shizuka, a Konoha shinobi who he had met during his annual visits to Hi no Kuni; checking up on a few hospitals he owned. He had met the blind girl in the forest surrounding Konoha, and by the time the parted ways, they had become friends and a promise was made. He would teach the girl medical ninjutsu - passing his knowledge down to her. Why would he do such a thing? He, himself, don’t have the answer to that - though it just felt ‘right’ at the time. Due to them being from different villages, they couldn’t always meet. The last time they met was a few months ago with their friendship, at least to him, growing from the encounter.

“I wonder how she’s doing?”, he mused to himself, feet carrying him down the road that headed to Prism Park. The song of nature were abundance, birds chirping, frogs croaking, etc.  And there was laughable.

Wait, laughter?

More out of curiosity than anything, he decided to investigate the sound. At first he noticed the clothes hanging from a branch, and then he noticed the owner of said clothes and laugh. Shizuka, a smile tugged at his lips as he watched, the person who he was just thinking about, play in the water. “Shizuka, is that you?”, his words carried on the wind, as he stood on the edge of the body of water.

---

920(1776)

Days. Weeks. Months. Time had truly slipped by since Nanashi last laid eyes on Houkyaku Shizuka. Though time had passed, he still vividly remember their last encounter. It was doing this year chuunin exams where he stumbled over a roaming Shizuka during a casual outing for trinkets and other little novelties for his family back home. Although they had seen each other in some time, their relationship, friendship, was strong as ever. She invited him to spend the rest of the evening with her, and he did. They enjoyed roaming around the market districts, weaving in and out of shops, mostly looking at their wares before moving else. A trip to place who sold kimonos ended up with him buying a kimono for Shizuka; one that grabbed her attention upon entering the establishment. Afterwards, Shizuka led him to her place of residence and prepared a dinner for the two of them with Nanashi pitching in to help. What followed could only be described as ‘peace’ they spent the rest of the evening talking and simply enjoying the presence of each other. And by the end of the day, Nanashi having to return to his apartment, their spirits were elevated, and any worries were washed away. That had been the last time he had seen her.

It didn’t mean that he stopped thinking about her though. Their time together brought to light some problems for Shizuka. People had attacked her. Someone had laid their grimy hands on Shizuka’s porcelain and dared to mark it with their wickedness. She told him not to worry about it. Not to look into those who did it. That she could handle it herself. But how could he not intervene when someone he cared for was hurt? Their penetrators still being out there? Nanashi could not do it. He wouldn’t stand by and allow whoever did it to remain free. He would crush them. Kill them. For daring to mark something that wasn’t theirs. Yet, Nanashi didn’t do it. No, he didn’t pursue those who cause Shizuka pain. With steadfast control, Nanashi didn’t get involved. Allowing Shizuka to handle her own problems.

Sometimes the hardest thing for a teacher to do is allow their students a chance to handled their own problems. No matter how much trouble it cause them, it’s best for them to figure it out by themselves for it’s the only way they can grow as an individual. Give them a chance to stand on their own two feet, give them a chance to become stronger.

Stronger. . .

“Is that you, my student?”, his thoughts being swiftly answered by a wave of chakra washing over him. A familiar invader began to expertly unlock parts of his mind, navigating the dangerous halls and bypassing chained doors, not because they couldn’t open them but out of respect, with the ease of a skilled burglar. Finally, they came to what they sought and latched onto it. The gentleness of the hijack gave Nanashi the identity of the woman in the water. Her voice only confirmed this.

Shifting a little, Nanashi chuckled at Shizuka’s comment about him finding her again “You shouldn’t be surprised that I found you, Shizuka-chan. It seems like we always manage to find each other when we are in close proximity”. Shizuka would notice almost immediately the newly added suffix to her name ‘-chan’, something which Nanashi had never done before till now. It was spoken with more warmth, care, and love than he normally used. Sure, Nanashi always spoke with mentioned emotions but only around a select few and her, however, these words were different, they held so much more in them.

“Are you hungry, I'm about to catch us some lunch."


Asides from eating some chocolate caramel filled sweetness, Nanashi really hadn’t at anything today. He had meant to get something to eat while walking through the market district, but he had forgotten about it after information regarding the missing geisha up. That, however, led to a dead-end, and before he realized it was almost lunch time. Hence, the reason why he bought the sweets. Though they did little to fill him “Us some lunch? If I didn’t know any better I would say you expected me. “, he joked with her “I’ll be happy to eat lunch with you.”

Putting away the sweets in a scroll on his person. Nanashi silently watched Shizuka go about catching another fish to go along with the others that she had already caught. “You have grown.”, he mused, a content smile tugging on his stoic visage, as he thought about how true the statement was.

Houkyaku Shizuka, a woman who once walked with uncertainty, hesitating on the path she walked, no longer did. She now walked with the confidence of a person was sure of their choice, and were prepared to face anything or anyone that might stand in their way.

"So, what brings you out here?"

“I mainly just came out here to sightsee. I heard this was a beautiful place so I had to see it for myself. ”, he admitted with a shrug “A matter of fact I did buy some sweets. I didn’t buy much seeing how I don’t have a sweet-tooth.”

Turning his attention back to Shizuka, having looked the opposite way when she was getting dress, Nanashi watched her gather firewood and pieces of kindling in preparations for building a fire. It was only after watching her for an extended time did he realized the lack of her presence within his mind. She was no longer using his eyes, well eye, to see around. She was moving about on her own accord. He couldn’t be happier.

There was no warning. There was no indication. It just happened, the gap between them closed rapidly, and Nanashi embraced his student in a hug. Warmth and care washed over them both, as the feelings Nanashi had for Shizuka was conveyed. I missed you too. I’m happy to see you. All this and more was telegraph through a simple gesture, yet he spoke them as well “I missed you too. And I’m glad to have this chance to see you again.”

The hug lingered for a few seconds before Nanashi detached himself from Shizuka “You look different. You have changed.”, indeed that’s the first thing he noticed about her.

“How have you been? How’s things in Konoha?”


Stronger.

Stronger.

Yes, she indeed has gotten stronger.

---

1096(2872)

Fate. Nanashi isn’t one to place his entire faith in such a notion. He didn’t wholeheartedly believe in the idea that things happen because of fate. He sees himself more as a realistic than an idealist person, therefore, he can’t get caught up in the possibilities that things happen ‘cause of fate. Hard numbers. Facts. They are the things that he holds true to when it comes to decisions and other things in his life. Everything can be determined when one has the right or enough facts at their disposal. He thinks like this most of the time, however, there are certain instances where facts and numbers can’t produce a plausible answer, leaving one only with the assumption that fate had a hand in it. A prime example of this is Nanashi and Shizuka.

The first time they met couldn’t have been predicted by the greatest minds. A special jounin at the time, Nanashi had ventured to Hi no Kuni in order to check up on some investments; hospitals that he owned or had a share in. After traveling from town to town, he eventually ended up in Konohagakure no Sato and after checking on his investments there, he decided to explore some of the wilderness. He did have a passion for flora, after all. During wandering through the vast wilderness of Konoha, he stumbled over a young woman. Houykaku Shizuka. Such an interesting person. Timid, but with an inner strength becoming of her short stature the two talk. Through conversation and observation, he found out the shortcomings of the Hokage at the time. Fresh bruises and cuts, easy things any competent medic could heal, were left unchecked by the medics of Konoha. And why? All because the Hokage thought ill of her. It was through that and more which allowed them to connect. He had found her when she was hurt and needed a friend.

It wouldn’t be the last time. . .

The second time they met was during this year chuunin exams. And just like the time before this one, their meeting couldn’t have been predicted by anyone. Hundreds. Maybe even thoughts of people flocked to the country hosting the Chuunin exams. While a lot where there for the exams itself, many came to indulge themselves in the festivities being held. Men. Women. Child. Families flocked the streets of the marketplace, laughing, chattering, buying stuff that they later on would regret. Among this sea of people was Nanashi, wading through the sea of people with the ease of a fish in water. He too came here for the festivals and to watch the Chuunin Exams. But, it was doing an outing to buy gifts for siblings, aunts, mother, and grandmother back home did he run into Shizuka. And just like the time before, the pair talked, held a conversation as they conversed the streets. And just like before, Nanashi found fresh injuries on porcelain skin - bruises and cuts. They were untreated, and just like before, he treated them with the care only someone like he could give. Again, he found her when she was hurt, healed her, all the wild their friendship grew.

Yes, Nanashi isn’t one to believe in fate, but when it came to meeting Shizuka, maybe, just maybe, he did. For they have never met each other unless one of them, mainly Shizuka, needed Nanashi’s help. However, this time. This time is different. Shizuka wouldn’t be the one asking for help. No, she had gotten stronger, so much stronger, and it showed in his actions. The one who will be needing help is the one who always helped before. . .

A hug. A kiss. Those are the most recognized ways one can talk to another without using words. Of course, there are other ways, but those are universal than the others. It might be cliche’, but, sometimes words ain’t enough to express what one is feeling for another. There are times where words wouldn’t convey the message clear enough, powerful enough. Emotions can be felt through words, sure. But powerful emotions can be felt through actions. And that’s exactly what’s happening between Nanashi and Shizuka as they held each other in an embrace. A hug.

Yes, indeed words were spoken without speaking.

“I’m happy to see you. I’m glad you are doing alright. You have grown. Have you been doing missions? Anything exciting? You have gotten stronger, I can tell. You carry yourself with more confidence and grace now. Has there been any more trouble?”

Strong arms tighten the embrace though not painfully, bringing Shizuka closer into his chest - allowing her to melt away in the warmth. A smile tugged on his face as he felt her leaning more into the embrace, slender but tone arms wrapped around his waist as she just stayed. However, no matter how much Shizuka and Nanashi wanted, the hug ended with the former breaking it. A strong grip on his wrist stopped him from taking a step back and instead turned to face the owner of the delicate hand.


He knew. He knew even before turning around that she had found out about what he tried to hide. What he didn’t want her to know. Not because he didn’t trust her, but rather, not to burden her with such trivial matters. However, it’s out of the question now, he would have to tell her.

“It’s that noticeable?”, he asked rhetorically, legs guiding them both to a clear spot on the ground, around the roaring fire, and settling them down there. “Nothing can escape you. . .” he said, looking into the flickering orange flames, gathering his thoughts, the hand having connected with hers - holding hands. He could always lie to her, but that wouldn’t do. He couldn’t do that to someone who he cares about. Sure, he has done it to others, but there is only a handful of people that were close to him like Shizuka.

“This might sound crazy, but hear me out, okay?”, he waited still she agreed before continuing “I don’t know how everyone else arrive here, but I came here through a portal. A few days ago, I was investigating the disappearance of some geishas that my mother is close to. I looked high and low for any clues regarding them till I met an old man. This man told me some things before giving me a possible lead on the geishas. Following this lead, I found myself in a town on the outskirts of Tsuchi no Kuni. It’s in this town that a portal unexpectedly opened up, suck me in, and landed me here. For the days leading up till now I was continuing searching for the geishas. I recently got a lead from another Konoha shinobi, they having seen a dishevel geisha, but it end in a cold trail. Today is the only day I haven’t searched for them, but I’m planning to do so sometime later.”

Would she believe him? Would she help him? Did she know anything? He don’t know. All he can do is wait to see what she says.

Yes, the one who was in need for help was none other than Nanashi. . .

---

1218(4090)

Once again, he was quite correct. Shizuka Houkyaku was hard to deceive. The very moment he stepped close enough to wrap his arms about her thin frame she could feel that there was something troubling him. The tension in his posture, the taught and tired muscles, the subconscious firmness of his grip. Even when he gently whispered his feelings of missing her, she could tell by the steady pace of his heart beat and unwavering hold that there was something lingering behind the truth of his words. Something... he was hesitating to share. 

In the end though, it didn't matter what he shared: he could have lied to her. Tell her light hearted falsities that everything was fine and she was worrying over nothing. Or spin her a tale to cover up the bigger obstacle in his path. Even if the older shinobi did his best to put on this smiling mask and appear to be as content as he sounded; it didn't matter.The younger female, had lived in this shrouded world long enough to know what senses to rely on. And which senses could be distracting.  And the senses she was relying on now, were the ones that told her that he would choose to be honest because he knew he was right. 


"Noticeable? Maybe only to me." 


Listening with touch. Seeing through experience. 
The female allowed the Guanyin to lead her down to a clear spot by the fire, where she could keep her hands busy and finish with lunch, all while hearing his story. And what a remarkable story he told. 
That's right. Even though the young female worked to cut the head, tails and bones from the fish with frightening finesse and wrapped them in foil to cook over the fire, she took in every little detail of what he was saying. Those words about the missing Geisha and the leads he chased after. The roughly stopped dead ends and the likely cause of his distress. The sounds of his heart beat, his lungs pulsing and gasping along with truth of his tale. By the time he had finished, Shizuka had a reasonably clear idea of what was going on. Some people he cared deeply about had gone missing, and her friend was feeling lost on what to do about it now that he was standing at the end of the trail. Well.... the Chuunin knew exactly how that felt. 

"....I see" She said after a long moment of silence, a light frown crossing across her through creased features. 
"Nanashi-kun, please collect your things and put out the fire. We need to be somewhere else" 

Without another quietly, confidently spoken word, the young Houkyaku carefully removed the now cooked fish from the fire and placed them in a container in her bag for later, along with her lunch box, water bottle and headband. She then slipped on her shoes, tied her hair back, and as soon as she had collected the bird who had dutifully been watching the whole time; made her way over to the clearing where she would wait for her kind hearted companion. 

Before she had arrived at Prism Park Lake, Shizuka had been wandering about the Valley for quite a while. Following the scents, chasing the sounds... treading where the wind had guided her to. She found herself getting caught up listening to the many conversations around, just in case someone happened to know something that could aid the chuunin in her own hunt.  But that, unfortunately proved to be as fruitless as trying to find a sugar free edible item in this place. Although...there was however something that did draw her attention. A common factor in every conversation that floated freely past her searching ears. It didn't matter who she listened in on, all these people seemed to end up here whether they wanted to or not.
Some came through the rabbit hole as she did and some were teleported. Some were looking for a missing item and found it lying about here. She had even heard about a man who woke up with his bed floating down the lake. It was this very thing that gave the female an idea. 

----

In relative silence, and with the help of the tiny red breasted robin sitting contentedly on her shoulder; the kunoichi led them across the park, and through a small forest until the edge of Cocoa alley was well in sight. Then, and only when they got close enough that all separated the two from the noise of the market place, was a thin line of trees and some well placed shadows, did Shizuka finally stop and turn to address her companion. 

"Listen... I have not been here all that long, but during the time i have been here, I have noticed that there is an unusually large amount of people here. People of all ages and sizes from all over the place... Don't you think it's a bit odd that a town dedicated to childrens games and sweet things has got a lot of adults? Yeah some of them are parents and some of them enjoy that sort of thing. But this many? I don't think so. It tells me that whether people wanted to be here or not... they are here anyway. The people you are looking for might be here too. 

I am going to send Niro up and take a look around. If I find someone that looks like they could know something, then I will step in to their mind and follow for as long as I can. But... Nanashi, if I do find that s someone you will have to leave straight away to catch them. As soon as they step out of my range that's it. I wont be able to find them again. Not for a while anyway and by then it will be too late. 

Now... if you are okay with this, tell me what would I be looking for?" 

He was once again correct. Since they had been apart Shizuka had been in training. Getting in touch with her avian friend again, going on missions. Doing jobs around the village to build what little confidence she could spare. It wasn't much... but it was just enough. Enough for her to show someone she trusted...  someone she cared for; that she too was capable of helping others. That she was able to do what must be done.  Even if it meant saying goodbye for now, until fate had brought them together once more. 

So finally, with that conviction resting at the back of her mind, she picked the bird off her shoulder and raised him up on a finger to fly away out above the tree tops and over the spectrum of roofs. From there he would circle around, spiraling out with every tiny detail looking, searching. It wouldn't be long now. 

"I will miss you Nanashi-kun. But we will see each other again. And this time we will definitely have lunch. That's a promise" 

------
Words: 1192
Total: 4134

“Noticeable? Maybe only to me. . .”

No, there is another person, excluding close family members,  in Nanashi’s life who he couldn’t keep secrets from - even if he wanted to. However, the person wasn’t a friend like Shizuka. They were something else, something more. A friend? No. Family member? No. Lover? . . Yes. Jugo, Tei, a missing-nin of Iwagakure is the only other person who could read Nanashi like an open book. There wasn’t much he could hide from the one who he loved - his former teacher. Though, time have past since he has last seen her, or gotten word of her existence. For all he know the woman that he pledged his love for could be dead, and a part from him, deeply hidden within a careful crafted facade and locked away in the deepest part of his mind, only to come out when necessary, wouldn’t feel any remorse if she, Tei, is dead. The deep love for the Jugo having waned over the years of not seeing her.

This, however, isn’t about Nanashi’s lover. She isn’t here, and now isn’t the time for such thoughts. Instead, he should be thinking about the woman, his student, who he just told the reason for his presence here. Houkyaku, Shizuka, indeed she’s someone in Nanashi life who he couldn’t hide anything from. This inability to hide secrets from her didn’t stem from Shizuka’s uncanny ability to unlock the minds of others with the expert of a master burglar, gaining access to a treasure trove of information, looking over and taking anything that might strike her fancy. An ability like that is truly frightening and  in the wrong hands it be could be deadly.

The inability to hide anything from Shizuka came for one simple reason - trust. Nanashi doesn’t trust people easily. Finding many of them to have ulterior motives with only a few of them being sincere when offering their friendship. Despite his pessimistic views of others, Nanashi can and often will place his trust in those who sincerely placed their trust in him. Shizuka being one such person who placed her trust in him and vice-versa. There are many reasons why Nanashi places his trust in others: guilt, understanding, seeing himself in them, amusement, etc. It’s a combination of the first three that Nanashi placed his trust into Shizuka.

Guilt. Even though he has been years ago, Nanashi felt responsible for lost in sight. He had an opportunity to give back sight to her, but his busy schedule didn’t allow him to take out and attended to the emergency that a close acquaintance so desperately pleaded him to.

Understanding. Nanashi has been there. He has been a weak child, unable to defend against the horrors of the world. He has watched good men and women die by the hands of scum. He has been witness and victim of how low others would go to quench their sadistic thirst. Times of being weak, struggling to gain strength, he been there.

Seeing himself in her. Tying in with ‘understanding’ Nanashi sees himself in Shizuka. And just like those who helped him during his younger years, he would be doing the same for her.

There were other reasons, but these are the main ones. They are why he placed his trust in Shizuka without hesitation. And they are also the reason why he opened up to her as much as he did. Sure, he would have told others about the missing geishas, but doing so in an uncaring, stoic-like manner - lacking any true emotions. But with her, with Shizuka, the love and care he has for the geisha was shown, as well as the distress in not finding them. All of this and more was shown, as Nanashi allowed cracks to appear in his mask.

“Nanashi-kun, please collect your things and put out the fire. We need to be somewhere else.”

Her statement through him off guard. Where else did they need to be? Where will she be taking him? Did she have information about the missing Geishas? Did she know where they act and was planning to take him to them? Did she. . . Like the morning sun, hope rose within his chest at the prospect of finding those who was missing. Nodding at the orders, Nanashi set about dousing the fire with a simple E-rank suiton taught to him during his Anbu training. It was mainly used to put out small campfires - like this one.

With that done, Nanashi picked up one of his sealing scrolls, it having fallen out of his pocket during the sudden impulse to hug Shizuka. Placing the scroll back into the pocket and securing it, Nanashi made his way towards Shizuka, idly noting a bird on her shoulder. “Is that a robin?”, he mused to himself, wondering where he had seen the bird from. Isn’t it the same bird that was sitting in the tree earlier? Is it her pet or something? While this was intriguing, Nanashi pushed those thoughts away and focus on something else more important.



Nanashi didn’t say anything as he followed Shizuka through the park and through a small forest. He could clearly see the Cocoa Alley from where the stood. During the walk, he wanted so badly to ask where she was taking him. Did she have any information on those who he was searching for? But through it all he held his tongue. He waited. So, patiently waited for her to say something, anything. And it seemed like his waiting had finally paid off.

So, he wasn’t the only who had noticed the abnormally high volume of adults in Satou no Kuni. Adults, many in which, didn’t fit with the inhabitants of the country. It’s easy to tell apart natives from those who didn’t belong here. While there time here might have given them some confidence, they didn’t walk with the ease of the natives. When a native enter a shop without caution, others did not. They entered slightly guarded and with some uncertainty.  

Nanashi didn’t reply to the first part of her statement, only nodding in agreement, and allowing her to continue speaking. The hope from earlier continues to rise as Shizuka mention how she’s going to help him search for by using Nico - the name of the robin on her shoulder.

“There are two geishas missing. Shiroma Maemi is in her late twenties. She stands a little under 5’4” and weigh a little under 112lbs, at least she did the last time I saw her. The most striking thing is her red hair with white tips, that reaches the small of her back. Her eyes are also distinct, they being a smokey grey color.

Shoda Nagisa is the name of the other geisha and is the youngest of the two. She being only in her late teens, nineteen, as of two days ago. She stands around 5’6” and weighs roughly 124lbs. She has dark brown eyes and brunette hair that is usually in a bun of sort. She has a tattoo of a butterfly on her back, and three black stars on her left wrist.  “giving Shizuka the information, Nanashi watched as the robin took off, disappearing in the distance.

“Thank you for doing this for me.”, Nanashi said, his words being full of sincerity “It seems like fate always bring us together when one of us needs a hand.”

More words would have been spoken, however, Nico had managed to not only gain information on the geishas whereabouts but found both of them wandering the streets, confused, lost, and scared. With their location known, Nanashi didn’t waste any time in leaving, sprinting across the ground with speed as he hastily went to their location.

However, before he left, Nanashi spoke to Shizuka, his words being carried on the wind

“I will miss you too. And I will hold you to that promise.”


“Nanashi!?”, Shoda Nagisa out cried as she along with Shiroma Maemi was hugged by the silver-haired jounin. He founded them. He finally found them. No, wait, he didn’t find them. . . .

Houkyaku Shizuka did. . .

“She indeed has gotten stronger.”, he mused, as he and the two geishas walked away.

Indeed she has. . .

---

1397(5487)

Soaring high and gentle above the rivers of rooftops, watching the flashing spectrum dash past her narrowed vision. Spiraling around and around and around, rising, falling, gliding carelessly across a dizzying wind, far above the judgmental eyes and searching hands. There was nothing so simply freeing, so blissfully elating than the feeling of flying.
It was this very feeling that kept her going during the days where the darkness was at it's dimmest.
Oh yes, she remembered those days. Stuck in a black room in a tired world when all that was stopping her from freedom was a flimsy wooden barrier and a few steps of confidence. It would take her weeks before she was brave enough to reach through the unknown to see what was there on the other side. But when she did, when she finally pushed through that door, who was there to receive her tenative touch? Who would hear her? Who would save her? No one. No one but a tiny red breasted robin. Sleeping inside it's cage besides it's still warm shell. 

Such a fragile innocent creature. So new to the world. A stranger to life. She would call him Niro, after the night that they were born from. A tie that would bind the two forever.
Even when one was gleefully soaring through the clouds while the other remained solidly grounded.

---

Shizuka Houkyaku had only been searching for a few minutes. With the male shinobi's description echoing through her distant mind, and her gaze fixed firmly on the broken flow of footprints below, she gently guided the robin down closer to the breathless chimney tops. 
From up higher it was hard to determine the more intricate details. Weight, eye colour, tattoos and scars. It wasn't much help when there was enough people here running about to fill a small river bed. But the colour of their hair, the way they walked. The manner in which they held themselves when wondering about these crowded streets. Whether it be determinedly marching down these roads while they conducted their own search, or stumbling through in a delirious stupor. Even if they shuffled through with a extra sliver of fear and confusion in their posture that set them from the anxious adults: That would be what would help her find them. And that is exactly how she found those two missing Geisha girls. 

Wandering. Frightened. Hopeful


“Thank you for doing this for me.”.
“It seems like fate always bring us together when one of us needs a hand.”
 
She couldn't help the blushing smile. The hand that reached out to grab and hold his.... The moment of silent agreement between them.

"There is no need to thank me. This one little thing...this.. it doesn't compare to all the times you have helped me. No. It is I who is needing to thank you again. If you had not shown up today. If you had not found me when you did, then I might still be believing that getting lost was just another sign that I didn't belong at home" 
Another moment of silence fell over the two, but this didn't last nearly as long. Not a minute after releasing his hand and allowing her's to fall by her side, she noticed something out near the shop she had been sent to when first arriving in this sweet scented place. Two people's whose actions contradicted the world around them. 
A girl with tangled red hair and another with a loosely frayed bun. 
"There! I see them. They look unharmed but they are frightened. Head down this road towards the town's center and turn before you get to the bakery. Two blocks down at the Velvet Shortcake Shop. Hurry Nanashi kun! They are looking for you" 

-----

With their farewell promises still lingering in the moment, Shizuka stood waiting until the small bird had returned to her and retaken it's place, perched carefully on her shoulder. It had been a wearily long day. When she had woken up that morning, the day had looked as dismal as yesterday's clouds. Colourless, lifeless, even though she could feel the warmth of the early dawn rays against her porcelain pale skin, she could feel the chill of an on coming rain.... But then, out of the blue there had been a knock on the door.  She didn't hear footsteps, she barely heard a heartbeat; just a knocking and a letter. A note written in immaculate brail. 
Back then sightless kunoichi had no idea where she would end up, or why she even bothered to keep going even after the words made her doubt herself. But in the end, at the conclusion of those twist and turns and misdirected directions; she found her self right where she needed to be. In the arms of a friend, floating with in the clouds and finally... finally... slowly making her way home once again. 

"You know Niro. I was wrong about today. I know you enjoyed yourself up there too. I can't wait to tell Shakai about this place. We should go see him sometime soon. But not tonight. Let's head home" 


Until we meet again

Nanashi Guanyin

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