Some people were the same type of monster. And some people were the same type of person. But the monster dwells in both you and me. But who is the grander? Hiking, treading through swamp grounds and desolate areas, Yasuo walked with a purpose. As they were told, they were to deliver a package to someone's home however it seemed this was not a normal delivery. Yasuo dwelled in the shadier specs of life for years and was used to work that others would stray from. Being the person they were, they could handle their fair share of blood and guts. They did make a living on the black market for their more exotic treats. Hehe, the smell of iron clotted but fresh tickled their nose and made their stomach turn and softly growl in hunger. Ah how they wish they could sample the fine specimen, it was of superb quality, the hearts of several middle age male jugo braised with oregano and a soy sauce and balsamic dressing, the men's fat boiled over and reduced in wine and set aside as a sauce. It smelled heavily and the meat was rare, practically bleeding. Yasuo was almost envious. No they were envious. Such a delectable meal and they were not going to have any.

Perhaps, Yasuo contemplated as they turn a corner, ignoring how an eerie fog set in. Perhaps they could find a way to stay for dinner? Yasuo was a fantastic chef among other things, a true gourmet and new how to take any cut of meat into the star of the show. The compliments Yasuo received for their five cheese and herb blend stuffed stomach were the most superb, almost as much as the dish. It made Yasuo giddy and chuckled thinking they would make a great wife. Everyone knew the way to a person's heart is through the stomach.

Alas, there was a shortage of viable partners in the market. Seems not everyone could match their taste. At least if the date went wrong for whatever reason, they wouldn't be alone for the night although it often got messy if Yasuo wasn't careful and kept their composure. With a heavy sigh Yasuo glanced at the miniature map with messily drawn on direction to their destination while crossing a crumbling bridge. It was stained with a dark red that almost turned copper like blood but was still wet in some areas, seemingly fresh. The stained was so engraved in the stone that it would lead others to believe it were naturally so. And narrow, oh it were quite narrow this bridge that is. Hardly any but still just enough room for a small cart. Of what they could not know. Without care they trekked on as if this were not so eerie as others would believed. They had no illusion this were not a dangerous area. They heard the rumors of course, of a terrible bloodthirsty beast. Of ghosts that haunted the land and the cries of the fallen victims still coursing through the area. The area was dark and shaded as if it were turned away and abandoned by the rays of the sun. And they believed them. Who ever lived here, as Yasuo caught a glimpses of gaps that reveal the ground where fingers dragged in hopes of surviving or something larger was simply dragged off beneath a blanket of mist, was not a fan of trespassers.

But the legends were old and obviously one way or the other found their way to the Mizukage's ear who was known for her brutality and militaristic agenda did not stop them or killed off the weed. Therefore this weed were either a noble (doubtful since everyone knew something was wrong with the nobility in Water Country) or the most likely answer, a shinobi of the village. One of a respectable linage and/ or high ranking enough to get away with what they pleased. Yasuo had suspicions of both. Therefore they were not worried. They had identification and had not broken any of Kiri's laws; they were just delivering a gift to the beast and nothing more.

At least that is what they liked to believe and not that they were walking into a trap. As Yasuo took off their shades and wiped the fog off them they felt a chill in the area unlike any other. A chill that was not of fear but. . .kinship? Was there. . .someone, like them, here? Intriguing. It seemed they weren't alone in the this courtyard.

760~

Sero sat on the fourth floor of his manor. Darkness surrounding him as if daylight never was known to shine upon that section of the house. His grey eyes stared at a set of red eyes across from him. It wasn't possible to make out more than the six eyes watching him in return. Each the size of his own and never blinking. It wasn't unnerving for him in the least though. He was accustomed to the unsettling. Nor was this particular creature there to harm him. Instead it was waiting on a treat it had been promised. She was an eager creature to say the least and happy to live somewhere in peace for once. Still she was small and fragile. She needed to be treated with some attention and grown into something more useful to him. However for the time being she was already giving birth to a series of intelligent and tiny young lings. Not many survived much longer than the average spider and yet already they had begun to inhabit his island in a very satisfying way. They understood to avoid the first three floors of the manor and the courtyard but the woods and the fourth floor was their territory. To them Sero was the father figure mother refused to eat. To Sero they were his security.

Still his spot on the large wooden chair hadn't shifted in over an hour. He felt no discomfort even with the minimal padding the grey robes he always was known for wearing had. The hems of the robes in tatters with crimson soaked into them and the sleeves spotted the same. A single spider had been sent inland to keep an eye on Ayakashi from some distance to keep from freezing. A single thread of information for him while he was away. In time he would have webs cast across the border of all of kirigakure. No one would come and go without his knowing. Not without flying anyway. Still he glanced down as a small spider crawled across his right hand shifting under a finger and brushing its hairy legs against his hand. The young had yet to learn of his lack of touching sensation and still liked to try and be affectionate. Still he could hear Momma shifting as the wall seemed to shift and skitter with her. Her voice like a deep growl but feminine in nature as she spoke to him. Having learned some English to communicate.

"It's here it's here! My treat is here! I wants it...do fetch it for me little grey one...do fetch it."

Sero merely nodded in acceptance before a black cloud began to shift from the wall and wash over him. Creeping and crawling up his chair and his legs before feeling his chakra and suddenly he had faded from his seat as it enveloped him, A wall of spiders leaving nothing behind as they left the manor through the cracks in the wall. Like a black spot on the path it moved into the mist letting the manor fade behind it as Sero went to greet the guest that had arrived. He could smell some sort of seasoned meat from here but knew it mattered little to him. He wouldn't be able to identify the seasoning because he never used any. Still as he approached something peaked his interest. His form shifted a little faster as the black spot moved. This individual felt much like unto himself. A dark thing in a world of man. A stain on humanity if ever there was one and he was not alone by any means after all. He was eager to meet this particular individual.

Sero would rise up as the individual seemed to sense him in turn. A black spot on the path skittering away and revealing a man seeming to emerge from it like it had been some sort of pit for him to rest within. Spiders climbing the tree's as a whisper seemed to echo. Barely audible like dozens of children's voices in the distance but somehow close. "Is it food? Mothers treats! He brings Momma her treats" It seemed to echo back and forth. Still Sero would stand there with dead eyes gazing at the individual before him. The individual was the source of the lesser aura it was obvious. Standing a mere two meters away now. He would raise a hand and the tiny spiders would cease to speak and fade into the forest. It was time for the adults to speak. Still Sero lowered his pale, clawed hand and returned his bland expression to the matter at hand. The individual had an aura that spoke of danger but Sero was more than that. The light seemed to dim between them and death was the most prominent feeling there. As if the grave had risen to stare in silence at the two and all the damned watched now. When Sero spoke it was a cold monotone with no life...like a puppet corpse.

"You enter here, My sanctuary, what is it you bring with you I wonder. It smells of food but often poison does."

869

Some say silence was unnerving, but that was only when it was alone and nothing more. Although the kurohebi had gotten used to the desolate freezing temperature of Kiri's islands, this sudden chill in the air felt like rusty nails crawling down his backside making his skin shiver in pleasure. It was like death had eyes unseen but always watching, teething his flesh with it sharp fangs, puncturing it and ready to tear it anew. This sensation was something Yasuo hadn't felt in a long long time. This creature was what babes shriek and children hid under their beds in fear. What mothers fear as they heard whispers of old wives tales. The strongest of men broke down at the sight of it and even the strongest in the land were at its mercy. Such despair and chilling air was. . .euphoric to say the least and Yasuo could feel their heart pump as the blood inside his corpse like body gather warmth down his lower region in a tease, hoping for more.

Like whispers of a thousands small scratching they area was blanketed with a dark sinister aura and out of it came a man straight out of the pits of hell. When it held its hand the whispers stopped but Yasuo managed to catch what they said anyway. Mother, mother, mother. They asked if Yasuo had mother's treats. But they way the individual held themselves was not motherly nor wanting, as if they cannot or did not want a treat so it was for another perhaps? Most likely. It was also likely this individual had gone to fetch 'Mother's Treats' as if done a chore and not out of kindness but could it be possible for them. It was like they were dead to the world with eyes so empty they appear more soulless than dolls eyes like the ones they crafted in their spare time and were beautiful all the same. But unlike those human dolls his flesh did not make him weak nor was he so dainty and fragile. He had a strength to him unlike to any other and held himself with authority. He did not try to please others or feign innocence but was just as he was, a pillar of strength looking down at a whelp but it wasn't rude nor unjustly like those vain noblemen at the royal courts. No he simply regarded Yasuo with little acknowledgement, just curiosity and distrust.

This package they carried felt heavier than it had a moment ago. As if it could not bear witness to this court of the damned, on watching breathless at the malevolent air around it that choke the area with poison like a demon's miasma. Yasuo was not one to fear death, they never have. They only fear time wasted and this sought to utilize every moment they had before they succumb to their own demons and becomes reacquainted with the pitchers of hell. But this individual, this man, seems not only he had witness hell but he ruled it. This dangerous curiosity of Yasuo's could get them killed if they wasn't careful but it was so tempting. So very bloody tempting. When the man spoke it sent shivers down their spine once more. Yasuo had their fair share of sharing the company of broken individuals, their spirit gone and only a living corpse. They had no dreams or aspirations but just continue to exist. But there was a key difference between them. One was broken, the other wasn't, one become dead, the other was born dead.

How they wondered? How was he this way? Was he from the clan? No, he had to be much more emotional and insane to be? So no he is not like us but he is? Why? Was it this aura, this black soul? Why did it send seem no longer like kinship? He can't be like us. Our clan and his are different but what is his clan. We could be wrong. We have been before. I never seen someone like this before. But I want to know more. I want to examine him. I want to see what skeletons are in his closet. I want to know him...

Hopefully the man was unaware of what thoughts lurked in the inner corners of Yasuo's mind because he didn't want to give off the wrong impression. So politely Yasuo bowed a perfect 90 degrees and stood straight. His voice was deep but not gravely. It edged thinly between a sultry woman and a conniving man but still smooth as silk and divine as the finest wine although there was a noticeable sinister edge peeking behind it, his fancy peaking through."My apologies my good sir, this was not the first impression I've wanted to give. I am but a lowly creature here to deliver a package to someone on this property. You are the first person I've met so perhaps you would know whom this belong to? I have a letter and some credentials to show whom sent me here and why. Of course if you believe I am lesser and tampered with the contents, I am willing to put those doubts to rest in any way you see fit."

1647~

Sero tilted his head as the forest remained dead around them. Nothing stirred but a cold breeze that rippled the water of a little creek nearby. All of nature waited with baited breath for Sero to continue on his way. After all this far from the manor they should be safe aside from his passing. The creatures here lived in the area because there was not much around. Water and food was a plenty and all they had to do was avoid one predator that cared little for them most days. It used to hunt when it was a child but not as much in recent years. Along with him being here though other predators and people avoided the island. It was easier to only avoid one thing and live high in the trees, under the water or within the ground. That was until recently however...there was something else stirring to life on the island now. Another predator species which had aligned itself with the young man. Further in land but spreading further outwards little creatures with many eyes and many legs crawled and skittered about spinning webs and consuming anything that lived be it insect or bird. Numbers and speed overwhelming larger creatures so much that many spiders were the size of the birds. Now able to take one down on its own. Which was what suddenly broke the still air above them as in the branches a flash of movement could be seen. A crow squaked in surprise before it was gone as a large spider tackled it and took it down deeper into the woods. Sero's grey eyes only shifted upwards a moment before returing to the young man across from him as he was bowed to. How formal of someone...less fear and trembling and....respect.

Odd that someone would bow before him and be so cooperative. Unlikely it was an assassin. After all he had ordered such an interesting meal as a gift to try and win over one of the more prominent spiders...He simply couldn't ignore that such a thing could of been intercepted or in league with his enemies from the beginning. He had plenty. Still something felt familiar of this one. Slowly Sero began to step one foot after the other and circled the individual as he spoke in steady and flowing movements almost like he was floating around him. The mist almost like a cold breath as it stirred around their feet. Tendrils reaching out and touching the bottom of Sero's ankles as if trying to attach to him as he moved. As soon as the individual finished speaking Sero stopped just to his right and leaned down with his face very close to the other individuals. Slowly he inhaled through the nose as a low growl seemed to flood the area though not centering on Sero like it should. Instead it caused Sero to look up in the direction of the manor which even with the echo he knew it had originated from. Tiny whispers began to fill the air once more discussing back and forth how mother was hungry and wanted her treat. Impatient as she was Sero knew he was simply wasting time now. After a moment Sero's face slunk away back to a normal distance as he turned and began to walk up the path. Speaking as he did so behind him. To some this seemed like he had exposed his back and was vulnerable now to attack and yet with Sero it was different. As if he could sense the soul and was waiting for it to try him so he could consume it. His voice, as hollow as it was carried easily.

"Very well then mystery child....If you wish to prove yourself you may accompany me to the manor...the one that treat is meant for waits there. If she doesn't get her treat now likely she will hunt you for it...however if she likes it...you may have purpose here more than you had before. A place on my island that could prove a learning experience for you. I have no sense of taste so all food is the same to me but she...she has a pallet."

1582

If I was a man I would kneel. If I were woman I would faint. If I was simple I would tear. If I was smart, running wouldn't help either way. If I was sated, swooning at this beast would be a passing thought and not a current act. It was an act in which Yasuo fought feverishly to keep under control, lest they give off the wrong impression. Were the god before them anything but that of which they were, pouncing right now would be the least of their worries. With every step Yasuo blackened heart beat faster and faster like a war drum. Their hollow gaze dared the mist to sweep the beauty away and glared at the tendril who dared try to defy them as they attempt to lure the paws of a great beast into their midst. The air was still yet melodically humming along to the dance of shadows as the earth watched and time stood still in the graveyard. The waft of the rather rare dish was overpowered by a thick stale stench of blood and fear of which was owned by the creature suddenly attacked and felled in battle with on of numerous spiders; the kind of which they hadn't seen before. And slowly but sure rays of clearer light peeked through the dense fog revealing a frightening sight; multitudes and hordes of arachnids of all shapes and sizes. Some even as large as a birder but ten times more unsightly. They held back on the word of the local haunt with bated breath just as Yasuo did once his captor halted in his step and drew close to their face, only a hair's breath away giving them a frigid cold stare that penetrated their defenses and a bolt of energy down to their loins.

And then there was thunder of which they hadn't heard before. Although the typical perpetrator would've undoubtedly had been the man before them however their throat had not vibrated as they had a full in depth view of their adman's apple to see it so. Instead the growl echoed ominusly bouncing off the trees and causing ripples in nearby creaks and with it came the voices; thousands of small scratchy voices and thousands more eyes watched them carefully and Yasuo could feel their anticipation. It seemed the man could as well because they stepped away to a less personal distance and left his broad back wide open (and inviting Yasuo moaned in the caverns of their conscience) speaking in a hollow tone which forced them to walked up to the mystery man closer but not too quick and keeping a respectable distance going past them then turning to face them smiling as they did so with their skeletal hand to their heart "My my, I should be flattered. A woman who isn't afraid to get what she wants and has a fashionable taste to go with it is more than what I deserve. This package hadn't felt more of a burden than before since my unworthy self has held it. Please sir, show me the way so that our union would be a gratifying one. I look forward to whatever you and your partner have in store and I shall make certain to meet her standards and more." And with that Yasuo would follow once the white haired one made way and walked to the manor as they began to feel a bit pep into their step.

2234~

Sero walked ahead of the person in question. A delivery from a specialty shop was an interesting deviation from his usual behavior however since obtaining sage mode via that seal agreement he had been less concerned with others treading on his island. He still wasn't a fan as greed was not based on the soul and what was his was only his. However as he had grown to accept more people in his exhistence he had grown to accept sharing that space. However not many places would even get as far as the other side of the bridge. No matter what he wanted delivered he needed a mediator for it. He kept his visits to the market a rarety as it bothered a great many people. He was the poster child of the village for why not to mess with Kiri excluding the Kage herself and yet they didn't wish to interact with him. A monster they needed wasn't exactly a monster they wanted. So it was that he had been directed eventually to this specialist. If it turned out to be as rumored he was sure the spiders would adore the individual who's gender he couldn't identify. If not the individual would be free to run and never return.

Still as the person walked with him they talked in such a formal way it was midly irritating. Of course Sero didn't know the attraction was there simply because he never cared anything about it. Nor was he sniffing hard enough to smell the change in phermones. However he did sense something else that was hard to notice at first. There was a dull ache of danger still coming from the individual that held nothing in the way of going on the offensive around their stance. They were cooperating but it was like having a rattlesnake around that was watching you but not shaking its tail yet. He could feel it was dangerous but it gave no sign of how so. Still his grey eyes would drift to the individual from time to time. Once he did speak he had a dull tone that still seemed to have an echo like whisper.

"I am Osada Sero the second. This is my fathers island from before he died and my birth right. What is your name?"

Introductions....it was odd for him but he could manage. He had spoken before to others and read several hundred books. Often a greeting required a hand shake but he didn't really care to touch anyone else less he was harming them. A hunt was always wonderful but nothing in the way of friendly touching. Nor would he accept anyone touching him in the same way. That close had too many vulnerabilities. He wasn't about to be blown up by some genin trying to get in a hug. Still he figured the individual was wise enough not to try anything. Still they entered passed the tree line and the scene opened up before them. a courtyard with cracked stones with grass overgrowing it and bodies in three burnt piles was the first thing that could be seen. Seemingly dragged there and burned but not to ashes yet. Statues of gargoyels and such were mostly grown over or cracked and broken but they scattered the area. A fountain gurgled a red color and was far to thick to run properly while towering over it all was a broken down four story manor that hadn't been attended to in almost two decades. The weather and storms on the island having taken their toll and peeled the paint with most of the windows broken and no light within. The front door was just a melted piece of wood on some hinges that was stopping no one.

"This is home."

2222

As they walked, Yasuo could feel their soulless gaze drift to their person time from time making them grin happily. To have someone like them here was unexpected but only invigorating. Of course Yasuo could not lie, they have met stronger and deadlier folk of course but only this one intrigued them to the extent they wish to stand in their shadow and cultivate until they may taste the forbidden fruit themselves. They knew how these types work as their variations were so far and in between. They would need time to grow themselves before they try anything. Civilians were one matter but far beneath a shinobi. No matter how many civilians suffered by their hand, it could never amount to the glory a shinobi can attain. And besides, the juiciest of fruits were the ones harder to attain.

As a civilian their prowess with the ninja arts was not impressive by any stretch of the imagination, but their mind was sharp just the same so when the man had finally spoken Yasuo eyes grew sharply thin as they turned to face the man, grinning as they done so and smiled. "Osada Sero the second? The former mizukage's child who a met an early demise. Why I never seen the man but I'm sure you look plenty like him and will grow farther than he" they sighed in a reminiscent fashion and smiled as they walked onward on the path, introducing themselves a moment after "I am known as Masa Yasuo, unfortunately not your clansman as you clan is any indication. A pity honestly. Regardless as you might tell, I am a wanderer of sorts. A travel the land doing a odd jobs of sorts but primarily my main source of income is crafting dolls and fine silk kimonos. Of course I am a gourmet of sorts and enjoy trying my hands at creating exotic dishes."

Yasuo continued to dabble on about their travels, of course they didn't expect any response from the newly found Sero but it was fine, it was mostly hushed and to themselves as they mostly were discussing it among themselves, chuckling at few times at some odd memories As the pair walked they soon enough passed a tree line, the light in the air darkening as they entered this new area. In their sight line was a grand courtyard, weathered and beaten with age. The cracked stones had grass overgrowing them, high enough to reach one’s own knees, and weeds spewed about. Astoundingly there were bodies in three burnt piles, caused pitch black scorch marks on the ground as if this were a regular practice and thus made Yasuo glance sideways at Sero before back to them. It appeared as if the bodies had dragged there, kicking and screaming, begging for mercy only to be horrendously burned to the point their bodies cracked and turned dark creating a certain smoky stench however the bodies hadn’t been made into ashes yet. It almost made one wonder if the statues of gargoyles had committed the dead as they torn them asunder, taking the damned souls into the lowest pit in hell but alas they lost in a battle with nature as most had been grown over or broken into pieces, scattered across the land in various places. One of them by a large fountain that gurgled a deep crimson color that Yasuo could only presume to be blood. Of course unlike water, blood was far too thick to allow the fountain to run properly. And as if the grand reveal to top of this dystonia set was a broken down four story manor that towered over it all. Like its surroundings, it too had seen better days. The paint peeled like curled skin and majority of the windows were broken. The front door was just a burnt, seemingly melted piece of wood with wrecked hinges that would allow anyone inside, even the rats. Of course anyone could have seen it must have been a beautiful sight to behold in its heyday but now, that was a far of memory as the estate looked like it hadn’t been attended to in two decades.

It was a pitiful sight. Who on earth had let such a jewel be run into the ground? But when Sero mentioned this was his home, they were not too surprise. It was there but from how Sero acted, he didn’t seem perturbed in the slightest and no doubt a lack of staff made it clear he was on his own and no one would dare to care for it. Thinking back to those burnt piles...were those perhaps? No, no that wouldn’t the case. However despite not being one of Yasuo’s clansmen, he still acted like one all the same. Oh...perhaps that was why he confront Yasuo like he did. Now putting the pieces together, Yasuo deduced that Sero often was the target of scorn and had death hanging over his head yet it seemed to as if find likeliness in him for the man was a corpse in all ways except his beating heart. A heart that Yasuo yearned for now more than ever. Who wouldn’t in the presence of a shinigami? Just Yasuo? Well…

“If it’s alright Sero-sama, I’d like to speak without offending you but...your estate is in an unprecedented state of despair. This is your father’s homeland is it not surel-” They cut themselves off after realizing they didn’t know quite the details so they refrained from being rude any longer “Excuse me, that was out of line. Let’s us continue shall we?” The kurohebi had coughed into their hand and readjusted their grip on the parcel before they walked past the burnt piles, past the fountain, pass a gargoyle head, to the front door which they opened and held for Sero, waiting for him to walk in first as it would be rude of him to not too so.

3242~

Sero walked with the curious individual as they spoke to him for a time. It appeared they were knowledgable of the world events of passed years but he hardly cared for the history lesson. He was consistently reminded of his fathers influence by the clan when they made the rare occassions to come to him to settle anything in the clan. He was with out a doubt the strongest of them still around and so it often fell to him to settle disputes. Since he favored no one ofter the judgements were fair but they did not like having him around. However on the occassions were someone in the clan had gone rogue he was given notice first as the clan didn't care to lose any face with a string of murders associated with their name. They knew if he was informed of it in time Sero would deal with the poor Osada that had betrayed them. Only once had they been foolish enough to try and manipulate him to gain power. Only once had they paid the price for their deceit. Never again would they try and make him a tool for their own gain. He had been thorough in making that lesson stick.

Still he paused and let his guest move about and look around as they approached the manor and considered what they had said. If the person had so many useful hobbies or talents they might be of use to him. After all he was running out of robes not soaked in guts and Momma desired treats far to often and was far too impatient for his preferences to continuously order food from elsewhere. Perhaps if this persons dish met her standards he would offer a more permanent position. When momma was happy he was given a reliable security system alerting him whenever someone entered his lands. However when she was not often she didn't bother to tell him until they were kicking in the front door. She knew he prefered to engage them away from the grounds and that was how she punished him. By holding back information. However as Yasuo Spoke up once more and questioned his actions with his fathers things suddenly the air became hot enough that it became hard to breath. The grass tips lit on fire like candles as Sero would turn that dead gaze back to them and his aura was so potent it was like he already had yasuo's heart clenched in his fist. Yasuo's quick apology was probably the only reason he didn't burn him on the spot. The flames went out leaving the tips of the grass blackened and the air cooled down rapidly as Sero turned away and spoke in a dull tone.

"You have your uses Yasuo but never presume to speak to me of my father. Others have suffered horribly for less. It is not a subject I enjoy. Our destination is on the fourth floor. We will need to use the service elevator because an explosion took out the stairs from the third to the fourth floor some time ago."

He proceeded to walk again with Yasuo in tow passed the burnt door into the Manor. On the inside webs coated the walls by the look of it mingled with dust on most of the surfaces. Only natural light shined in and it was dim with stains of varying color on the floor. Above the entry as they walked in a long dead man had been nailed to the wall and never removed....by his expression he had been nailed there alive and suffered greatly. No flies buzzed around the corpse though as the spiders had handled that. Still it had the slight smell left over since it had been dead for so long but the rotting meat seemed to be done rotting away. Still he paused through a pair of swinging doors into a kitchen with mostly broken dishes piled up around the sink and blood across a cutting board both old and new with caked on things on the burner. It looked like he cooked meat directly on the burners now. He still opened the last door and stepped into a questionable looking lift with the back blown out like some great force had plowed through it and blood soaked the edges of the hole. It appeared as if he had shoved a person through a space too small for the said person. Still he spoke once more.

"Are you prepared Yasuo?"

2979

Ara ara it is suddenly hot in here? Yasuo grinned, almost moaning at the sudden rise in temperature. The hairs on the back of their neck rose and they could feel pleasurable chill down their spine making their hips weak at the orgasmic effect. Time slowed down and their heartbeat grew faint, dulling as Sero's potent aura clutched it with a unwavering grip that it became hard to breathe. They could only imagine falling to their shaking knees as Sero's gravely hand clutched their neck tight like a cobra snack and forced the life out of them with black spots appearing as their vision turned red. Their mouth felt like watering yet it was strangely parched and thin beads of sweat dribble down their porcelain skin. The putrid smell of the corpses were pronounced once the grass tips like on fire. Oh it was euphoric! frick, his mind proclaimed, it felt so good. Oh how they fear etching at their blackened heart made them beg for more. To be pulverized, abused, and maimed. How they craved his skin to soothe the burning flames of their desire with its cold touch. They were on the verge but they could but damn it all to hell. How they cherished the moment. Begging for sweet release but as soon as the fire came it was out leaving the grass tips blackened and Yasuo faint of breath yet maintained a cool collected composure. For a minute, Yasuo breathed deeply to settle their nerves by slyly putting a hand to their heart, they almost lost themselves to the mood of things and would've committed a most disgraceful act. Thank goodness when the air cooled down quickly it acted like a batch of cold water was thrown into their face. Nodding once more Yasuo apologized once "Very well, my apologizes sir. It shall not be brought up again"

Afterwards Yasuo walked along with Sero passed the melted door into the ominous manor. The floor moaned beneath their feet and the hinges squeaked like an almost silent scream before a sudden gust of window made the door shut causing Yasuo's heart to skip a beat before they fully came to terms with their surroundings. No Yasuo was many many things but slob was not one of them. They actually were a bit OCD about cleanliness so this god awful mess was sending them into a bit of a frenzy. The dust on the cobwebs tickled their nose but the various stains made them almost gag, when their nose was suddenly assault by the various fumes. But the worse oh definitely the worse smell was coming from the rotten corpse that had been nailed above the entry way! And the kitchen was no better. Pass a pair of broken swinging doors was the kitchen and oh no no no this man no matter how much of a sexy death god he may be should ever cook again. A tower of broken dishes piled up around the sink nearby a cutting board stained deep red like the burners which had blood and old meat caked on them. It was thanks to years of patience that Yasuo kept their composure and didn't run to find bleach to shower this place in.

Thankfully it seemed like the worse has passed when Sero opened one more door that Yasuo followed through. It was a highly questionable looking lift but anything, literally anything was better than those last two rooms. So when Sero asked them if they were ready, their steeled their nerves and kept the polite smile on their face "Of course" They weren't completely sure of that but this was no time to act otherwise so their voice was full of humble confidence.

3870~

Sero listened to the affirmation that they were indeed prepared to face what was to come. It was almost relaxing to come across someone who didn't reak of fear though at times they had shown signs of dissappointment. He had followed their gaze and felt the near panic in them each time they came across another part of the house that general society would rather burn than even bother cleaning. He supposed the homes he had seen were considerably cleaner and more sanitary than his own but up until now it had never crossed his mind. His attentions had been more towards his own rise in power than what was acceptable to the general public. However if he thought on it his rise had given him access to resources he had little use for. Perhaps it was time to start considering alternative uses for the resouces he had saved up. To hire some staff to remake this place in it's original image. He was aware not many cared to work with him as being near him was terrifying for most but he could likely find one or two up to the challenge. He remembered this place having servants before. It may well be time for it to come to life again.

His gaze drifted to the one in the lift with him as he reached out and pulled down the heavy cage like door. It clasped shut with a heavy clunk before he pulled the lever and with a whine the lift began to rise up. If anyone this person beside him held a great amount of promise but there was still a final test before them. What awaited them at the end of the lift ride...the thing within the darkness of the fourth floor that claimed its home there. He felt its presence waiting up there like an excited energy. She was certainly happy to get a treat. He watched as the darkness of the fourth floor became evident as the lift came to a stop with a spark. It too was in need of repair but Sero was sure any shinobi could easily survive a fall from within it. However without the use of chakra or impressive stats the stairwell to the fourth floor was decimated and the lift was the only way up. Even as he raised the gate however with a loud slam a few shadows skittered along the walls and floor away from the noise and dim light. All aside from one.

His cold grey gaze could pick her out in the dim light with ease but for Yasuo it would take a moment to grow accustomed. Hanging from a web there was perhaps the largest wolf spider and mortal had ever laid eyes on. It's mass taking up half the distance between the floor and ceiling and half the distance between both walls. Easily five feet by five feet with a bulging back end that seemed like it was pregnant with ever more spiders. A small bit of drool dripped from its mouth as it shifed from side to side happily. It could smell the yummy treats. Sero would pat Yasuo on the back to urge them forward to gift the treats. Assuming Yasuo did Momma would quickly take the contents in her long spider legs and consume them quickly while purring about how delicious it was in barely intelligable mumbles through mouth fulls of food. Sero was satisfied as he waited for Yasuo to return to the lift. Assuming again that Yasuo did he would drop the cage door and with the push of a lever and a spark the would slowly lower again. The floor above fading away as Sero spoke then.

"That is who the treat was for. She demands to be known as Momma and it appears she likes your food. I would be amiss if I didn't admit I am impressed it was good enough for her not to eat you as well. So I offer you a simple thing. If you want it there is a position as staff here open now as a cook and a tailor. Should you wish to take it I will allow you to choose your room here and come and go as you please. As well as with you living here you may choose to remodel as you see fit anywhere but the fourth floor. None of the books or my armory is to be thrown out though. Is that agreeable?"

3733

Oh….this certainly wasn’t what I was expecting. Sure a pet was one of the thoughts like maybe a fairly large canine or some ravenous snakes. He knew a mental case aburame in suna who raised a colony of carnivorous beetles no larger than his palm that ate flesh in the matter of seconds but those were fairly normal and decently regular size. This however was far from normal. Yasuo had no issues with spiders, even lesser than other people but they did have some issue when it’s so massive that it could quite easily make a meal out of them. And its children were hardly any better. Judging from the size of its nether region it had plenty of more along the way too. So forgive Yasuo for being a bit hesitant to approach the beast. Yasuo wasn’t a people person and even worse with animals, arachnids were no better. Even so they didn’t want to disappoint Sero-kun, so they smiled a hollow smile, polite as ever and walked over to the ginormous beast that swayed like a wrecking ball, making the air shift with great strides around it, and gave it the same bow they had given to Sero prior. A crisp ninety degrees before they stood straight opening the parcel letting it heavenly aromas fill the room and offered it to the spider. “Apologizes madam for delay. Your meal is served. Bon Appetit”

Frankly Yasuo was fully expecting the creature to devour the meal with no remorse for the time and effort put into it like the beast it was making all his efforts go to waste. But the reception it received was...different from what they expected. And it was a pleasant reception. The female spider seemed to find utmost pleasure in the treat from its reaction, that much was obvious and they could tell she appreciated it making a familiar warmth worm its way to Yasuo’s heart making them smile sincerely now. If this was any indication the two of them were like minded and would get along swimley if Yasuo ever chose to return. So feeling a little more than exhilarated they bowed once more, glad they enjoyed it and excused themselves returning back to the elevator by Sero’s side. With a spark and a jolt of energy Sero pulled the lever making the lift descended and the floor they were previously on fade into the darkness. Once they reached the ground floor, Yasuo was under the impression that their work was done here but it seemed Sero still had something to say.

They came here to this manor on a job and now was being offered another one, only to stay here as the head of estate’s personal chef and tailor. For a moment the words of rejection threaten to spill from their lips but they seemed to catch themselves in their throat. Something Yasuo was a bit surprised from. Instead of outrightly rejecting they actually considered the possibility and what the work entails. All they would have to do would be prepare Yasuo’s usual gourmet meals for them (the highest quality for the spider they suspected) and fashion Sero some clothes. They would have room and board and were allowed to leave the mansion as they please and return when they wish as long as they did the work they were expected to do. Heck they even had permission to clean this god awful mess that Sero seemed to have accumulated over the years as long as they didn’t touch the books or his armory. Familial sentiment perhaps? In all it was a good deal. Yasuo wasn’t the type to scare easy but rather the person doing that and ever since they came to kiri they hadn’t met the warmest reception being the Kurohebi that they are so that would fix a number of problems.

But...settling down….Yasuo hadn’t considered the possibility in years...not after what happened to….mother. Ever since the...incident, Yasuo had to raise themselves and move place to place as every time they found sanctuary the joys of life seemed to mock them and run from them damning them to a somber lonely lifestyle which made Yasuo to the person that they were. And what about the twins...Hikari and Kuro? What would Yasuo do without them? What would they do with Yasuo? No...who was Yasuo kidding those two were much better off without them. But was Yasuo? After all they’ve been through does Yasuo have it in their heart to break things off, to say goodbye to their little family? Was there even a chance they would stay if Yasuo asked? No...they couldn’t afford to be that selfish and ask so much of them. No doubt asking them to stay here was outright rude and not a possibility. Sero-kun would no doubt not accept the two women leaving Yasuo with a difficult choice.

Yasuo closed their eyes, taking a deep breath and open them; they contained a certain warmth they hadn’t before, shielding the inner turmoil they felt inside. Perhaps it was time Yasuo grew up and charted their own course without the twin’s help. Besides no matter where life took them they would always be family.. So their voice a bit softer, more humane than before turned pleasantly mature as Yasuo’s eyes respectfully met Sero’s own “All the terms are agreeable. I accept”

Feeling a weight off their shoulders Yasuo exhaled and began to laugh a bit to get rid of the tension they felt earlier and grinned to Sero “I hope it’s fine I take the room next to yours Sero-sama? In case you ever desire my services at night?” Yasuo chuckled heartily no doubt believing the osada wouldn’t understand the implications of what they said. Then they turned to them once more after looking around the manner “So to commemorate this occasion I shall get to work crafting you some robes. What color would you like? I think a deep royal blue silk and satin combination would look nice in a chinese style? I know a few prints that would absolutely divine on you.” Once Yasuo was given the instructions of what Sero would like, hopefully their suggestion or at least something similar in mind, would head off to the mainland to grab their stuff and supplies this place was no doubt lacking.

4956~
Trained:
STR E-D (750/750)
SPD E-D (750/750)
REA E-D (750/750)
PER E-D (750/750)
END E-D (750/750)
Dark Arts: Noose (1000/1000)
206~ words remaining

[EXIT]

Sero listened as the man spoke to him. They appeared to be satisfied with feeding the giant spider upstairs. Whom which he had been surprised had shown the thought process and maturity not to eat the cook. Of course Sero had been there to stop her had she tried but that level of restraint likely meant the cooks food cooking skills were superior. If nothing else Sero could test letting Yasuo up there by himself for the time being to see how well the two got along, However for all her size and ability Momma was as weak as a child. Barely able to carry her own weight around. Should Yasuo be attacked he was far more worried about Momma's health. Of course if she died another of the female spiders would simply morph into her and take her place but it would mean retraining a pet in a way. Nor could he garantee the new ones loyalty. For now he would limit it to just Yasuo and himself allowed within the top floor. The rest of the staff and house mates would need to reserve their duties anywhere else. Still it was time to restore the rest of the manor to it's former glory. His own funds and his fathers escrow that the clan held would come in handy once he claimed it. After all his father had been a surprisingly wealthy man by the end of his career. Probably some wealth taken when the village was restored. Hardly a saint.

Still Sero would simply inform the individual known as Yasuo he was fine with grey as it was the only color he would wear so he could blend into the mist better. His sage mode was black which he didn't like much but he managed with it. As for any twins Sero was not aware of the issue but had he been made so he probably would of accepted two others into the service of the manor. It was a large place and needed a lot of attention. He could afford an army of staff for a time but eight or nine people he could sustain easily. As for the room next to his he wasn't against that either as he entirely missed any implications it held. He would likely never actually call on any of the servants for anything anyway. It was more about letting them roam and do as they wished with a manor nearly two decades old to keep it standing as in those two decades it had been entirely neglected. A lot of work needed to be done but for now Sero would head off to speak with the elders of his clan. The only reason the rest of his fathers holdings were in escrow was because Sero had never bothered to claim them. They had granted him the manor unofficially simply because they had been uninterested in trying to take it from him in the meantime. Likely it wouldn't of ended in an argument so much as some new graves out back and they knew it.

Exit thread
4251
Strength from A-2 to A-3 1300/1300
Endurance from A-2 to A-3 1300/1300
Perception from A-1 to A-2 1150/1150

501 wc remaining