Venturing inside the house it was a dark and quiet but he recalled his way to the dinner room from his first encounter and visit that changed his life from that point on the hallways felt like they crept up on him crushing him but also protecting him. Most likely from the outside mother nature had its way with the outdoors whenever she pleased letting out storms or heavy wind enough to pick up a small child and send them off. The moon took over the sky bathing it in the bright light it was known for as it controlled the currents making them dance in and out flowing about and leaving sea shells on the shore. Each step he took was heavy since he was tired of the day's training his stomach was empty and a good warrior knows he or she must eat well before training to keep their heads on straight. Keeping them focused on the task at hand coming to a stop as he gazed outside into the darkness he was greeted by the white light of moon. Which blasted its rays around the darkness giving a tinted glow into the darkness of the forest as the large spiders themselves seemed once more to be on a hunt even they had to eat but even Burittsu was curious on how the wildlife was so stable.

With the amount each of those beast eat daily he began to wonder if they often killed each other and the winner would feast on the loser probably he was right survival did belong to the one who wanted it most. Sighing he looked back at the long hallway he traveled before taking his steps freely basically ready to dance if someone put on some music but in this case it would be his final meal with the two. Walking down the hallway he recalled his first time meeting Sero how dark and mysterious the manor was how it kept everything hidden in darkness never allowing light to expose its temptations. As he walked up to the door he could feel a colder presence then himself and it was Sero who stood there waiting to greet him but like always Burittsu was himself to the bitter end. Something Sero probably didn’t see coming but Burittsu did grow up into something different from the average shinobi he had most likely seen.

“Good times..”

Placing his hand upon the very door he entered from before this would be his last time inside the manor if Sero had any further plans for the shinobi he would just sit in the forest like he was used too. Pushing on the door to open it up he was greeted with an unusual amount of bright light something he wasn’t he used to being on this island with these type of people but it all seemed set. The table was set plates were ready the food was still in the kitchen cooking as the smell carried over into the hall causing the mouth of Burittsu to fill with saliva no one in the manor ever made food. If he chose to walk in there it was obvious the spiders themselves would be cooking to keep his hunger he decided to play smart and not venture into the kitchen in case he was right about the beast themselves making the humans food. It was weird when he thought about it but nothing in life was ever normal and easy to understand if it was than life itself would be boring and dull to everyone who looks upon it.

The chairs each had a red seat of their own only being three in total around the table Sero’s chair was obviously the one on the end and the remaining two was facing each other. Each on their own respective side this way eye contact would be made twenty four seven forcing conversation to be had. An evil plan indeed whoever seemed to set up the chairs in this format wanted something to come out of this dinner tonight something important between the three never less it was all meaningless. It was like how he told Teru eventually the two would be without the Yuki and everything will go back to normal Sero would put his time and effort into training Teru making her a better shinobi overall and one day pass her potential and become someone greater.  Well that's how Burittsu thought it could be she was serious in her trainings more than he was in all honesty if he took her lead and did what she did probably the training would go smoother for himself. Learning jutsu and rising through the ranks faster than any other shinobi in the village he had his own goals just like how she has her’s Sero was the one who officially put him on this path. Basically inspired him showing him that even from the darkness a power can be used to protect those he cares about and grow a lot more stronger than using the usual methods of training.

Pulling out a chair he sat down on the lush red seat and placed his hands on the wooden table feeling around enjoying the designs and carvings placed into it the time they took to make the table was amazing itself. Each carving was told in its own unique way a story if you must one that needed to be told over and over to the little children so the spirit of it can always remain. Glancing on his arm once more he gazed at the scar that was now a part of him till he carried on to the afterlife it was a reminder to not bite off more than he can chew but he knew out there somewhere a stronger opponent was waiting. One that surpassed Sero and that was his goal from the start was to surpass his teacher and leave him in the dust having him gaze at his back as Burittsu furthers on without him. That was his one motive for staying to be stronger and beat his sensei one day that was the respect he had for the man and that respect would always be remembered and honored. Glancing around the room he did enjoy the details of how everything was brighter and stuck out giving life to everything for once he only wondered why the rest of the manor wasn’t so livid and full of life.

“I’ll recall this night till i’m old enough to pass down the stories on to the next generation.”

WC:1099

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Word Count: 1071

Sero stood a silent statue in his room as he examined the garment hung up next to the mirror for him. The last of the hand made garb Yasuo had made. How it irritated him that Yasuo was still missing and the investigation had turned up little. The scouts he had sent into the demon country turning up little in their caution to remain unnoticed. Hunter nin as they may be the country was known for being dangerous. He had supplied them with a small amount of dark chakra to track but they had to be ever so close even if the chakra wasn't being concealed. A man had dared take what was his and Sero was yet to reclaim it. The garment hanging there was a simple reminder of that failure. He would have to go about purchasing from the village and having his current clothes cleaned. Those not stained with blood anyway. Yasuo had burned a great deal of his wardrobe from when they first began work there. The manor would not be what it was without Yasuo having a hand in it. As such he wondered how long it could survive with his butler absent. Truly the thought fouled his mood.

Still he would hold up his arms and close his eyes. Focusing his chakra on each piece individually. First the dark blue dress pants would fade to mist and flow over to his pale, scarred legs. Covering them before reforming into pants. The strings tying into a knot as if of their own mind tightening it around the waist. Second would be the shirt. He had not approved of it before but now he felt it appropriate for a dinner. His guests were already shifting towards the dining hall after all. The creak of the floors under their steps could of woken him from sleep. He ignored the heavy steps of Burittsu and the slightly light but faster taps of Teru. Instead the shirt fitted to him found its way into place. Long sleeved and white with a V neck that held the slightest bit of frills there and on the wrist once more frills could be found present. Finally he grabbed the coat by hand and slipped it on. No longer caring for the practice of chakra control and sealing that he usually maintained. A dark blue long coat with gold colored trim and silver buttons. Quietly he would button it up the front to halfway up his gut before allowing it to billow open in the front. His white hair he tied back into a pony tail before he eyed his rapier. The sword he slept next to. Usually he would not be without a weapon. However it was considered rude to arrive to a meal armed.

So it was that he moved without sword on hip. Feeling unusually exposed though he was not without power without it. His own mastery of Ninjutsu was just as frightening as his Bukijutsu. An arsenal of weapons to match his arsenal of jutsu. Still he would move through the manor in padded shoes without even the hint of a noise. He had not gotten far before he smelled the sweet scents of a grand feast being prepared. A mixture of bitter smells with that of sweet. Meats and vegetables with many a seasoning and then sweets for a desert between pie and candied ice treats. Even as the spiders worked from Yasuo's recipe book he was reminded yet again of the missing butler. His frown marked his features as he passed the hallway. His nose picking up the faint scent of Teru and the even fainter trace of Burittsu. So the boy had arrived first. He would allow his frown to turn into an ever so small smile. An upturning of just the corner of his lips. Moving forward in silence as he approached them.

The two would sense him before the door shifted. Feeling that sense that a predator was just outside the room. Something that threatened to consume them waiting on the other side of unlocked doors. There was something a kin to a breath being taken in as the door would open ever so slowly. Like the dead had chosen to hold their breath. Souls staining this hall from many a battle before the two had ever arrived. Silence matched it as the doors parted and Sero stepped forth. Regal in appearance even as his dead gaze took them both in. He had heard nothing of an exchange between the two before he arrived but both had found their respective seats. Teru on his right hand and Burittsu on his left as he was the guest. However he had intentions for the both of them. That they would both attend this meal was promising in moving forward. Either way he would move forward. His graceful steps almost like a spirit floating forward. Approaching his seat as he passed Teru. The dying flower she had toyed with wilting as he passed and those around it, however much stronger, began to droop as it had. Plucked from their place they were no match for his aura and would soon wilt as well.

Still the moment Sero took his seat one large spider would emerge from the kitchen. A bottle of chilled wine in ts front two legs as the rest carried it forward. It would move forward across the floor and stop next to Sero. Showing him the label of it as its year was somewhat aged. His fathers stock no doubt. Still he would nod and the spider would manage to pull free the cork with a single tap of its leg. Pouring Sero a glass and then Teru, this time not hissing at her before finally it poured some for Burittsu and set the bottle on the table. Moving to collect the food for the night back into the kitchen. Sero would pick up his glass and sniff at it before sipping it and setting it down. Looking to the both of them. Hungry in appearance. Still he spoke up not really concerned as to whom responded as his eyes shifted slowly to both.

"Not often to two people meet each other in my manor without my knowledge and yet, you two are not surprised to see each other nor curious of the other. Tell me, how did you meet, and what is each of your impressions of the other? I urge you to speak honestly. After all a lie however well put to conceal anything one might consider rude is but an attest of disrespect to the host. And I'm sure no one intends such here."

1116

Gazing at Teru for a mere moment and around the hall it was obvious that in no time at all the main leader of this act would be on his way down from wherever he slept at unlike them. Burittsu found comfort in a place where he can sleep but constantly keep and he was right before the male even pushed the doors open he could feel the air on his body begin to stand in rapid succession and all after that was silent. As Sero himself made his usual dark presence into the room killing all life that couldn’t put a little resistance to his menacing chakra that danced around him like his was the king of the jungle. Most likely he was since Burittsu himself has never seen someone of his caliber freely training someone weaker than him let alone two students who were weaker than him. Well to Burittsu he didn’t know much about anyone not his teacher and most likely not even the Uchiha he never liked asking questions thinking information like that was better saved for another time.

He walked with a sense of high prestige as if he was a god but he was glad that Sero himself sat down before he cracked a smile he always did find it funny how even if he said they are nothing alike. Both at one point in their lives were threatened by someone stronger and the price was their life unlike Sero there was no bodyguards or anyone who actually cared when he went out and missing into the world. No rescue, mail, or anything he was probably presumed dead as for his teacher he never saw him again in reality he’s been alone all his life starting from the orphanage to the academy and now here. At a table surrounded by strangers who seem like they want to help when they only want a weapon to be crafted out of Burittsu a sharp blade ready to pierce through anything they consider and called evil.

By now the spider was done pouring everyone a drink it snapped him back to reality as he looked over his shoulders to watch the best scurry across the ground and retreat back in the den. They worked hard but the one meal he actually enjoyed before was that of Yasou’s tasting incredible as the flavor danced on the taste buds blessing it with anything and everything that was blessed into that young man’s life. It had been sometime since he last made contact or even saw the shinobi probably off on some important mission just like him he supposed the male was dangerous to begin with even when they first met. Death was greeted underneath the moonlit night where Genbu died from the same person Burittsu dares to call a comrade but the outcome was different. No even a simple robbery and beat down or degrading words to remind him that his friend was murdered and the one who did it was standing in the very soul of the shinobi. Burittsu was greeted with respect and let live from the point on even he doesn’t know if Yasou fully understands the term comrade, or friends. Sero was speaking as the words flew in and out messing up Burittsu’s thought process forcing him to actually forget his silly thought and move on with the rest of the evening.

Choosing to listen was the case but this one was a simple statement the world was a small place but Sero didn’t seem like the person to venture off the island as much so to him this was a surprise. A shinobi both on the same the island getting trained by the same teacher it was like a tale of two siblings but the truth indeed would set everyone free. Looking around before he even decided to explain how the two met he only began to wonder if Sero truly did care if the two had never met before the room itself would be more awkward. Being filled with two strangers to start off in and than the main head himself coming in whenever he pleased thankfully that wasn’t the case. Things for now would be going smoothly between the tree as Burittsu eyed his glass he was tempted to get drunk out of his mind and drown in his sorrows but for now he took the glass. Unlike Sero there was no sip he tilted his head bag and took a couple of chugs leaving just enough to help him out if he swallowed his food to fast.

“Well it started off simple and easy on how we met Sero it was a smuggler mission one of my favorites I was used to doing it alone watching my own back but higher ups had something else in mind. Giving me another partner since the first Uchiha..I forget his name it began with a M well it was long ago I don’t think I could call him a partner but he did get the job done. A cool guy by the looks of it well he’s gone so the point is I tried to have another partner which was Yasou but now he’s gone too.. Maybe people just don’t want to be used to being with someone who is likely different from them but your answer is we got partnered up on missions basically I guess it’s a trust thing to actually get to know your partner.”

He only wanted more wine to kill the edge off he was highly annoyed how sooner or later he would lose another person he just met unlike Yasou and the Uchiha he had not special bond yet with the girl. But it felt better if it stayed as that so when the day does come he can easily cut all ties with everyone and move onto his master plan. Something indeed was bothering him as if he wasn’t finished talking about the girl herself he asked if something about the person impressed you but in all honesty. From the first time they met in the forest as he watched her move with nothing but confidence in each step thrusting into danger it was obvious she was training with the man long before Burittsu came along. As for the impression it was something that he would usually give people who didn’t strike his interest Sero on the other hand did strike his interest but even that high was slowly simmering down. The lust for danger was needed and the power that such a man could gain from the darkness was enough to purge the light from his heart but for now the light was his beacon to guide him.

“My impression was the same as yours a impressive shinobi who in turn beats me in everything I lack as a shinobi and a human. Just like you when we first met the impression settled in and by looking at her nothing but greatness shall come out of her if she continues to train with you. Lord Sero and maybe one someone will look at me with such eyes and wonder if I ever sleep after a long day of missions or training. Ehh... it doesn’t matter now can I please get more of this excellent drink Sero.”

WC:1221

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Word Count: 1018

Sero would collect his wine glass in his pale fingers as he leaned back to observe. Unaware of its temperature or flavor. Merely its scent was pleasant to him. Still as he brought the crimson liquid up to sip from it one might think they saw something through the dark liquid. A visage of his inner self perhaps. Like a looking glass into the soul. However small it was the man on the other side of the liquid didn't look much like Sero at all. Instead he had on a twisted smile with glowing red eyes watching them with a sense of hunger. As if they were the upcoming meal. If he noticed anyone looking back at him his grin would widen and a third eye would open before the glass was lowered and sero would remain seated where he was. A stoic expression with dead grey eyes watching them each in turn. Only the slightest stain of red on his bottom lip from the wine breaking from his pale face. Appearing like blood upon him. Still he would smell the remnant still remaining so close to his nose and with a slight dab of a napkin it would be gone. No longer a distraction from the night.

First his attention would be drawn to Burittsu. The winter prince there to shed praises upon his student. It appeared they had been assigned to missions together but never at Seros request nor knowledge. Of course given his position he had access to almost any information Kiri had. Only Ayakashi had more. Perhaps his lack of attention paid to them outside the island had begun to reveal the side effects. Or maybe there was more at work there. Burittsu was a strong individual. Not nearly on Sero's level yet but he had gained prestige well before he met Sero. With his rank alone strings could be pulled. Nor had it passed Sero's attention the boy had become ANBU. Secrets kept as they were they could not be kept from Sero. Especially not when he himself still had his own ANBU gear tucked away into a chest within the armory. Sero wasn't one to let good gear go after all.

Burittsu would then ask for more wine as before when they shared a meal he had guzzled it down. Like unto a man with his last meal. Sero wondered just how nervous he made the man and if so why he did. What devious thoughts was Burittsu hiding that he was so terrified Sero might discover? However even as a spider waiter scurried back out to provide Burittsu with a bottle to pour for himself and scurried away Teru had begun to speak. They both had come to him for learning but Teru held more of a position to Sero instead of the village. Her loyalty pledged while Burittsu was just a responsibility. However she too spoke only praises but with slightly more hesitation and less of the praise met her eyes than Burittsu's had done. How interesting that they both would choose only the best to say of one another and leave anything else out. Still if they liked each other already and had functioned together before this would expedite things. So Sero would speak in a low tone. Ignoring the unsaid in favor of the said.

"it is good you two have experience as a team together. It will benifit you in whats to come. You see I will be granting you two a one time pass to attend a mission with me well beyond your ranks allowance. S rank quality. You two will be providing me support as you test out your new power against the forces I contest with. An example before dinner."

Sero would smile and it was truly one neither of them had seen before. A thin pursed grin as if he were amused by something. What amused monsters though? Slowly his right hand lifted with long pale fingers outstretched as his attention turned to the stone wall and his dark chakra flowed. Slowly a crack would form there. Not a crack along the stone itself but a grey crack in the space as if he were summoning forth a weapon. However the crack would spread apart to form a gateway and allow everyone present to gaze within. The air in the dining hall became cold like winter in december. Within the grey void was a great deal of mist clinging to the air. Dim shapes shifted within and the outlines of crumbled buildings could be seen. As if in the far distance a scream of agony echoed followed by a reply even closer. However Sero paid it no mind. Instead he shifted his hand into fist and a man in mostly rags was suddenly yanked free of it. Quickly the gateway closed and as it returned to a crack, pale ghostly fingers with broken nails reached through desperately before the crack closed and they were gone.

Slowly eyes would be drawn to the figure on the floor. Thing to the point of seeing ribs. Yet his skin was not flesh but scales and his face more fish than man. Black finger drag marks decorated a great deal of him where scales had been peeled away painfully. Yet when blood shot eyes rose to look about they fell on Teru and Burittsu with hate, the table with a thirst. For a moment he surged forward as if maddened by the prospect of drink before he felt it. His body froze only to look to Sero with Terror marking his face. With a scream he moved in a rush back to the wall. Slamming into it and clawing at the stone as if wanting to return to that haunting place over returning to Sero once more. His fingers leaving hopeless bloody trails on the stone as Sero spoke calmly.

"The forgotten city. Perhaps you have heard of it or been to it. Deep within it the remnants of a clan were left behind and mutated over the generations to be more fish than man. However the deep pressure gave them strength. They feel the surface is weak and to be conquered. This is one of their scouts. Each of you are to ask one question you feel will benifit you on the mission and he will answer. I have ensured his truthfulness."

A man with a fish like body or was it a fish that was transformed with a body of man mother nature truly did mess up on this one and the reaction from the beast as it came out gazing at Sero in nothing but fear. Was enough to say that Sero captured it and placed it in some sort of prison one no one could access unless they were taught how too or maybe it was only Sero’s abilities that allowed him to reach into such a void. Scales on its body as it cowered attempting to be sucked back into wherever it came from life indeed was getting strange at the manor but this took the top only one rule was allowed at this very moment one rule to help them out through the mission. Which Sero himself probably set up and most likely knows everything about but this like everything else was only an assumption but if he did know something he was clever.

“One question about this mission huh.. Listen up this is a easy question so I don’t want a complicated answer understand? Describe your leader from top to bottom to the scales on his or her back to even her posture and how she talks and treats the soldiers. That’s it nothing else nothing more I just want information that I can use it’ll be fun if we have the leader dead in our hands or probably a hostage.”

And with that Burittsu was done he didn’t even give the monster a second glare he was truly done if he could see himself now he could only see on how much he grew over the years and the constant missions he took. The people he met shaped him into something different but to him he was normal just a tad bit different but on the most part normal he was ready to get to this mission faster than he could gulp down the glass of wine. Looking at his newly poured wine he decided to give it a try and drink like Sero taking a sip but it all felt to slow he needed something to kill his thoughts. Giving a sigh it seemed there was somethings in life he could not best and he loved to feel the rush of his bloods coursing as his warmed up and he felt a tad fuzzy enough to put a smile on his face whenever he thought about the way life was before people started to die.

Thinking to himself as he put the glass to his lips and quickly lifted it up and began to chug the liquid down without spilling a drop the man was only allowed one question he wasn’t a machine. He could answer any amount of questions that Burittsu could throw at him about his people and maneuvers but they were only allowed one question was there a time limit on the jutsu Sero used before it would open and the prisoner would be sucked back into it. Or was Sero himself having his agenda making this another test something was indeed a mist as a normal shinobi who would be looking for intel would try to get anything let alone everything out of the target. Burittsu was growing indeed but his anger was something to be checked even now it seemed his face grew stern and serious as he looked at Sero something was going on even if he did call me him sensei his last one led him to be alone but did teach him how to survive a bit. Squeezing the glass it shattered between his hand in a mere seconds some fragments stabbing into his hand but he only looked at it for a while before taking a deep breath in and out and closing his eyes to think.

“My apologies Sensei I was to deep into my thoughts so i’m going to be honest with you and let you hear what I have to say why only question? If he is the enemy why don’t we try to get more from him like the location of their base, their weakness, are they a threat or just looking for a something to allow to them to live long past their life.”

Looking at his hand he only began to rapidly pluck the fragments of glass out of his palm dropping them on his lap as the blood began to pour out he could only suck on his wounds swallowing the shed blood. Making sure not a drop was spilled on the table or the floor he could already tell from the start the bloodlust in the manor was high so he tried to keep his anger to an appropriate level when it came to certain situations the last time he tried Sero his arm to the price getting stabbed by his rapier. Finishing it off with a sweet pain of hot fire sealing up the wound before any infections could occur but the pain lasted for a couple days as he looked on right arm the scar was nothing but a warning never to cross a certain line until he was ready. That line that was set was a line he learned to respect and until the day came where he grew enough power he would cross it once more in a more respectable battle.

“Ehh what a pain..”

WC:902

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Word Count: 1219

Sero would observe as once more Burittsu would respond first to his challenge. A single question to be asked. Not taken literally apparently. After all Sero did detect multiple questions leading up to the final question. However it was a decent inquiry. Their leader and a description of them. However there was a small flaw to that as with them they had no government or leadership beyond the captains of each squad. It was far more tribal then that. At least that was what this one believed. The soldiers kept in the dark that each tribe answered to a queen. One had to locate the commander of each squad and extracting information from them had proven difficult. Still it would shift and eye Burittsu. Crawling along the wall away from Sero to stand against it in a crouch. It's yellow eyes taking in the young man and sensing his strength. It seemed to sneer at him with crooked teeth for a moment before it spoke.

"I can feel it...you are barely as strong as we are...the hoshigaki footmen...dark in scales and moving in rows of five...always two rows of five...tridents waiting for you cold one. You surfacers have no chance against the commanderssss. They are as strong as your Jounin and know all of your water tricks and your zappy ones toooo. I know the water trickssss do you? When you see his red scales you willllll die."

Teru would speak then, its eyes snapping to her as she spoke and slowly it would move to the table but hesitate as it realized Sero still watched it. It's yellow eyes watching her with a hunger. It liked the flesh of the females. So soft and chewy between the teeth. More for the eating than the stringy men...useful for breeding more food. Still the female would ask him a question and it would hiss at her. Spit from between its teeth hitting the table. They would be able to smell it from where they were...like fish left out in the sun and yet it hated Teru more than Burittsu. Perhaps in its culture women speaking out was not allowed. A woman warrior questioning him was an insult. Its hand twitched on its right hip where a trident used to be. Halting there as a low growl filled the room once more. It froze and dared not look to Sero. Dared not test his patience further. Still it would answer in a slow voice filled with venom. Its yellow eyes watching her.

"Weaknessesss? We survived beneath yooour world in a city that sank.....only the Hoshigaki survived because we could but for sooo long we were trapped within. Resorting to more animal like behavior to survive and eventually escape our dark doom....oooh the dark it consumed uuuussss. But we come to the surface now. Squads of two rows of five with captains at our heals. One at a time we venture forth...my captain is dead but Boji survive...Boji survive the darkness."


It moved to the table slowly. Burittsu would shatter his glass and calmly pick the pieces out of his hand. The blood yanking the fish mans vision to him. Burittsu held a disrespectful tone indeed with Sero. Questioning his methods and rules as if he knew better. For a moment Sero contemplated letting it play out. Burittsu was relaxed and had his guard down. The fish man was starving and now Burittsu had produced the sweet smell of blood to the thing. Even with his insolent tone though Sero wouldn't allow his student to die on the dinner table unless it was his own doing. The fishman would snarl and race forward at B rank speed with little more than a black blur in its wake. In a second it had grabbed a fork and was going for Burittsu's neck to consume his flesh regardless of the danger. Driven to madness with hunger and mind games. However right before it reached Burritsu the room would seem to shudder and its chest would swell outwards. Anyone paying attention would recognize that its body was not meant to swell outwards like that. It screamed in agony for just a second before suddenly its body burst like a bag of guts. Intestines and blood and scraps of body flying everywhere. Soaking the table and any guests that were not as far back as Sero or hadn't taken cover. Quietly Sero would relax into his seat and tuck a napkin in the nape of his neck. Speaking after a calm moment as dinner was wheeled out while the more solid remains were collected and carted out by the spider servants.

"The reason you only had one question dear child is because the longer a prisoner has to think the more likely they are to turn on you. Luckily I implanted an explosive note in its chest. Your blood set off his hunger. I certainly hope you two learned something as tomorrow is the big day. Shall we start with the main course then? They made us some stuffed turkey to begin with."

Well it wasn’t the mighty Sero who got triggered after Burittsu shed his own blood but the pet that he dragged out of a very deep dark hole who seemed to prefer that instead of being next to Sero. It all happened in a flash as Burittsu was only focused on his hand when the beast started to attack he wasn’t even paying attention to his surroundings something he always reminded himself no matter the area. Indeed he was slacking as his mind itself wasn’t even in the room at the time with the others off somewhere far thinking about the future and plans on his life after he was done training with Sero he needed to grow stronger. He was willing to stay even if Sero and him would occasionally ram heads he was still his teacher after all and he deserved the best from him. Well if he couldn’t there was always the Uchiha she could make him proud with her vast talents especially when it comes to using that infamous eye of theirs. His eyes were dull deprived of emotion, his hand was bleeding, and his mind was elsewhere this was not the ideal time for such things but he even was ready to die as he was tempted to crack a smile.

In those moments he was ready to let go of the anger and pain just to move on to the next world but he could only think of the people he met even if they were weak they each had their own way to fight back against the world. They had their own beliefs and wanted to see a change to the world for a better the same mindset as Burittsu but none were probably ready to cross the line. Looking into its yellow eyes as it thrived for the hunt and the kill of the boy he body only began to swell up in this moment he could only glare over at Sero for a mere moment and glare back as the body popped like a water balloon with way too much water put into it. Bathed by blood,guts, and fragments of bones indeed it was the work of Sero as the guts were everywhere so was the blood giving out a strong scent which would need him to most likely go shower once this was done.

“Might as well sit here and enjoy dinner now since I am here once more thank you Lord Sero.”

Sitting in his chair he only began to wipe off chunks of the meat from his clothing as they landed on the ground making a loud splat sound on the floor as now his clothing was covered in blood and most of his body. It felt like war paint in a sort of way bathing himself with the blood of his enemy waiting for the sound of battle to be called he lived for it but as Sero stated it started tomorrow that means team work. But the sound of stuff turkey to his empty stomach was enough to make him forget about the doom that the fish people would encounter even with Sero on their sides the goal for him was to simply get the mission done. No matter how many captains of the Hoshigaki people stood in his way his goal would be to kill all but one if he could and return him back to Sero for questioning. In all this planning and body explosions it seemed to bring some sort of spark back into him and his new objective especially since the Uchiha would now be his partner for probably the last time ever. He could only smile well to himself he thought no one was looking but even if they were a smile was on his face from cheek to cheek showing nothing but teeth. As Burittsu just started to laugh and chuckle standing up out of his chair as a long pink intestine slid off his back and hit against the ground he raised another glass into the air and looked at the two.

“Wanted to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for giving me something remotely close to a family and for sticking with me and my faults. Lord Sero I thank you taking me in such a failure as myself I have still much to learn and Uchiha I thank you for those many missions with being my partner indeed a bond is felt between us and I hope after this mission I get to see you one day at your absolute best. Since Lord Sero is already at his prime I can only wish for you to stick to your ambitions and remain in good health I never actually had a family but this was close enough thank you both once again. Lets it eat so I can get this filth off me wouldn’t you say?

Sitting back down on his chair as he slid his hands underneath the table and held them together that was all he had to tell the two for their compassion even Sero had some in there wherever it was in that darkness. But he did have some after all he was still human and he did bleed like anyone else well if someone strong enough could even make him bleed without dying first such a monster and that only inspired Burittsu to do better. This was their last dinner together he just thought about that fully he was going to miss the girl and father like role figure he only sat back and waited for the meal to come out and he continued to think to himself once more.

“Mhmm”

WC: 952
Total WC: 4,174
~End Thread~

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Word Count: 2219

Sero would casually watch their reactions as he sipped at his wine. Not a spot of the blood had made it all the way to the robes he was wearing. Not a drop of it had touched him as if it too wished to be far away from the monster which was so close to consuming it. Of course a dead thing had no survival instincts though. His dead grey gaze took in Burittsu first. A jovial young man all the same it seemed. He was still eager to eat which was surprising. Sero had expected the mere spectacle to be enough to cancel anyones reservations about dinner. Perhaps the wine had softened his morals up considerably. Or maybe just maybe it was proximity to himself wearing off. Still he would listen To Burritsu's toast calmly. So the boy viewed them as family and thought Sero at the height of his ability. How interesting indeed. Sero himself still thought he had a small ways to go yet. He could feel his power brimming but it was not yet fully aware of its limitations.

Teru on the other hand reacted as expected. She was shaken greatly by the affair. Blood had covered her as well as other parts of the fishmans body. His gaze narrowed at her reaction to it all. An enemy had died however gruesomely. It had intended to consume her ally and yet she still felt like what had happened had shaken some standard. Perhaps Sero was expecting to much from shinobi working with him but the battle the next day would appear much the same. His attention remained on her in silence as she would excuse herself. Leaving the room in a hustle. His attention only on her for a few more moments before she was out of sight. As soon as the door behind her closed the room would seem to come alive. The roof descending as a horde of small spiders slowly fell down attached to webs to control their descent. In a matter of moments the spiders had collected every last piece of the fish man so only blood stains remained. Finally the table was clear.

With that done the larger spiders brought them each out a plate and fresh silverware. Allowing them to eat in peace and silence. Though even as they ate Sero could feel something else stirring within the house. A power he recognized from the encounter with Maigo once before. The only one who had ever marked him with a wound. An Uchiha unlocking their tomoe. A smile would place upon his lips for the remainder of dinner. Her power was growing as predicted. It was but a matter of time now. He would finish his plate having tasted nothing and enjoyed nothing in turn. Still that night when he retired to his bed chambers he was confident in one thing. The next day would be one to remember. Battle and war all mixed together with allies struggling to survive their first real battle. Against enemies as strong as most special Jounin and one enemy as strong as some Jounin. Sero would of course go into it prepared and keep them all alive but it would be interesting to see how they interacted in urban combat. Interesting indeed. What an exciting experiment they were about to undertake.

Exit thread
3605
Fire Style: Majestic Destruction Flames 2500/2500 S rank trained

1105 towards Katon S-SS