Shujin hadn't really done much work as recently as he would have liked but the idea of finding jobs that he was actually after was limited. He had caved an requested two jobs from the village itself as a last resort but as unusual as that was for him he was yet to hear back. Nor had his special order been completed so his combat ability was limited anyway. Regardless all the stress had created a tension in his muscles so he was going to need to do something about that as well. He knew where the Oasis was but had yet to actually make an appearance there. If nothing else it should relax him a little. Still it took away from anything he might do to earn a bit of money. To increase the luxuries in his apartment. Instead he had to resort to the common luxuries anyone who could find it had access to. Perhaps that was why he had chosen to wait until night to go. Not just any time of night mind you but almost one in the morning when almost everyone was asleep and the trek out there at night seemed hazardous. When the weak didn't dare do what he did.

Still now he was walking across the top of a sand dune. Kunai holstered to his left thigh with six senbon holstered over his shoulders. Three on each side. Not well armed but prepared enough one could say. Still nothing really threatened him. Not even a lizard crossed his path much less a snake or giant scorpion. His boots crunched on sand leaving imprints. Yet his grey cargo pants stretched over the top of them to keep the sand out of his boots. Staining the bottom of the pants legs but otherwise it worked well. Even though the air was biting cold at one in the morning in the winter it was suffer-able in the desert. Besides he was dressed for it. A button up yellow shirt hung loosely with the top unbuttoned. A tie hanging loosely beneath the unbuttoned part. Over that he had on a long blue coat that stopped just above his knees with a blue hood pulled up. A suna head band was wrapped around his right wrist. Still his white hair fell about his face as sharp blue eyes viewed the world around him. Caramel skin barely visible beneath it all.

Still he would adjust the large towel hanging from his belt as he turned to slide down the sand dune towards a rock structure. Shifting down it as the sands split around him like a wave breaking. Still as he arrived at the bottom he caught his footing and walked the rest of the way into the structure. Finding the stone walls blocked the wind rather nicely. Inside was warm and moist. Condensation dripped off the walls and what light there was reflected off the surface of the water creating patterns along the walls. Quietly he would remove the towel and set it to the side. Removing his weapons and finally his clothes before neatly folding them on a rock near where he intended to sit facing the entrance. Finishing by tying the towel around his waist to conceal his genitals. The tie on his right hip. With that he unsheathed his weapons and hid them beneath the surface of the water by stabbing them into cracks around his sitting area and securing them. He didn't want to be caught unaware or unarmed by anything. Still with that done he slid his thin frame down into the warm water and slowly began to relax.

610

There was one absolutely astonishing feature of Sunagakure no Sato that many of its residents held in pride. The Oasis Springs were a phenomenon created with only mild interference by man. The existing oasis outside of Sunagakure was diverted here, the water then held above ground in the reservoir beneath the blazing desert sun until it reached a sufficient temperature for bathing. From that point it would be pumped down into the underground facility where many of the people of the Sand village would often gather to enjoy the cleansing, relaxing waters.

As the son of a proud Karisuma woman, Yūen was taught of the importance of daily bathing, and on this day he knew his mother would have drowned him in those waters if she had known he had nearly forgotten to do just that on this day. Despite that, and even with the knowledge that he was no longer a young boy at his mothers fingertips, Yūen was disciplined, and opted to venture out to the hot springs even at this very late hour.

As most people who lived there were aware, the village hidden within the desert only remained hot for the day. When night fell upon it, the desert was known to be inhospitably cold, and the journey from the inner part of the village to the outskirts where springs were located would bring about some minor shivering from the Karisuma clansman. It was dark, and though he was a genin and knew himself to be rather weak in terms of his position as a shinobi at this stage, Yūen did not believe in holding himself hostage to "what if's" when it came to his duties. He would brave the lonely, dark path toward the springs with only his headband and weapons pouch. His headband would Ramon fasteded across his neck, his weapons pouch secured to his village garments beneath his long white robes. With beautiful lavendar eyes pointed straight ahead, Yūen would walk until he found himself walking down a neat set of stairs into the main chamber of the springs. To his alarm, a man was already comfortably bathing in the hot waters.

As was customary when wandering upon someone who is otherwise relaxed and unaware, Yūen gave three gentle taps against the hard walls and spoke quietly, ensuring he did not startle his fellow bather.

"I suppose I am not the only night owl in Sunagakure, then! I hope you don't mind if I catch a late night dip as well, stranger. My apologies if I am intruding in any way, I just simply could not bring myself to go another moment without bathing. One full day was just not sitting well with me."

He gave a hearty chuckle and scratched the back of his head as he stepped forward and placed his combat pack on the bench and began to disrobe.

"My name is Yūen, by the way."

Within a few moments, each article of Yūen's clothing would depart, revealing a body of very average proportions, though a bit pale and well taken care of. Each article of his clothing found itself neatly folded and placed upon the bench in the order he removed them. His sense of organization must have been very apparent to his new acquaintance as he turned and walked over to descend into the waters a few feet away from the stranger.

WC: 574

Shujin would sit there in the hot water as if the weather outside was not from the same world. In here the heat was apparent. He wouldn't exactly consider himself dirty but this water was so pure it felt wonderful on his skin. The heat was also excellent for his muscles. He would slowly lower himself into the water with his arms outstretched over the sides. Resting on the heated and smooth rocks. Slowly his blue eyes would close as he relaxed himself. He was truly alone and able to relax for the moment. His head would lean back as he would sink up to about the center of his chest and his head would rest on the rocks behind him. His white hair spilling around his head. Still it was a rare comfort for him all the same. To find time alone for luxuries. He wanted to progress but he needed to wait until he could either gather connections or obtain his puppet from the chakra tech shop. Idly he would roll his shoulders and allow his eyes to half close. Still aware in case any wild animal managed to sneak in on him. Most the night animals in the area were less than dangerous but snakes and scorpions he would need to remain aware of.

Perhaps that was why his attention was drawn to a sound that wasn't there when he arrived. Quiet over the near silent lapping waves. His body would tense once more as his head would remain still. The sound was that of boots on rock approaching. So it appeared someone else had chosen to chance the desert night for the bathing area? It wasn't against the rules or anything of course. Even if the majority of the village received its water from this source it was put through an abundance of filters and tested regularly. He could piss in this pool as he was sure some kid had at some point and it would never make it into someone else's drinking water. Still a knock on the wall informed him the individual wasn't looking to be stealthy in the first place. Idly he would lift his head and study the other kid as he began speaking. Eyes as blue as the sea on Suna's border taking in the stranger and looking for any details he could that might be of interest to him. A few stood out.

First things he noticed was the fact that this kid was so opposite of himself. Pale in both skin and clothing. Where Shujin prefered dark colors this person obviously prefered light ones. What was more was a headband around his neck and a weapons pouch, Another Suna nin. If nothing else he had to be cautious of the other young man. Listening to his words his reasoning for being her sounded innocent enough. Just looking to bathe for the time being. Still he was one to be cautious. As he watched the other undress without a towel or any modesty he would let his finger tips slowly shift off the rocks and just beneath the surface of the water. Still appearing relaxed for the moment but his expression was flat. Perhaps even a little bored. If this was designed to escalate for the other he certainly wanted to appear helpless. If need be his puppet strings could remain beneath the surface where his weapons were. His head band was tucked into the pile of clothes behind him. So for the moment he appeared to just be a darker skin toned young man without much friendliness in his expression. Still the other introduced himself and Shujin would wait until he was partially within the water to reply. Not interested in speaking to someone exposing themselves. He noticed of course the other hadn't revealed his clan name. So he wouldn't either.

"Yo, Name is Shujin. I don't really mind as this is a public place. As for being a night owl? Not really. I just don't like sharing my space with large crowds. Simple and Selfish I know but its my way."

1303

"And as I'm sure you know already, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with having ones own best interest at heart."

Yūen looked around the room as he sat, it looked much different when it was so empty. His usual group of bathers usually took away from observation with the jesting and banter. A place like this, at this time of night was almost a bit unsettling. It was particularly intimidating to walk through the beaten down part of town to get here. Though it was often a first instinct of Yūen to offer humanity the benefit of the doubt, he was not stupid. There were evil people out there, looking to do evil at all times.

It only briefly occurred to the Karisuma clansmen that it was a bit odd to be bathing all alone out here. The reason he dismissed it being only because he himself has also come, though under unique circumstances. His current acquaintance lacked any notable expression. Blue eyes stared out across the water with disinterest as his hands remained out of sight. His skin tone was much darker than that of Yūen's, which was surely not uncommon when one happens to be as pale as the moon.

It was in an instant that Yūen's expression shifted as he rushed to a conclusion about the other bather. In his mind a few observations slid under his microscope and equated to an answer he had wished. It to come to. Firstly, the other gentleman had been in here all alone in the middle of the night. Next, he seemed quite dissatisfied in all reality, even if he didn't voice it. Lastly, Yūen had never noticed the position of his hands until this very moment...

Had Yūen innocently disturbed the holiest of moments for this man? Memories of being a young boy flooded through his mind. Being walked in on by a parent or guardian was one thing. But a stranger. That must have been unfortunate. Not to bring any shame to this poor individual, Yūen kept  this conclusion to himself. How could he right this terrible trespass, would it serve better to stand up and leave? Or generate conversation to try and atone?

It was at this point in his frantic train wreck of thought that a few scattered and clumsy footsteps came from the stairwell. In walked three delinquent men. All of them looked to be around Yūen's height at six foot. The three of them also appeared rather bulky, wearing tattered clothes. The rotted grins on their faces gave away the fact they were likely drug addicted gang members looking for quick change in the form of robbing the bathers.

"We figured this is where you'd been headed, rich boy. Hasn't anyone ever told ya not to come through our turf alone? It's a great way to go missing. And I'll bet you've got family who would pay a pretty penny to get their boy back, don't you?"

This man seemed to be the leader of the trio. The three were armed, one with a crowbar, one with a shiv and the leader with an actual tanto.

Yūen looked directly at them only just at this point and stated without much amusement "I don't think you understand who I am, or who my friend here is. If you choose not to withdraw now, and run away, you are choosing to lose your lives, criminal scum.

WC: 591
TWC: 1167

Well at the very least the individual seemed to acknowledge Shujins appreciation for his own self interests. One could always speak of honor and what not but at the end of the day when they were tested, people knew fear, they knew self preservation because survival instincts were a part of everyone. Honor only went so far until it was a fools errand. He might actually grow to appreciate the pale man. Or what was his name again? Yu? Something of the sort. He had been paying attention but had found the moment rather distracting. He was sure given a moment he could remember if he needed to but for now he would just use nicknames. Besides for the moment he would use what he had gained. Awkward silence. He would let his head fall back a moment more while keeping his fingertips under the water. He would be able to tell now when the other moved. After all moving under the water created a disturbance regardless of how good one was. It was a matter of mass moving through mass. Nothing to worry about for the moment. Even if he was to find this person to feel comfortable with conversation again his muscles were already relaxing.

Still it was only momentary for him. He felt a ping of irritation as he heard the most god awful sound approaching. Heavy boots filling the area with their disturbing noise in a rush. A group of them all jumbled. No sense of order. He would sit his head back up and this time was far less amused. Three large men each in grey tattered cloaks almost like they were made from blankets with stained shirts underneath of varying color and design. Each with torn up jeans in different levels of condition. Obviously the cloaks were designed not only to protect them from the sun but to hide their faces. Likely during robberies. However the fact was they hadn't hidden their face as of yet. One of them spoke up. A blonde one with a Mohawk. The other two had greasy dark hair and were thinner but this one had some weight on him. Even though his teeth spoke of drug use and fights he obviously ate his fill. The boss of this group likely. The other two were likely too fool to realize he was taking more than his cut. Otherwise they would likely be plump too.

As for the man that spoke. Shujin glanced down at his hands. A tanto hmm? An interesting weapon for a thug to have. He could certainly understand the crowbar and the shiv. Basic things for basic thugs. This one likely had his own resources elsewhere. Connections. What concerned him though was this intent to kidnap without hiding any of their features. He wasn't rich and if they found his headband in his clothing they were even more likely to try and dispose of him. He was going to need to convince them he didn't care. That this was just another bother to him and what was their business was theirs. If he could do that he could leave this man to his fate and go home that night peacefully. Not another thought of it on his mind. Besides this kid was a shinobi and dressed wealthy. Surely he had his own training and connections to survive this. All Shujin had to do was just keep cool and stay out of it. That was until the other spoke up. Shujin could feel his eye twitch at the other guys tone. Even threatening their lives and calling them scum while bunching Shujin in with him as a friend. Shujin could see his escape plans fail as he knew the thugs wouldn't be intimidated by words. Still if the guy thought he was going to help out for someone else's problems for free?

"Your going to owe me something for this. Don't forget it."

1965

What was it that this Shujin believed Yūen would be ow No him for? In Yūen's mind he had already figured out a way to dispatch the three of them safely, allowing his fellow bather to find peace easily and continue in his relaxation. The men at hand were beneath shinobi, likely not even up to the lowest of tiers in might, speed, and certainly not able to utilize ninjutsu. Thugs were not often taught these things well, even by the "mentors" on the streets and in the gangs.

Yūen had perfected a very basic technique for warding off threats and also making himself a lethal force allthewhile. It would be in that moment that he formed the appropriate handsigns to bring about a beautiful aura of lavendar flames around his body, the flames brought steam as he ascended from the water and onto the hard stone floors of the bathhouse. The flames would dance as an aura but act also as a barrier - to pass through it to attack would result in immense pain, while prolonged exposure would result in very painful first degree burns among the areas contacted.

The flames seemed to dance in a way that perfectly masked the fact that Yūen was nude, sparing his associate as well as the thugs from seeing what they may not have desired to see. Yūen walked without any sort of fear or impatience over to his weapons pouch, not concerning himself with the enemies, he picked up his Kunai and headband, tying the latter to his throat and approaching the three men, walking in front of Shujin immediately thrusting his Kunai into the leaders stomach, then grabbing his throat with his free hand, which was covered in that lavendar ardence, Yūen felt himself overtaken by a rage as he said "The evil in this world will be cleansed by my light.

The man was slowly burning, the flames gently cooking him as he pushed at Yūen to release him, his partners attempting to reach through and save him, but finding themselves intolerant of pain enough to reach through and assist. Yūen grabbed the tanto strapped at the mans belt, leaving his kunai embedded in him but drawing the tanto, which he had only basic practice with from the academy. He kept the man held in that burning choke as he awaited something more to happen.

Chakra: 140/150:

WC: 405
TWC: 1572

Shujin would watch without patience for the situation. Honestly how hard was it to take a bath without having to reinforce ones defenses? Not that it would be difficult to dispatch of three criminals but the stench of the dead had a tendency to well ruin that for him. His eyes took on a slight bit of interest in one aspect though. These men were obviously weak. Where as this individual was at the very least able to act the shinobi if not an academy graduate himself. Normally in a fight the average citizen held no chance against even a genin. Still it was a bother but a show all the same. If the little pale one managed to fall to them he would have to defend himself likely but he was rather confident in that at least. Besides it was a highly unlikely that event would come to transpire. Regardless the other formed a series of hand signs and immediately Shujin knew the fight was already over. It wasn't any of the academy techniques. Just a simple series of hand signs but dangerous at the same time. A little overkill if he had to say so himself. His intentions were just to use puppet strings and weapons. All E rank. Less energy for lesser men.

Still he would watch as heat radiated off the pale man in white flames dancing around him. Steam erupting from the water around him as the heat conflicted with even the warm pool. With a grunt of dissatisfaction Shujin quickly pulled his weapons out of the pool and got out himself as a layer of steam coated the floor. The temperature in the room rising to an almost uncomfortable level. He paid no mind to the kid grabbing his head band and kunai but rather set about getting dressed. Setting his towel to the side since no one was paying him any mind. He had his shirt on before the smell of roasting flesh and screams reached him. One pained scream with the sounds of two desperate men trying to save him. The smell and sounds were horrid and uncomfortable. He slipped into his pants and grabbed the wet towel before tossing it at the back of the head of the one on fire. Its moisture was enough for it to survive long enough to smack him in the back of the head before being consumed as well if he didn't stop it. Harmless but designed to get his attention.

"Let the other two go. Inform their friends of the fact that you are in fact dangerous. As for the poor man in your grip, a gentleman doesn't torture. End him quickly if you would. It has already begun to smell in here and the bath is ruined."

It was all calm and matter of fact. He didn't care for the weak but a lack of purpose was obvious. Either way despite the pale mans apparent rage he would set about putting on his boots. Loosely placing on his tie and even tying the ninja headband to his left wrist. His weapons being returned to their holsters as he made no move to enforce his merciful will. If those two lived at the very least they would serve a dual purpose. First they would spread word as he had stated. It could bring stronger challengers looking for revenge but that also wouldn't be his problem. However if he were to find out who had supplied the tanto, well that person had resources and obviously needed better help. And wouldn't one know, a position had just opened up. His coat of course was the last piece of clothing to be put on.

2588

The adrenaline which coursed through Yūen was impressive, he had singed the front man quite badly, but these burns weren't fatal by any means. Just quite painful. Yūen used the claimed tanto to etch into the squirming, burning man the kanji for "Light" then threw him to the ground and allowed him to run for his life. Yūen was getting what he wanted, in a roundabout way. Cleansing the world of evil with his own flames of light. The smack of a towel on the back of Yūen's head would draw his attention toward Shujin who had gotten dressed in the meantime.

Nothing would seem off or strange in any way to Yūen, as he felt it a shinobi's duty to take care of criminal threats and ensure to minimize them in any way necessary. He did not much mind how Shujin felt about the events of the night. It was evident that the man himself wasn't easily impressed, and seemed doubtful of those around him. It would of course have been pleasing if Shujin left with a good impression of Yūen in some way, but it was not a total loss if he did not.

For the next several moments, Yūen would begin getting dressed, just after the flames surrounding his body dispersed and left a calming quiet around.

"Im not one to apologize for the actions of others, but in this case I do realize that perhaps if I had not been tailed here, we would not be dealing with a ruined bath. So I do sincerely apologize for that. Hopefully they all report on this and it teaches them a lesson in humility."

With a gentle nod and a glance over, Yūen began his journey up the stairs of the bathhouse to head home, now a bit more cautious of his surroundings as he did. The screaming of the man must have been loud for there were some people sitting out in front porches, looking on as Yūen walked by. They new by his headband that he was a shinobi, but what was the general perception of the shinobi in the slums if even lowly genin could nearly cook someone to death and leave them with a permanent scar on their face.

It went without saying that perhaps the shinobi were feared around these parts, and that might be why dumb youth try to tamper and mettle in their affairs with such frequency. What could be better for proving bravery and power than to steal from or harm a scary shinobi.

[Exit Thread]

WC: 438
TWC: 2000

Shujin would look on with cold eyes as he rolled one shoulder. He wasn't so much defending them or looking to pick a fight as looking for a way this could benefit him. He wasn't under the illusion that he was invincible and against those flames he truly had to consider his options here. Without his puppet he wasn't much good in a fight. He had a couple of tactics in mind if it turned against him. After all he had antagonized the flaming man with a wet towel. One which he was now down. His eyes didn't show the doubt he felt though. This kid across from him certainly was powerful but he too was far from invincible. If anything those flames made him incredibly confident. However even Shujin had to admit his resources were low for such a bout. Nor would the water do him any good in that fight as the man had proven by activating it partially underwater. While he might of been willing to bet on fully submerging the man to counteract the burns as he fought him from there the obvious choice would be to just retreat if this fell back on himself somehow. Certainly embarrassing but smarter than fighting for some thugs that might not even benefit him at all.

Instead something else happened of interest to him. It would be problematic enough with the two lesser thugs getting away. Some grudge for their partner in crime perhaps if they held any feelings for him. He doubted that though. Criminals usually looked out for each other first and they hardly put up a fight to reclaim him. However he tossed the heavily burned man to the ground. Allowing his allies to collect him and flee. Shujin would look on in interest at this. The man on the other hand had been insulted and from what Shujin could tell branded with his own knife. A reminder every time he saw his reflection that someone had done that to him. Shujin doubted very much so that he would ever let it go. This pale man would need to show caution from this point forward. An attack from the shadows was only a matter of time in the boys future. Still he would speak up after they left. Getting dressed as silence fell with the dying flames. An apology to him for his own carelessness? How unexpected. A polite man at least. Still Shujin would begin his preparations to leave as he formulated his response into words. Might as well turn this tired act to his advantage.

"While it was bothersome it appears at the very least they will focus this memory on you instead of myself. Still if you wish to make it up to me, perhaps a nice restaurant meal would be in order. If you ever feel the urge to be out of my debt do send word to one Chikimatsu Shujin. If not, well I certainly hope my next bath is more private and less stressful. For now I bid you good night."

With that said it was the pale man that left first. Which suited Shujin just fine. If the thugs were indeed fools they were just outside the door waiting to strike whoever came out first and get rapid revenge. Still as there was little to nothing in the way of a disturbance Shujin soon found himself following after. Making his way up the steps after a couple more minutes. Crossing the dunes as the sun began to rise over the horizon. He had made it home just as the light of day could no longer be denied. Time fore a decent rest anyway.

3206
Exit thread
750/750 Reaction time E-D
750/750 Speed E-D
750/750 Perception E-D

Clan drawback both stats need an extra 10% to train
825/825 Strength E-D
83/83 Endurance E - E-1
48 remaining