Private Death Becomes You [Shin][Kazuki]

[Michi]

She had always harbored a distaste for hospitals. While she appreciated the order and cleanliness of these sterile walls, there was an unsettling aura surrounding medical centers in her opinion. Their intentions might be rooted in providing relief, healing, and benefiting humanity, but she knew all too well how curiosity could easily transform into cruelty. She had little trust in them. However, a feeling of desperation fueled her decision as she implored Kazuki to accompany her to the Omni Prime Medical Center. She had recently discovered that Kazuki was alive, but he was a mere shadow of his former self. He had lost his memories and, as a result, became someone similar yet entirely different. Someone who retained traces of his previous life outside of Sunagakure but was almost unrecognizable to her in ways. It left her silently pondering what had happened in Sunagakure to cause such a profound change in him if this was the man he would have been or perhaps once was. The realization evoked a mixture of emotions within her. Yet, one thing she knew with certainty was that he was broken, and despite the passage of time, he remained unrepaired, trapped in the darkness that had birthed and cradled him.

That night, sleep eluded her. She mostly lay in bed or chair, gazing at the ceiling before drifting off for mere moments and abruptly waking up with a start. An internal mantra echoed within her, reminding her of their presence in this unfamiliar but familiar situation. The plan was simple: to return to Godsfall, the place where his memories were lost, and to explore the possibility of uncovering hidden truths amidst the desolate sands. However, a new problem arose – Kazuki had lost his appetite. She couldn't comprehend the reason behind it. While they didn't require sustenance from souls to survive day-to-day, a constant gnawing hunger persisted within them. It was a craving, not a necessity, always lingering like an addict constantly seeking a fix. In his case, this fix held the potential to rebuild what was missing within him or perhaps satiate an unseen void.

She possessed the willingness to kill for the souls that Kazuki needed, but the callousness towards lives unrelated to them or their own was a side of her that Kazuki should never witness. Her meals weren't obtained by killing for souls; rather, she opportunistically sought her sustenance. However, she enjoyed the luxury of good health unlike Kazuki. As cold as it may sound, she was prepared to kill for his sake. However, that came at great risk to both their rebuilding relationship as well as the the martial prowess of the community in which she would have to hunt. It was then that she recalled a particular arrogant statement made by the Sennin (probably) at the gates, suggesting an alternative, albeit repulsive one, to souls. While Chikamatsu Shin's presence unsettled her, she did not grasp the true depths of the risk she was taking coming to the Omni Prime Medical Center. She hadn't overheard the conversations held between the armored blonde and the Kazekage, the implicit threat of death and the depths of their tension. Had she been aware, perhaps she would have approached this day with greater caution. "There's some kind of soul alternative," she asserted, her knowledge limited to its existence. She remained uncertain whether they were beneficial or had the same effects as an authentic soul of mediocre or superior quality, yet she knew they existed and there was value in that.

The streets of Sunagakure, stretching from the Senju Compound in the Residential District to the heart of the village proper where the Omni Prime Medical Center was situated, pulsated with life and activity. The marketplaces, adorned with vibrant awnings and an array of merchandise, presented a mesmerizing spectacle. Kazuki's pale complexion, dark features, and the peculiar shadow that trailed him contrasted with the tanned, colorful desert-dwelling populace. They were not a duo that could conceivably hide in a crowd. Eventually, they arrived at the Medical Center's entrance. "There's a man called Chikamatsu Shin who presented himself as a medical authority at the gates," she began, providing Kazuki with a physical description and a brief account of their encounter. Perhaps she could have been more detailed but she was tired. "We can, at the very least, acquire some souls," she pondered on where and how these made souls were obtained, "for our journey and see if what has been lost can be easily found." It might not be as dramatic as venturing through the desert in search of answers, but perhaps it was too simple a solution.

Michi entered the main lobby of the Omni Prime Medical Center and approached the reception desk. Behind the oversized desk sat a middle-aged woman with greying hair and large glasses, continuously fielding phone calls. The cacophony of ringing and constant chatter created a chaotic ambiance. However, the presence of Kazuki altered the flow. A sudden drop in temperature, akin to a gust of cold air on a winter's day amidst the desert's arid heat. The shadows seemed to move in an eerie, autonomous manner. She would be distracted by the environmental change. They would not have been the first to make a dramatic entrance this day, but they were still given pause. "I am looking for Chikamatsu Shin," she announced.

 

[Chikamatsu Suisen]

An unfamiliar presence would fill the front lobby of the Omni Prime Medical Facility as something not human, yet not Ancient, walked towards the new arrivals as she asked for Chikamatsu Shin.

Her paper white porcelain skin showed nigh a blemish or scar. Her crimson red eyes and perfect posture could come across as an eerie presence if it wasn’t for the arrival of the dark one known as Kazuki being known to Michi.

”Hello, and welcome to the Omni Prime Medical Facility. I am Homunculus Model Kankoshi, attending Medic on call for the Chikamatsu Clan’s Overseer while he is in surgery.“

She paused for a moment. If Michi could sense souls she would be able to tell that this woman that stood before her had a soul, but one that was not of human nature. She was something different.

”My I ask what business you have with the Medical Chief? Knowing how to assist you will expedite your visit and allow for your departure in a timely manner.“

 

[Michi]

She patiently waited at the reception desk, watching as a call was made. After several minutes, a woman emerged—a rather anemic figure with few distinguishing features apart from her crimson eyes. Though she appeared humanoid, there was something unsettling about her, a sense of uncanny valley. Her almost human-like appearance was subtly distorted, evoking a cold and eerie feeling in those who beheld her. It was a biological mechanism that was largely unexplained, yet all the more disconcerting. The fact that humans had developed an instinctual discomfort towards entities that resembled them hinted at a dangerous time when something posing as human threatened the very existence of mankind. Survival depended on biologically recognizing and avoiding these entities, a part of the evolutionary process. "Well, look at that," she muttered low enough that only Kazuki could hear if he was standing by her side.

”Hello, and welcome to the Omni Prime Medical Facility. I am Homunculus Model Kankoshi, attending Medic on call for the Chikamatsu Clan’s Overseer while he is in surgery.“ the woman greeted. Her acknowledgement of her non-human nature or lack of human likeness was unexpected, particularly considering her association with the Chikamatsu Clan. One might have anticipated a warmer reception from someone who shared the same clan.

"I am Michi, and I recently met a man named Chikamatsu Shin at Primus' Bulwark Gate a few days ago," Michi introduced herself, reiterating her interest in finding Chikamatsu Shin. In the days since her arrival, she had become familiar with Suna's way of life and had encountered Shin once again, either alongside or not far from him. "And this," she gestured towards the former Sennin and diplomat, "is Senju Kazuki." The name might not hold any significance to the homunculus, as far as Michi knew, the Senju were never known to have shown interest in medical matters.

It was worth noting that Michi did not regard the homunculus as an appetizing prospective meal. ”My I ask what business you have with the Medical Chief? Knowing how to assist you will expedite your visit and allow for your departure in a timely manner.“ the homunculus inquired.

"You might be able to help us in his stead," in fact it was preferable. "Chikamatsu Shin mentioned a soul alternative suitable for consumption," Michi explained. Considering this woman was not... right, if these souls were stored someplace on campus, they could procure enough to satiate or more likely disappoint the Gloaming Court hybrid, they could simply be on their way. She had no intention of mentioning Senju Kazuki's amnesia. He was in a vulnerable place, one that had somehow escaped media attention to date, the public revelation could be dangerous for the man, his clan and his reputation. So she would Further, revealed her reason for not entrusting her hybrid companion to this man's hands for an actual diagnosis. In truth, as much as she knew Kazuki, in the short time she has gotten reacquainted with him, it was becoming increasingly obvious that there were other secrets he might be withholding not just from himself, but also from her.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

In the next morning, after a somewhat restless night, after all, it had been the first time Michi and Kazuki shared his house, the duo made their way towards Suna's main Hospital, the Omni Prime Medical Facility. In the past, the Senju Overlord knew this place well. He had sent many people there to recover from injuries he had inflicted or had been a patient himself, but nowadays, after years away from active life, the Hospital seemed a different beast, let alone Sunagakure itself. The Last Oracle's mannerisms seemed to indicate she was not her full self, she seemed stressed. "There's some kind of soul alternative," she would assert. Was she reassuring him or her? The former Sunan Sennin knew the alternative well, one life had to be claimed so he could consume a soul. Previously, he had used his ANBU and Sennin status to gain the souls he needed to consume, but after a decade of absence, without a single soul entering his system, he was malnourished on that department. One could say he was famished. He wasn't willing to take an innocent life to satiate his hunger, not yet at least. He would simply nod to her assurance. Feeling no need to say anything. "There's a man called Chikamatsu Shin who presented himself as a medical authority at the gates. We can, at the very least, acquire some souls for our journey and see if what has been lost can be easily found." Michi would tell him as they made their way toward Omni Prime Medical Facility. She would also use that time to tell him how Shin looked like considering it was most likely someone the former Konoha Sennin never encountered before. Reaper may had amnesia problems, but there was one thing that didn't change from his past. Wherever he went, people turned to look at him. Maybe because his completion clearly indicated he was a foreigner and Sunan's had the tendency to distrust those. Maybe, and most likely, was because the White Wolf's frame exuded a chill that nothing but supernatural in nature, let alone the fact that shadows seemed to gain life around his presence. He was a living paradox, how could a man that couldn't conceal his presence be such an effective ANBU? "It is a strange feeling to know that wherever I go, there is no way to not be noticed." he would echo his thoughts.

They would, eventually arrive at the Hospital. Kazuki's entrance immediately caused a shift inside the building. The cacophony of sounds was suddenly, albeit momentarily, muffled after he passed the threshold that marked the entrance of the sanitized installations. "Same smell as before." he would mutter after sniffing the air. "I am looking for Chikamatsu Shin," Michi would announce to a middle-aged woman with greying hair and large glasses that sat beneath an oversized desk at the lobby of the hospital. Said woman never had the time to say anything, because a new presence was immediately felt. Reaper would slightly turn his neck so he could gaze the newcomer. It was clearly a humanoid, based on her appereance alone, but the skin's tone matched, if not surpassed, the Silvery Haired Man's own paleness. And while his eyes were black, she had them crimson red. She was clearly an uncanny figure to say the least. "Well, look at that," MIchi would mutter. "Inhuman." Reaper would mutter back. He had sensed her soul, because this creature had a soul, just not entirely human. How she had came to be, he didn't know, but someone had created her, this was no natural occorrence. Something worth studying, for a later time, though.

”Hello, and welcome to the Omni Prime Medical Facility. I am Homunculus Model Kankoshi, attending Medic on call for the Chikamatsu Clan’s Overseer while he is in surgery.“ She would greet them, clarifying her status as a Homunculus. Kazuki's gaze never left her since her arrival and would remain fixed at her. "I am Michi, and I recently met a man named Chikamatsu Shin at Primus' Bulwark Gate a few days ago," Michi introduced herself. "And this," she gestured towards the former Sennin and diplomat, "is Senju Kazuki." Upon the mention of his name, the White Wolf would cross his arms behind his back, something he was known for doing. Just a way to clearly indicate he was him, assuming people had forgotten who he was. ”My I ask what business you have with the Medical Chief? Knowing how to assist you will expedite your visit and allow for your departure in a timely manner.“ the homunculus would inquire. "You might be able to help us in his stead. Chikamatsu Shin mentioned a soul alternative suitable for consumption." the former Cabal member would reveal the reason for their presence here. "And we seek to acquire some." the former Sunan Sennin further added as if he was completing Michi's sentence. Well look at that, they were already finished each other's sentences. They were already the perfect couple.

[MFT]
WC: 834

 

[Chikamatsu Suisen]

The consumption of a soul? Kankoshi was unaware of the consumable souls, but she was well versed in their creation.

”Right this way please.“

As Kankoshi began to walk through the halls her speech became a rehearsed tour as she led the party away from the general hospital and towards the Research and Development field.

”Thanks to the education that the former Sennin, Senju Kazuki, provided to young Chikamatsu Shin over the subject of biometrics and how to overcome genetic advantages, Shin began to grow interest in the field of biology. This spark of interest would be fostered and supported by the former Medical Chief, Byakko Akujin, into the field of Genetic Engineering. Having first performed a living organic Transmutation at the age of twelve years old, Chikamatsu Shin would take the resources and knowledge he was given to develop the field of Synthetic Human Creation, the formation of Homunculi. For his first decade of practice Shin was restricted to merging matter, but he quickly developed a means for synthesis as well. Now, after mastering his secret techniques, the Overseer has found a means to turn spiritual and physical energy into physical mass. These soulless husks were on no use outside the occasional organ transplant, but Shin was able to continue his studies into his second decade of research and has crafted a formula that augments natural energies such as chakra into souls.“

She turned to look at the two as the approached the door that had Shin’s name on it.

”As far consumption of souls, I have no information in the data base. Please make your self comfortable, Chikamatsu Shin will be in shortly.“

She would open the door which would lead to a stark white sterile room. A row of overhead lights were oppressive and the center of this empty room would rest a metallic testing table. About thirty feet in the opposite corner, of the entrance, across this empty hall, would sit a doorway which lead into a rustic office with glass walls. Old wood and small coffee tables would indicate that this was Shin’s study.

Kankoshi would hold the door for the duo until they entered at which point she would leave and continue on with her duties.

[topic left unless stopped]

 

[Michi]

Even amidst his amnesia, Kazuki exuded confidence. He appeared and carried himself with health, a facade that she hoped his self-assurance would help preserve.

Unfazed by the idea of searching for souls to consume, the Homunculus seemed unbothered. Perhaps, honesty would serve as the best approach for once. However, this did little to alleviate her deep-rooted distrust as she followed the inhuman being through the corridors of the medical center. Murder lingered as a tempting option—one she continued to contemplate. Despite her reservations, she sighed quietly and attentively listened to the woman conducting a basic tour. Unbeknownst to her, Kazuki had a prior relationship with Shin. Maybe bringing him here wasn't the wisest decision she thought but put no words to her concerns. She hesitated, her steps becoming slower. "You know, we could always return another time," she eventually managed to express words that weren't entirely deceitful.

As her feet progressed forward, she couldn't help but allow her eyes to scan the surroundings, taking note of the number of doors, the total steps they had taken, and the proximity to an exit. How many potential allies could he summon if he turned on the,? Unfortunately, the count seemed to only grow higher. The act of bringing Kazuki to someone from his past unsettled her, leaving her to ponder how quickly the armored (possibly Sennin) would sense that something was amiss. That Kazuki was presently, temporarily vulnerable—a state that she hoped would pass soon. It was a flicker of optimism amid a sea of uncertainty, a hope she clung to, even though deep down, she knew it was a lie.

The homunculus promised to retrieve the Sennin and Michi would do as one did when left alone in a room. She snooped. She attempted to glean a bit more about the young, armored man. The types of books he read, the notes he kept, the curiosities he placed in his personal space. Photos perhaps of loved ones. Trinkets and baubles of significance, a stone used as a paperweight from a far away land, a pen with the name of his favorite Ramen Shop. She would feel her anxiety swell when the door shut. In the guest quarters she had slept in the night before, the door remained open, the window open also. She did not like enclosed spaces, even one large enough that she could walk around in. Her first impulse was to leave, she would prefer it, but she said nothing. She fidgeted restlessly and made mention of her primary concern, "I do not trust him. I also do not know how you knew him or if he would take advantage of your memory loss," she warned. The promise of consumable souls would not have drawn her here, but Kazuki needed to eat, so she would forgo her sense of caution and pride just this one time.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The office would mostly be filled with scientific journals, all hand written in an ancient language that Michi would recognize as Formal Terran or "Ancient" Terran. With a quick scan there would be notes about the human body, the chemical makeup of the various organs, the detailed anatomy, as well as mentions of the "untangible breath" that was needed to complete a body. In the corner of the room would sit a large terracotta pot with what looked to be a corpse flower, thought the scent was pleasant and it moved slightly upon closer examination. Beneath the petals would rest a large toad like creature which was fused with the flower that was napping in the soil, sleeping softly. Various pictures would be seen in the office, images of Shin around the age of eight years old with an assortment of children at the Academy with their various Sensei, including Kazuki if he would be the type to take a picture with hi class. There was a picture of Shin, about ten years old with a woman, that the two may know as Byakko Akujin who was the previous Medical Chief, where Shin's face was tear stained but he was smiling holding a headband. A few more scattered photos of Shin from the ages of twelve to nineteen at the Toraono Dojo with various students over the years as he worked as an Academy Student sine the moment he became a Chuunin at the age of twelve.

Five to ten minutes would pass from the time Kankoshi left and to the sound of the door clicking and slowly opening which would be welcomed with the man's voice.

"Oh, hello! I was told I had special guests so I allowed one of the Physicians here take over and made my way as quickly as I could."

With a smile on his face, Shin stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He was wearing a royal blue lab coat, with militant like emblems on the shoulders and face of the coat.

Shin's eyes would go wide as he looked to Kazuki-Sensei.

"Sensei? It's been such a long time! I haven't had a chance to set up a meeting with you since my arrival back to Sunagakure! You should be proud though, I found a way to make sure my telepathic abilities do not wander and invade people's minds. It was tricky, but I got the hang of it."

He chuckled slightly, fully understanding now that Michi came here with Kazuki because they must be connected in someway, which caused him to become curious if his loveable sensei was also an Ancient.

"Michi, it's a please to have you at my Omni Prime Medical Facility."

He would gesture to a quickly summoned pair of chairs which sat on the opposite side of a table from one that Shin summoned for himself. Quick twists of his wrists would summon them into reality, almost as if warping reality at his command.

"Please, take a seat, how can I help you both?"

 

[Senju Kazuki]

”Right this way please.“ Kankoshi replied the moment Kazuki clarified, if that had been necessary, that they were there to acquire some souls. ”Thanks to the education that the former Sennin, Senju Kazuki, provided to young Chikamatsu Shin over the subject of biometrics and how to overcome genetic advantages, Shin began to grow interest in the field of biology. This spark of interest would be fostered and supported by the former Medical Chief, Byakko Akujin, into the field of Genetic Engineering. Having first performed a living organic Transmutation at the age of twelve years old, Chikamatsu Shin would take the resources and knowledge he was given to develop the field of Synthetic Human Creation, the formation of Homunculi. For his first decade of practice Shin was restricted to merging matter, but he quickly developed a means for synthesis as well. Now, after mastering his secret techniques, the Overseer has found a means to turn spiritual and physical energy into physical mass. These soulless husks were on no use outside the occasional organ transplant, but Shin was able to continue his studies into his second decade of research and has crafted a formula that augments natural energies such as chakra into souls.“ the Homunculus would share with them a bit of Shin's trajectory over the years till now. She also shared with them that the Senju Overlord had taught Suna's current Medical Chief in past, something Reaper had no real recollection of. "You know, we could always return another time," Michi expressed concern and the White Wolf understood where she was coming from but simply shook their head. He knew she was concerned, the last Oracle was a careful woman, barely trusting anyone else but herself, perhaps not even himself was fully trusted. Her past was a tragic one and no one could blame her if she saw enemies at every corner and was slow to believe in people. But despite his exterior, and interior, coldness, the former Sunan Sennin seemed to tick all the necessary social skills to be known for his charisma and to have a profound effect on family, friends and coworkers. Kazuki would shake his head upon hearing her words, feeling there was no immediate danger coming from the soon to arrive Chikamatsu Shin. If Shin was a sliver of the boy he used to be, he wouldn't be a threat for the Senju Overlord. If things had changed a lot since Reaper's forced absence, then he would deal with them as he did with everything else. Head first and no fear in his heart.

Despite that, the former Leaf Sennin took a careful look of his surrondings as they walked toward Shin's office. How many doors, how many escape routes, how many possible threats. It was a habit he had acquired throughout his many years as an ANBU operative and he though he saw Michi doing exactly the same thing. ”As far consumption of souls, I have no information in the data base. Please make your self comfortable, Chikamatsu Shin will be in shortly.“ the Chikamatsu medic would announce as she opened the door the Medical Chief's office. The White Wolf would cross the threshold alongside Michi and would enter a stark white sterile room. In the opposite corner, of the entrance would sit a doorway which lead into a rustic office with glass walls which was Shin's. Once left alone, Michi would immediately began inspecting the room. She seemed restless. "I do not trust him. I also do not know how you knew him or if he would take advantage of your memory loss," she would warn him. "If he is still the man I taught, and I do not teach anyone, that is certain, then he will not be a threat. If he has changed irrevocably then we will deal with it, one way or another." The Senju Overlord would also check the room around him, taking hints of Shin's current disposition. There were a multitude of scientific journals written in Terra which Kazuki understood and, surely, Michi did as well. The former Sunan Sennin would also find notes about human anatomy and in one of the corners there was a terracotta pot with a bulbasaur-like creature sleeping. "It seems his studies continue to this day. I wonder why he has such fascination." the White Wolf would mutter as he drew near to a series of photographs. He would be depicted in one of them along side Shin and several other students. That was one photo of a younger Shin but there would be more there as he grew older. "Look, there is a photo of me in here." the Silvery Haired Man would tell Michi pointing to it if she cared to check it out.

A few minutes would pass until the sound of the door opening and a voice could be heard. "Oh, hello! I was told I had special guests so I allowed one of the Physicians here take over and made my way as quickly as I could." Kazuki saw an older Shin, at least compared to the photo shared with himself, wearing a royal blue lab coat, with militant like emblems on the shoulders and face of the coat. He also spotted the Chief's eyes widening as he realized who was on his office. "Sensei? It's been such a long time! I haven't had a chance to set up a meeting with you since my arrival back to Sunagakure! You should be proud though, I found a way to make sure my telepathic abilities do not wander and invade people's minds. It was tricky, but I got the hang of it." the former Leaf Sennin would nod. "Good to know. You know that privacy is paramount and reading one's thoughts should only be done in extreme circumstances. Such as to prevent the assassination of the Kage or to cripple the efforts of terrorist groups."

"Michi, it's a please to have you at my Omni Prime Medical Facility. Please, take a seat, how can I help you both?" the Medical Chief would invite them after summoning a pair of chairs on the opposite of his main desk, which the Senju Overlord accepted. "Well, I will keep this short and sweet because we are all busy people, our attention always on a million things at a time. I have been told you have devised a way to produce artificial souls. We need to acquire some. Simple as that." There was no reason to dance around the subject, might as well go straight to the point and deal with it. "Before I forget, I knew, from the moment I spotted you, you would go far. Congratulations on your success." Did he remember Shin at all? No, not really, but it was a sentence that made sense to be said and if he had his memories intact, he would probably feel it anyway.

 

[Michi]

Anxiety was a novel thing as of late for the Oracle. She did not have a good feeling when it came to this Chikamatsu Shin, not that she had hard facts to support what some might consider madness. She simply felt tense, judged, as if she was the least preferred option in a sea of other unappealing options. She would utter a part of her concern, that Kazuki was uncharacteristically vulnerable. It was not outright said, that sort of thing never was, that she was concerned that Kazuki would become a rung in the ladder of someone else's elevation. While he no longer held the prestige he once did in Kohonagakure, Iwagakure or Sunagakure, he still had a reputation. His defeat or shame could elevate another if he did not take care.

But he was unconcerned. "If he is still the man I taught, and I do not teach anyone, that is certain, then he will not be a threat. If he has changed irrevocably then we will deal with it, one way or another."

Kazuki would assess his surroundings. He did not seem overly concerned with the practitioner's interests, primarily in medicine and herbology it would seem. His notes in Runic, a nod perhaps to his Oracle ties, but there were other reasons why one might write in such a distinctive script. "It seems his studies continue to this day. I wonder why he has such fascination."

"At the gates the other day he introduced himself as a leader in the Medical field," Michi replied simply enough. She came looking for the Kazekage or a Sennin, but initially she met only him.

"Look, there is a photo of me in here," Kauki would point out a framed image of the pair. She would make her way next to Kazuki and look at the photograph, Kazuki was not one for smiling, but she could tell that he looked content. He had not changed much physically, a bit thinner now in her opinion, but otherwise time seemed to ignore him these past years.

"You really did not change that much," she would comment and attempt to lean her head affectionately into him when Shin would burst into the room.

"Oh, hello! I was told I had special guests so I allowed one of the Physicians here take over and made my way as quickly as I could," he would announced attired differently from the other date at the gates. His expression confirmed what the picture already clearly indicated, they knew one another. "Sensei? It's been such a long time! I haven't had a chance to set up a meeting with you since my arrival back to Sunagakure! You should be proud though, I found a way to make sure my telepathic abilities do not wander and invade people's minds. It was tricky, but I got the hang of it."

She did not know specifically what he was talking about, but the mention of telepathic abilities gave her pause and sent a blade of ice down her back. She wondered what she might have thought at the gates. What might have been unintentionally shared the other day. Her mind went there while Kazuki resumed his previous role with unsettling ease despite his lack of recollection. "Good to know. You know that privacy is paramount and reading one's thoughts should only be done in extreme circumstances. Such as to prevent the assassination of the Kage or to cripple the efforts of terrorist groups."

"Michi, it's a please to have you at my Omni Prime Medical Facility. Please, take a seat, how can I help you both?" perhaps there was an old link between them she reasoned as the Medical Chief summoned a pair of chairs on the opposite of his main desk in a way that was similar to Kazuki's form of hospitality the other day. She did not sit with the same ease as Kazuki however. She wondered if it was an act being out on by the Senju Overlord or if ignorance was truly bliss, but she would take a seat after Kazuki had already taken his.

"Thank you," she would express the common platitude but her lack of chatter had Kazuki truly recalled the Oracle, was a clear indication of her tension.

"Well, I will keep this short and sweet because we are all busy people, our attention always on a million things at a time. I have been told you have devised a way to produce artificial souls. We need to acquire some. Simple as that." Well, he certainly did say what was on his mind and express what he wanted without pause. It was somewhat humorous. She cracked a faint smile as a memory from years before returned to her mind of a similar encounter between Kazuki and his fellow Sennin. They really could not be any more different, could they? "Before I forget, I knew, from the moment I spotted you, you would go far. Congratulations on your success." It was with this phrase that her eyes widened and she looked over at Kazuki. Did he just remember something? Was this guy the thing that he would remember? Not his clan. Not the village he lost everything attempting to defend. Not her. Some random student from years ago that he had never even mentioned to her! Her tension washed away as a heat could be felt in her neck as a new sensation washed over her - jealousy.

He did not remember Shin, but that was the thing with Gloaming Court Ancients and Hybrids, they were naturally deceptive despite their inability to lie. At this very moment, with the memory he has at this time, he sees potential for further growth in the Medical Captain who one could suppose would one day soon be Sennin. However, Michi was fixated in Kazuki's disability. While his memory might have been lost, his cunning remained intact. "Well," she somewhat croaked. "I never knew he was so significant in your memory," she would announce. Him, really? Why was she feeling so fussed over what was their end goal? Women were truly a mystery, even to women. "But yes," she would confirm. "Souls are not as accessible here as they are elsewhere without betraying the confidence the Kazekage has placed in me and my fiance. I would prefer to stay on the good side of our gracious host." The encounter was likely still fresh in Chikamatsu Shin's mind. Despite her slight form and petite stature, there was something wrong with the hybrid he had encountered mere days before. She had no interest in false souls, she was insulted by the concept and yet here she was with a man from the Captain's past suddenly interested in acquiring these fabricated souls.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Shin would grin and raise an eyebrow.

”You are in need of souls?“

His eyes would dart towards Michi. An Ancient standing in his office. A creature of elemental powers which consumed souls. Was Kazuki being forced to use their distant past together to acquire souls for this woman? Shin had already ment-

His mind went silent quickly as the word Fiancé was used.

”Fiancé? Congratulations Sensei.“

His eyes didn’t move from Michi. Did he know! He must have known. Shin would turn and look towards Kazuki, but this time he would, for the first time, try and see through his sensei. The gift of the Grandeur Phantom allowed him to see the inner darkness each person had dwelling in their psyche and in their soul. This physical form of entropy was known as a Shadow, and Shin was one of the few people in the world to not only be able to see Shadows, but to have mastered their own and evolve it into a Persona. The Shadow of a human had a general aura that Shin has become familiar with, but the overwhelming dread he has seen from the Ancients makes the Shadow of a Human pale in comparison.

”Kazuki-Sensei was my only sensei in the Academy, I took most of his classes before I was pulled from a class to take my Genin and Medical Entrance Exams. Our time together was focused on learning the genetic factors which created the Kekkei Genkai of this world, or Bloodline Limits, and how to overcome them in battle. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Kazuki’s classes I would probably have remained a Puppet Master working within the Journeyman’s Order making weapons for Sunagakure like my father did before me. The lessons on understanding and overcoming genetic advantages is what started me on my direction to my studies now.“

Shin would pull out a large scroll and unraveled it on the table before laying a smaller one perpendicular across it opened as well. A quick handseal would summon a small bird, a Fantasy Sand Pigeon of sorts as the author of this post didn’t wanna go to the bestiary for this random bird.

”As Medical Chief of the Omni Prime Medical Facility I studied extensively into genetics and even the creation of artificial life, known as Homunculi, you met one of my creations early, my Homunculus Model Kankoshi.“

Shin would place a few pieces of coal beside the confused bird and a palm of seeds to keep the bird preoccupied.

”Starting off with my Secret Art: Alchemist Seal.“

Shin made a handseal which caused the coal on the table to condense into small diamonds.

”I learned to transmute matter, but applying what I learned from Kazuki-Sensei and my private studies I developed my Forbidden Art: Philosopher’s Seal to allow me to alter organic matter.“

His handseal changed and the diamonds turned to dust and the bird began to fade into use as well. Twirling and spinning together a soft light would be emitted before fading to reveal a small slender red bird, its crest and flight feathers were replaced with small fluttering flames. A synthetic Phoenix was born.

”My studies then began to advance into human life, and I found the greatest difference between conscious life and instinctual life was the human soul.“

Shin’s eyes would begin to emit a soft light as spectral angelic wings would extend from his back, giving him a twenty meter wingspan which took up the entirety of the room. Moving his arms apart in one hand a sphere of blue chakra would begin to develop and in the other a sphere of natural energy would form. Shin would begin to press them together to cause the light of the two spheres to synchronize into a small white orb.

”A synthetic soul, an artificial intelligence created by the Forbidden Art: Izanagi Seal. This is the artificial creation I have mass produced to cause each of my homunculi to have that small spark of human life in thin. While they are limited in comparison this isn’t the furthest I have gone. Pushing even further, by combining this synthetic soul with the Forbidden Art: Shinigami Seal I can take a pre-existing true soul and shatter it into fragments to fill the artificial soul with a more human like personality and resonance. “

The wings would fade and his eyes would stop glowing as Shin no longer channeled the Holy Energy that he utilized in his soul creation techniques. With his palm facing up he extended his arm towards Kazuki. The small souls would float above his hand.

”Depending on your need for the soul, the Izanagi Seal should suffice for most instances. But before I give you anymore, I must ask… why do you require souls, Sensei?“

[All used CRPJs are listed in my profile]

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"Look, there is a photo of me in here," Kazuki would point out a framed image of himself and Chikamatsu Shin. MIchi would make her way next to him and look at the photograph. "You really did not change that much," she would tell him. The Senju Overlord would shrug. She knew the reason for that. Although not a full Ancient, as far as he remembered, Hybrid's longevity was immensely increased, not fully immortal like a true Ancient, but quite close. He aged at a very decelerated rate and his thing for consuming souls further decreased his natural decay. "Perks for being an Ancient Hybrid I suppose." he would mutter to her as he tried place his left arm around Michi's shoulders only to suddenly stop as Shin burst into his office. ”You are in need of souls?“ Shin would inquire after being told the reason for the Silvery Haired Man's and the Last Oracle's presence at his office. The White Wolf would simply nod in response. It was only natural that the Medical Chief would be curious about why there in need of acquiring souls, but there was no need to offer much explanation unless absolutely necessary. Reaper wasn't aware of how many people knew his true nature and he was even less aware of how many people knew who and what Michi truly was. "Before I forget, I knew, from the moment I spotted you, you would go far. Congratulations on your success." As soon as he said that sentence to Shin, the former Konoha Sennin could feel the former Cabal member turning her head to gaze him. He immediately understood what could be going through her mind. He had lost most of memories but suddenly remembered a former student of all people? The answer was that he had no real recollection of his former Student but that phrase felt appropriate and you know what could be said about the Gloaming Court. Although unable to lie, there were no better experts at deception then they were.

"Well," she croaked. "I never knew he was so significant in your memory," Kazuki would not turn his head upon hearing those words, despite the urging need to do so. Was she jealous? Really? She, among all living people of Sunagakure knew him best, with some exceptions that could be counted on one hand. She, of all people, would know that he had no recollection of the Chikamatsu member. With an internal shrug, the Senju Overlord reserved that conversation for another time, once this meeting was over. "But yes. Souls are not as accessible here as they are elsewhere without betraying the confidence the Kazekage has placed in me and my fiance. I would prefer to stay on the good side of our gracious host." The White Wolf would nod, to cement she was entirely correct just as a precaution. He wasn't aware of what type of relationship these two had, but considering Michi's unease, he could guess it wasn't one of the best kind. "Fiancé? Congratulations Sensei.“ Reaper would extend his hand toward the Last Oracle so she could take it. "Thank you." he would thank him. "Once we do agree on a date for our marriage, I will be sure to send you an invitation." The former Sunan Sennin wasn't sure if Michi would agree with his words but, then again, it felt appropriate to have them said outloud. She was going to learn, firsthand, why Kazuki had this knack to quickly climb social ranks.

”Kazuki-Sensei was my only sensei in the Academy, I took most of his classes before I was pulled from a class to take my Genin and Medical Entrance Exams. Our time together was focused on learning the genetic factors which created the Kekkei Genkai of this world, or Bloodline Limits, and how to overcome them in battle. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Kazuki’s classes I would probably have remained a Puppet Master working within the Journeyman’s Order making weapons for Sunagakure like my father did before me. The lessons on understanding and overcoming genetic advantages is what started me on my direction to my studies now.“ he would tell them as he summoned a small bird. ”As Medical Chief of the Omni Prime Medical Facility I studied extensively into genetics and even the creation of artificial life, known as Homunculi, you met one of my creations early, my Homunculus Model Kankoshi.“ Then he would place coal and seeds near the bird. ”Starting off with my Secret Art: Alchemist Seal.“ The coal on the table was transformed into diamond. ”I learned to transmute matter, but applying what I learned from Kazuki-Sensei and my private studies I developed my Forbidden Art: Philosopher’s Seal to allow me to alter organic matter.“ Everything would fade only to be replaced with a small red bird that Reaper recognized as a Phoenix. ”My studies then began to advance into human life, and I found the greatest difference between conscious life and instinctual life was the human soul.“ The White Wolf watched as Shin's eyes began to glow and spectral wings emerged on his back. He would form two crackling orbs of energy in each hand, one with Chakra and the other with Natural Energy that he would combine into a single white orb. ”A synthetic soul, an artificial intelligence created by the Forbidden Art: Izanagi Seal. This is the artificial creation I have mass produced to cause each of my homunculi to have that small spark of human life in thin. While they are limited in comparison this isn’t the furthest I have gone. Pushing even further, by combining this synthetic soul with the Forbidden Art: Shinigami Seal I can take a pre-existing true soul and shatter it into fragments to fill the artificial soul with a more human like personality and resonance.“ He would extend his hand toward the Silvery Haired Men, the souls he had just created floating above it. The holy glow around the Medical Chief would recede. ”Depending on your need for the soul, the Izanagi Seal should suffice for most instances. But before I give you anymore, I must ask… why do you require souls, Sensei?“

Kazuki knew this answer would eventually be spoken. He wasn't exactly sure of what to reveal to his former Student. How much had Sunagakure changed in his absence? How much could he reveal? Could he truly trust Shin? He wasn't going to throw Michi under the bus. This new him wasn't able to and he was pretty certain his old self wouldn't also. The more the Senju Overlord thought about it, the more the simplest solution elevated itself within his mind. Telling the truth and being on point with it was, quite probably, the best solution he had. "Did you not figure out by now Chikamatsu Shin?" he would inquire back as he pointed toward the frost that had began covering the glass around the Chief's office. "Is it that hard to decrypt?" the former Konoha Sennin would further question as he pointed toward the shadows on the ground that were all overextended toward the Silvery Haired Man. Not olyy that, but they were all flickering, wavering, as if they had gained sentience. "The reason why I need souls is quite simplistic. I want them because I eat them." A strange purple glow would momentarily glare on Reaper's eyes as he said those words. "It seems I must further congratulate you. What you have just shown us was quite remarkable. I wonder what you will accomplish next." the White Wolf would congratulate his former student in a casual manner as if he didn't just state he ate souls.


BGM

[MFT - WC: 1276]

 

[Michi]

She silently observed the duo's nostalgia, contemplating how well she truly knew Kazuki. The concept of him being involved in academic pursuits seemed outlandish; he would have been a Sennin at that time. The assertion that he had played a role in this man's education years ago seemed like an elaborate hoax, but the photograph provided silent confirmation. Not only was Kazuki well-regarded and warmly remembered, but the young man in his presence displayed no trace of fear towards the former Sennin. Instead, he appeared inspired, as if Kazuki had been a source of motivation. It was indeed a peculiar sight to behold, yet as he spoke further, the puzzle pieces began to fit together. Kazuki exuded pleasantness, amicability, and sociability. He extended an invitation for the boy to attend their wedding, even though he had only just learned Chikamatsu Shin's name minutes ago. Words of affirmation followed, a belief in this same Chikamatsu Shin that had always been present, stirring a needless bit of jealousy in the Oracle. Kazuki had seen something special in this Omni Prime physician during their younger days.

Kazuki's extended lifespan allowed for prolonged engagement in such intricate games. Games of social climbing in quiet, yet 'meaningful' ways. What a mischievous character he was. Perhaps there was something to be learned from him still, she mentally remarked.

Her attention remained fixed on the captain, as she had never seen the process of soul creation before; thus, it was unfamiliar territory for her. The summoning of a bird and the demonstration of life and death intrigued her, but also concerned her, causing her eyes to narrow in concentration. It became apparent that life was not somehow produced, but rather transformed from one form to another. The intricate steps involved the conversion of consciousness, giving sentience to what was previously devoid of it. The laws of physics were not shattered; rather, they were bent to an extreme degree. Suddenly, a long-standing enigma, which had eluded her until then, fell into place. Regrettably, it seemed unlikely that she would witness the realization of this truth, as the revelation struck her like a blow to the gut. "If the soul were not extracted or returned to the original creature, or even bestowed upon another non-sentient being," she inquired, pausing briefly to take a breath, "what consequences would ensue?" A sinking feeling settled in her stomach, as a hypothesis began to form and a particular etymology began to derive new meaning to her.

Shin, too, had questions of his own. He sought to understand the purpose behind the acquisition of souls. She intended to claim her need, ensuring that Kazuki's hybrid status remained undisclosed. If he remained oblivious to any potential shared circumstance beyond a social engagement between the pair, she would keep it that way. The room's cold ambiance and the eerie shadows dancing within it provided strong evidence, as did the likely presence of similar encounters in the past when only one of them was present. And yet, before she could speak, Kazuki surprised her by candidly revealing his intentions - he planned to consume them. In the next breath, however, he complimented the young man on his accomplishments. A slender smile graced her face, for it seemed that Kazuki played certain roles with a natural ease.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

"I do not care to make assumptions, Sensei. Verbal confirmation from a suspected Ancient is the only way to truly know in this world, especially with the high rate of hybridization now a days. As for the consumption..."

Shin would blink and his eyes would turn from blue to yellow.

"There are currently seventy artificial souls being using and maintained in the Omni Prime Medical Facility and their length of use range from a month to over a year, depending on which model they are being used by. The Kankoshi Models consume their spiritual energy faster compared to their Hosa counter parts. Our current production model allows for the causal production of about one a day for Shin to maintain the system without noticing a depletion in his own reserves. Depending on the frequency of pick up and the needed quantity, an arrangement can be made."

Shin's speech and physical mannerisms would change as he spoke, more feminine and more precise. His eyes would flick blue again as Shin took over his body away from Seishinko who was responsible for the spirits within the Omni Prime and more specifically the Arboretum.

His gaze shifted to Michi as the created soul was still being offered to Kazuki.

"This artificial soul has no body of origin, though I can take a pre-existing soul and shatter it to multiple fragments, but never breaking off more than half of the original soul."

He looked back at Kazuki-sensei.

"If this artifical soul would suffice then producing them would not be an issue, though if they do not satisfy or nourish correctly, please let me know and I can work with the ANBU and the Omni Prime's morgue and collect soul fragments for you from those that don't need them."

He hesitated.

"But what would I be receiving for this soul production?"

Was this to be donated to his sensei or did Kazuki have an offer on the table.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

[topic left due to inactivity]

 

[Michi]

Topic Left - Inactivity. Catch you in the other place Kazuki.