Scars from the past (Private)

[Chigokai Yuna]

Ziren was walking around the town. Doing his usual routes to ensure that nothing bad was happening around the village. And then he heard it. His brother's blood. It was faint. As it always has been. But it was there.

Ziren turned around fast to face his brother, throwing a punch. It was caught easily by one hand of the older Chigokai. "Why are you here!" Ziren growled at his brother.

Jirosho let go of his brother's hand and looked at him in his eyes. "Right now. I'm not here for a fight. Just a walk around town. Now if it's a fight you want, it won't end good for you. In case you have forgotten. I have contacts. They will make sure to not let you go so easily. Now. Walk with me."

Ziren growled, but did as he was told. He hated being threatened like this. Hated even more that his brother has planned this far ahead to keep him in a check mate position. Ziren felt more like a hostage than anything else. Even more frustrating and embarrassing than when he was under the blood break justsu. They walked into a heavily populated area of the village.

Ziren knew exactly what was going on. His brother was cunning. He knew that to cause problems in isolated areas that he would go scott free. But increases the chance of being found out. By doing this, Jirosho can't hurt Ziren, but it would be hard to Target him with so much people around. Ziren glowered at his brother, who was showing a smile, that almost seems innocent and believable.

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Soku was walking amongst the crowd coming from the market after buying some essential things when she spotted something amiss. There was...no, rather it was Ziren being escorted by what seemed to be a much older man. Instantly, she went on full alert dropping her bags and in the span of a second covered the distance between her and Ziren. It wasn't easy to find them in a crowd but the taller ' s man head stuck out as he wove through the crowd, a growling, angry Ziren behind him. It seemed they knew each other.

Soku stopped in front of him and gave Jirosho a questioning look."I couldn't help but notice you. It seems Ziren here doesn't seem so happy. Why would that be?"She asked her eyes boring into the older man. The young girl was tense, something about him felt different but she wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was something else or Jirosho himself. Whatever it was, something was not right about this situation.

"You know this guy, Ziren?"She asked to analyze his reaction. Depending on his reply, then she would act. Although it looked like Ziren wanted to punch the living snot out of him which probably wasn't a good idea given the physical demeanor of the older man."You aren't a shinobi are you because I haven't seen you around."Soku knew most of the local shinboi now and this man was a first. He didn't wear a headband yet carried himself like a ninja so exactly who and what was he?

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Jirosho's attention was turned to a little girl. He looked her over and knew that this was the child that annoying scientist wanted. The very kid that his little brother treats as a little sister of his. This disgusted him. But, considering how they were among a lot of people, he can't really do anything.

"Ziren isn't happy, because I caught him getting into trouble. His eyes were glowing evilly, and if I didn't stop him, then he could have hurt someone." Jirosho was lying through his teeth. But he knew that Ziren was peculiar. Had some sort of split personality, coming from Jirosho's contacts. And this split personality seems to be just as evil as Jirosho was. Easy to use as an excuse. "And as his big brother,
I am making sure that he stays out of trouble from here on out."

Ziren gritted his teeth. He didn't want Soku to get involved with this. Because if she does, this man will certainly hurt her. He controlled his breathing and then said, "This is my brother. Jirosho.
He's from the Cloud village. I've only known that he existed a couple months ago."

Jirosho looked at the girl as she asked him if he was a shinobi. "I am a shinobi. But as my little brother had said, I came from the Cloud. But mostly I wander around the lands. Meeting new people. And then I found.out that my brother was alive!" Jirosho gave Ziren a big hug, Ziren gritted his teeth but hugged back, knowing that there are too many people around for either him or Jirosho to do anything drastic. A perfect game of Shogi. A stalemate for the time being.

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

She watched his expression as he posted. It was hard to tell he was bluffing but judging from Ziren's reaction, something was amiss. According to Ziren, he had just arrived from the Cloud Village. If that was the case, then why did Ziren look so upset? "So where are you headed?"She asked casually keeping her hand close to her Storm Blade which hung from her hip. Little they did know if Jirosho even moved a inch towards her, she would have that blade at his neck in a instant.

"Since you're new to this village, why don't I give you a tour around?"In all honesty, Soku just wanted to keep an close eye on him while warding off any suspicion. She was not providing her name as the girl thought that would be a bad move in the current situation. The hug almost seemed forced from Ziren's side which raised her alarm bells a little. Her eyes met Zirens and they posed a question.Who is he?.

"So long has it been since you entered Leaf?"Something told her he hadn't made it past the guards and had crafted his own way in. People like these simply did not walk through the front door. They attracted too much a attention. The sun was bright overhead and she had to squint to make them out. Soku thought she saw a reflection of red in her eyes or was she dreaming? Shaking the thought out of her head, she motioned the duo forward.
WC 249

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Jirosho could hear from the girls voice that she was uncertain of him. He laughed inside his head. This is the little girl that the scientist was so set on getting? Oh well, a deal was a deal. But Jirosho would like to get to know who he was kidnapping maybe have fun and let her get stronger to be more of a pain for the scientist. Jirosho was more for fun and games when he is tasked with missions. Sure, he'll do them. But it will surprise his clients of how he finishes them. Maybe make it worse for them in the end.

"We aren't really headed anywhere. Just walking around the village.
Enjoying the nice breeze and sights." He knew that the kid was set on probably bringing that sword out, but would she really do so with so many people around? "Sure! I'll take that tour!
And I've been here for a few months. Surprised that Ziren hasn't found me earlier!" He acted all chipper and happy, hiding his true intentions underneath as a mask.

Ziren looked at Soku. While Jirosho was right on being here a few months, he was lying about him and Ziren just meeting. He was going to raise his hand up, but felt his blood stop in place. It was blood break. His brother seemed to be a master at that, for he used it way too much for Ziren's liking. Ziren looked at Soku, hoping that she could read his thoughts, knowing that she can't. His eyes told her, Run!. But he didn't know if she got the message.

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

He seemed completely at ease and looked like he wasn't worried about a single thing. Soku wasn't sure whether to feel assured or on guard. It seemed like Ziren was saying something with his eyes but she couldn't read thoughts. It was Zirens brother it seemed, something she had not been aware of."Didn't know you had a brother, Ziren."She said cautiously making idle conversation as they left the crowded market area and Soku lead them away towards the Oak District, one of the more well-developed areas of Konoha and also where the famed Ichiraku Ramen was located.

She explained to Jirosho as she walked each landmark."As you can see, Leaf is very big.
There is a lot to do."Soku said keeping one eye on Ziren. The girl wasn't certain how to approach the situation, it seemed he was unwelcome to the younger Chigokai yet didn't pose a threat to her yet so she didn't see what the deal was. It was a bit of a dilemma she was in and didn't know how to dig her way out.

They took a brief break by a ramen shop. It wasn't any Ichiraku - type ramen but it was good."So how are you finding Leaf? You must have met some people by now."She said idly watching as they all slurped down their ramen. Something was off but she couldn't place her finger on it. If Ziren could give her some sort of signal or use another means of communication, this would all make sense. A idea struck her, she began stirring the ramen around in its bowl using it like a sort of code. She would stir it twice before eating to indicate to Ziren. She hoped he would catch on to the little ploy.

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Jirosho walked with the two younger ninja. He has got to admit. It wasn't as big as Cloud. And it's smallness was kind of relaxing. Only one problem with it. His brother is here. "Yeah, he was surprised when we first met. I'm happy that he is like a younger image of me. Easy to spot in a crowd."

Ziren didn't like this at all. Soku obviously couldn't read what he was trying to put out with just his eyes. He couldn't stand this at all. Once they arrived at a ramen shop, Jirosho told them that he would pay for all of the food.

"Thanks." Ziren muttered.

Jirosho patted Ziren's head, "No problem little bro! Anything I could do for you and your friend." Jirosho seen what Soku was doing, but didn't think any of it. In fact, he started to do exactly what she was doing just for the fun of it.

Ziren didn't know how to process this one bit. His brother really is a good actor. But just like all shows, his must come to an end too.

Ziren made a blood rose appear out of his own skin and gave it to his brother. It was tradition to throw roses at the actor or actresses after they finish a theatrical play, to show that they acting was great.

Ziren is doing this. In hopes Soku will catch on. "Oh, brother! You can do Hemonancers gift so well you can make everyday items now too?" Ziren looked at Jirosho. And he smiled, it was a true smile, because two can play at acting.

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Soku saw the blood rose and knew exactly what it meant. Her time in the Academy, they had discussed some stuff shout theatrical procedures and a red rose signified excellent acting. It was a odd gesture however, why would Ziren hand him a rose of all things, that simply wasn't a Ziren thing to do after knowing him for so long. Unless...a idea sparked in her head. He had given it to Jirosho indicating his performance was good. He was signaling that Jirosho was acting! The situation was beginning to make sense now and she knew what to. Soku stood up downing her ramen bowl."Hey Ziren,
I think I've spotted a old friend over there, want to tag along?"She said gesturing to the general crowd to no one in particular.

In all honesty , she was trying to get him away from the man so he could explain to her what the hell was going on. "You don't mind if we run off for a bit do you? We will only be a minute."
She said flashing a friendly smile at Jirosho to mask her true intent which was to get Ziren as far away from here as possible. There was always the possibility Jirosho would ask if he could accompany them and that would make things complicated.

"Cmon Ziren, let's go."She said in a energized voice and took his hand pulling him towards the mass of people lining up at the ramen stand. If Jirosho followed, there would be problems and Soku had one other way to deal with problems and that solution hung at her waist in the form of a sword.

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Jirosho smiled at the girl. Inside, he knew that somehow, she figured it out. But oh well. He might let them go. But the people that he has employed won't.

As Ziren as Soku left the ramen shop, Ziren let out a sigh of relief. "Yeah.
That is my brother. He, uh. Ordered a mercenary to kill my parents when I was just born. From what he has told me. Um. Yukio met him."

That's when he heard some blood flow coming straight at them. About two or three.

"He sent some lackeys.
Let's reprimand them and lock em up fast!"

His eyes widened as he seen one guy. He was a small known criminal. Stole from people's houses and whatnot. Ziren never thought of the guy as a threat until he waved a kunai with a paper bomb on it.

"Give us the blue haired
guy and we'll let you go off with a warning princess." The thief said to Soku.

Ziren had to stop him from throwing that. Because if he doesn't... But then an idea popped up into his head.

He walked straight up to them, calling their bluff. Ziren took the fake paper bomb off the kunai and threw it to the ground. He made his hand seals and a water whip came to his aid. He lashed it out at the three goons, knocking them out and tying them all up in the end.

"Now. I suppose we take them to where we need to." Ziren looked at the three criminals. His brother really wanted Ziren dead. To make every single criminal, get involved? Even the ones that are just doing petty crime. He has employed them.

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Soku stared at the 3 tied up men. If this was the type of men Jirosho was employing, she couldn't take him seriously. He had literally popped up out of nowhere and according to Ziren wanted very much to hurt him. "So what the hell is going on here? Why exactly does he want you dead?"Soku wasn't asking, it was a demand. After all, after what had happened to Asuka, she didn't want anyone else getting hurt. One of the men groaned in pain and Soku gave him a light blow to shut him up.

First it was Ibumo and now she'd come to find out Ziren had a crazy goon on his trail as well."But why would he do such a thing to his family?"She'd asked a bit shocked thinking about how young they would have to be. She gripped her fist, he had seemed so cheerful and harmless, Soku felt relieved they had gotten away from him. There was no telling what he could have done.

She looked around as the darkness began to creep upon them. Weaving hand signs, a cloud descended from the sky and entrapped the three men in its mass."We need to move..now."The night brought all sorts of threats and they were alone and exposed, there might be more of the goons laying in wait. She leapt onto the storm cloud and snapped her fingers to Ziren to hurry up.

"We can talk on the way but let's deposit these men at the ANBU compound first."She said as the cloud rose swiveling to face the direction of the compound. It was not visible but any ANBU knew how to enter it. It was simple but she dared not take a direct path to it if they were being followed. Instead, she would go the long route to throw off any attacker who might be watching. Little did they notice that besides Jirosho, there was another presence but this precense they could not sense for it was a ghastly one."How you've grown."It said before fading away.

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

Ziren shook his head. He didn't exactly know why. "I don't know why.
But I think part of his reasoning is that he wants to see my full potential before he kills me. Whatever that means. And when Yukio out him under a Genjustu, Jirosho seemed even more mad and wanting to kill me."

He looked at her, before climbing on to the cloud. It felt weird. To be on a cloud. Though, they had more important things to deal with than riding on clouds. "By the way. Where's Maru? He should be watching after you. And this is way more dangerous than you can think of right now. His use of the Blood break justsu. The ultimate Chigokai justsu, is very strong."

Ziren kept his ears open to make sure that nobody was following them that shouldn't be. There seemed to be a lot going on right now.

"And that look he kept giving you. When I was listening to his blood, right next to him. It felt like he thought of you as some sort of small obstacle. Do you think him and Ibumo made a deal?"

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Re: Scars from the past (Open)

She gave a disdainful snort when hearing about about Maru."Last time I checked up on him, he was tossing and turning muttering about lights and turning the world into chaos."She made another hand seal and the cloud descended to the surface where they hopped off with their prisoners. Soku took out a ID card and scanned it to the entrance of the compound where it flashed green."Access Granted: Welcome Santaru Soku, C Rank Security Clearance."The gates rumbled open and they strode forward their captives in tow.

"I would not be shocked if he and Ibumo struck a agreement. Knowing Ibumo, he probably offered Jirosho something to capture me. That is how badly he wants me for his antics." She said as they entered a dark corridor where cells lined the wall. This was where the worst of the worst were housed. Two ANBU operatives rose to escort the prisoners. Soku explained the situation."They attacked us earlier. They might have more information. See what you can find out."They nodded silently without speaking and dragged the men into separate cells while Soku and Ziren returned the way they had come the screams of the captives resounding behind them, Soku had a hard cold look in her eyes, a emotionless expression. She was sick of these games with Ibumo, the hunter was about to become the hunted.

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Ziren could see the cold look in Soku's eyes. He sighed. This wasn't getting any better. "Look. We can't just jump into the fray without any help. And while I'm at it.
I need to tell her of the situation that I'm in."

Ziren didn't go into detail to Soku who he meant by 'she' but right now, things were getting from bad to worse, and he needed to let her know if something bad happens to him.

He tapped his headset, going to a quiet channel. "Maru. Your assistance and advice is needed. Inside the Leaf Village. Meet us by my apartment. We'll get there as soon as possible. Just going to make a few stops before we arrive to my apartment." Ziren then summoned up his blood clones, he wrote something down.

"Hana. I need you to stay where you are. I'm coming to get you. There are some things that I need to tell you. There has been a lot of things that have complicated my life."
From your favorite Chigokai,
Ziren.

His clones separated, looking for Hana. Once they find where she is, he could find her more easily.

"From my past experiences with my brother. He seems to be playing his own game probably even using Ibumo as he is using him to get to me for some reason.
None of this makes any sense. But right now. We need to group up. For both of our sakes."

(Calling Maru and Hana)

 

[Midori Futotta]

“Thought you'd never ask.” Said a voice from behind them, it was easy to avoid being detected because of his active camouflage, a Justu that cloaks the user in chakra that prevents the user from making background noise such as footsteps, breaking twigs, or even the fluttering of their clothing, and causes their clothing to blend into their environment by matching the surroundings. He had been mostly following Soku around from a distance, watching to make sure that she wasn't attacked. Also he got a glimpse of some person that seemed to have the same kind of blood bending abilities as Ziren.

However he lost them, and probably around that time he wasn't around they were attacked. So Maru finally caught up, hearing Soku talking about how he tosses and turns. Complaining about the lights and talking of his plans for world domination. Then he heard that they were attacked and that was when Ziren called him. That was about all he knew about but he's sure that they can fill him in on what was going on. “Alright, what's going on? Must be a reason you called me otherwise you wouldn't have called me.” Maru now joined the group, his eyes passing over to Soku. “By the way, if you didn't want me to complain about the lights maybe YOU should fry them like I asked you to. And what's with this with you and getting attacked?”

[Maru appeared]

 

[Uchiha Hana]

It was Nice sunny day in leaf, Hana was out and about walking around enjoying the day, staying out of trouble. She walked down by a stream and sat down and rested her bare feet in the cool waters. Hana looked up from her feet in water and saw a shadow of sorts. She stood up and yelled to shadow.

“Whoever you are, I’m not afraid of you!!”

Hana was not afraid like she usually was after being through all kinds of chaos, she would take the shadow figure head on if need be, her eyes started a red glow. The shadow came nearer, she was ready for anything, but as it got closer, she remembered Ziren’s blood clones.

The clone spoke out a message from Ziren:
"Hana. I need you to stay where you are. I'm coming to get you. There are some things that I need to tell you. There has been a lot of things that have complicated my life."
From your favorite Chigokai,
Ziren.

Hana looked up at clone for a second, she wondered what he needed to tell her, she looked back up at clone please give Ziren This message back.

“I will stay at the Leaf river as you requested ad wait for you to come.”
Always Your Sweet,
Hana

Before she knew it, the clone had dashed away to go back to Ziren with the message. Hana walked along the river waiting for him very concerned.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Soku nearly jumped when Maru's voice loomed out behind them. It seemed he was here after all, always in the shadows watching. He may be her guard but that didn't mean they would go along, that thought of that was laughable. "Look here you wooden toy, I wont be around for eternity to protect you from the light. Now, on to business. Who is this "she" you talk of, Ziren?' Soku asked most curious about the newcomer they were about to meet. If she was anything like Ziren, then they would get along easily. Right now though, the only thing flowing through her mind was trying to piece together the puzzle pieces of Ibumo and Jirosho. If what Ziren had said was right, then this Jirosho was probably a no-nonsense straight to the point type of guy."We called you here because instead of Doctor Death, we had a charming reunion with Ziren's brother who may or may not have made a deal with Doctor Death and it seems I am the prime target." Ibumo could hide now, but once the branch tracked down his puny little hideout of monsters and tricks, he would be another rotting corpse just like her father's where he rightfully belonged.

She was doing her best not to attract unwanted attention but that was hard enough if mad scientists and crazy family members wanted to murder her and Ziren in cold blood. The Uchiha clan house was the safest for them. Ibumo dared not venture near the ANBU Sennin's residences, she was willing to bet on it."Speaking of crooks, did you spot anything suspicious, puppet other than the blatantly obvious?"The girl felt her pocket to make sure her kunai was still there out of habit. She had gotten more cautious since the attack, she couldnt even go out to the market without running into some goon! As they talked, the girl felt a presence but it was not a hostile presence nor was it one of the earthly plain."My child, how you've grown."The spirit formed into a smiling face before fading away."Mom...?She whispered. The presence was gone now just as quickly as it had come.
[Ghost NPC entered topic and left topic]

 

[Chigokai Yuna]

Ziren didn't pay Soku any attention when she asked him who he meant by "she". He looked towards the horizon, waiting for one of his clones to come back. Finally, one did, it carried a message and gave it to him. Ziren read it, and was thankful that Hana was okay. He dispelled all three of his blood clones and said, "Let's just go down over there" He pointed at a little river that ran through the village.

He then heard Soku talk, she sounded concerned, as if she has more problems to add on to her list. "I wouldn't worry about Jirosho. From my other meetings with him, he seems to always make a statement on things. Probably doing the same thing to Ibumo, even if he is willing to do whatever he wants him to do. I know Jirosho from my past experiences with him as someone who has high pride. More pride than me in fact. And always willing to go the extra mile. Oh yeah, Maru. This guy has made friends with almost all of the criminals and small gangs of the Leaf. Might be good to knock some heads together to see what Jirosho's methods of madness is."

Once they got close to their destination, Ziren jumped off of the cloud that Soku was controlling and listened for Hana's blood. Once he was on to it, he ran in her direction. Right when he seen her, Ziren gave her a brief hug, then looking at her to see if she was alright.

 

[Midori Futotta]

Maru huffed smoke from his nose. “I prefer my areas of rest to be pitch black, if I am having to protect you from weirdo scientists it seems fair that you destroy some lights so I'm more comfortable." Seemed like a fair trade however, all personal matters aside the dark puppeteer began to hear out what the two had to say. So the man that he saw them with earlier turned out to be a brother of Ziren’s who seemed to be a suspect working with Ibumo according to Soku. If he was working with the mad scientist, what would he get if he was to help Ibumo in capturing Soku? "So you think he's working with Ibumo huh?” He asked, rhetorically. “Well then let's kill him, that'll solve that.”

Maru was set on killing the man, but of course Ziren would tell them that they wouldn't have to worry about him. In fact, he seemed to want us to get some ideas from him but he seemed a bit untrustworthy. Maru crossed his arms, looking over at Soku who looked like she saw a ghost. “Aye Soku. “ he said, giving the girl a soft tap on the back of the head to get her attention. "Looks like we are here.” he said hopping down, then landing a few feet away from where Hana and Ziren were hugging. Maru scratched the back of his head, perhaps their relationship was a lot more serious than he thought.

But with all else aside, Maru looked from left to right to see if there was anything suspicious around. Couldn't be too carefully now..

 

[Uchiha Hana]

Hana kept walking close to river hoping to see site of Ziren, all along wondering what he had to tell her. It had to be pretty important to send his clones to message her, she felt heavy in her chest, hoping it was nothing bad. She began to get more antsy as time went on, Ziren where are you? She thought to herself. Hana gripped the blood rose Ziren had made her, she did miss him dearly.

All sudden she heard voices in distance, and looked up to sky and saw people, on a cloud. Well this is different thought Hana. She saw Ziren and her heart began skipping beats, as her face light up. The cloud got closer and she saw Ziren Jump off, she ran into his arms immediately. He gave her a quick hug and then looked her over, Hana tilted her head at him.

“Ziren, what’s going on? I see you brought friends and…”

Hana noticed Maru, she gave him a cautious but puzzled look, remember what he last did with her. Than she saw a girl, she never met her before, Hana gave her a little smile, and walked up to her.

“Hello, I’m Hana, nice to meet you”

She gave another look to Maru wondering why he was here or even more so the girl.

“Hello Maru”

Hana walked over to Ziren.

“Ziren Love, what is going on here?”

 

[Nanjirou Soku]

Just kill him, Maru had said. He made it sound so casual and easy like it was merely a walk in the park. She eyed him before speaking leaving a long pause."We can't "just kill him as you say. He's not some walk in the park."Before she could finish her rant, the cloud landed and vanished, Soku made sure the part with Maru on it dumped him unceremoniously on the ground just for the laughs. She have a small chuckle looking at the spectacle. Ziren dismounted and ran to meet a girl and they hugged briefly for a second before coming back over to the group.

The kunoichi smiled in return and held out a hand to shake hers."Santaru Soku"She replied in turn taking in the girls features. She looked older than Soku and didn't seem to be too happy at the fact Maru was present. "I have a gut feeling we are going to get along well Hana."She'd added nodding to Maru who stood there like a gate guard scanning for potential threats. The threat had already come and gone but if Jirosho wanted a Round 2, he was more than welcome to try, he'd have to face off against a fully fledged ANBU, a Uchiha, his own brother and a Santaru. Any sensible ninja knew with those types of abilities, one simply did not charge in, you watched and you waited.

"Down to business now."She said after giving one Maru one last joke about his wooden limbs which he would not take to kindly. She'd let Ziren talk first, it seemed he had some pressing matters on his mind that he wanted to explain to Hana. Ibumo and Jirosho, that topic could afford to wait a few more seconds and she doubted Ibumo himself would show up. Village security had been increased tenfold although how Jirosho got past all that was quite a feat. She wove some signs and a clone appeared to keep watch with Maru in case anyone decided to interrupt their conversation. Baddies tend to strike at the least expected moment and she wasn't about to be caught off guard.