Urchin in the streets [Reikiko/PM to Join]

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

The Desert Crown, Golden district, a place where only the highest class residents lived and try hards loaf around to up their own status. Very few below that line of wealth walk the streets here, and the ones that do are seen as either very desperate or very stupid. One of the young street urchins sneaking around can be seen as the former. Not that she was actually bothering anyone to the point of getting thrown to a lower district but she was so visibly out of place in that sparse crowd no one had any idea what she was doing there.

Shiroinu, on the other hand, knew exactly what she wanted to do, and it didn't break any rules to do it. Ignoring everyone's stares and mutters, she would stop in front of shop windows and just smell the food from outside. There was no way she could afford it but she knew what they had in there was way better than what her dad dragged home. But, even though staring wasn't illegal, her wide eyed hungry stares and drooling kept making workers shoo her off under some kind of threat. It was nice when they threw food at her, even if they only did it because the scrap had already fallen on the floor and they wanted to scare her away like some abandoned ally cat. Or loose dog.

Now she was sitting in an alley between two rather large buildings, staying out of sight knowing she was one more upturned nose away from being thrown to a less extravagant zone, and she wasn't going to let that happen until the dirty sweet bread that had been thrown at her was completely gone. She doesn't know what's wrong with rich people around here, the guy who ordered it threw it to the ground because it was "too tough", but it wasn't even stale yet! Not her probably, she got something out of it when that disgruntled worker wanted her gone.

 

[Uchiha Akari]

How often had this spectacle repeated itself? Despite knowing all too well that if she asked her father or someone else from the clan to accompany her, the fact remained the girl preferred to go out on her own. It wasn't because she was trying to be more independent but because she didn't want her 'family' to see the things that happened here. In the end the people of the Golden District were those who had wealth and often power to accompany their influence. It was for that reason some of the elder denizen of the district knew who- or rather what she was. The existence of a Wyrm-touched wasn't public knowledge, but those who knew about it often spoke in hushed whispers, almost making it akin to an urban legend. Even now, on an ordinary day that had supposed to be a simple shopping trip where she would buy supplies for her chemical experiments and buy some snacks for during said long hours of studying the girl always had to endure the same thing.

"..."

The miss-matched eyes of the girl gazed around the district while she was holding the large bag filled with an assortment of goods. Aside from the stream of villagers that were heading to the shops or restaurants around the place she could see several families wandering around, one of them being familiar to her.

"Rei! What are you doing here?"

A familiar voice reached her ears and when she turned around to face the source a teenage boy stood before her, a sheepish grin on his lips while he was licking on some extravagant-looking candy. It took her only a moment before she recognized the boy, a former underclassman of hers. While she had recently graduated with flying colors, the boy himself still had a year or two to go before graduation was in store for him. While she was about to free a hand to wave at the boy in a greeting the sound of an older woman's voice came from nearby, and judging from her underclassman's response it was his mother. A tall raven-haired woman came from amidst the crowd, and when she noticed her a remarkable change happened in her expression. While moments ago a smile lingered on the woman's lips a hint of fear in her eyes and a look of disdain on face. It was a look she was all too familiar with.

"Come along now Hayate, we have to go home now."

Almost forcefully she dragged the boy by his shoulder, and the words that she whispered along the way were clearly loud enough for Reikiko to have meant to hear them.

"You shouldn't talk to that girl. She is a bad influence on you. The Toraono should keep that creepy thing behind iron bars."

The boy looked in confusion at his mother as he was further dragged away from her, and after a moment Reikiko lowered her hand back to the bag, sighing softly. It was always the same. They looked with terrified eyes at her as if she was a monster, and glared with disgust and disdain at her as if she was a monster. However, at the same time she was about to walk away a masculine voice resounded within her thoughts. It was a familiar voice, a gruff one that reminded her of an uncle due to the familiarity he spoke with.

"Do not concern yourself with their stares little one. Those are meant for me."

While she resumed her walk Reikiko shook her head lightly, turning into an alley between two large building knowing it was a shortcut to her next destination. She knew all too well the intentions of that voice. In the end it belonged to Kousotsu, the ancient sandwyrm that had claimed himself a benefactor of her. If the truth her father had told her was to be believed, he was the one who ensured she was still breathing today, even if it was at the cost of her mother's life. It was a tragic relationship, and while she couldn't harbor any ill will toward Kousotsu, she didn't knew for sure yet what to think of him. To her he was a supportive and kind being, sure sometimes he was slightly sarcastic and borderline teasing in nature... but he was always there to look out for her. Then again, how in the world could an ancient enemy of Suna have changed in such a way? It was all quite peculiar, and confusing even.

"How did mama react to them?"

At Reikiko's question Kousotsu went silent, seemingly thinking for a moment. It left Reikiko rather curious. The only ones who spoke about her mother in earnest were her father and Kousotsu, but she didn't want to ask her father too much about things related to the sandwyrm.

"Mayumi? Hmm... Well, she usually made some ridiculous gesture and when questioned about it she replied cheerfully 'I thought they were pulling odd faces so I tried to join their game!'"

Hearing those words Reikiko couldn't help but stifle a giggle when suddenly she spotted the small figure further down the alleyway. For a moment Reikiko couldn't help but hesitate about the thought of approaching them. Sure, a street urchin was easier to deal with than a smug noble or wealthy parent but they also were often more unpredictable and desperate than anyone else. The clothes of the person alone suggested they weren't doing that good on terms of the financial side of life, so in the end all she could do was raise her voice slightly above the level of a whisper.

"Are you alright?"

Of course she had mistaken their sitting as being injured, and when she approached the girl the scent of the sweet bread stained in dirt made her raise a hand to her mouth, covering it in an attempt to cancel out the urge to puke while adding with a nervous and slightly more timid tone.

"Y-You aren't going to eat that right? A hospital visit is m-more expensive than a loaf of bread.

 

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

Shiroinu stopped mid-bite, her twitching ear alerting her of someone approaching. She looked towards the hesitant figure, clearly annoyed by from being interrupted, and she really didn't want to put up with some spoiled rich kid. Her hands tightened around the sweet, pressing it against her dusty sweater, as the blank stare she gave the oddly colored noble hardened when the teen stopped. Shiro wanted her to run off or keep walking, or something, but it looked like she wasn't that lucky.

The open display of disgust was something she had been used to for years, a pretty minor annoyance for a the price getting something to eat in her opinion. At the worried comment, she struggled not to roll her eyes but did anyway while dusting her bread off. The result was the dirt on her hands stained areas that were still clean. "A hospital visit's more expensive than starving, too."

As much as she would have liked to take a bite right now just out of spite, seeing the teen's face turn about as green as her hair would probably result in her clothes getting covered in one of the few things she tried to avoid. Instead, she settled on glaring, "Do you want something? Because I'm not gonna throw this away." A growl from Shiroinu's stomach would dispel any uncertainties about what she was planning to do from the stranger's thoughts if her attitude hadn't already done it.

 

[Uchiha Akari]

The child couldn't help but cringe lightly at the reaction provided by the street urchin. While she wasn't a stranger to the usual attitude they tended to show, it was one thing to know it, but an entire different matter on terms of knowing how to properly handle it. To use force was an option that was downright ridiculous, in the end what use would it have in forcing the girl to abandon the bread? Surely she would simply search for another discarded meal in the hope of getting food. No, it would require either charisma or a witty mind to be able to convince the girl to abandon the food. However, she soon found her thoughts disturbed, her mind pulled just a little backwards, as the giant sandwyrm manifested himself mentally within her thoughts. Within the vision of her mind, or imagination as one might call it she could see the large creature towering above her, his crimson eyes gazing intensely into her own miss-matched ones.

Why do you trouble yourself with the misfortune of others?

Why... it was a good question actually. While she had initially replied on a whim, the girl found herself slowly changing from a whim into a more determined feeling. If there was one thing she despised about Sunagakure then it was the existence of poverty. She wasn't naive enough to think she could change it, in the end she was but a simple child in the large community of their shinobi village. However, that didn't mean she was powerless! She had her own options, her own means of changing the thorns in their communities side, little by little one person at a time. She lowered a hand into the bag she was carrying, revealing what appeared to be some sort of bread inside it. It was actually a 'melon bread', one of those sweet pastries that was famous among teenagers her age.

"How about a trade? I know someone who would benefit from that bread you have, and surely this meal will be more delicious for you."

She waited for the girl to respond, and in the meanwhile approached her a bit closer, placing the bag at the opposite wall while allowing her back to lean against the wall, slowly sliding down onto the floor. After closing her eyes for a moment she finally spoke in a soft tone, her voice clearly flavored with a sense of calm maturity and a kindness in it.

"I have seen you before at the academy Shiro-san. From what I recall your skills at Taijutsu are pretty remarkable. In the end it isn't often you find someone who walks away after a fight with a Genin with only some cuts and bruises rather than being send to the hospital."

She smiled calmly while opening her eyes, the hand holding the melon bread being extended toward Shiroinu while the other hand pointed at her own face.

"My name is Reikiko of the Toraono clan, it's a pleasure to meet you."

As if accompanying her greeting with a hint of dignity and respect she nodded her head lightly, her pose being a bit too awkward for a proper bow.

Is that why you have been helpful to her? Cause she is an underclassman of yours?

No, that wasn't the reason why she was being helpful. While it might had been related to that, she wanted to accomplish something, and perhaps Shiroinu might had been perfect for that. After a moment of consideration she continued speaking, explaining her intentions in the same tone as before.

"Shiro-san, have you ever cursed this way of living? I can't imagine it to be pleasant, having to fight just to be able to eat... But what if there is a way to escape such an existence?"

The question was asked with a genuine hint of interest, for she was curious to hear more about Shiro, and about the reason why she would be going so far as to eat food that was on the border of being spoiled. Still, she had an idea, a pretty clever idea actually so in the end she voiced her thoughts with a more serious tone compared to earlier.

"There are ways to escape from it. One way is to become strong. A strong and successful kunoichi will surely be able to get enough money to live comfortable. I'm sure if you desire for it I can help you with your studies. or maybe my father could lend a hand in your education. He is a strong and well-known guardian of the village, and is certainly not going to be bothered helping someone."

Of course she was still waiting to make sure that Shiroinu would accept her trade, because if she did a rather startling something would have happened. After smiling warmly at the street urchin she spoke in a delightful tone.

"Thank you~ I'm sure they will be grateful."

And as if on cue the sound of a deep buzzing noise came as a small cloud emerged from behind the girl's back and started to swarm around the bread. While on sight it appeared to be a swarm of insects, their specific species seemed difficult to identify. Even more curious was that in a matter of moments the bread was entirely consumed and the insects seemed to disappear into Reikiko's direction, one of them, a tiny scarab resting on her hand.

"The little one is saying his brothers and sisters are grateful for the meal you provided them."

And with those words the scarab started flying away, seemingly disappearing into the nearby shadows. It was rather fortunate the swarm of insects had accepted her mental request to remain near her, in the end she doubted the girl would be able to eat a melon bread at all if she saw the swarm disappear into her sleeves! It was actually rather curious... that swarm of insects always like to appear from the most unexpected places, and disappeared just as quickly yet she could never actually find them. Where in the world did those things hide...

(marked for this week's training)

 

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

The small urchin's glare seemed to harden with irritation as the other girl's vision slide over, as though someone else was there. The change was subtle, most probably wouldn't have even noticed, but as a person who has to keep tabs of other people's subtle shifts in order to survive Shiro was able to pick it up, and it was pretty unnerving for her to say the least. Mostly because if she were in any of her low-class hangouts it meant something was about to happen that wasn't going to be anywhere near good. It was only because she was in such a high-class district that kept her from scampering off right there, but even then she looked tense enough to run at a moment's notice.

The melon bread didn't ease her suspicions any when her first instinct is to see the offer as some kind of trick, "... A trade?" Of course, that didn't stop her from eyeing the new temptation with a mix of uncertainty and desire. But she really couldn't see a reason why this person would want to help her beyond wanting to throw out a perfectly good (by her standards) loaf of bread.

Shiroinu's pulled her legs closer to her chest, seemingly still unwilling to let go of the dirtied sweet as the neater girl sat down across from her. The way the two sat opposite of each other perfectly highlighted their differences; from hair to clothing, hygiene, attitude, and even why they could be picked out of a crowd. Not that this observation made her feel like she should pull up the sleeve sliding to her elbow and exposing a good amount of her chest.

Beyond a mild hint of surprise, the recognition didn't earn much in the way of a response beyond her glare fading. And really, the surprise came from Reikiko even knowing who she was, much less how she fought. Shiro thought that no one outside of her class paid any attention to her, so it was strange learning that a high-marking graduate took the time to remember her name. Or at least part of it given the nickname.

Still, she couldn't find it in herself to do more than stare until the teen told her what she wanted. Until the questions, at least. She's been lectured on how she should or might think but no one's really asked about it, which threw her off enough to get a real response, finally, "I dunno... or think so? My dad always says it's easier for a poor man to be happy because as long as there's something in their stomach and clothes on their back you'll only hear thieves complaining." she shrugged, looking down at the bread in her hands. For the most part she knew that was true thanks to seeing bums lying on the street with content smiles on their faces, and those were the ones who were so poor they ate out of trenches so she knew those weren't drugged up smiles at least.

"Honestly, I never really thought about it too much..." And now that she was she knew it wouldn't be long before even a dirtied loaf of sweet bread was going to be too much to ask for. Over 13 you didn't get food thrown at you from loitering at a window, you got your teeth kicked in if anything.

As Rei talked Shiro muttered something about, "...not minding having a decent shirt to wear..." before sighing and looking up at the other girl again, "Okay, you win." As she handed over the load, out of habit, she snatched the traded offer quick in case it really was a trick.

Before a bite could be taken, she paused as the mismatched colored girl decided to play the pronoun game, "Who-?" She only flinched a little at the weird bugs coming practically out of nowhere, and as she watched them swarm over the loaf her only thought was if her dad would have wanted that. Nothing to do about that now, though.

"Uh, they're welcome?" She's not sure about edicate with this... whatever this was.

That didn't stop her from starting to eat, she's seen worse than a swarm of insects going into someone's shirt. Then she stopped eating when she remembered the worse thing she saw involving a swarm of insects. With the sudden absence of her appetite, she decided to talk

"Why are you helping me? Most people like... well, you, just ignore me when they aren't whispering. Or muttering. Loudly." She put extra emphasis on 'loud'.

 

[Uchiha Akari]

"Why I wonder..."

The girl mused softly, raising a hand to her chin as she seemed to think about the matter once more. It was a question Kousotsu had asked her earlier, and it was a question whose answer still remained the same. Why did someone need a reason to help another? Perhaps most would consider such selfless attitude foolish, but to her it were gestures like this, kindness to strangers that would likely change their community for the better. Of course she had another reason, one that after a moment she finally decided to reveal. Her smile faded a little, seemingly growing sadder while a shadow lurked behind her gaze, a sorrowful darkness that was visible in her eyes as she replied in a soft whisper.

"Because I'm the same as you."

The child closed her eyes, thinking back about the encounter that happened but mere moments ago. Most of the children and younger people didn't know about the creature sealed within her, but the older generations still remembered the dark days of when Kousotsu terrorized the village with his assaults. Speaking of that, why had Kousotsu even launched those attacks upon their village? Was there an old-standing grudge between the two of them? Making a mental note for herself to ask him about it someday she finally continued speaking.

"I am all-too familiar with the whispers. The looks of disdain and disgust, while they whisper behind your back yet make certain that you're able to hear every word they say. It's undeniably annoying, and perhaps it's for that reason I'm willing to lend you a hand."

She opened her eyes, her gaze focusing onto Shiro's own while she thought about how she had been mistaken as one of those 'noble ones'. Sure, she might had dressed pleasantly and lived a life of comfort, she had never truly thought herself to be anything different from the other people on the streets. The only privilege she had to being born as a Toraono was the fact she had such a loving father. After a moment she shrugged her shoulders lightly, stretching her arms in an attempt to get the stiffness out of them while she mused out loud.

"Don't you want to escape from this treatment? I want to change this... I want to stop them from looking at me as if I'm some filthy monster. That is why I became a kunoichi. I'm going to become a powerful and famous guardian like my father. If I become a famous kunoichi and am able to end the troubles that haunt the village then maybe I can change the things that are wrong with this place. Imagine a village where poverty is a thing of the past. Where anyone can have a meal and a nice place to sleep in as long as they work hard enough. A place where we can walk where people will treat us as equals and greet us with smiles instead of disdaining gazes. Maybe even a day when we finally can return to the surface and properly prosper. This might sound like a childish dream..."

She paused for a moment before she rose onto her feet, a genuine smile surfacing on her lips while she extended a hand, as if to offer Shiro something.

"But what do we have aside from our dreams and ambitions? Will you dream alongside me? Grant me your aid so that we can get the courage to overcome this trial they forced upon us. In the end courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. And I'm not satisfied with just dreaming."

The girl's tone was passionate, her words spoken with a certain conviction and excitement that seemed unnaturally charismatic for a child of her age. No, this wasn't the meek and timid girl who was walking through the streets earlier. This was the presence of a leader, one that would have reminded plenty of people of her father. Her father did have that presence that drew people to him. Charisma, strength, confidence and wisdom... Perhaps it was her father's influence that had rubbed off onto her when she said those words.

"Or maybe I just want you to become my friend~"

Grinning sheepishly at the words she had spoken she eagerly waited to hear Shiro's response to her. It was a naive but sort of adorable idea, for both of them to grow powerful together, so that someday they could change things for the better. The thoughts alone already stirred the ancient sandwyrm inside her, causing Kousotsu's voice to resound in her mind.

Bold words for a little midget.

The masculine voice of Kousotsu laughed heartily while Reikiko couldn't help but retaliate mentally with an annoyed.

I'm not joking!

However, at those words the sandwyrm went silent for a moment before replying in a serious tone.

You forget that I can see within your heart little one, I can see your determination behind those words. I'm interested to see how far your conviction will take you.

It was something only time would tell... However, if there was one thing Reikiko was certain of, then it was that she desired to befriend the street urchin before her. What reason did she have for picking Shiro above one of the random children who walked the streets of the district alongside their family? Perhaps it was because both of them were considered outcasts in a different way that made the child believe it was in their best interests to team up together. In the end there were some things you couldn't do by yourself, but if she could earn Shiro's trust and loyalty then perhaps she would gain a strong boon in her future ambitions. Of course Kousotsu wasn't certain how useful Shiro would be. While he could feel there was some potential in the girl, he firmly doubted that a child like her currently would be able to make much of a difference. Hell, she might had been more of a burden than a boon, but if he guessed Reikiko's thoughts right, the girl likely intended to help raise Shiro into a strong ally from the ground up. Luckily the girl was known for her patience on that matter, and the idea did sound interesting...

 

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

Shiroinu watched the other girl carefully as she spoke, still not trusting her entirely but much more willing to hear her out than she had been a few minutes ago. Her eyes narrowed slightly at Reikiko's admission of her status being as low as her own, mainly out of disbelief. As far as she knew, the only other children who could say that are also on the street. And even then she doesn't accept that if they cried about it when she hardly knew them.

Really, if it were anyone else, she would have blocked them out or left right there. But the Rei seemed a bit different in that regard, there was something in her tone that kept the young Inuzuka listening. As the speech wore down, Shiro scratched the back of her neck with a dubious look on her face, "Well, I don't know about all that... I just came here for some food." And that truth made it kind of hard to wrap her head around trying to change the village. She's never had a strong opinion about the state of things so long as she woke up the next morning with all her limbs intact.

With a roll of her shoulders, Shiro's hand left her neck and slapped onto the outstretched one in front of her, "I wouldn't mind a friend, though. For now at least." the urchin's lips upturned to a smile as she rose to her feet as well, "I feel like I could've stayed sitting for all the good that did me." She snickered at the fact that she was staring up the same way as before thanks to their height difference.

She didn't know exactly how long their friendship was going to last, and she still wasn't entirely convinced this wasn't some convoluted plot, but it was nice knowing someone her age who wasn't a thief. The smaller of them was even being a bit more talkative now that she was certain she wasn't going to be messed with right then and there.

As she took a bite out of bread - and struggled not to choke herself by stuffing the whole thing between her cheeks right then, she doesn't remember the last time she had something that fresh and sweet - she pointed toward the street, "I'm a lil sick of hanging around here, have anywhere you wanna go that's not so claustrophobic?" She was mostly saying this because as soon as someone reported her loitering someone was going to come and throw her out. And it didn't sound like being with Rei would stop that from happening.

 

[Uchiha Akari]

"You came for food, and left with a better meal and a friend. A nice bargain if you ask me."

The girl chuckled softly as she rose onto her feet alongside Shiro. To be honest, she had been quite happy at the way things had been going. Not only did she seemingly get Shiro to accept her as being less of a threat than she might had been thinking, but in a way Reikiko almost felt like she was trying to feed a stray puppy and succeeded! When Shiroinu suggested for them to go somewhere else, having gotten enough of the closed environment they were in right now the girl raised a fingertip to her cheek, tilting it lightly sideways as she pondered about the question if there was any place she wanted to go to. While initially she had intended to say no, it was a thought she quickly discarded when she recalled a certain place.

"I know the perfect spot where we can be without anyone bothering us. It's pretty close actually."

The child grinned sheepishly as she picked up her bag and started to guide the street urchin out of the alley. Of course as they walked the main streets of the district the disdainful gazes and loud whispers returned slowly, yet this time Reikiko seemingly had chosen to ignore them, in favor of explaining the nature of their destination to the girl. As they entered one of the smaller and less traversed streets of the district the fanciful shops and establishments seemed to make way for smaller and more homely looking shops, and the one she stopped at was near a small plaza. It seemed to be a store, or a restaurant to be exact. From looking inside it was only occupied by a handful of villagers, less than five even.

"This place is called the 'Delicious Oasis', the food is pretty good in here and the owners are really nice--- Ojii-san! I brought a friend with me today."

There was a certain alluring scent drifting from inside the restaurant that the child had entered, and if she chased after her Shiroinu would have spotted Reikiko excitedly chatting with an elderly man behind the counter. It was easy to notice the restaurant was small, a simple and homely establishment that used its charm to keep a solid and recurring clientele, and judging from the friendly attitude between the customers and the teenage boy that was running back and forth amidst the tables, carrying the food that was being ordered. It was after a moment that an elderly voice spoke to Shiroinu.

"Shiro-chan was it? Don't be shy and take a seat."

An elderly lady stood beside the street urchin, gesturing at the nearby table with a smile and while Reikiko took a seat she exclaimed playfully.

"Obaa-san, can you please add an obento for Shiro-chan? She has a long way to go to get back home, so she might get hungry."

The elderly lady nodded her head with a smile as she disappeared into the kitchen. For a moment Reikiko's gaze drifted away from the table before she explained in the same calm and more refined tone from before.

"Not everyone shares the attitude of those people on the main street. Some people look at your attitude and your deeds rather than your origins. Then again, I have helped the Kanzaki family a lot in the past, so they don't mind lending me a hand every now and then. Once we get your obento, let's say our farewells and try to visit another place."

It didn't take long for them to get what they wanted, for after a few minutes the elderly lady returned with a pair of still warm lunchboxes.

"Don't worry about the payment deary, just make sure to visit us again someday~"

Reikiko smiled brightly at the elderly lady, rising out of her seat to make a light bow while the old woman handed each of them a lunchbox.

"I'll make sure to visit again soon, and maybe stay for a while."

After making sure Shiro was ready the girl walked out of the building, unaware she had just walked right into troubles. A group of young adults, likely part of the wealthy caste of the village had flocked to the opposite of the plaza, their leader, a tall and muscular-looking man stepping forwards.

"So there you were 'Stray Mongrel', feeding from the generosity of strangers again?"

The man spoke in a haughty and arrogant tone, his eyes narrowing at both Reikiko and Shiroinu, yet curiously enough their attention seemed mostly focused on the street urchin. One of the females in the group giggled in amusement, gesturing at Reikiko while speaking in a smug and almost overly dramatic voice.

"How cute, the mongrel found a puppy to play with."

The crowd had started to move forwards, steadily attempting to enclose the distance between themselves and the two of them. Reikiko's gaze drifted uncertainly from the street urchin to the group, about to say something judging from how she was opening her mouth, but the words that followed caused her to freeze on the spot.

"Yet this isn't their playground. You know that don't you 'White Dog'? Your place is in the slums, with the rest of your pack. Of course I'm a kind man, so I will escort you back to your nest."

As the man gestured with his head two of his henchmen stepped forwards, grinning wickedly as they approached the two girls. Was their trip going to end so soon? Simply because Shiro's origins had forced her into this type of treatment? Who did those arrogant bastards think they were? Trampling over her friend like that! She was going to show Shiro all sorts of places, and now they were about to throw her out of the district?

"Don't"

It was initially only a spark, a subtle gust of wind that blown from her body as the girl had lowered her head, almost looking like a scolded puppy. Yet standing close to her Shiro would likely have noticed the trembling of the child's small body. Was it fear? Or perhaps something more... The thugs clearly considered it fear, for they laughed as one of them approached Shiro and while raising his hand toward the girl declared teasingly.

"No need to be scared, we're just going to collar you two and send you back home like the little puppies you are---"

"DON'T BULLY SHIRO!"

The girl's previously soft voice had almost turned into a booming shout, her chakra flaring up into a poisonous purple color, and alongside the burning chakra a loud buzzing sound came, the little inscets from before seemingly having reappeared, an insightful eye likely making it clear one of them came from the girl's sleeve while all the others emerged from the shadows around them. Still, unlike before they didn't seem to look like the harmless scarabs from before. Those insects were the size of a golf-ball and looked like some creepy mixture of a demon and an insect. The swarm of 'Youkai Bugs' as one of the crowd screamingly identified them had lashed out to the man, causing him to flail in a panic as he collapsed onto the ground, his face turning a pale color as the insects left his side and returned to float around Reikiko.

"I won't let ANY of you take my friend away."

Badum...

She could feel her heart skip a beat, her grey-colored iris slowly turning a crimson color. Her anger was starting to consume her mind, anger at this unjust treatment.

"maybe I should let those little ones take you all away instead... to a place far away where none can bully Shiro anymore... Doesn't that sound pleasant?"

The girl's tone was cold, terrifyingly cold as her gentle presence seemed to steadily grow colder and colder, and Kousotsu's presence continued to stir fiercely....

-Feel free to post, I'll ask if Kuro wants to join~-

 

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

"Yeah, you could say that." The street rat chuckled along with her before moving closer to the ally's exit.

Despite knowing the older girl didn't mean any harm, and was one of the best students to the academy, Shiroinu couldn't help growing more uneasy the longer they stayed in the alley. She normally had a good bit of instinct when it came to trouble, and knowing how long the limit of tolerance was with people around here, she would much rather not being blocked in like some caged animal when they came to throw her out. Regardless, she waited patiently enough as Reikiko thought over their options.

"If you're sure about it. Lead the way." Giving a little nod, she followed behind quietly as Rei spoke.

The older crowd's disapproval never registered as anything but them being weird in the way they showed it, and beyond catching a few rude words aimed at her companion she ignored them in favor of the disappearing food in her hands and Rei's excited chatter. As the crowd steadily disappeared the unease from before kicked in, but she dismissed it. The bread was gone now so a few kicks or so wouldn't make a difference so long as she didn't puke from it.

As they approached the homey little building, the younger girl thought they were only going to sit out in front for a while, until the older of them started telling her about it, "Wait, are we--? Rei-ch-! ... an.." Apprehensively, Shiro followed behind quickly, her voice dying in her throat as the calm nature and amazing scent of the quant little restaurant hit her. She couldn't help but hang back and watch everyone with a bit of wonder. Far too used to establishments being as loud as possible whenever she was allowed in them, even if there were only 2 customers you could always hear rowdy staff in the back. Funny enough, because of the quiet, she almost didn't realize no one cared about the street rat who wandered in,

She fixed the look on her face quickly when a voice snapped her out of that daze, making her turn to the elderly woman and nod slightly, "Heh, yeah, that's right. Thank you." She smiled back as politely as she could in return while taking her spot across from Reikiko.

The urchin couldn't do much beyond scratch the back of her head and nod as her new friend spoke, feeling surprisingly out of her element in such a calm environment. "Yeah, but, it's kind of weird experiencing it right after people were throwing their dirtied food at me to eat off the pavement" A small laugh made its way from her as she finished that statement.

As soon as their lunch boxes arrived, Shiro had to remind herself that eating now would just upset her stomach. Knowing that she quickly rose out of her seat and mimicked the other girl's bow awkwardly to at least show some kind of respect before confirming that she was ready to go and following behind once again.

Of course, the moment they left the establishment trouble decided to show up. The scruffy child knew it was only a matter of time before someone decided her stay was up. At the leader's words, she glared at him, coming close to spitting at his feet while mocking, "Generosity, right." at the girls she really did spit at them, it was one thing to mock her but something else to mock someone for just being nice to her.

Of course they reacted with the typical jeers even though she knew they'd be squealing if one of them were hit. It was almost upsetting she couldn't do more before the rich thug pointed his goons at her direction. All she could do was take a step back every few the thugs made towards her. Even when she knew it was inevitable, she wanted to give these guys a run for their piles of unearned money if they thought they could just drag her around whenever they felt like it. Only noticing Rei's shaking was what kept her from bolting right then and there.

Before she could say anything herself the leader spoke over her, then the shout nearly cause Shiro to drop her lunchbox to cover her ears. With that and Rei's flaring chakra, the girl fell onto her butt from being taken by surprise.

She found herself just as stunned as the others now cowering on the ground, with the swarm of overly large insects she wasn't sure what to do. Still, she found herself slowly rising to her feet, attempting to inch closer without provoking an attack, "R-Reikiko...? Just calm down for a sec, it's alright. They're just jerks, not worth that kind of thing, right?" Her fear was almost tangable, but she really didn't want anyone to die or get in trouble over her.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

A resounding horrifying roar shook everything but Reikiko and her insects as a familiar chakra came falling from the air as Akuma Kuro arrived in fury and few things could make him angrier than someone messing with his daughter. Kuro stood at five feet, ten inches, weighing in at two hundred and eighty pounds. Kuro’s silver gray mane of hair had a reasonable amount of muscle mass to conceal. With a twenty one inch neck Kuro’s hair couldn’t conceal very much even as it cascaded to the center of his upper back. Violet eyes with gold slits peered from a chocolate brow with large ebony horns growing from where a normal man’s temples would be. He wore a sand tone obi around his thirty six inch waist. The obi allowed Kuro to carry his honor blade in a specialized bone sheath. Kuro wore his battle pouch on a second sash just above his right hip. Adjacent his sacred blade Kuro wore a pair of collapsed fuuma shuriken, and last but not least Kuro wore his leg sheath on the interior of his hakama just atop his fighting gi shorts with his ANBU serum and summon scrolls. A convenient cut in the silk cloth of his left hakama pants leg allowed Kuro full access to his ANBU gear without showing exactly where it was till he motioned to grab it. Securing his anbu arm guards and leggings Kuro covered the runic terran markings of his hand and leg wraps. Kuro’s tail swished back and forth its tiger stripes faintly surging with chakra. His black gi top opened to show his overly muscular upper body. Violet violent chakra surged about his hands as he landed amidst Reikiko's guardian insects without crushing a single one. Behind the thugs landed something they could have never imagined a giant armored bestial warrior that few knew was actually part of Kuro. Kyojin Kuro waited in a warrior stance ready to destroy these pitiful men. Kyojin Kuro stood at seven feet and weighed in at four hundred and fifty pounds. He wore a sand camouflage pattern heavy armor made of Takahashi fire-forged steel with matte-black transformation seals allowing it to switch from desert colors to pitch black dependent on Kuro’s vocal command or four tap sonic patterned code along his right thigh plate. Kyojin Kuro wore a matching belt and sheath around his waist where he had sheathed a pair of blade attachments for his battle gauntlets. Kyojin Kuro wore his battle pouch atop the belt it was a simple lizard leather pouch but easily camouflaged by rubbing it with sand or crushed stone if ever necessary just above his right hip. Kyojin Kuro wore his leg sheath on the interior of his left armored thigh just atop his silk gi shorts. A convenient slot in the multi-folded steel of his left thigh armor allowed Kyojin Kuro full access to his items without showing exactly where it was till he motioned to grab it. Securing his Takahashi forged battle guards and lower leggings were Kyojin Kuro’s enhanced runic terran sealed leather wraps for his hands, forearms, shins and feet. Kyojin Kuro had wrapped his armored tail around his belt making it appear that Kuro wore a belt of armor resembling hand-sized reinforced double blades. Kyojin Kuro wore his mane of silver hair in tight war braids in ancient ceremonial fashion making his oxen horns much more pronounced but also making him look like a serious battle veteran, massive chakra gems implanted into his flesh and endoskeletal structure stood out on the back of his hands. The chakra gem in his left hand was emerald green with a spiral of a star in its center, if you looked at it closely and long enough one could see where it interfaced with the flesh and bone with tiny bio crystal circuits. The chakra gem in his right hand was ruby red with a six point star in its center, this one also interfaced with his flesh and bone with tiny bio crystal circuits. These carmot stones allowed Kuro to dramatically pulse chakra throughout this body which was now one of the keys to his defensive capabilities. It also allowed him to control his metabolic rate at a degree he had never believed was possible. His dark flesh was runed with runic terran seals and tattoos. His horns looked as if they were part of his armor along with his gems but the discerning eye would know that they were part of this giant warrior's body. The claws of each of his fingertips shimmered with the same violet chakra as Akuma Kuro. Akuma Kuro looked over Reikiko briefly before speaking in a fatherly tone, "My desert flower I apologize for not getting here sooner." Kyojin Kuro noted the young girl with Reikiko and prepared to use teleportation jutsu to get her out of harm's way. Akuma Kuro looked back at the thugs standing in front of him and his daughter, "HOW DARE YOU ATTACK A YOUNG GIRL?! WHAT IS EVEN WORSE and a more pertinent question, HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY DAUGHTER?!!"<i></i>

WC:853
MFT

 

[Uchiha Akari]

If there was one way to describe the current situation those thugs found themselves in, then the saying 'Jumping from the frying pan into the fire' might had been the best definition. The other thug who had stepped forwards in an attempt to intimidate the girls was now sprawled onto his behind, shuffling closer to the unconscious body of the thug that had been swarmed by the insects earlier. Fortunately there was still a heartbeat, but the man was as pale as a ghost and made small violent spasms. Still, as if the threatening buzzing sound of the giant 'Demon Insects' weren't terrifying enough a sudden roar pierced the sky shortly after Shiroinu had attempted to reach Reikiko to pacify her. While initially the girl's aura seemed to waver just a little, as if to show she was considering her friend's words the moment that passed turned the fire into an outright inferno.

The large man that stood before her caused Reikiko's aura to slowly grow thinner till it dissolved like a candle being blown out by the wind. It appeared the group of thugs had recognized him also, for those who had prepared to join into the brawl had suddenly broke into a halt, their faces easily betraying their fear, and even their leader couldn't suppress the nervousness in his voice. Most of the village's denizen knew about the existence of Toraono Kuro, one of the mightiest guardians of the village. Not just that, but the mystical presence of the other paths caused both confusion and dread. They knew they were 'Kuro' and yet not Kuro at the same time. Still, when Akuma Kuro addressed Reikiko the child's response caused a mutual reaction from every member of the crowd.

"Papa..."

A look of insecurity and fragility started to settle in, the child's presence slowly humbling down into a more timid look as she fidgeted lightly on the spot like a child that gotten herself into troubles.

"P-PAPA?!"

When the thugs realized that the friend of the street urchin they had hoped to bully was the daughter of one of Sunagakure's guardians it seemed all shared the same thought of wanting to get the hell out of this mess. They didn't sign up to get eaten by insects, nor did they sign up to get into troubles... AND surely they didn't agree to oppose one of Sunagakure's protectors! However, it was an elderly masculine voice that answered the words of Kuro.

"The same could be asked of you Kuro-dono. What foolishness came over you to even permit her to dwell beyond the confines of a specialized prison?"

It was a harsh and confident voice, and when the source revealed itself an elderly man came from behind the crowd. It seemed the man was accompanied by a small escort of shinobi, trained ones at that also and at the very least Chuunin or Jounin in rank. Yep, this man likely was either someone important to the village, or merely a rich and influential man, likely both.

"To think that you'd allow her even inside the village without an escort and proper restrains. Most might have forgotten the events that transpired several generations ago, but do not think you'd fool me by saying you don't know the risks you're taking. That 'creature' you're trying to protect isn't your child. It's a monster wearing her skin as a comfortable disguise!"

A soft sob could be heard, and Shiro and Kuro would likely be able to spot the source of it pretty easily. The insects had started to buzz again, seemingly slightly agitated by the words that were spoken. Yes, the elderly man had likely sealed his fate for a good verbal lashing from Kuro, because tears ran down the child's cheek as she spoke in a hesitant voice.

"I-I'm not---"

However, the old man simply looked at her with a look of disgust as he continued.

"Do not try to deny it Kousotsu. You killed that man's wife and devoured his daughter. Did you not think I'd sense your presence? The only reason we agreed to not kill you on the spot is because of the sacrifices that child's ancestors made. Even then, keep in mind Kuro-dono that our patience is limited. If we get enough reason to believe the Sandwyrm is about to break loose we will kill him... even if he's using your daughter as a hostage."

Gesturing with a hand toward the crowd the shinobi started to forcefully cause the remaining troublemakers to run away.

"Papa... am I really a monster for trying to protect my friend?"

It was a question asked with genuine concern, and while the old noble looked as if he had an answer of his own to deliver, he decided to simply remain silent and let Kuro respond. Surely she couldn't have been a monster merely for wanting to ensure her friend wouldn't be kicked out of the district? But judging from how she looked the words that the old man had spoken might had dug deeper than any kunai might had been able to do. She had always known that there were some in the village who looked at her with such disdain and disgust, as if she was some type of vermin rather than a human being. However, she couldn't help but wonder... lashing out like that, trying to protect her friend... even if it was for a noble reason, even her powers were monstrous in a way. Could only truly consider a person like her anything but a monster?

Tell me Reikiko... If you were meant to decide between dying or becoming a monster, what decision would you have made?

Poor girl, if only she realized that Kousotsu's question was a reference to the love of her parents being so strong she would have still been their daughter, even if she became a monster. In the end she might had been 'Kousotsu' but before that she was, and would always remain Reikiko of the Toraono clan.

-marked for training-

 

[Inuzuka Shiroinu]

As Shiro attempted to pacify her friend she had no real way of knowing what was going to happen next. When that sudden roar shook the area she was forced back onto her already weak knees with her hands covering her ears. What she thought was some terrified portion of her mind making the world seem darker and lit with that purple lighting revealed itself as a beastile-man who looked like something that could tear her limb from limb as though she were a small chunk of rotted wood. She didn't know about his status in the village and the part of her that may have recognized him to her limited knowledge had completely shut down as his appearance and overpowering aura washed so much cold terror over her she couldn't even think straight, she wasn't even sure what he had said.

The girl's hand touched the pavement, making it look like she lowered herself into a half bow, while the other pressed against her chest in her attempt to keep from hyperventilating and passing out from the overwhelming and suffocating power the two were throwing out. Thankfully that moment only lasted seconds before Rei herself calmed down. A huge relief in itself when she settled back into the timid state from when they had both met, but Shiro couldn't find herself standing yet. The bone freezing terror that came with her father was taking its time abating, the demon insects that lingered weren't helping on that matter.

Her eyes moved beyond Rei and the hulking titan(in her mind at least) to the voice that had spoken from within the crowd. Though the old man didn't look like he was in any condition to pick fights nor throw his escorts at someone just to make some kind of point, Shiro found herself gnawing at the base of her thumb as anxiety slowly replaced fear. She wasn't used to this much excitement during what was meant to be a simple street con. The fact that she had no idea what that old man was talking about only made things that much more confusing.

The urchin's eyes moved back to the tear stained face of her friend at the sob, and it was either the insects or Kuro's voice that made Shiro hop into a crouch from an instinctive urge to run.

But she stayed, the lack of action brought on from the amount of venom the old man sent in a single look towards Rei. Shiro didn't think there was a single person who experienced that much disgust and hate from a single person. There was no way a girl as nice as her deserved that kind of treatment, even if she could be as terrifying as her father is.

She hadn't realized her teeth broke through skin until the metallic taste of blood met her tongue, or that she had started glaring at the old noble until her face relaxed. And as he began walking away with the others she wanted to say something, anything in Reikiko's defense, but she knew whatever she said wouldn't have mattered. As far as he and others were concerned, Rei was some kind of monster and she was just some stupid street rat.

That didn't stop her from picking herself up off the ground and grabbing the other girl's arm with her non-bloodied right hand, looking hurt at both her own uselessness and that Rei would even think that, "No you're not! You were kinda scary, but so's your dad and he protects everyone... I mean, you're strong, people are gonna be scared of anyone that strong. They're just... stupid, okay?" As she floundered over her word, Shiro's voice lowered until she finished in a lame whisper, "I'm not good at this... just..." her hand fell away from her friend's arm and before they both found themselves in a hug, "I'm sorry..."

[WC: 649]​

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The urchin's eyes moved back to the tear stained face of her friend at the sob, and it was either the insects or Kuro's voice that made Shiro hop into a crouch from an instinctive urge to run.

But she stayed, the lack of action brought on from the amount of venom the old man sent in a single look towards Rei. Shiro didn't think there was a single person who experienced that much disgust and hate from a single person. There was no way a girl as nice as her deserved that kind of treatment, even if she could be as terrifying as her father is.

She hadn't realized her teeth broke through skin until the metallic taste of blood met her tongue, or that she had started glaring at the old noble until her face relaxed. And as he began walking away with the others she wanted to say something, anything in Reikiko's defense, but she knew whatever she said wouldn't have mattered. As far as he and others were concerned, Rei was some kind of monster and she was just some stupid street rat.

That didn't stop her from picking herself up off the ground and grabbing the other girl's arm with her non-bloodied right hand, looking hurt at both her own uselessness and that Rei would even think that, "No you're not! You were kinda scary, but so's your dad and he protects everyone... I mean, you're strong, people are gonna be scared of anyone that strong. They're just... stupid, okay?" As she floundered over her word, Shiro's voice lowered until she finished in a lame whisper, "I'm not good at this... just..." her hand fell away from her friend's arm and before they both found themselves in a hug, "I'm sorry..."

Kuro smiled reassuringly at Shiroinu, before speaking to her in a kind and fatherly manner to wash away the natural fear many might feel when first meeting him. He then gently pat her shoulder and looked her in the eyes as he spoke showing her as much respect as he could for her actions. "Thank you young lady and I appreciate your kindness to my daughter, there are few things I treasure as much as her, stand by her side as she will need friends to grow while I deal with the problems that come from being born a Toraono."</COLOR><i></i>

Kyojin Kuro conveniently moved to stand between the hunter nin and Akuma Kuro, Reikiko, and Shiroinu, with eyes upon them they dare not move never knowing that Kyojin Kuro's eyes were Kuro's own as well. With a small berth of privacy Kuro took the time to explain a few hard facts to Reikiko before addressing the Elder in a manner that would crush his malignancy.

Akuma Kuro then grasped Reikiko’s hand gently but firmly before looking her in the eyes with a father’s smile of pride. He took a knee as he spoke to her. <COLOR color="indigo">“Don’t mind the bitter elder, the truth is except for your Grandmother, Aunt Seika, and Aunt Natsuki, all progeny of the main branch of the Toraono Clan are descended from the blood of the Demonbeast King named Hyakujuuonouu and his brother the Demonbeast Prince Kaijuudo. It is by their eternal blood and spirit they are sworn to guard the people of Sunagakure for eternity and as such all his progeny, kindred, and descendants are also beholden unto that same eternal blood oath of their forefathers. As such you and I are something else. We are not monsters, but we do share some of the same features as monsters. We can scare people very easily, we are very strong, very little frightens us except the fates of those we care about, and above all else, no matter how we are mistreated, or taken for granted we do the things that they cannot. We hold back the real monsters that normal people cry about in fear. We are the lions that guard the sheep. You will never be a monster my daughter, for you will forever be my little girl.” Akuma Kuro hugged his daughter close and rubbed her tummy in a tickling manner in appreciation of Kousotsu's presence as well and to ease both their spirits before standing up and addressing the Elder and his hunter nin.

He then turned to face the Elder and his escort, they should have known better than to even insinuate that his family was a threat but after the Cabal circumstances only those saved directly by the Toraono Clan still seemed to trust them implicitly but this too had been prophecized.

The rubble, dust, and stray remnants of litter began to levitate slowly and deliberately as Kuro released his pent up fatherly rage upon the environment instead of the people around him. Telekinetic pressure cleaned the streets then cleansed the stink of fear and regret from the very air spiralling it into the trap crystals which harbored the excess carbon residue of years of living underground. His eyes glowed a rumbling violet as he finally assumed a more diplomatic and less threatening tone having cleansed the way before them. The elder recognized Kuro's ceremonial steps immediately and almost shrunk back a step but his hatred from the Sandwyrm wars was all that he had left to cling to in life.

”Elder, you have made two mistakes tonight, but as a Sennin your mistakes are beneath my concepts of right and wrong. First off my daughter is not a hostage nor is she merely skin to house Kousotsu. He is a part of my child, an organism mutually bound to my daughter to keep her alive and help her to process and control the inherent powers she has as my first born child. You do not understand Kousotsu so I will enlighten you as to the sandwyrm's predicament. First off it is sentient and capable of male and female concept and thought. With this in mind understand what has passed in its lifetime and place the burden of that life into the terms of a man. Would you not go on a rampage?... if someone had broken into your home... killed your older brother... and used his remains to decorate an elevator. Then to add further insult to injury after having taken over your home, these same invaders began the systematic slaughter of all your relatives whether it was warranted or not. Would you not feel rage? Kousotsu attacked us because it felt wronged, it felt maligned, and its childhood home had been invaded and ransacked. Now we come full circle, yes Baranyx was quite insane, and even when not provoked he went out of his way to attack and kill anything that was not a blood relative, he devoured his own kind. Kousotsu did not, he fought us till his near dying breath, and before his body was desecrated a Priestess of Suna translated what the sandwyrm was telling us. It is because the wyrmborn can understand the ancient rulers of the desert that Kousotsu lives on in a lesser state. WE WRONGED HIM!! And bound his remaining powers and a sliver of his being to the Temple Priestess’s of nomadic lineage where the passing of the sandwyrms is a sacred event. SO in concession since its power is bound to my daughter by blood and spirit, Kousotsu too is also bound by blood oath to Suna, so your presence, your threats, and your fears are all unnecessary, unwanted, and unjustified. So next time you bring your ANBU rejects to a brawl you had best arm then with the knowledge of who and what they really face.”<i></i>

WC:975
MFT