A Bond Charged

[zory_alechiv]

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Nara Eiko
Tanuka

My bones are stained with sin, scorched from fires, broken by betrayals, cold in loneliness, soaked in blood. Why? Because no one else can do what I do.

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General Information Age: 23
Gender: Male
Height: 5’7’’
Weight: 150 lbs
Physical Features:
Face/head: Eiko has dark brown eyes, nearly black hair, and two scars that will peak up from under his mask towards the bottom of his eyes. Without his mask, it is clear that someone attempted to carve a smile on his face.
Body: Eiko is very thin and always on the go. Most might see her frame as delicate, fragile even, but she is far stronger than she looks.

• Notable Features:
  - Scars on his face
  -Dark Brown eyes
  -Pale skin

Clothing/Accessories:
Clothing/Accessories: Eiko always, always wears a mask over his face from just below his eyes, down to cover up the scars he sustained on a mission. He often wears dark clothing, covering up his form completely.

Picture:
Personality: Introverted, Observant, Thinking, and Prospecting. He has an individualistic mindset, pursuing goals without needing much external connection. Eiko engages in life with inquisitiveness and personal skill, varying their approach as needed. He loves to explore with his hands and his eyes, touching and examining the world around him with an impressive diligence, a casual curiosity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. He is a natural maker, moving from project to project, building the useful and the superfluous and learns from his environment as he goes. He finds no greater joy than in getting his hands dirty pulling things apart and putting them back together, leaving them just a little bit better than they were before. What you see, is what you get.
Eiko cherishes alone time and personal autonomy much more than the average person does. Consequently, when he does decide to participate in some mingling, he is very selective about who she engages with. He is like a well-kept secret – not everyone gets the privilege of being their friend.

• General:
• Hopes/Dreams: Revenge on the ones to kill his twin.
• Fears: He claims to fear nothing, but his biggest fear is failure.
• Combat Mentality:-Tactical
  -Strategic
  -Tool
  -Survival
  -Win

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Battle Information Village: Konohagakure
Rank: Special Jounin

• Chakra Pool: 20
• Endurance: 20
• Control: 20
• Strength: 20
• Speed: 20
• Willpower: 20
• Power Rank: B-Rank

History

Historical AccountsShow

Eiko grew up with her twin brother, Jashin. From the time the two were born, they were inseparable, even becoming each others friendly rivals in the academy. When they became genin, they were separated in their teams, but the two continued to challenge each other. Once they became old enough, they both completed the Chunin exams together, and then the Jounin exam.

Though they were inseparable, the two were complete opposites. Eiko never went anywhere without a smile and Jashin always seemed to be tagged along where ever his twin went. Eventually, as the two became active on the mission roster, they often worked together.

It would be on a mission where they crossed Jounin from Kirigakure that everything changed. Eiko and Jashin put up a fight and seemed to be the duo to come out on top. Eiko however would be nicked with a poison and went down. Now it was two against one and the Kirigakure nin managed to get him down before carving a permanent smile into his face. Eiko, in order to save him, used the rest of his strength to jump back into the fray, managing to kill one of the nin before being gutted by the other.

Jashin, in his rage and against the blood on his face viciously stabbed the other until they were unrecognizable, but the pain of losing his sister remained. He felt that it should have been his sister who lived and was ashamed of his own survival. Deciding to have his twin live through him, he changed outward appearances. Being close in stature with Eiko, he was able to look identical, and claiming the scars on his face as the result of his mask, he hid his masculinity even easier so he wouldn't have to keep up a constant henge. He became secluded and though his family tried to reach out to him, he stayed away from them. Eventually, he would join ANBU, finding that blood of Konoha's enemies and the deer and the woods were his only solace.

Takeshi is the only one to know his true identity as Jashin goes by Eiko.

---

---

Maybe it was the fact that Takeshi knew them to be skittish, but Eiko wasn't sure about secluding themselves in between two mountains with only one entrance and one exit. Would they have chickened out? No, but it wasn't like they would have made any allies or friends here either and they knew it. Out of their entire team, Takeshi was the only one they were comfortable with. The man knew their secret and had no judgement, only respect. It was enough to gain some semblance of loyalty and friendship from the reclusive Nara. Eventually they would talk, but Takeshi respected their privacy and that was enough for them for now.

Eiko wore simple clothing: baggy, black pants and an equally baggy, black shirt. Their hands were covered in dark gloves and around their neck was a long scarf. Bandages lined their calves and arms that their clothes didn't cover and pulled up over the bridge of their nose was a mask. Their Konoha hiate was tied around their thigh. Their long, dark brown hair was tied into a high ponytail but the strands still reached down to the middle of their back.

"You know," Eiko started, not normally one to start conversations, "despite all of the rumors, I didn't quite expect Kumo to be this fortified." There was a sense of awe in their tone as well as trepidation. They turned to look at the man beside them, inclining their head towards the two mountains they could see in the distance. However, they knew walls weren't everything. After all, look at what had happened to Suna. They were just glad Konoha seemed safe, for now.

"So is this a pleasure trip for you? To watch your friends beat my ass?" Despite the joking words, their tone remained flat, leaving one to wonder if they were joking or serious.

[Izanagi]

If it weren’t for Takeshi’s infamous Byakugan, he and his traveling companion might have been mistaken for siblings. Each dressed entirely in black, their long dark-brown hair tied into ponytails. However, the sides of Takeshi’s head was shaved short, exposed to the biting winter winds of Lightning Country. Despite being four years Eiko’s junior, the newly promoted Jounin was four inches taller and more muscularly built. Across his broad back he carried a bow and quiver, the yew wood lacquered matte-black, blending against his thick winter cloak. At his left hip he carried a foreign-shaped sword, a dao they called it on the Shrimp Continent, broader than the Katana of the samurai or the ninjato popularized by shinobi nations. This weapon was wrapped in deep purple and black bandages, obscuring the finer details of the ancient blade. He had procured it in these lands over 5 years ago, shortly before he visited Kumo the first time.

19 years old now, Takeshi was a man grown, bearing little resemblance to the stature of the short and skinny Chunin he had once been. He wondered how Aki might have grown up, or the handful of others he had trained with the last time he had visited their last remaining allies. Wearing his Konoha hita-ate across his forehead, he was sure the scouts would have seen their approach by now. Legendary snipers known as the Skyguard watched over this pass day and night. This ravine, nestled between two great mountains was the final stretch toward Kumo. It had been a full days Journey, through thick snow and heavy winds but they were near at last to their destination.

Takeshi looked over to Eiko as they spoke. “There’s a reason why they’re the only shinobi village untouched by the war” he said, veins around his eyes bulging as he activated his Byakugan. He smirked at Eiko’s question, “You’re my friend too. We haven’t had a chance to really connect, but I’m hoping to change that” he said with a gentle smile. The two had been part of the same team for a few months now, but between Eiko’s leave of absence and constant revisions to Katana squad’s roster there had been little time to truly get to know one another.

It took only a few moments to locate the scouts; hidden within a small outpost tucked into the side of the mountain. Turning toward them, Takeshi waved, large and accentuated motions, before raising his hands palms out, the universal sign of approaching in peace. “We come from Konoha. I’m Hyuuga Takeshi, son of Natsuki Takeo. I need to speak to the Raikage” he said, clear and deliberate as he noted the scouts approaching within 50 meters. In truth there were several reasons for their visit, but speaking with the Raikage about the happenings in Konoha was at the forefront. He hadn’t told this part to Eiko, the information he knew was classified, held only among the most trusted and influential members of Konoha. “There is some business to attend to, before the pleasure of watching you get your ass beat” he said, smirking as he gave his companion a playful shove. Regardless of Eiko’s secrets, Takeshi wouldn’t treat them any differently from the others on their squad.

[zory_alechiv]

Despite Eiko being Takeshi's senior, the older deferred to the other easily. It wasn't just because he was stronger, faster, and experienced, but that Eiko knew that they were all of these and more. His comraderie and acceptance was relaxing though it brought forth ghosts of their sister when they dwelled too long on it. Takeshi had just accepted them and that was enough to spare him the scowl that would have been sent. Instead, Takeshi was greeted with a minor snort of annoyance mixed with amusement.

"Out of everything, I think you are the one most deserving to know. Should we find time, I will answer your questions as best I can. And if I can't I will be honest as to why I can't. It's the least I can do after everything." After all, there was no reason to hide here, or play secrets, and they were alone. For some reason, Takeshi was guarding them as well, a fact that despite the Nara powers of strategy, he couldn't figure out what game the younger was playing. Perhaps the Hyuuga really was just understanding, but if he wasn't, perhaps answering a few questions would give Eiko a clue.

They remained silent as Takeshi 'searched' with his clans kekkai genkai. They weren't a sensory by any type of imagination, but they still took a moment to center themselves as he pulled their right hand into a fist and pressed it against his left palm. When his hands were pulled against his chest, Takeshi was making signs for peace and introducing himself. The Nara followed suit, offering a bow. "I am Nara Eiko," they greet. Speaking to the Raikage was an experience the Nara wasn't sure they'd have ever gotten the chance to otherwise. It was amusing that he was meeting them before their own Hokage.

They stumbled as they were shoved and this time they did glare at their captain. They shoved back, wondering briefly what the guard thought of them. "Who knows, Maybe you will learn something about me, like how I cry when I land on my ass."

[Texas]

"Sir, it is confirmed Takeshi and Eiko made it to Lightning Country. Seems the report that Konoha gave us as a heads up was valid. Although they arrived early, they are here now." The pink haired young adult (I know hard to believe) smirked devilishly as he received the update from a fellow shinobi that was part of the recon team. "Oh and they are here to see the Raikage, the shinobi named Takeshi said as much." Aki nodded and simply responded back with his right hand over his right ear, "Thank you Fuu, I'll be sure to introduce them to the Raikage." Before the communication disconnected, a groan could be heard coming from Fuu.

Aki was waiting by the gates when he received the call anyways. Unfortunately, because of the secrecy of who was dispatched to the Eastern Continent, Aki had to constantly make appearances in Kumo even if it was for a day. This was idea was to created based on trying to appear as though he was still within the village. Now that he was given the opportunity to meet not only an ally, but someone he had trained with when he was more of a child... the man child couldn't give up the chance to reunite. The pink haired delinquent jumped down from the top of the gate and waited behind it, with his four puppets hidden within the 1st Layer of the limbo realm. What should the pain in the ass do? Should he act more like his rank? Should he prove that he has grown up? Silently thinking to himself standing there, Ryeunso's influence coursed through his brain and body to the point where a great idea clicked in his mind. WAIT!

The Jounin snapped his finger and smiled again in excitement. He weaved a mere couple of hand seals and then a puff of smoke appeared around the boy. He had transformed into Hayate himself! Wearing his Raikage attire, but Aki did a fun little spin to it. He gave the Raikage a large beer belly. In his mind making it appear the Raikage had gotten out of shape would be absolutely hilarious. His Ally and self-perceived friends would find this hilarious... right? So "Fat Hayate" leaned against a welcome sign to Kumo near the gate and awaited for the two shinobi to be welcomed in.

As they arrive they would see a fat Hayate leaning against a sign and seemingly breathing heavily. The young lad would try to do his best Hayate impression by slowly straightening his back and welcoming them! "Welcome Hyuuga Takeshi, son of Natsuki Takeo. The Prince that was Promised. And Welcome Nara Eiko, the child of prophecy. My name is Hayate, Raikage to Kumogakure no Sato and Emperor of Lightning Country. As you can see my greed of owning both titles has rendered me to enjoy life to the fullest." He announced as he left arm swung over and smacked his belly. Which gave a muffled gong like noise. What brings you to the great Empire? Shall we travel to my chambers?" Aki was sure to also make sure all 4 of his puppets were behind him within the 1st layer of the Limbo Realm. Just in case they got the wrong idea and attacked him, Aki would be a finger twitch away from defending himself.

[zory_alechiv]

There wasn't much time for conversation after that. Eiko expected to have to wait for an escort, or a guard. They weren't expecting the Raikage himself to show. The Nara shot a glance to their companion before a deep frown of confusion settled behind their mask.

The Fat Raikage was a spectacular indeed though not in the way they had expected them to be. This was the strongest man in Kumo? Eiko doubted they would put up much of a fight, yet looks could be deceiving. Perhaps this was an act? A trick. Had something happened were they not aware of? The Nara shot another glance towards their companion even as infinite possibilities and outcomes rushed through their mind.

All thoughts came screeching to a stop however when Fat Hayate called Eiko the Child of Prophecy. This had to be some kind of joke. The Nara grimaced behind their mask before muttering only loud enough for Takeshi to hear them.

"If Nara Eiko is the Child of Prophecy, then we're all fucked, Taskeshi. Best to give up now." The hint of sarcasm was as dry as their personality as they delivered their opinion with something akin to defeat and incredulity. "Well and truly fucked," they mutter again before deciding to play along to see how this played out. If Fat Hayate could gift them with his sense of humor, then the least Eiko could do gift them with their own, or lack their of.

"Hai, your honorable Raikageness," They deadpan as they offer a slight bow. "I was not aware Takeshi had spoken so...freely about me. I thought we were keeping the Child of Prophecy bit on the down-low." Their brows furrowed as they shot Takeshi a look, letting the man decide how to proceed.

[Izanagi]

Takeshi nodded to Eiko, his milky white eyes made conveying emotion through them difficult, but he hoped his compassion would be evident. As a twin himself, he understood what such a bond was like. And while Eiko had only been a part of Takeshi’s squad for a few months, there seemed to be a growing comradery, though they had never spent any meaningful time together outside of training and missions. Sure, they saw one another often enough and shared meals around headquarters, but it wasn’t a true friendship. Not yet at least. “We’ll make the time. It’s something we should talk about” he said knowingly, looking his comrade in the eyes. “As long as it doesn’t compromise the team, I won’t press you on anything you don’t want to answer” he assured. He wasn’t one to pry into others personal lives, but he had to know the kind of person standing next to him on the battlefield. Had to know they were solid mentally and wouldn’t be a liability.

Breaking the tension, Takeshi smirked at Eiko’s glare and laughed at the return shove. The teenage Hyuuga’s body was like tightly wound steel, in comparison it felt like being shoved by a child, yet still he relaxed into it, allowing himself to be staggered. He made a motion to gather a handful of snow before the Kumo guards waved them forward. Still, he collected a little on his fingertips. “Now that I would like to see” he retorted, grinning as he swiftly flicked snow onto the back of Eiko’s neck. Dashing forward, Takeshi left his companion in his wake, he was faster than Eiko but not by an overwhelming amount. Enough that the Nara could keep within 10 meters of him if they pushed themselves.

Arriving at the gate, Takeshi immediately composed himself as he noticed a man in the Raikage’s attire waiting for them. ‘I didn’t expect him so soon’, though Hayate’s speed was legendary. However, as he approached it didn’t take a Byakugan to notice that something was off. “Lord Raikage?” he greeted, raising an eyebrow at the figure. It had been a few years since he had last seen the Raikage, not since the interrogation of Nara Chikara. But certainly, he never imagined that such a formidable warrior would become out of shape while still on active duty. And then there was the voice, it was close, but not enough to fool someone who had met the Kage on multiple occasions. Even the scent was off, smelling more like a confectionary than Hayate’s brand of deodorant and cologne. Still, Takeshi kept his face as neutral as he could manage, stifling a smirk as he realized someone was pulling a prank, though the culprit was yet to be identified. The fact that this was Eiko’s first impression of the Raikage was endlessly amusing.

Takeshi bowed deeply, glancing to Eiko and urging them to do the same. “Thank you for your prompt response, Lord Raikage. It is a pleasure to see you again, and in such good health!” the Hyuuga couldn’t hide his smirk as Eiko leaned over and whispered a dry jest. “Time to put your acting to the test” he replied without missing a beat, keeping his voice low. Advancing toward the ‘Raikage’, Takeshi glanced around before leaning over to the man. “We should go somewhere private. I bring word for your ears only. Highly classified information” he said. Part of him believed this man was in fact only a child in disguise, some rebellious young Genin perhaps. But another feeling nagged at him, it wasn’t Hayate and yet being in their proximity felt somewhat familiar and more than that he felt on edge, as though they were a person that could be quite dangerous under the right circumstances. And so, he remained wary despite his playful expression and outwardly relaxed demeanor.

Jutsu UsedShow

Fangless Hound's Legacy
S-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Growing up surrounded by Inuzuka Takeshi has developed a nose keen enough to rival their own. He can pick up on faint scents that average shinobi wouldn’t even notice to the point where he can distinguish the individual body scents of people, able to determine various emotional states including detecting aggression, deception, fear as well as determine specific species of animals or gender even by just a strand of hair. The passive range of this ability is 100 meters though if he has picked up on a trail, he can continue to follow it to its source assuming there are still scent particles in the air or physical remnants of a trail.

[Texas]

HIGHLY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?! The young adult held his excitement from being painted all over his face and body. His big, belly body. The disguised jounin nodded with conviction and admiration and simply announced. Very well youth, let us go onward!" With his announcement Aki would twitch his right pointer finger and then expand his arms as if he was showing his wingspan. His two puppets hidden with the limbo realm would silently walk up to his side and pick him up by his arms outward. They would turn him and begin to walk him to their destination. To the two Konoha shinobi, it would appear that the shape challenged Raikage was floating in a god-like pose.

As Aki the Raikage traveled forward, in hopes they would follow, eventually they would make it to an outdoor training grounds. With the expansion in the Eastern Continent, most shinobi were either training in classrooms or doing real life training over in the other continent. So the training grounds were a rather decent place to talk. Although, to these two shinobi it probably would feel rather.... unorthodox.

Aki would have his puppets turn him around and he would pronounce in his best Raikage impression as he could. "Now then, this is a good spot for us to have a conversation. What is it you wanted to speak about? Please be specific and don't hold anything back. I soon hunger for my daily pre-lunch."]/color] The puppets would let him down ever so slightly, although it wasn't slight enough to have his belly bounce like when a rock is thrown into water.