Training ground 8. It was a familiar place to Hanako. She had trained here in times passed and now she was here again. It had been a journey. She remembered the time she had spent with Chiaki, fleeing the land of the Lightning Empire and entering t he land of stars. There she had spent so much training and fighting dinosaurs. It was… boring here. No dinosaurs to fight. The military presence was so strong that there was hardly any bandits to fight either. Hanako hadn’t realized it, but in the times before when she was here, she had no experience and didn’t have as high a demand on her attention. Now that she had experienced such extreme highs of adrenaline, this mostly peaceful land of Lightning Country was dreadfully boring. That is why she dragged her feet as she wandered over to the training field. She briefly wondered if anyeone had even been here in the time that she had been gone. She moved over to the wooden posts and examined the nicks. Some of them were familiar - she was sure they had been made when she had thrown her shurikens in a time long ago.
Hanako signed and turned to leave the training ground. She felt like a ghost in Kumogakure, not because she walked unseen, but because she walked uncared for. Granny, and her parents. Gone. she didn’t know what Mission Chiaki had undertaken but it seemed she wouldn’t see her again for some time. She had even lost her apartment, and all her personal items there had been sold or destroyed. That had really hurt her feelings, as her pictures of granny had been destroyed, meaning that there was no longer a single thing to remember the old woman by.
Hanako made her way back to the village proper, the towers that housed the apartments and and shops for Kumogakure were a familiar sight. Soothing even. She took off running and made her way to the top of one of the towers, and felt the crisp breeze of the mountain air chill her skin. She flexed her powerful muscles against the chill before settling down. She glanced down at the small people below - still moving on the streets and making their way to where-ever they wood.
For the first time, Hanako wasn’t busy enough to keep her attention span, and so she realized rather plainly and simply - she was lonely.
The sky began to turn gray and Hanako pressed her knees into her chest and wrapped her arms around her thighs and calves in a hug, turning herself into a ball at the peak of the residential towers, as her eyes tracked and watched the people of Kumogakure move through the city. Where had Granny gone? Even now no one had seen her. The last time Hanako knew was that she headed to the hospital and had claimed she was going on a journey. From what she had learned from Chiaki, that didn’t make any sense. A sick patient wouldn’t be moved like that.
Hanako narrowed her eyes.
[Kumogakure hospital]
Hanako stood in front of the hospital. This was the place that she had met Chiaki, and by some weird coincidence the woman had started teaching her about medicine. Hanako was grateful for that, but Chiaki had never commented on her Granny, perhaps if she had she could have saved her. If Hanako knew what she knew now, maybe she could have saved her. Hanako entered the place and ignored the front desk kiosk and the waiting area. The wall map told her exactly where she needed to go - which was to the administration section.
The hospital, being in a shinobi village, was accustomed to kunoichi’s zooming through the hallways and dodging patients and staff alike, so when Hanako did so now few could even respond to the level of speed she now had at her command. She ran along side the walls and ceilings as to efficiently avoid the people. The elevators were too slow, so she took the stairs and zoomed down to the basement and to the records hall. As Hanako arrived at last to the lowest level she looked and moved to the records room. It was after hours, so the doors were already locked - but unfortunately, Hanako at this point was a well trained Kunoichi. Something like this would barely be a hindrance. She pulled out a loop of a string and fed it through the door jam and it looped around the lever of the lock. She manipulated it with chakra with the Jikiton quality, the thread dancing and pulling the lever of the lock free and the door swinging open as a result of the age
She closed the door behind herself as she began to head even further into the basement, searching for the records of her grandmother. She wandered the archives searching for the little old woman from Hanamura. There. Hanako found a box with dates and alphabetized that her Granny would fall under. She pulled the box out and removed teh lid. Her fingers traced the files and found the one closest to the front. Hanamura Ai. Her grandmother.
She hand the file between her hands, staring it its vanilla coloring, and the faded name on the tab. She took a deep breath and opened it. She read through the charts and the advancement of the cancer. A sinking feeling filled her chest as she glanced through each, getting worse and worse. Not a single person came to visit her. Hanako dropped to her knees. She had been there. She could have visited. Hanako continued looking through the pages, one after another. The condition only got worse, and she knew what this meant. She started skipping reports, until she got to the back. “Patient Deceased.” Hanako hung her head. Granny had lied about going away. Hanako knew that she probably did it so that Hanako didn’t get sad, but it was even more heartbreaking. Granny had been lonely.
1003 / 800
Due to the event +2 endurance [Turned in]
Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
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HotelBravo
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Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
Last edited by HotelBravo on Sun Jul 16, 2023 10:12 am, edited 2 times in total.
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HotelBravo
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Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
Hanako looked for clues regarding where Granny’s remains had been sent. It looked like a particular funeral home had been used by the hospital for those who didn’t have family to handle the remains. She found the name of the funeral home and as she was looking over the address she heard the door to the file room click as it was unlocked. Hanako’s breath caught. It was supposed to be after hours! Why was someone here!? She hastily put her Granny’s file back into the box, lid on, then pushed it back into place among t he other boxes. She could here their conversation as they nonchalantly entered and flipped the light switch on.
“She started last week actually.” One of the men was saying. “Ah there it is.” Hanako watched the two men enter and then crouch down to a file box from the ceiling. All four of her limbs were pressed against the ceiling with the wall walking technique. She needed to escape. She started looking for a distraction when it seemed the men had found their own. “Hm? This box is misfiled isn’t it?” The man walked over to the box that Hanako had pulled her Granny’s file out of. In her haste she had shoved it back, but it was out of position and they had noticed! As they turned to look, Hanako silent as a mouse lowered herself to the ground while their backs were turned and made a speedy escape back into the safety of the hallway.
Hanako proceeded to slip out of the building much the same way she had arrived. She was back in the cool night air of Kumogakure. As she exited the hospital doors she leapt onto the first building she came across and climbed its walls until she reached the top and then she moved to the next one and the next. The next thing now was to determine where this funeral home was. She expected that it wouldn’t be too far from the hospital.
From the peak of the Kumogakure towers she watched the sun rise and sat cross legged as she considered the simple fact that Granny had lied. She had never lied before right? She ahd always told the truth, and always knew what to do. Why did she lie? If she was going to die why didn’t she simploy just tell her that she was going to die. Was there even anyone here left to talk to about this blatant lie? Perhaps Chiaki? No, there was something strange about the situation with Chiaki. The way the Raikage and her had interacted at the festival… was that also a lie? Was Kumogakure her home then or not? Granny lived here so it must be, but also Granny had lied so could Hanako really trust her? This was all so much simpler when she was running around fighting bandits and dinosaurs. She had met the Raikage, but she hadn’t seen him since. Who should she trust?
Was lying really such a bad thing? She could still trust Granny even though she had lied right? It was a contradiction - she had been taught by Granny to beware of Liars but Granny was one too, so should she trust those words or not? It made Hanako want to scream. She paused just shy of the outburst as a thought entered into her head.
Whether or not Granny was a liar there was still one fact that Hanako could trust, and that was the love that she had for Granny and that Granny had for her. It was enough to allow her to move on for the moment. She slid down the side of the tower as she made her way to the funeral home. It was a lonely looking place that pretended to be more peaceful than it had any right to be. It made her sick that they would pretend death was anything other than merciless and violent. It was closed t hough and Hanako was left with the decision whether she should sneak in and take what she wants - that being the location of Granny’s burial plot - or should she just wait until the director of this place arrived in the morning?
It seemed like her little wire trick wouldn’t work on the lock here. So she climbed to the roof of the building and curled up into a little ball and waited for the sun to rise and for this place to open. Time crawled at a snails pace and she must have danced between being asleep and being awake several times. At one point a bird landed on her and woke her up when it started pecking her - and she responded by grabbing it and poking it with a kunai in revenge. It squawked and bit her hand before flying away. Hanako, not being in the best of moods at this point threw a shuriken at it and watched it drop to the ground. She was about to curl back up and go back to sleep when a person approaching caught her attention. An older gentleman was rummaging through his keys when he paused, noticing Hanako on the roof. He took a moment to examine her clothes and her kumogakure headband.
“Are you a friend of the deceased?” He asked. Hanako figured that shinobi must die all the t ime, he was barely shaken by the fact that she had spent all night on the roof. She shook her head and hopped down off of the roof and landed onto the ground before him.
”I want to know where my Granny is buried.” She waited for him to finish unlocking the door.
“I see.” he answered. “My condolences. Let me open up the office and we can check which plott she is. ”
Hanako followed the Funeral Director in utter silence as he showed her the way to his office and unlocked the door. He stepped inside and began to examine the file cabinet.
“Now what did you say her name was?”
1210/1200 +3 endurance
Due to the event [Turned in]
“She started last week actually.” One of the men was saying. “Ah there it is.” Hanako watched the two men enter and then crouch down to a file box from the ceiling. All four of her limbs were pressed against the ceiling with the wall walking technique. She needed to escape. She started looking for a distraction when it seemed the men had found their own. “Hm? This box is misfiled isn’t it?” The man walked over to the box that Hanako had pulled her Granny’s file out of. In her haste she had shoved it back, but it was out of position and they had noticed! As they turned to look, Hanako silent as a mouse lowered herself to the ground while their backs were turned and made a speedy escape back into the safety of the hallway.
Hanako proceeded to slip out of the building much the same way she had arrived. She was back in the cool night air of Kumogakure. As she exited the hospital doors she leapt onto the first building she came across and climbed its walls until she reached the top and then she moved to the next one and the next. The next thing now was to determine where this funeral home was. She expected that it wouldn’t be too far from the hospital.
From the peak of the Kumogakure towers she watched the sun rise and sat cross legged as she considered the simple fact that Granny had lied. She had never lied before right? She ahd always told the truth, and always knew what to do. Why did she lie? If she was going to die why didn’t she simploy just tell her that she was going to die. Was there even anyone here left to talk to about this blatant lie? Perhaps Chiaki? No, there was something strange about the situation with Chiaki. The way the Raikage and her had interacted at the festival… was that also a lie? Was Kumogakure her home then or not? Granny lived here so it must be, but also Granny had lied so could Hanako really trust her? This was all so much simpler when she was running around fighting bandits and dinosaurs. She had met the Raikage, but she hadn’t seen him since. Who should she trust?
Was lying really such a bad thing? She could still trust Granny even though she had lied right? It was a contradiction - she had been taught by Granny to beware of Liars but Granny was one too, so should she trust those words or not? It made Hanako want to scream. She paused just shy of the outburst as a thought entered into her head.
Whether or not Granny was a liar there was still one fact that Hanako could trust, and that was the love that she had for Granny and that Granny had for her. It was enough to allow her to move on for the moment. She slid down the side of the tower as she made her way to the funeral home. It was a lonely looking place that pretended to be more peaceful than it had any right to be. It made her sick that they would pretend death was anything other than merciless and violent. It was closed t hough and Hanako was left with the decision whether she should sneak in and take what she wants - that being the location of Granny’s burial plot - or should she just wait until the director of this place arrived in the morning?
It seemed like her little wire trick wouldn’t work on the lock here. So she climbed to the roof of the building and curled up into a little ball and waited for the sun to rise and for this place to open. Time crawled at a snails pace and she must have danced between being asleep and being awake several times. At one point a bird landed on her and woke her up when it started pecking her - and she responded by grabbing it and poking it with a kunai in revenge. It squawked and bit her hand before flying away. Hanako, not being in the best of moods at this point threw a shuriken at it and watched it drop to the ground. She was about to curl back up and go back to sleep when a person approaching caught her attention. An older gentleman was rummaging through his keys when he paused, noticing Hanako on the roof. He took a moment to examine her clothes and her kumogakure headband.
“Are you a friend of the deceased?” He asked. Hanako figured that shinobi must die all the t ime, he was barely shaken by the fact that she had spent all night on the roof. She shook her head and hopped down off of the roof and landed onto the ground before him.
”I want to know where my Granny is buried.” She waited for him to finish unlocking the door.
“I see.” he answered. “My condolences. Let me open up the office and we can check which plott she is. ”
Hanako followed the Funeral Director in utter silence as he showed her the way to his office and unlocked the door. He stepped inside and began to examine the file cabinet.
“Now what did you say her name was?”
1210/1200 +3 endurance
Due to the event [Turned in]
Last edited by HotelBravo on Sun Jul 16, 2023 10:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
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HotelBravo
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Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
“Her name was Ai, she was from the town of Hanamura.” Hanako explained. She waited in impatient silence while the director studied the files in the cabinet a bit further. He then turned to her and frowned. “I’m sorry, we don’t have any records of a Hanamura Ai being buried here.” Hanako was over the desk in an instant. Despite being so much smaller than the director, she was incredibly fast. A kunai was already in her hand at the point was poking at his kidney.
“Explain.” She had never felt such anger or fury in her life. She was genuinely just a centimeter away from giving the director a fatal wound. Her eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared and the kunai began to break the skin.
“Damn Shinobi! I’m telling you the truth! If she were buried here I would have had a record - even if it was a cremation, I would have had a record. We didn’t ever receive her body! Its incredibly important for us to make sure that we handle business with strict record keeping because of the fact that many shinobi clans want to make sure their secrets aren’t spread. I’m really not lying to you.”
The Rage drained out of Hanako leaving her with sense of lethargy. She fell backwards onto the desk stunned by the revelation. What did it mean? Just yesterday she had learned that her Granny had died, but now she learned that the body had never gone to the funeral home? The hospital records clearly indicated her death. Thinking through things logically she began to leave the office of the funeral home without so much as another word as the weight of the mystery consumed her thoughts.
Was everyone in this world a liar? Chiaki, Granny, the hospital now? How could she be sure the Director wasn’t a liar as well? Why would Granny’s body be missing? There couldn’t be that many reasons. First, the Director could be a liar as well. What did he have to gain from lying to her about Granny’s body missing? He didn’t know who Hanako was, and as far as Hanako knew there were no state secrets hidden in her body that would need to be disposed of discreetly. That option had to be out. What other reasons could there be though? The Hospital delivered her body to somewhere else. Could that be possible?
If they did send the body somewhere else - how was she supposed to figure out where? The records indicated this funeral home, but the home had never even received it. Was it intercepted on the path to the funeral home? As far as Hanako knew - there were no bloodlines or clan techniques hidden in Granny’s body. The mystery continued. However, if her Granny did have some type of secret bloodline then that could also explain the disappearance of her body. Granny could have been a kunoichi for Kumogakure.
If she had been a Kunoichi, it could also be that she hadn’t even died at all. A sinking feeling dropped in Hanako’s heart and chest. She needed to make sure, but where could she investigate? How would she be able to determine whether or not her Granny had been a Kumogakure shinobi? The Kumogakure office of Records it had to be the place!
540/400 chuunin exam discount. + 1 Endurance
“Explain.” She had never felt such anger or fury in her life. She was genuinely just a centimeter away from giving the director a fatal wound. Her eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared and the kunai began to break the skin.
“Damn Shinobi! I’m telling you the truth! If she were buried here I would have had a record - even if it was a cremation, I would have had a record. We didn’t ever receive her body! Its incredibly important for us to make sure that we handle business with strict record keeping because of the fact that many shinobi clans want to make sure their secrets aren’t spread. I’m really not lying to you.”
The Rage drained out of Hanako leaving her with sense of lethargy. She fell backwards onto the desk stunned by the revelation. What did it mean? Just yesterday she had learned that her Granny had died, but now she learned that the body had never gone to the funeral home? The hospital records clearly indicated her death. Thinking through things logically she began to leave the office of the funeral home without so much as another word as the weight of the mystery consumed her thoughts.
Was everyone in this world a liar? Chiaki, Granny, the hospital now? How could she be sure the Director wasn’t a liar as well? Why would Granny’s body be missing? There couldn’t be that many reasons. First, the Director could be a liar as well. What did he have to gain from lying to her about Granny’s body missing? He didn’t know who Hanako was, and as far as Hanako knew there were no state secrets hidden in her body that would need to be disposed of discreetly. That option had to be out. What other reasons could there be though? The Hospital delivered her body to somewhere else. Could that be possible?
If they did send the body somewhere else - how was she supposed to figure out where? The records indicated this funeral home, but the home had never even received it. Was it intercepted on the path to the funeral home? As far as Hanako knew - there were no bloodlines or clan techniques hidden in Granny’s body. The mystery continued. However, if her Granny did have some type of secret bloodline then that could also explain the disappearance of her body. Granny could have been a kunoichi for Kumogakure.
If she had been a Kunoichi, it could also be that she hadn’t even died at all. A sinking feeling dropped in Hanako’s heart and chest. She needed to make sure, but where could she investigate? How would she be able to determine whether or not her Granny had been a Kumogakure shinobi? The Kumogakure office of Records it had to be the place!
540/400 chuunin exam discount. + 1 Endurance
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HotelBravo
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Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
Hanako's mind raced with questions and uncertainties as she left the funeral home, her heart heavy with the weight of the mystery surrounding her grandmother's disappearance. The sun had risen high in the sky, casting a warm glow over Kumogakure as she made her way to the village's Office of Records. Determined to find answers, she briskly walked through the bustling streets, her gaze fixed on the building before her.
The Office of Records stood tall, its stone facade a symbol of the village's history and secrets. Hanako entered the building, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. The air inside was cool and quiet, almost unnerving. She approached the front desk and caught the attention of the clerk behind it.
"Excuse me," Hanako began, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "I need access to the records of Kumogakure shinobi. Specifically, I'm searching for any information regarding my grandmother, Hanamura Ai."
The clerk looked up from his paperwork, his expression indifferent. "You'll need to fill out a request form and provide proper identification," he replied monotonously, sliding a form across the desk towards her.
Hanako filled out the form with haste, her hand trembling slightly as she wrote down her name and details. She returned it to the clerk, who barely glanced at it before filing it away. Moments later, he handed her a visitor's badge and directed her towards the archives on the upper floor.
Ascending the stairs, Hanako's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anticipation and anxiety flooding her veins. She navigated the rows upon rows of file cabinets, searching for any mention of her grandmother's name. The silence of the room enveloped her as she pulled out folders, scanned through documents, and cross-referenced various records.
Hours turned into what felt like an eternity as Hanako meticulously combed through the archives, her determination unwavering. She felt a glimmer of hope whenever she found a file related to Hanamura, but disappointment soon followed as none of them matched the description of her beloved grandmother.
Just as frustration threatened to consume her, Hanako stumbled upon a faded folder tucked away in a forgotten corner. The name on the tab caught her attention: Hanamura Ai. Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled it out and opened it, her eyes scanning the contents with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Inside, she found reports and profiles detailing the accomplishments and service records of various Kumogakure shinobi. But as she searched for her grandmother's name, it was nowhere to be found. Doubt crept into her mind once again, clouding her thoughts with uncertainty. Was her grandmother truly a shinobi, or was there something more to the story?
Feeling disheartened, Hanako closed the folder and leaned back against the nearby shelf, her mind racing with possibilities. She realized that the answers she sought might not be found within these walls. Perhaps the truth lay in the shadows, hidden among those who walked the path of secrecy and intrigue.
If she wasn’t a shinobi of Kumogakure, what could have happened to her? Why did her body disappear? Perhaps she wasn’t dead at all, and the hospital had simply lied about the whole thing. As Hanako wracked her brain for solutions she was able to determine that if she was a part of the Kumogakure elusive black ops organizations then there still would have been a service record - but the very fact that there wasn’t anything on the subject left her grasping at thin air.
Hanako exited the Office of Records and decided that she needed to do a different kind of search. The friends that Granny had here in the village, she would ask them about her Granny and listen to their stories with scrutiny. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but there had to be some kind of clue that could help her solve the mystery. Above all else, her doubts haunted her with shadows of her Granny being a foreign spy using Hanako to gain access to Kumogakure. Her mind came up with many scenarios about what her purpose in coming here had been.
Had the story about her own family being killed in a fire been a lie? It would be a trip to get back to the small town of Hanamura, so she check with the people who knew her granny in life first as they were closer. She would start with the old woman who had often been a companion of her Granny’s on bingo night, the Land Lord for Granny’s apartment.
Hanako made her way through the familiar streets of Kumogakure, her mind filled with questions and uncertainties. She arrived at the apartment complex where her grandmother had resided, a place that had once been a source of comfort and familiarity. As she approached the landlord's office, she took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
The door creaked open as Hanako stepped inside, greeted by the scent of old wood and musty air. The landlord, an elderly man with weathered features, looked up from his paperwork and smiled warmly. It wasn’t who Hanako expected, but she recognized him as being the Land Lady’s husband.
"Ah, Hanako! It's been a while. How can I help you today?" he asked kindly.
Hanako returned the smile, though her heart still felt heavy with the weight of her unanswered questions. "I'm here to inquire about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai. I was hoping you could tell me more about her and her time here."
The landlord's eyes softened with a touch of nostalgia. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze focused on a distant memory. "Your grandmother was a wonderful woman, Hanako. She was kind-hearted and always ready to lend a helping hand. Many of the residents here considered her a dear friend."
Hanako's heart swelled with a mix of pride and affection for her grandmother. "Did she ever mention anything about her past or any secrets she might have had?"
The landlord furrowed his brow, his expression turning thoughtful. "Well, she was a private person, Hanako. She didn't talk much about herself or her past. But she did have a few close friends, including an old woman named Fumiko. They used to spend their evenings playing bingo together. I’ll ask my wife as well when she gets back in."
"Fumiko," Hanako repeated, committing the name to memory. "Do you know where I can find her? I need to speak with her."
The landlord nodded, reaching for a pen and paper on his desk. "I have her address written down here. She lives not too far from here, in a small house by the riverbank. I hope she can provide you with the answers you seek."
Hanako thanked the landlord for his help, her determination renewed. She left the office and followed the directions to Fumiko's house. The path took her through familiar streets and winding alleys until she reached a quaint little house nestled by the river. She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before approaching the front door.
With a gentle knock, Hanako waited patiently. The door creaked open, revealing a frail-looking elderly woman with a warm smile.
"Can I help you, dear?" Fumiko asked kindly.
Hanako introduced herself, explaining her connection to Hanamura Ai and her search for answers. Fumiko's eyes widened with recognition and a touch of sadness.
"Ai-chan... Oh, she was such a dear friend," Fumiko reminisced, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "We used to spend hours chatting about everything under the sun. But she never spoke much about her past. It was as if she carried a burden she couldn't share."
Hanako's heart sank, the weight of her unanswered questions growing heavier. "Did she ever mention anything that might provide a clue to what happened to her? Or any secrets she might have had?"
Fumiko sighed, her gaze distant. "I wish I could help you, dear, but your grandmother was a closed book. There was a certain sadness in her eyes, as if she carried a secret she couldn't bear to share. She was a loyal friend, but even I couldn't break through that barrier."
“Did she ever tell you about our hometown, Hanamura? My parents died in a fire there when I was very young. Granny brought me to Kumogakure afterwards to continue my education. I should still have some siblings there.” Hanako asked. Internally Hanako admitted to herself that her siblings were mostly a faded memory these days. They had never reached out to her and so she had thought it justified to never speak to them in retaliation. Now she was regretting that.
Fumiko's eyes widened at Hanako's mention of Hanamura and the tragic fire that had claimed the lives of her parents. She listened attentively, her expression filled with sympathy and understanding.
"Hanamura... Yes, Ai-chan mentioned it a few times," Fumiko replied softly. "She never went into great detail, but I remember her speaking fondly of the town. She often mentioned her love for the place and the memories she held dear."
Hanako's heart ached with a mix of longing and regret. The realization that she still had siblings in Hanamura stirred within her, a sense of connection that had been buried beneath years of distance and misunderstandings.
"Do you know anything about my siblings? Their names, perhaps?" Hanako asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Fumiko paused for a moment, deep in thought. "I believe Ai-chan mentioned having other children, but she never spoke of them by name. She seemed to hold back as if trying to protect you from something or someone."
"She spoke of them with great affection, though she didn't mention their names either. I believe she cherished the bond she had with them, even if they were separated."
A glimmer of hope sparked within Hanako at the mention of other grandchildren. The realization that she might have cousins, family members who shared the same bloodline, filled her with a mix of curiosity and longing.
"Can you remember anything else she said about them? Any details that could help me find them?" Hanako pressed, her voice filled with anticipation.
Fumiko pondered for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping against her chin. "I do recall her mentioning that they might be living in different parts of the Land of Lightning. She spoke of her desire to reconnect with them one day, to bring the family together again."
"I need to find them," Hanako said resolutely. "Perhaps they hold the missing pieces to the puzzle of our grandmother's disappearance."
“She spoke of them with great affection, though she didn't mention their names either. I believe she cherished the bond she had with them, even if they were separated."
"Can you remember anything else she said about them? Any details that could help me find them?" Hanako pressed, her voice filled with anticipation.
Fumiko pondered for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping against her chin. "I do recall her mentioning that they might be living in different parts of the Land of Lightning. She spoke of her desire to reconnect with them one day, to bring the family together again."
Hanako departed from Fumiko’s house, with slightly disappointed the answers she got, finding that they did not lend any credence or take anything away from any of the wild theories she had come up with regarding the mystery regarding her grandmother’s disappearance. She headed back to her apartment as the day was already beginning to grow late, however she stopped back by the landlord’s office to see if his wife had returned from her errands yet so she could ask her about Granny was well.
s she entered the office, the landlord looked up from his paperwork, a welcoming smile on his face. "Ah, Hanako! Back so soon? Is there something else I can assist you with?"
Hanako returned the smile, her eyes scanning the office for any sign of the landlord's wife. "I was actually wondering if your wife has returned. I have a few more questions about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai."
The landlord's expression softened, understanding the importance of Hanako's search. "She should be back any moment now. Just take a seat and I'll call her in."
Hanako nodded, grateful for the landlord's willingness to help. She settled into a chair, her anticipation growing as she waited for the landlord's wife to arrive.
A few minutes passed before the door swung open, revealing the landlord's wife. She had a warm, welcoming smile and an air of motherly kindness about her. "Hello, dear. I heard you were looking for me," she said with a gentle voice.
Hanako stood up, extending her hand in greeting. "Yes, I wanted to ask you a few questions about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai. I hope you can shed some light on her past."
The landlord's wife took Hanako's hand and nodded. "Of course, dear. I knew Ai-chan well. We were good friends for many years. What would you like to know?"
Hanako took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Did my grandmother ever mention anything about her past, her family, or any secrets she might have had?"
The landlord's wife's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes searching for memories buried in the depths of time. "Ai-chan was a private person, but I do remember her mentioning her family occasionally. She spoke of her siblings and her parents in Hanamura, though she didn't go into great detail. As for secrets, she never hinted at anything of the sort. She seemed to carry a certain sadness, as if there were things left unsaid."
Hanako's new line of questioning aimed to delve into her grandmother's potential connections to the shinobi of Kumogakure. She hoped that the landlord's wife might shed light on any habits or behaviors her grandmother exhibited that could hint at a deeper involvement with the shinobi community.
The landlord's wife took a moment to ponder the question, her eyes narrowing as she delved into her memories. After a brief pause, she nodded thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, Ai-chan did have some habits that aligned with those of the shinobi. She was always very observant, often scanning her surroundings and keeping a keen eye on the exits. I remember her being quite agile and light on her feet, as if she possessed a certain level of training."
Hanako's curiosity intensified, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Did she ever mention anything about her involvement with the shinobi or her connection to them? Did my Granny ever share any habits with them? Like, maybe did she always scout a room for easy exits? Sit near the window or door? That sort of thing", she asked the landlord's wife.
The landlord's wife took a moment to ponder the question, her eyes narrowing as she delved into her memories. After a brief pause, she nodded thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, Ai-chan did have some habits that aligned with those of the shinobi. She was always very observant, often scanning her surroundings and keeping a keen eye on the exits. I remember her being quite agile and light on her feet, as if she possessed a certain level of training."
Hanako's curiosity intensified, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Did she ever mention anything about her involvement with the shinobi or her connection to them?"
The landlord's wife shook her head, her expression filled with regret. "No, dear. She never spoke of any specific involvement with the shinobi. But there were times when I noticed a certain tension in her, as if she carried a weight on her shoulders that she couldn't share."
"I know its been over a year, but by any chance do you have any of the belongings still that were left in the room after my Granny passed away?" Hanako asked.
The landlord's wife regarded Hanako with a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry, dear, but it's been quite some time since your grandmother's passing, and her belongings were either sent back to Hanamura or disposed of. There might be some old records or documents left behind, but I'm afraid I don't have access to them anymore."
Hanako's heart sank at the news, a sense of loss mingling with her lingering questions. She had hoped that some tangible remnants of her grandmother's life would offer a glimpse into her secrets and past.
"Thank you for checking," Hanako said, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "If there's ever any chance of finding any documents or records related to my grandmother, please let me know."
The landlord's wife nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I will keep that in mind, Hanako. If anything turns up, I'll be sure to inform you. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
Hanako shook her head. "No, thank you. I appreciate your help and insights. I'll continue my search in other avenues." As she turned to leave a bolt of inspiration struck her. "Ah! Wait, one last thing! The address that you sent the belongings to, do you have that at least?" Hanako paused at the door and turned back to the Landlord's wife to ask one final question.
The landlord's wife furrowed her brow, deep in thought as she retraced her memory. After a moment, her face brightened with a faint smile. "Actually, I do recall jotting down the address somewhere. Let me check if I still have it."
She walked over to a desk cluttered with papers and rummaged through the stack, her fingers skimming over the documents. Finally, she pulled out a faded piece of paper and held it up triumphantly.
"Here it is!" she exclaimed. "This is the address to which your grandmother's belongings were sent."
Hanako's heart skipped a beat as she eagerly accepted the piece of paper, her eyes scanning the writing. The address represented a glimmer of hope, a potential lead that could offer further insight into her grandmother's mysterious past.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Hanako thanked the landlord's wife once again and left the office. Clutching the piece of paper tightly, she knew that she now possessed a tangible lead, a potential destination to continue her investigation.
As she returned to her apartment, excitement and determination coursed through Hanako's veins. She realized that the address held the potential to unlock the hidden truths of her grandmother's disappearance,
3000/400 = +7 endurance (Chuunin exam Discount + sheer determination)
The Office of Records stood tall, its stone facade a symbol of the village's history and secrets. Hanako entered the building, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. The air inside was cool and quiet, almost unnerving. She approached the front desk and caught the attention of the clerk behind it.
"Excuse me," Hanako began, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "I need access to the records of Kumogakure shinobi. Specifically, I'm searching for any information regarding my grandmother, Hanamura Ai."
The clerk looked up from his paperwork, his expression indifferent. "You'll need to fill out a request form and provide proper identification," he replied monotonously, sliding a form across the desk towards her.
Hanako filled out the form with haste, her hand trembling slightly as she wrote down her name and details. She returned it to the clerk, who barely glanced at it before filing it away. Moments later, he handed her a visitor's badge and directed her towards the archives on the upper floor.
Ascending the stairs, Hanako's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anticipation and anxiety flooding her veins. She navigated the rows upon rows of file cabinets, searching for any mention of her grandmother's name. The silence of the room enveloped her as she pulled out folders, scanned through documents, and cross-referenced various records.
Hours turned into what felt like an eternity as Hanako meticulously combed through the archives, her determination unwavering. She felt a glimmer of hope whenever she found a file related to Hanamura, but disappointment soon followed as none of them matched the description of her beloved grandmother.
Just as frustration threatened to consume her, Hanako stumbled upon a faded folder tucked away in a forgotten corner. The name on the tab caught her attention: Hanamura Ai. Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled it out and opened it, her eyes scanning the contents with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Inside, she found reports and profiles detailing the accomplishments and service records of various Kumogakure shinobi. But as she searched for her grandmother's name, it was nowhere to be found. Doubt crept into her mind once again, clouding her thoughts with uncertainty. Was her grandmother truly a shinobi, or was there something more to the story?
Feeling disheartened, Hanako closed the folder and leaned back against the nearby shelf, her mind racing with possibilities. She realized that the answers she sought might not be found within these walls. Perhaps the truth lay in the shadows, hidden among those who walked the path of secrecy and intrigue.
If she wasn’t a shinobi of Kumogakure, what could have happened to her? Why did her body disappear? Perhaps she wasn’t dead at all, and the hospital had simply lied about the whole thing. As Hanako wracked her brain for solutions she was able to determine that if she was a part of the Kumogakure elusive black ops organizations then there still would have been a service record - but the very fact that there wasn’t anything on the subject left her grasping at thin air.
Hanako exited the Office of Records and decided that she needed to do a different kind of search. The friends that Granny had here in the village, she would ask them about her Granny and listen to their stories with scrutiny. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but there had to be some kind of clue that could help her solve the mystery. Above all else, her doubts haunted her with shadows of her Granny being a foreign spy using Hanako to gain access to Kumogakure. Her mind came up with many scenarios about what her purpose in coming here had been.
Had the story about her own family being killed in a fire been a lie? It would be a trip to get back to the small town of Hanamura, so she check with the people who knew her granny in life first as they were closer. She would start with the old woman who had often been a companion of her Granny’s on bingo night, the Land Lord for Granny’s apartment.
Hanako made her way through the familiar streets of Kumogakure, her mind filled with questions and uncertainties. She arrived at the apartment complex where her grandmother had resided, a place that had once been a source of comfort and familiarity. As she approached the landlord's office, she took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
The door creaked open as Hanako stepped inside, greeted by the scent of old wood and musty air. The landlord, an elderly man with weathered features, looked up from his paperwork and smiled warmly. It wasn’t who Hanako expected, but she recognized him as being the Land Lady’s husband.
"Ah, Hanako! It's been a while. How can I help you today?" he asked kindly.
Hanako returned the smile, though her heart still felt heavy with the weight of her unanswered questions. "I'm here to inquire about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai. I was hoping you could tell me more about her and her time here."
The landlord's eyes softened with a touch of nostalgia. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze focused on a distant memory. "Your grandmother was a wonderful woman, Hanako. She was kind-hearted and always ready to lend a helping hand. Many of the residents here considered her a dear friend."
Hanako's heart swelled with a mix of pride and affection for her grandmother. "Did she ever mention anything about her past or any secrets she might have had?"
The landlord furrowed his brow, his expression turning thoughtful. "Well, she was a private person, Hanako. She didn't talk much about herself or her past. But she did have a few close friends, including an old woman named Fumiko. They used to spend their evenings playing bingo together. I’ll ask my wife as well when she gets back in."
"Fumiko," Hanako repeated, committing the name to memory. "Do you know where I can find her? I need to speak with her."
The landlord nodded, reaching for a pen and paper on his desk. "I have her address written down here. She lives not too far from here, in a small house by the riverbank. I hope she can provide you with the answers you seek."
Hanako thanked the landlord for his help, her determination renewed. She left the office and followed the directions to Fumiko's house. The path took her through familiar streets and winding alleys until she reached a quaint little house nestled by the river. She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before approaching the front door.
With a gentle knock, Hanako waited patiently. The door creaked open, revealing a frail-looking elderly woman with a warm smile.
"Can I help you, dear?" Fumiko asked kindly.
Hanako introduced herself, explaining her connection to Hanamura Ai and her search for answers. Fumiko's eyes widened with recognition and a touch of sadness.
"Ai-chan... Oh, she was such a dear friend," Fumiko reminisced, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "We used to spend hours chatting about everything under the sun. But she never spoke much about her past. It was as if she carried a burden she couldn't share."
Hanako's heart sank, the weight of her unanswered questions growing heavier. "Did she ever mention anything that might provide a clue to what happened to her? Or any secrets she might have had?"
Fumiko sighed, her gaze distant. "I wish I could help you, dear, but your grandmother was a closed book. There was a certain sadness in her eyes, as if she carried a secret she couldn't bear to share. She was a loyal friend, but even I couldn't break through that barrier."
“Did she ever tell you about our hometown, Hanamura? My parents died in a fire there when I was very young. Granny brought me to Kumogakure afterwards to continue my education. I should still have some siblings there.” Hanako asked. Internally Hanako admitted to herself that her siblings were mostly a faded memory these days. They had never reached out to her and so she had thought it justified to never speak to them in retaliation. Now she was regretting that.
Fumiko's eyes widened at Hanako's mention of Hanamura and the tragic fire that had claimed the lives of her parents. She listened attentively, her expression filled with sympathy and understanding.
"Hanamura... Yes, Ai-chan mentioned it a few times," Fumiko replied softly. "She never went into great detail, but I remember her speaking fondly of the town. She often mentioned her love for the place and the memories she held dear."
Hanako's heart ached with a mix of longing and regret. The realization that she still had siblings in Hanamura stirred within her, a sense of connection that had been buried beneath years of distance and misunderstandings.
"Do you know anything about my siblings? Their names, perhaps?" Hanako asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Fumiko paused for a moment, deep in thought. "I believe Ai-chan mentioned having other children, but she never spoke of them by name. She seemed to hold back as if trying to protect you from something or someone."
"She spoke of them with great affection, though she didn't mention their names either. I believe she cherished the bond she had with them, even if they were separated."
A glimmer of hope sparked within Hanako at the mention of other grandchildren. The realization that she might have cousins, family members who shared the same bloodline, filled her with a mix of curiosity and longing.
"Can you remember anything else she said about them? Any details that could help me find them?" Hanako pressed, her voice filled with anticipation.
Fumiko pondered for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping against her chin. "I do recall her mentioning that they might be living in different parts of the Land of Lightning. She spoke of her desire to reconnect with them one day, to bring the family together again."
"I need to find them," Hanako said resolutely. "Perhaps they hold the missing pieces to the puzzle of our grandmother's disappearance."
“She spoke of them with great affection, though she didn't mention their names either. I believe she cherished the bond she had with them, even if they were separated."
"Can you remember anything else she said about them? Any details that could help me find them?" Hanako pressed, her voice filled with anticipation.
Fumiko pondered for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping against her chin. "I do recall her mentioning that they might be living in different parts of the Land of Lightning. She spoke of her desire to reconnect with them one day, to bring the family together again."
Hanako departed from Fumiko’s house, with slightly disappointed the answers she got, finding that they did not lend any credence or take anything away from any of the wild theories she had come up with regarding the mystery regarding her grandmother’s disappearance. She headed back to her apartment as the day was already beginning to grow late, however she stopped back by the landlord’s office to see if his wife had returned from her errands yet so she could ask her about Granny was well.
s she entered the office, the landlord looked up from his paperwork, a welcoming smile on his face. "Ah, Hanako! Back so soon? Is there something else I can assist you with?"
Hanako returned the smile, her eyes scanning the office for any sign of the landlord's wife. "I was actually wondering if your wife has returned. I have a few more questions about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai."
The landlord's expression softened, understanding the importance of Hanako's search. "She should be back any moment now. Just take a seat and I'll call her in."
Hanako nodded, grateful for the landlord's willingness to help. She settled into a chair, her anticipation growing as she waited for the landlord's wife to arrive.
A few minutes passed before the door swung open, revealing the landlord's wife. She had a warm, welcoming smile and an air of motherly kindness about her. "Hello, dear. I heard you were looking for me," she said with a gentle voice.
Hanako stood up, extending her hand in greeting. "Yes, I wanted to ask you a few questions about my grandmother, Hanamura Ai. I hope you can shed some light on her past."
The landlord's wife took Hanako's hand and nodded. "Of course, dear. I knew Ai-chan well. We were good friends for many years. What would you like to know?"
Hanako took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Did my grandmother ever mention anything about her past, her family, or any secrets she might have had?"
The landlord's wife's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes searching for memories buried in the depths of time. "Ai-chan was a private person, but I do remember her mentioning her family occasionally. She spoke of her siblings and her parents in Hanamura, though she didn't go into great detail. As for secrets, she never hinted at anything of the sort. She seemed to carry a certain sadness, as if there were things left unsaid."
Hanako's new line of questioning aimed to delve into her grandmother's potential connections to the shinobi of Kumogakure. She hoped that the landlord's wife might shed light on any habits or behaviors her grandmother exhibited that could hint at a deeper involvement with the shinobi community.
The landlord's wife took a moment to ponder the question, her eyes narrowing as she delved into her memories. After a brief pause, she nodded thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, Ai-chan did have some habits that aligned with those of the shinobi. She was always very observant, often scanning her surroundings and keeping a keen eye on the exits. I remember her being quite agile and light on her feet, as if she possessed a certain level of training."
Hanako's curiosity intensified, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Did she ever mention anything about her involvement with the shinobi or her connection to them? Did my Granny ever share any habits with them? Like, maybe did she always scout a room for easy exits? Sit near the window or door? That sort of thing", she asked the landlord's wife.
The landlord's wife took a moment to ponder the question, her eyes narrowing as she delved into her memories. After a brief pause, she nodded thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, Ai-chan did have some habits that aligned with those of the shinobi. She was always very observant, often scanning her surroundings and keeping a keen eye on the exits. I remember her being quite agile and light on her feet, as if she possessed a certain level of training."
Hanako's curiosity intensified, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Did she ever mention anything about her involvement with the shinobi or her connection to them?"
The landlord's wife shook her head, her expression filled with regret. "No, dear. She never spoke of any specific involvement with the shinobi. But there were times when I noticed a certain tension in her, as if she carried a weight on her shoulders that she couldn't share."
"I know its been over a year, but by any chance do you have any of the belongings still that were left in the room after my Granny passed away?" Hanako asked.
The landlord's wife regarded Hanako with a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry, dear, but it's been quite some time since your grandmother's passing, and her belongings were either sent back to Hanamura or disposed of. There might be some old records or documents left behind, but I'm afraid I don't have access to them anymore."
Hanako's heart sank at the news, a sense of loss mingling with her lingering questions. She had hoped that some tangible remnants of her grandmother's life would offer a glimpse into her secrets and past.
"Thank you for checking," Hanako said, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "If there's ever any chance of finding any documents or records related to my grandmother, please let me know."
The landlord's wife nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I will keep that in mind, Hanako. If anything turns up, I'll be sure to inform you. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
Hanako shook her head. "No, thank you. I appreciate your help and insights. I'll continue my search in other avenues." As she turned to leave a bolt of inspiration struck her. "Ah! Wait, one last thing! The address that you sent the belongings to, do you have that at least?" Hanako paused at the door and turned back to the Landlord's wife to ask one final question.
The landlord's wife furrowed her brow, deep in thought as she retraced her memory. After a moment, her face brightened with a faint smile. "Actually, I do recall jotting down the address somewhere. Let me check if I still have it."
She walked over to a desk cluttered with papers and rummaged through the stack, her fingers skimming over the documents. Finally, she pulled out a faded piece of paper and held it up triumphantly.
"Here it is!" she exclaimed. "This is the address to which your grandmother's belongings were sent."
Hanako's heart skipped a beat as she eagerly accepted the piece of paper, her eyes scanning the writing. The address represented a glimmer of hope, a potential lead that could offer further insight into her grandmother's mysterious past.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Hanako thanked the landlord's wife once again and left the office. Clutching the piece of paper tightly, she knew that she now possessed a tangible lead, a potential destination to continue her investigation.
As she returned to her apartment, excitement and determination coursed through Hanako's veins. She realized that the address held the potential to unlock the hidden truths of her grandmother's disappearance,
3000/400 = +7 endurance (Chuunin exam Discount + sheer determination)
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HotelBravo
- Posts: 391
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2022 11:12 pm
Hanako Hanamura - Kill the Noise
That night, Hanako found herself curled up on her futon, her mind swirling with doubts and contemplations about her grandmother's true nature and the mysteries surrounding her. It had become increasingly evident that the answers she sought could not be found within the confines of Kumogakure. Instead, her journey would take her back to Hanamura, the village of her own birth.
As she lay there in the darkness, the weight of her decision settled upon her. Returning to Hanamura meant confronting her past, revisiting the memories of her parents' tragic fire, and potentially unearthing the truth about her family's secrets. There was something suspicious about the story of the fire that had claimed her parents' life. Something was missing, and it wasn’t just her grandmother’s body - although she was determined to find that. She wondered what awaited her in Hanamura, what hidden truths lay dormant within the town's boundaries. Would she finally discover the reasons behind her grandmother's disappearance? Could she find the answers she sought, or would she face even more enigmas?
Curled up in the darkness, Hanako's thoughts danced between anticipation and hesitation. The prospect of returning to Hanamura carried a mixture of hope and apprehension. It meant revisiting the painful memories of her parents' tragic fire and unearthing the secrets that had eluded her for so long.
Hanako's heart fluttered with a blend of determination and uncertainty. What would she discover in Hanamura? Could she unravel the mysteries that had haunted her for years? The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but she felt an inner pull, a driving force urging her to confront her past.
With a resolute mind, Hanako silently resolved to herself that she would embark on this journey. She would return to Hanamura, not with vows or grand declarations, but with a quiet determination to seek the truth. Her purpose was not something new, but a steadfast commitment to uncovering the hidden pieces of her family's history.
As sleep finally claimed her, Hanako's dreams intertwined with visions of Hanamura. The town beckoned to her, holding the keys to unlock the mysteries of her family's history. Under the moon's gentle gaze, Hanako's resolve remained steadfast. The story of her journey continued, drawing her back to Hanamura's embrace. It was a story filled with questions, challenges, and self-discovery, all woven together to create a narrative that would leave an indelible mark on her soul.
400/400 chuunin exam discount + sheer determination + 1 Willpower [turned in]
As she lay there in the darkness, the weight of her decision settled upon her. Returning to Hanamura meant confronting her past, revisiting the memories of her parents' tragic fire, and potentially unearthing the truth about her family's secrets. There was something suspicious about the story of the fire that had claimed her parents' life. Something was missing, and it wasn’t just her grandmother’s body - although she was determined to find that. She wondered what awaited her in Hanamura, what hidden truths lay dormant within the town's boundaries. Would she finally discover the reasons behind her grandmother's disappearance? Could she find the answers she sought, or would she face even more enigmas?
Curled up in the darkness, Hanako's thoughts danced between anticipation and hesitation. The prospect of returning to Hanamura carried a mixture of hope and apprehension. It meant revisiting the painful memories of her parents' tragic fire and unearthing the secrets that had eluded her for so long.
Hanako's heart fluttered with a blend of determination and uncertainty. What would she discover in Hanamura? Could she unravel the mysteries that had haunted her for years? The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but she felt an inner pull, a driving force urging her to confront her past.
With a resolute mind, Hanako silently resolved to herself that she would embark on this journey. She would return to Hanamura, not with vows or grand declarations, but with a quiet determination to seek the truth. Her purpose was not something new, but a steadfast commitment to uncovering the hidden pieces of her family's history.
As sleep finally claimed her, Hanako's dreams intertwined with visions of Hanamura. The town beckoned to her, holding the keys to unlock the mysteries of her family's history. Under the moon's gentle gaze, Hanako's resolve remained steadfast. The story of her journey continued, drawing her back to Hanamura's embrace. It was a story filled with questions, challenges, and self-discovery, all woven together to create a narrative that would leave an indelible mark on her soul.
400/400 chuunin exam discount + sheer determination + 1 Willpower [turned in]
Last edited by HotelBravo on Sat Jul 22, 2023 12:01 am, edited 2 times in total.