Lighting the Embers

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 4:40 pm

Yoru placed his hands together, dissipating the platform. Drawing two kunai, he struck them gently against one another creating sparks to light the first torch, the two weapons would be too blunt and no use now so he dropped them on the floor with a gentle clang. Retrieving the other torch, he placed it along the next and the next before putting it back.

The room filled with light, he nodded in agreement “Your're right, it smells musky, old… maybe I was worried for nothing but now there’s nothing here.” He shook his head “That makes no sense though, why would anyone put a protective barrier around this place if there was nothing to hide? Search the room see if there is any secret compartments, be careful though.”

His first choice was the bed, ripping off the old sheets there was nothing on the mattress, lifting up the mattress there was nothing there but a solid block of wood and beneath the bed, nothing. He sighed softly, hoping Minako’s search would bear more fruit.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 4:48 pm

Minako sighed as she saw him start tearing apart the bed out of the corner of her eyes. The woman herself started with one of the walls. She ran her hands over it, ignoring the dust and the cobwebs as her fingers searched for a seam or a break in it somewhere. But as she walked along the first wall she simply didn't find anything. As she walked along the second she didn't see anything either but thought she felt a breeze tickle her nose and rather quickly went into a quick succession of three or four sneezes. Not unlike the way a dog sneezes, she sneezed quickly and quietly with a grumbled complaint at the end. She didn't even notice that as she was sneezing a small green mantis scrambled out from a crack in the wall in front of her, only to be quickly snatched up and eaten by Rei before the woman looked down.

When Minako recovered she looked and ran her fingers along the wall until she felt the breeze on her fingertips and found the crack. "Here... eugh." she made a small noise of disgust as the breeze hit her nose again and she got a whiff of some kind of musk all at once. "Yeah, there was something back here." she muttered, feeling around for a moment. Eventually she seemed to push on the right area and a portion of the wall swung towards her to open.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:02 pm

Yoru heard Minako sneeze, from the dust. Though his attention was peaked by it, he moved to the desk to take a good look around it and there was nothing, just some basic writing equipment and some dry old ink that had solidified.

His eye widened beneath his mask as Minkao pushed open the door “Care-“ but it was too late, it was already swung open a mechanism could be heard moving as a wire snapped behind the door, kunai hurtled from inside towards the door that had just opened. Minako and Rei would be in the way, but he hoped they’d both be quick enough to dodge to the side.

Yoru wouldn’t be able to set up a barrier at this short a distance and all he could do was move out of the way for any stray’s that got past.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:09 pm

Getting Rei out of the way was the easy part. Snatching up the mantis for a snack had the dog turning away from the door already and moving out of range. Minako was the one mostly still in the way of the kunai. At the sounds of the machanisms within the woman suddenly dropped and rolled the opposite direction from Rei. She came up on her feet and checked herself over quickly, finding several cuts in her clothing but none on her person before glancing at Yoru to make sure he hadn't been hit either.

Suddenly she was glad he couldn't see the sheepish look on her face behind the mask. She wondered if it'd looked like she'd handled that well, but in truth her reaction alone had been pure instinct. And looking over to see a conspicuous bug leg hanging out of Rei's mouth she realized the dog's had been pure luck, causing the woman to groan. "...I swear Rei, you have weird ass luck." she muttered with an exasperated sigh before looking towards Yoru again.

"You good?"

Jutsu UsedShow

Silat • Rough and Tumble
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Utilizing such an acrobatic and agile style does not come without mistakes. Luckily for Minako, she has already made and learned from those mistakes, and thus her ability to properly tuck, roll, dive, slide and flip are all more than adequate for her to utilize the acrobatic strikes and movements of the Silat Style.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:00 pm

Yoru sighed with relief as Minako moved out of the way of the kunai, though that now meant some were heading in his direction. He moved with such speed and precision that it barely mattered, he was nothing but a blur as the kunai clinked off the stone behind him and dropped to the floor with loud clangs.

“I said be careful Minako.” His voice strong and firm, clearly annoyed but more with worry than real aggression “I can’t lose you to stray kunai.” He said softly as he moved towards the opening, carefully slowly stepping through.

The room was lit enough that they’d be able to see “Tread with care.” Though Yoru suspected someone as intelligent as Yaku didn’t really expect the Kunai to do anything, but more of a way to deter trespassers who stumbled into the area by mistake.

The room didn’t seem to have any more primitive booby traps at least, it was filled with scrolls and just other that seemed of no worth. Yet there was a box, small, red with a gold trim and it was clear there was a fuuin sealing it shut.

“Yaku is long gone that’s for sure, but maybe he’s left some treasures behind.”

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:13 pm

Minako sighed. "Yes, Sir." She didn't feel good about his comment or his annoyance. But she couldn't say she didn't deserve it. If she was going to open a door she should have stood clear and made sure everyone else was clear as well. Even if she hadn't expected it to open at simple pressure, she should have been ready for it to. She let him lead the way again, only entering the doorway after he did and keeping behind him with Rei behind her as she went. She nodded at his warning and kept an eye out for any other traps as they moved along.

Most of the scrolls they saw as they came into the room seemed dusty and plain, though Minako paused by a stack to start slowly taking a look through them. She didn't touch them, only started looking at first to make sure disturbing the pile wouldn't unleash something. Though when she saw the red box she had to resist the urge to go straight for it. "Never know where even a smart criminal may have left a hidden secret worth rediscovering." she remarked simply as she finally picked up a couple of scrolls she deemed safe to look at.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:23 pm

“This one seems the most interesting.” Ironic, the man had no idea what was in the box, but it was everything he’d searched for both his village and at one point for personal greed. He placed the box on the ground placing one hand over it and weaved a set of hand seals with one hand.

The fuuin on the box began to glow a light teal colour, slowly retracting into itself as though Yoru was erasing it manually, a skill not many shinobi had. It seemed going well, perhaps too well. Suddenly the fuuin began writing itself again at an uncontrollable rate and up his arm, his shoulder and onto his neck.

Yoru began to spasm, and his neck jolted back he teeth clenched so hard together he was afraid he was going to shatter them. Grunting he tried to pull his arm free, but he couldn’t it was as though all of his physical strength was leaving him.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:29 pm

Minako stopped what she was doing for a moment as she saw Yoru himself go for the red box she had purposely been avoiding. She set the scrolls she had been looking at aside to watch him as he started working with the fuuinjutsu. She had never worked with fuuin, and never really watched anyone work with it before either. Everything she ever did was Taijutsu related in some way, but as she watched the fuuin glow she couldn't help but be fascinated by what was happening. It didn't occur to her that it was going too easily either, if only for her own lack of experience. But as the fuuin started rewriting itself and started up Yoru's arm the woman swore under her breath.

She moved to his side and knelt beside him, but didn't dare touch him. She had no idea what she could do to help, or if there was anything she could do. Though as Rei tried to rush over as well she did make a single hand motion at the dog to keep her back. "If I can do something just tell me." Minako said simply. She knew nothing, for all she knew, even touching him could make it worse.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:42 pm

His arm continued to shake uncontrollably, he was struggling to breath underneath his mask he felt the veins his neck almost ripping from his flesh, his chest heaved up and down “My mask…” he manged to mumble out through his teeth. If she managed to yank it off his face, she’d see his face was almost purple in colour.

He focused what chakra he could muster, pushing back the fuuin from his skin back down the box it flung from his hand and across the air slamming into the wall. He gasped loudly as he dropped onto the floor, his head slamming against the hard cold ground below.

His breath was fast and short, sounding raspy with every breath.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:47 pm

In most cases being told to remove someone's mask, someone from ANBU, would cause Minako to hesitate. But her Commander's, in this situation? She'd take it more as a command in a life or death situation and move to take it off as quickly as she could manage. Everything she saw worried her to her core. She didn't know Iijutsu either, a concern that rose in her mind the moment he dropped back. She'd try to grab him then, to keep his head from slamming into the ground but she wasn't sure if she'd succeed. Regardless she'd quickly pull his head onto her lap as she looked down at him, even running a hand over his hair as she glanced towards the box periodically.

"Talk to me." she told him quietly. "What just happened? If I need to carry you out of here I can sure as hell try... though you look like you might be a heavy bastard."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:56 pm

He winced as his head rested upon her lap, looking up at the ceiling barely able to see anything nor could he respond to her questions. He could barely move his arms clear his strength had been drained. But to what end? The fuuin could of exploded, created a shock but to physically drain someone, to what purpose?

It soon became clear, as a figure wearing a black cloak and a white mask stepped from where the box had landed.

Fushinkou, Yaku.

Or at least an image of him, powered by Yoru’s own strength stood glaring at the pair of Anbu, catching sight of him Yoru whimpered like a small boy “Run, Minako please.” His gasped quietly.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:08 pm

How quiet he lay just worried her all the more. One hand on his head, the other moved to touch his cheek gently and even check his pulse and breathing. She wasn't sure why he wasn't talking. She was so focused on him that she didn't even see the figure rise from the box. But Yoru's whimper made her blood run cold, paired with his words that worried her more than anything. "Yoru, wha-." As she looked up she finally saw the figure. She was young enough she hadn't been there the day the village had been invaded by Yaku, but she had heard enough about him to know this was the man. She swallowed hard as she slid out from under Yoru's head slowly and gently laid his head down again on the ground. "Like hell." she muttered, making a single motion over to Yoru.

Rei understood perfectly it seemed, rushing over to Yoru's side and even standing over the Bannin as if guarding him as Minako drew her bow and nocked an arrow. She wanted to draw her kerambit, to move in closer and make the figure bleed. But as angry as she was in the moment, even she had a feeling that was immediate suicide. She'd fire off three arrows in quick succession, but was ready to move to her knives quickly, knowing the figure before her would be able to close the gap fast. This distance wasn't likely to be maintained for long, she simply was determined to keep from leaving Yoru to his death without some kind of aid.

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Flawless Aim Style • Dead Angle Targeting]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After much training and study, the practitioner has learned how to use projectiles at close range, even point-blank range, with the same Strength as attacks against more distant targets. This Discipline allows the practitioner to use Flawless Aim techniques against melee-range targets without excessive exposure to counterattack and without losing Speed, Strength, or accuracy.

*[Flawless Aim Style • Rapid Reload]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training, the practitioner has learned how to quickly and accurately access their ranged weapon stores at all times in combat. This cuts the effective "reload" time by half, up to a maximum speed equal to the practitioner's Speed score. This also applies to returning unused projectiles to their storage containers or switching between types of projectile weaponry.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Wed Sep 29, 2021 5:47 pm

Yoru grimaced as Minako stood to fight “RUN!” he managed to squeeze even through his fatigued state grabbing desperately at her leg trying to pull her way, but he had no physical strength there was little he could do.

The arrows soared through the air with tremendous speed, ripping through Yaku or at least the image of Yaku and came out the other end, leaving three holes in his body. But it was though it didn’t matter, the holes glowed a teal colour and inside there was simple kanji written inside.

It made sense now, the Fuuin wasn’t actually Yaku but just an image of him powered by whoever the fuuin attached to itself, his next target was Minako. Yaku pulled his arm upwards it stretched out glowing teal and marked with fuuin hurtling towards Minako, attempting to grasp her, lifting her up by her neck from the ground and slowly drain her chakra.

If this happened, Yoru would squirm on the floor in desperation trying to get himself up.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 12:10 pm

Minako's eyes went wide as she watched her arrows go through Yaku as if he wasn't even there. She lowered her bow slowly as she stared at him, noticing the kanji inside of his form and hardly aware of Yoru telling her to run again as she tried to understand what was going on. Nearly everything she knew was taijutsu and physical attacks did absolutely nothing to him. Even as the hand reached out and snatched her by the neck, she realized already she was completely helpless. She could hear Rei barking and snarling, and knew it'd be of no avail.

She tried to pull out of the grasp of the thing, but couldn't pull away. Yet the most heartbreaking part for her as she felt her own stength being sapped away was seeing Rei rush in and trying to bite at Yaku only for her jaws to go straight through the form. Minako put a hand out to her side, making a couple of motions as she tried to tell Rei to go, but the dog was as stubborn as the master. As Minako dropped to her knees and tried to pull out of the thing's grasp, Rei pushed up against her as if determined to at least sit with her.

"...damn it, Rei."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 3:44 pm

Yoru continued to squirm on the floor, he’d been drained of almost all of his chakra and had little if anything to give. Rei and Minako were as stubborn as one another and decided not to flee, they could of left right here and now and lived. Yet now the pair would fall to the same fate as Yoru.

All three would die.

The weakened bannin could do nothing but watch as Minako was wrangled around the fuuin shaped as Yaku and slowly had her chakra drained, Rei would soon be next.

He had to do something, he had to save Minako, he couldn’t be beaten by Yaku again he’d already taken so much from him. He felt a warm sensation pour through him, as he was enveloped by sage chakra. His skin turned an even paler shade of white, black liquid poured down his eyes and down his cheeks the white of his eyes turned black and red feathers appeared in his hair.

He gasped loudly as he felt a life of energy pour into him, the Yaku shaped fuuin, too focused on Minako to even notice Yoru as he dragged himself up from the ground, he moved forward as quickly as he could weaving a set of seals, his fingers glowed as he pressed it into the back of Yaku unwriting the fuuin.

The shape of Yaku turned his neck around, unnaturally his hands let Minako drop to the floor as it grabbed around Yoru’s throat trying to choke him and drain his chakra at the same time. He knew he’d have very little time before he’d pass out, but he’d be able to unwrite the fuuin if he just kept going.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:18 pm

Minako grunted and gasped for breath as she felt her strength being sapped away from her, her hands even dropping to her sides as she realized she couldn't even grasp at the hands that held her. She could do nothing and her whole body went slack as she felt herself give up. But out of the corner of her eyes she saw something happening to Yoru. It was almost horrific to see. A black ooze that seemed to pour down his cheeks, the colors of his eye changing and the appearance of strange red feathers. I was strange and horrific all at once.

She watched him move and saw as he was able to interact with the shape of Yaku before her. To her shock, she saw Yaku react and the form seemed to be changing. It let her go and she fell to the floor gasping for air, and Rei immediately set to licking her face in relief. Yet all Minako could do was try to push Rei away as her focus was on Yoru and silently wishing she could help him somehow as she tried to fight to hold on to consciousness.

'Useless... how am I this useless...?'

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:52 pm

The fuuin continued to grapple around Yoru’s throat, tightening and tightening constricting his air. His pale face, turned purple as he gasped out trying to desperately take in any air he could. This time he would not be taken by surprise, he understood the complexity of the fuuin and was able to un do it.

Yaku glowed a teal in colour as writing appeared across his entire body, slowly fading away. The hand slipped away from Yoru’s neck, Yoru continued undoing the fuuin watching the image of Yaku slowly fade away.

It was over, finally over.

Dropping to his knee’s his chest heaved in and out, his hart almost pounding against his rib caged. He looked over Aiya, he was concerned and angry with her all at once, she’d ignored his orders and risked her life. But if she hadn’t, he’d likely be dead. He owed her his life and a scalding.

His hand moved out to Rei stroking her gently on the head to say everything would be ok, he needed to get them out of here fast.

But something came over him, the box he had touched at the start it had to contain something important why else would such a powerful fuuin be protecting it. Curiosity got the best of him and he dragged his fatigued body to the box throwing it open, not caring for the outside.

There was a scroll that looked so old, so ancient that it would break if it was touched. There across it was a very familiar symbol. The symbol of the Hyuuga clan. Yoru gasped and without a moment of hesitation, tears poured from his eyes though one of the eyes wasn’t truly his as his eyepatch became damp.

He couldn’t believe it, finally everything that had haunted him was in his hands, all of his desires we’re there as well. The secrets of the Hyuuga clan we’re all his and something menacing, an evil thought came over him. He could leave Minako here, alone and let her die. No one would be any wiser, he could emigrate to another country, perhaps Iron? Anywhere it didn’t matter.

But the thought was on a glancing though, a foolish one. He picked the box up and placed the scroll inside, he’d already taken so much from the Hyuuga clan he couldn’t take anymore and he certainly couldn’t leave Minako and Rei here to die.

He whistled Rei over, placed the box in his pouch and placed his hand both on Rei and Minako “You’ll be ok.” He whispered softly, as he dragged his fingers across a bracelet around his wrist. The trio would warp through space, teleporting into Yoru’s childhood home, more specifically his wardrobe. Which was far too small for all three of them as they fell out through the doors with a loud bang.

“NOBU!” Yoru screamed at the top of his voice, though the loud bang was probably loud enough to alert anyone in the house.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:56 pm

Minako tried to stand and failed, Rei pushing at her again and the woman realized what her companion was trying to get her to do. In spite of her dog's size, Minako rarely used Rei in such a way. Rei was a proud beast but to be used in such a way was humiliating for her, but in this moment she realized Rei was offering. Eventually Minako relented and buried her hands in Rei's fur as the dog crouched down. With everything she had left in her, Minako pulled herself up and onto Rei's back to ride her. She couldn't sit up straight, but she could almost lay on her and hold onto her thick fur to stay up as Rei carried her.

As Yoru whistled, so Rei came, carrying Minako. He spoke to them both and Minako tried to nod, putting a hand over his and tried to give it a light squeeze in reassurance. Keeping her eyes open was a fight she was quickly losing and she wasn't sure what would happen when her eyes finally closed. She had never felt so exhausted in all her life.

The sudden change in scenery was a shock, as was the sudden fall. Rei and Minako both seemed to yelp as they tumbled across the floor and she heard him yell a name. There seemed to be light, but that was all Minako was aware of as she stretched a hand out towards the sound. She coughed behind her mask and tasted blood briefly, shaking her head. "Minaru... Minaru where are you..." Seeming delirious, she called out for her dead twin.

Nearby she could hear Rei's whine as darkness hemmed into her vision.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:18 pm

Yoru struggled to keep himself up under his own weight, not able to get up from the floor. Nobu came hurtling up the stairs, wearing just a pair of black trousers and a grey top obviously off duty and bounded into Yoru’s room.

He paused for a moment, and simply said “Minako, Yoru?” the formality and guise of Anbu was instantly disregarded, Yoru wasn’t even wearing his mask and had left it behind in Yaku’s hideout. Something he should retrieve at some point. He’d send a message to the driver and the jounin guard to retrieve it. Though that was something he’d need to deal with later.

Dragging himself up and across the floor of his childhood bedroom and leaning against the bed resting his head on the back with it “Minako.” He gestured to Nobu, who got to work straight away. Yoru whistled Rei to him, to get her out of the way so Nobu could work.

Nobu picked her up and placed her onto Yoru’s bed, slipping off her mask and wiped away the blood and inspected her, after a few moments he nodded “Apart from the marks on her neck, and some slight internal bleed which I’ll get fixed up she just needs to rest, the same for you, Yoru.” His hands glowed a distinct teal colour, moving them up and down Minako’s body in the wounded areas to repair them to the best of his ability. There was very little that could be done for depleted chakra but rest.

“Minako, stop fighting the fatigue.” Nobu whispered softly, the usually cold special Jounin sounded much kinder and softer in his tone than usual, but he had an impeccable bed side manner “Sleep.” He said, moving away from Minako.

Assuming she did, the Aizawa brothers would leave her alone with Rei. Nobu moved over and hoisted Yoru up and out of the room. If Minako did fall asleep, once she woke she’d find a pair of clothes at the foot of the bed, obviously a size or two too big and a little out of fashion, Yoru’s mothers. There would be a glass of orange juice, some fruit and a ham sandwich. There was also a piece of meat on the floor that Rei would presumably dig into without hesitation.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:51 pm

As Yoru whistled Rei over, the dog would comply with her tail between her legs. She sat beside him and seemed to nuzzle up against him with a worried whine, worried both for him and for her partner, especially for her partner. When Minako was moved she stayed next to Yoru but put her head on the bed, bright eyes fixed on Minako and Nobu as the other shinobi worked on Minako. Yet again the large black dog whined in a worried tone.

"Useless... I was useless again..." Minako was muttering and whispering as she was carried to the bed, hardly aware of who was around her. Tears slipping down her face even as her mask was removed. Her mind was in another place, and in another time. Her whispers didn't last long, whether she entirely heard Nobu or not she couldn't fight sleep for long and her mind eventually fell into that darkness much like falling into an abyss.

When she finally came to it was from a world of blood and nightmares as was often the case. She had been tumbling down a ravine in her dreams and so came tumbling out of the bed with a loud, "FUCK!" as she hit the floor. Rei, who had long since settled on the bed beside her and tried to lay on her to keep such a tumble from happening was on the floor with her in moments, licking her face to help her wake up and realize what her surroundings really were all the faster. It still took a few moments, but the events of the day soon returned to her and Minako pushed herself to her feet. Her body was sore but she was alive and she looked around.

She wasn't familiar with the home at all, but took a moment to greet Rei properly. She put on the clothes that had clearly been left for her, having a small chuckle at how they fit. She knew her hair would be a mess as well but didn't mind, a mess was her normal state after all seeing as she often slept outdoors if she could. She was glad for the juice and the fruit, though as Rei greedily hate her piece of meat Minako even split the sandwich with her before going in search of Yoru. Nobu's face slowly returned to her memory as well though it was a blurry memory at best given how exhausted and delirious she had been at that point.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 4:43 pm

Once Minako came out of the room, she’d see a slightly plump woman around 5’7 with dark gingerhair tied up in a bun, her eyes we’re identical to Yoru’s but her facial features were not. She was wearing almost identical clothing to Minako though a slightly different trim. “Oh hello.” She said with a smile, though she knew better to get involved in Yoru’s affairs so she didn’t pry “The boys are down stairs in the kitchen eating, I’m sure they are waiting for you.” She pointed towards the stairs “Help yourself to anything.” Enya, Yoru’s mother shuffled off to get on with whatever she was doing.

If Minako made herself down to the kitchen, she wouldn’t find Yoru but his younger brother Nobu, sat at a dining table eating a boiled egg and two slices of toast that had been cut neatly into soldiers and his nose in a book, not having noticed Minako yet.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 5:11 pm

Minako did her best to smile politely when she saw the woman. She didn't recognize her at all and suddenly found herself feeling awkward, and not just for the profanity she'd unleashed when she'd hit the floor. It just hit her she had no idea where she was, or who the woman was. She felt incredibly out of place but that awkwardness tarted to fade as the woman told her where 'the boys' were, and Rei came up behind her to nudge her with a cold nose. "Thank you." Minako managed to say rather awkwardly with an incline of her head in place of a bow. She had never been well known for her manners after all. She was almost grateful as the woman went on to continue what she was doing, and she was left to head down the stairs.

She looked around as she came down the stairs and was surprised she didn't see Yoru anywhere, but paused when se saw Nobu. It took her a moment to recognize him, but as she was about to say something a familiar scent hit her nose. She paused a moment and just then Rei barreled right past her and towards Nobu. The large black dog unceremoniously shoved her nose under one of Nobu's arms and between the man himself and his book causing her nose to suddenly push right up under his chin as the dog took a deep breath and huffed it out, hard.

Minako couldn't help a snort of laughter at this sight. "...she hates it when a scent gets away from her for too long. And she just realized you've been in our house before." she explained as she finished coming down the stairs and took another seat at the table. She didn't bother apologizing for Rei's behavior but instead just chuckled and shook her head. She had a hunch that if Nobu wanted to push the dog away he would and could. "Thank you for your help earlier... my memory is a bit fuzzy but I... think you helped us."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 5:35 pm

Nobu continued to read the book, he was reading specifically a chapter on organ transplants and even more specifically eyes. His fingers moved towards his plate, grabbing one of the soldiers and dipping it into the heavily salted egg and was just about to put it into his mouth as a black dog, the size of a wolf bounded over forcing him to drop his toast on the floor. He assumed the dog would soon be on it in a matter of moments and he wouldn’t need to clean it up. Looking down back it his book it had plenty of slobber on it, he sighed softly wiping it off and closing it, not wanting anyone to know exactly what he was reading about.

The young special Jounin looked up at Minako as she spoke, he laughed nervously the woman was a few years his senior, but they looked of very similar in age. Nobu was almost identical to Yoru in every single way, even his freckles splattered across his cheeks in exactly the same pattern. Though he was unmarked with scars and wounds, almost a what if? Of Yoru if he hadn’t of lived the life he had. Though there we’re some differences, Nobu’s hair was cropped short and his eyes we’re a bright blue like his fathers. “I unfortunately have to do Yoru’s dirty work, it would be know good if the Commander was caught sneaking around someone else’s house planting letters.”

It was strange the pair we’re in the same organisation and yet they hadn’t being on many missions together, though it wasn’t overly surprising Nobu often just accompanied Yoru, he was after all his assistant “Please take a seat, do you mind if I check you over?” he stood up, rummaging through a cupboard looking for his doctors bag.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Tue Oct 05, 2021 5:44 pm

Minako was grinning as she watched him wipe his book clean and shook her head. She finally made a noise through her teeth at the dog to get Rei to return to her side and watched the large lummox plop down on the ground beside her with a huff and a light whine, causing Minako to roll her eyes at her. "I got the feeling if we'd gotten there much sooner we might've caught you ourselves." she mentioned, shaking her head briefly before pausing and reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose. She realized she still had a slight headache from everything, but all things considered she couldn't help thinking that was mild compared to what could have been.

She sighed and couldn't help making a face as he asked to to take a look at her, but nodded. "Yeah, that's fine." she said, sounding a bit defeated almost as she reached down and pet Rei briefly. She leaned down and whispered in the dog's ear for a moment and Rei got up, moving over to give more space. "Is the Commander alright? Things got pretty bad... afraid I wasn't much help to him back there." she remarked, trying to reign in how worried she actually was about Yoru, and being overly cautious over her own phrasing in the moment. After all, the man had gotten onto her once already about being too familiar with him when they were on the road. She hardly wanted to slip up here, wherever here was.

"Where am I anyway? I'm still pretty fuzzy on what happened in the end there..."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 4:51 pm

Nobu found the black leather bag with all of his equipment, placing it on the table and moved the book out of the way and dragged his own chair in front of Minako’s. Assuming she didn’t mind him touching her, he’d gently press against her neck feeling it was swollen, he pulled out a small light and a wooden stick and said the classic “Say ahh” if she did, he’d flash the light and look inside. After a few moments, he nodded “You’ve got a damaged windpipe, there isn’t much I can do if I’m honest, ice pack it and don’t eat anything solid for a little while, other than that you just need to rest.”

“I can’t lie to you, Yoru isn’t happy he always expects his orders to be followed.” He said somewhat harshly but quickly jumped in “If it wasn’t for you though, Yoru would be dead so just remember that when he tells you off later.” He said with a soft chuckle, the chuckle was almost identical to Yoru’s.

“And you’re at Aizawa ranch, Yoru has anchors here so he can teleport back if he’s ever in danger.” Minako might of heard of the ranch, it wasn’t just a simple farm it was one of the largest food distributors across fire country and now dragons breath "He should be back soon, he just went out to get a message to the coach driver."

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 5:00 pm

Minako couldn't help rolling her eyes as he gave her instruction, though she still followed it and opened her mouth as he had a look at her. She grimaced as he explained to her what was wrong and she simply sighed, her own disinterest in half the food that had been left for her when she woke suddenly explained. Even she hadn't been sure why she hadn't wanted much more than what she'd drank. Though as he went on to talk about Yoru and her not following orders she couldn't help a grimace and looking down at her hands as a blush crept up her cheeks. "My stupid ass thought I could help." she muttered, shaking her head. When he mentioned that Yoru would be dead without her she couldn't help a laugh of her own, which of course went straight into a small cough. "He probably would have done better without me honestly. I was utterly useless against... whatever the hell that was."

She swallowed hard, making a face but nodded again as he explained where she was and how they'd gotten there, as well as where Yoru was. She turned to rest her elbows on the table, glancing down as she realized Rei had moved to rest her head in her lap and the girl simply rest a hand on the dog's head for a moment. "I don't think I've felt that useless since my brother died." she remarked. She frowned a bit, remembering the day for a moment before shrugging. "My brother was always the one who was better at Ninjutsu than I was. Tai has always been my strength. We complemented one another's strengths and weaknesses that way... guess I haven't adjusted my training accordingly since his death yet."

Minako fell into thought for a moment, her hand resting against her side briefly and over the scar that was left from the day her twin died and she almost had before shaking her head. "I guess I should dig through his old scrolls and studies."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 5:28 pm

Nobu paused for a moment, listening to her intently as he sat back down and continued to pick at his breakfast dipping in the small pieces of toast into the egg, though it had started to harden now and it wasn’t quite as good as when the yolk was runny. Well never mind, he thought as he continued to listen.

Once she finished he shook his head “We all of have our own uses, it’s why we’re placed in squads living a life as a shinobi isn’t a solo affair, you may think you we’re useless but you gave Yoru enough time to muster enough chakra to end it.” He shrugged, his words we’re simple but they we’re honest “I know it’s hard to believe, but I know what you’re going through the death of your brother. Though of course mine came back though but we all thought he was dead, the ghost of Konoha returned as a white eyed demon.” He snorted at the nicknames.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 5:57 pm

Minako looked at Nobu for a moment as he tried to empathize with her situation and she found herself having to bite back harsher words. She hadn't even realized her hand was digging into Rei's fur for a moment until the dog whined at her quietly. She released her quickly and looked down as her eyes burned. She avoided looking at Nobu rather pointedly as he had a chuckle at nicknames. "I'd give anything for mine to come back, demon or no." she said quietly. "We tried to drag ourselves back to the village, holding in our own guts as best as we could and a trail of blood behind us. We both thought Rei and Ryu were dead already... our own village left us to bleed out and couldn't keep ourselves in one piece." It took her a moment to realize her throat was burning too, her jaw was set into a hard line before she forced herself to expel a breath, hard.

She could feel that anger rising up again and every time it did, things just got ugly.

Minako suddenly got up and turned away from the table, checking the doors until she found one that would lead her outside for a breath of fresh air. She just suddenly needed to be outside and away before she lost her temper. 'His brother came back... he could never fucking understand...' she thought to herself.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 6:18 pm

Nobu noticed that his words had perhaps not come out quite right and he’d clearly upset her, he paused for a moment and nodded in response “I’m sorry if I upset you, of course I was glad my brother came back but for five years I genuinely thought he was dead, I mourned the same as I imagine anyone would during a situation like that, I was just trying to say… I know how you feel or at least I did know, but I won’t mention it again.” Nobu stood up from the table as Minako did at left her to her own devices, he wouldn’t chase her it was apparent she needed to be alone.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Wed Oct 06, 2021 10:45 pm

It was a dire need to escape. By time Minako found her way outside, she couldn't have told anyone what door or what route got her there. She only really knew that she found herself outside and sat down on the ground with her back against the wall of the house. Even Rei, though she followed her out, didn't touch her. She sprawled on the ground a few feet away, her eyes focused on her partner but still didn't touch her. Ever since her twin's death Minako was like a wild and untamed animal, mentions of her brother's death was like ripping open a raw wound over and over again and it wasn't something she could cope with yet. She simply sat there and stared off at nothing, feeling the breeze across her skin. Tears snaked their way down either side of her face but she said nothing and took a few deep breaths.

Her mind simply wandered over a few good memories, before wandering back onto the bad ones. But it wasn't long before her mind went right back to the mission that had just finished and how poorly she felt she had done on it. Pulling her legs up against herself, her knees against her chest, she simply rest her forehead on them and groaned at herself. "You're fucking useless, Min."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Oct 12, 2021 5:07 pm

“Thank you.” Said Yoru, as he handed a note to the bird keeper who had hundreds of pigeons that sent messages throughout the shinobi world. This note would specifically be given to the driver to tell him to come home and not to wait for them.

Making his way back to the ranch, his hand pushed open the large gate and walked down the pathway into the front door of the ranch house and opened it up stepping into the hallway. Taking off his haori, he hung it up wearing just a simple set of black clothing and his sandals. Heading into the kitchen he saw Nobu looking somewhat concerned “Is Minako still resting?” Yoru asked, with curiosity “No.” Nobu shook his head in response “She stormed out, I think I upset her.”

Yoru chuckled softly “Oh Nobu, well she probably wants to be alone I’m sure she’ll find her way back when she’s ready.” His voice sounded gravely, as he spoke clear that he’d suffered a similar injury to Minako.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 10:59 pm

Eventually the tears came. Minako knew they were coming, it'd be more than silent streaks down her face too. They'd be a torrent, and that was the reason she'd left the house. She hated to cry, hated even more for others to see her cry. She hated the way she felt, the sickness she felt in her gut, in her head, everything she felt surrounding her brother's death. It all felt so wrong, right down to her life. It'd take time for her to get herself under control again, to bury those feelings once more. It wouldn't be until she'd composed herself again, found a place to rinse her face, before she'd finally return to the house and find her way inside again. Her hair was a disheveled mess as always, but not for the crying. That was simply her normal. She eventually walked into the room and saw the brothers, for a moment a pang of jealousy in her gut that she quickly buried within as her eyes settled on Yoru.

She wasn't entirely sure if he was about to get angry at her or not, considering she had disobeyed direct orders in the hideout. She had put herself at risk, in a situation where she had no use except as a meat-shield really. If he hadn't recovered in time, she knew that both her and Rei would be gone. A moment later she felt a cold nose at her fingertips and looked down to see Rei looking up at her with a worried expression. "I'm fine, Rei." she told her quietly before looking at Yoru again. "How're you feeling, Sir?" she asked, for a moment even the formality returning as she tried to now hide the awkwardness she felt at Nobu.

She knew she owed him an apology for what she'd said, for storming out. She just didn't know how to put it to words. Apologies had never been her strong suit.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:24 am

Yoru searched around the kitchen looking for something soft to eat, his throat was too sore for anything firm. Looking over the fruit bowl he picked up a peach that had being picked freshly picked from the orchard.

His long white fingers wrapped around it, taking a bite and ripping through the flesh it was incredibly juicy and just as tasty. He swallowed the mouthful gently, even the soft peach hurt a little. Though Nobu had told him that he’d be fine in a couple of weeks, he just needed to rest. Yoru looked as though he’d had a good whooping, he had general bruises and small cuts across his face and he ached a little when he walked.

Not much he could do but rest, but he had a lot to do.

Aiya walked back into the kitchen, Nobu didn’t say a word or even look at her burying his nose into her book not wanting to cause more offence.

Yoru nodded in response to her question “Yes, I’ll be ok just need to rest and how are you feeling?” asked the Bannin as he continued to eat his peach.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 3:41 pm

Minako frowned visibly as she noticed Nobu seem to hide into his book. It was hard not to notice. He'd hardly spoken to her before and she'd effectively chased him off already. It left her feeling a little ill and even upset with herself but she wasn't sure how to fix it. She tried to bury the feeling, turning her attention to Yoru and nodding as he seemed to assure her that he was alright. "I'm fine." she replied. "Sore, and still a bit tired, but fine." she added, blushing a bit. "And also an idiot and probably waiting for a punishment for disobeying orders I imagine..." she added, her frown deepening as she had a hunch some form of severe punishment was coming.

But still, her gaze went back to Nobu as she tried to force herself past her own stubborn pride. "Nobu, I... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped." she managed, grimacing before quickly looking down as Rei nudged up against her again. Minako buried a hand in the black dog's fur a moment as she thought about things and swallowed hard. "My brother, my twin, is still a sore subject... he died in the war, on my watch, on the village's watch, and I... I had to carry him back." Her jaw tightened for a moment as she took a deep breath for a moment, her gaze hollow as she tried to find the words. "He bled out with me, we both should've died and instead it was just him... its... its hard to think about. I still can't really think about it. I've only been back on duty maybe a month since healing up so... I'm sorry." Some part of her still felt like screaming, another part of her felt like she could still feel her own blood was running down her side like it had that day. Her throat was raw just thinking about it.

And somewhere in the back of her mind she felt like she was listing off excuses rather than apologizing, and yet she knew it was the best she could manage so far.

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 7:03 pm

Yoru chuckled and shrugged “Yes perhaps you should be punished, but I can’t really punish you for saving my life.” Though if he was honest she did disobey his orders, but he imagined Minako was the kind of person to punish herself more than he even could so he likely wouldn’t press the matter.

The young Aizawa brother looked up from his book as Minako spoke, once she finished he nodded in agreement “Yes, you’re right you shouldn’t of snapped.” He said with an irritated tone, leaving his book behind as he dragged himself from the table, leaving Minako and Yoru alone in the kitchen.

There was an awkward silence in the room for a few moments, until Yoru finally broke it “Sorry about him, my death is still a sore subject.” He said as he moved towards the table to look over the book his younger brother was reading, a book on retinal transplants. Yoru pondered why his brother was reading such a book, was it because of what was beneath Yoru’s eyepatch.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 7:36 pm

Every muscle across Minako's shoulders tensed and stiffened at Nobu's response. She didn't even look up to watch him go, just listened to the sound of his retreating footsteps as she found a space of wall to lean against. She crossed her arms under her chest and seemed to ignore Rei, though the dog followed her and sat beside her, leaning beside her as best as she could. Yoru tried to explain his actions and Minako simply nodded at first. "At least he didn't have to carry your body, stuff your guts back into place while stuffing his own back in too, did he?" she said almost harshly. She still didn't look up, but a shine under her eyes made it clear she was still holding back tears.

She took a deep breath to steady herself and shook her head. "Forget it, I fucking tried." she muttered. She closed her eyes briefly and by time they opened she seemed back to her normal self. "I guess Rei and I should get back to Konoha to finish our recovery... and it's time for me to finally pick up her brother and get him back into training. He should be fully recovered by now. I think as ANBU by now his presence will come in handy as well. Rei will accompany me in my day to day, and her brother will come with me on ANBU missions. A mask isn't quite enough to hide an Inuzuka's identity after all."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 8:39 pm

Yoru’s single hazel eye fell upon Minako as she spoke, his nostrils flared with annoyance as he said firmly “Sit down.” It was clear this was an order.

Assuming she did, he’d begin to speak “I won’t tolerate two members of Anbu arguing like children.” He barked “I don’t know what he said to you, but I know Nobu is a good man and whatever he was doing he was trying to help you, fine he didn’t have to stuff my guts back into my body, but he thought I was dead, he grieved me all the same and then when I returned, I brought shame and embarrassment on to my family. You don’t just go to flippantly disregard other people’s emotions because you don’t deem it as worthy as yours.”

It was apparent he was frustrated with both Nobu and Minako “I’ll speak to him as well, he can’t act like that. But Minako you’re a shinobi death is something we sign up for, we’ve all gone through it. I’ve carried home my dead student, there we’re no guts for me stuff back in at all. But we can’t let these deaths dictate our lives, you have to be strong if not it will lead you down the same path I went down and it’s hard to find your way back.”

He hoped she understood why he said what she was saying and didn’t just storm off, but he didn’t know how Minako would act, he was about to continuing when a loud playful barking could be heard as a border collie ran through a dog door on conveniently the door, barking at directly at Rei. Not with an aggressive tone but a playful dog tone.

“Rosie.” Be quiet said Yoru, he was somewhat glad that the family dog had barged in and hopefully diffuse the situation. The dog was drastically smaller than Rei and was just a regular sheep dog and if Rei took offence to the barking poor Rosie wouldn’t last long. The bitch continued to bark, though more softer and quieter than before to appease her master. It was clear now where Yoru had developed his love for dogs, though it was hard for a farmboy not to love animals.

Willoria · Post by **Willoria** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:08 pm

Minako did as she was told, sitting down at the table with Rei moving to sit behind her. Her jaw was set in a hard line as he spoke but she didn't argue with him or dare try to interrupt him. She disagreed with what he was saying, she never felt Nobu's pain was somehow less than hers, but also had no idea how to explain to him what she felt. She simply kept silent. 'I never was any good at explaining anything... that was always Minaru who managed to do that well... I never could.' she thought to herself. As he spoke she simply listened and nodded where appropriate. "Understood, Sir."

She wasn't sure what else to say, and was actually grateful when there was suddenly an interruption and a dog came rushing in. Even Minako couldn't help a grin as Rosie came in and barked at Rei. She turned and watched as Rei looked at this other dog for a moment with ears straight up as if trying to understand why she was being barked at before suddenly dropping down into a playful stance herself.

Minako shook her head and glanced at Yoru for a moment. "Don't worry about Rei and your Rosie. Rei has never been an issue with other dogs, even non-shinobi ones. She loves new playmates."

TheLacarix · Post by **TheLacarix** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:18 pm

It was clear that Minako didn’t really agree with what Yoru was saying, but it didn’t matter she listened and did as she was told. He hoped she’d learn from this moving forward. He actually worried that it may lead her down a dark path, he’d seen many shinobi blame the village for the death of comrades and family members and many more became missing ninja. He hoped the same fate wouldn’t fall upon her.

Rosie and Rei played with each other excitedly, Yoru couldn’t help but smile at the two dogs playing with one another. He whistled at Rosie who stopped mid play and looked up at Yoru as he gestured for her to leave, she whimpered softly licking at Rei before running off “You’re dismissed now Minako, remember get plenty of rest and… thank you yesterday.”