Things unsaid [Part 1] Open

[Kakuzupron]

There had been nothing that Mibuse could do about chilling winter breeze that brushed every so often against his clothing, clinging to his skin and bones as if to be a consistent reminder that comfort was something afforded only to those who could endure. Just as well - the three inkling Genin who were noticeably out of breath and covered in minor bumps and bruises seemed to be having a far rougher time of braving the weather. Mibuse imagined that the snow ought to have soothed their pain and brought about a measure of welcomed relief to the ache but...


"Darn it all! One of them blurted.

"H-he's just too strong..." said another.

"At this rate, we'll never be able to get a bell! We should just give up!" All three seemed to agree and this angered Mibuse.

"Quit complaining!" The Jounin began. "You all knew what you were up against when you agreed to become ninja. Giving up after all that you've done..." He stepped forward, holding a set of bells in one hand while combing through raven black silk hair with another. "That's just inexcusable. You all have failed this test and because I cannot honorably vouch for your ability to perform at the level required of a ranked Genin, you will all..."

The three looked on.

"We will all?"

"You will all be sent back to the Academy." Mibuse's words were resolute. Final. As the group cleared the training grounds he turned his back to them only to stare at a single training post where he himself had once been tied. Will there ever be a candidate who possesses the same will power that you had...Hawari, Gato?

For a long while Mifune stood in silence and allowed himself to be immersed in all that is and would be of the grounds. Soon, he would need to write a report but for now it could wait...

---

A few moments later By now the grounds had long cleared of its usual population. At least, all except for Mifune that is. He'd lingered so that he could acclimate himself to freedom and to view what names had been listed on a large memorial stone. It'd have been a lie to say that he knew most of the names engraved but to each of them he paid a sincere respect. Standing before the stone he thought; So many deaths to create ...what? Jail and Prison had hardened Mifune's heart and hastened him to the ways of many naive brave souls. Though his loyalties remained, he could not boast the same spirited chants as some of his other colleagues. In fact, he couldn't boast at all. His reality was one of great shame...

and resentment.
Training field, three years prior
Cling! Cling! Clank!

No matter what Mibuse had attempted he just could not get around Hawari's strong fist style. For each of his attacks she seemed to have a graceful response and far more energy to spend in their next exchange. Though he fought hard and did his best not to give ground, this was a battle that he'd knew he would lose. "You're just as skilled as ever, Hawari-san." Mibuse spoke after catching his breath; he'd noticed all too quickly, that Hawari had seemed barely winded if even at all. "Or perhaps your abilities as a ninja have dulled, Jukeisha." Mibuse couldn't respond. At least, not with words. Instead, he'd lurched forward weaving signs as though they were second nature but this time - he wouldn't get the opportunity to complete his jutsu.

A foot slammed into his chest and sent him back into one of three upright log posts. Stunned, he didn't even notice the swift and silent Hawari wrap his entire body in coil wire. He'd been beated, trapped like a fly within the mouth of a Venus-flytrap."Looks like I win this time around...and, you owe me dinner." Hawari smiled and Mibuse felt an urge to do so but just as quickly found himself back in front of the memorial stone...alone.

---

Present
Mibuse stared at the stone tablet. His eyes fixed upon two names written one above the other:

Byakujin, Hawari - born April 15th - deceased september 12th

Hattori,Gato - Born December 24th - Deceased September 12th

If only, Mibuse thought; if only he could go back in time. If only...