Taking the Next Step

[Diatenshi]

The restaurant exuded a warm and welcoming ambiance. Dim lanterns cast a soft glow over wooden tables adorned with small plates and traditional sake sets. The air was filled with the sizzle of skewers on the grill and the clinking of glasses, as its patrons celebrated the completion of the most recent Chuunin Exam. A gentle hum of chatter merged with the melodies of traditional instruments, creating an atmosphere where the rich aroma of grilled delicacies mingled with the laughter and cheers of the villagers.

Senju Masaru's orange eyes sparkled with pride and excitement as he downed another toast. Laughter and applause resonated through the air, echoing the collective joy of Masaru's achievement. He had successfully passed his exam and was celebrating with his fellow shinobi; the familial celebration having been held earlier in the day over breakfast. Now he was enjoying drinks and food with his friends and coworkers. Today was his last day of resting before being assigned a new team and donning his new responsibilities.

Even Iburo the arrogant fire spirit residing within him seemed to be sharing the joy of his success. Its words less harsh and cutting than usual though more proud and haughty than ever as he clearly claimed a portion of the success for himself. Masaru's only concern was how bad was his head going to hurt the next day after all the toasting.

[Izanagi]

With war on the horizon, it was difficult for Takeshi to find himself in a celebratory mood. Nonetheless, he had heard quite a commotion from a passing group of shinobi. The Chunin exams had recently concluded, and it seemed many Genin and fresh Chunin were gathering to support those who had been promoted. It was also the perfect opportunity to scout for new prospects for the ROOT training program.

Wearing a haori of lavender hue atop a grey undershirt and black pants, the athletic Hyuuga entered the restaurant. He wore his dark brown hair in a ponytail, the sides shaved short. Across his forehead was the markings of the branch family, but his milky white eyes showed no sign of shame or timidness. He scanned his surroundings, quickly assessing the various shinobi throughout the restaurant. Moving with swiftness and grace he carried himself with quiet confidence and soon found himself drawn toward the Senju with orange eyes. An oddity certainly, and someone that he recognized through word of mouth. ‘That’s right. Senju Masaru. Yozei’s former teammate’ he recalled. He had heard of the man, but had never crossed paths with him until now.

It seemed surprising that he had only now become a Chunin, but he supposed his brother and himself were considered prodigies by many, though such was expected of children of the 17th Hokage. Approaching, Takeshi dipped his head. “Congratulations. Masaru, right? I’m Takeshi. Let me buy you a drink. I heard you fought well” he said with a warm smile before waving over a server and ordering a small bottle of chilled sake and two cups. Naturally, he would pour the sake for his elder first when it arrived.

[Diatenshi]

Masaru put down an empty glass and turned to yet another well wisher. In his slightly drunken haze the figure standing there isnt the one he sees. For a moment he swears he sees his one of best friends and former teammates. He rushes to give the man a hug but stops when he hears the young man's name. Takeshi... The familial resemblance between the brothers is striking but sobering. His friend hadn't been seen since the war. "Thank you. The drink is much appreciated... Takeshi... Yozei's brother I'm assuming?"

His mind flashed back as they walked towards the bar together his mind traveling into the past. A scene of fire and blood down by shrimp continent as he and Yozei work together torching the lands. His eyes refocus on the present as his foot hits the bar. He focuses his chakra to sober up and looks at the man beside him. "Your brother advanced leaps and bounds leaving me in the dust haha. Though power and strength was never what held me back." He picked up the fresh drink from the bar and clicked it with Takeshi before downing the whole drink, his body warming up radiating a bit of heat as his emotions become a tad unbalanced.

Oi rein it in unless you want to turn the celebration into a funeral. You're losing control of the fire within. Iburu's voice echoing in his mind would allow him to cool off as he reigned in his emotions, the heat radiating off of him dispersing back down to a comfortable level. A smile once more graced the young senju's face as he clapped Takeshi on the shoulder and nodded in appreciation.

[hobnob]

The village was busy. Like always, the Chuunin exams brought in crowds from across the nation, and other nations. The crowd was unbearable. Noeru walked through the streets of the village wearing a dark cloak with the hood over his head. It reach down to just above his eyes. And his face was covered with a mask. It's been a few weeks since his return and he was just about getting back to his normal self. The change of appearance was helping but what he really needed was to begin living his life again. And this is what he was trying to do. An important event such as the Chuunin exam meant that his comrades would be out in force, whether on duty, or just out and about enjoying the atmosphere.

The Senju made a turn into a street known for its restaurants, and as he walked he would keep an eye out for anyone he knew from before the event. He must have walked past at least four restaurants before he managed to pick out someone he recognised in the crowd. It was his cousin Masaru, who seemed to be celebrating. And he was sat with an individual he recognised the look of, 'No way... Takeshi?' The Senju thought before taking a few steps towards the restaurant, eventually having to make his way through the busy crowd to get to the pair. Noeru approached the Hyuuga from the back, testing him a little to see if he had not lost his edge. All he would do was place his hand on Takeshi shoulder, "Takeshi... Masaru... It's been a while." Noeru said and waited for a response, although he knew the two may not recognise him.

[Izanagi]

Takeshi smiled softly as Masaru recognized the family resemblance, few did at fist glance. While Yozei and Takeshi each shared a similar facial structure to their father, the difference in hair and eye colour tended to set them apart. It was rare for strangers to see him as more than just another Hyuuga and a member of the lesser branch family at that, as evident by the seal across his forehead. “Yeah, that’s right” he said softly, squinting his pale eyes slightly as he endured the mixture of pride and sorrow upon hearing his brother’s name. It was some small comfort that it seemed Yozei had spoken of him, and surely his sisters, both his twin Natsuki Kaori and their eldest adopted sister, Hyuuga Hanako.

He recognized the pain in Masaru’s eyes as well, noting the unique orange colouration that set him apart from any other Senju. Yozei had told he and Kaori stories of Vanguard squad; their team leader Zakuro as well as Nikuya and Masaru. They were Konoha’s torch and burn unit, hitting bandit encampments, slavers and drug rings hard in all out assaults of Katon and relentless taijutsu. They were not known for subtlety but they got the job done and struck fear into their enemies, always leaving their mark. However, Yozei had never glorified murder and seemed haunted by burning his enemies to death, still he had believed in the Will of Fire as strongly as their father and had brought pride to their household. However, Yozei had never talked about the war, his involvement at Lava Island or Dragon’s Touch in Shrimp continent, the latter in combination with Dragon Country that he went on to rule as a Prince. Before he had sacrificed everything fighting to defend Wind country against Iwagakure.

Takeshi walked with Masaru to the bar and ordered the bottle of sake, pouring them each a drink. Only after Masaru drank would Takeshi join him. He wasn’t much of one for alcohol, getting drunk for the first time only a few months ago during the Iron Banner festival. His thoughts turned to Noeru briefly, the commander still wouldn’t let him see his friend since he had been rescued from imprisonment by rogue shinobi A flash of anger crossed his face, nose flaring and eyes narrowing as he poured himself a second drink. “Not the best sake” he commented, playing it off as dealing with strong liquor. He nodded, his slight smile returning as he thought of Yozei’s talent. There was a familiar pang of jealously, he had always been in his brothers shadow and though he would never admit it, it felt good to finally be getting more attention and advancing in rank. He felt above most of his peers now, not nearly as often compared to his father and brother. “He was incredible. I remember watching him hold his own against the Kazekage when he was only 16 and a fresh Chunin. When it came to Katon there was nobody better” he asserted, he recalled how Yozei could control flames as easy as breathing. Takeshi noted how Masaru seemed to emanate heat, he had heard the man was an anomaly among the Senju, the first anyone had heard of who could utilize Katon. Takeshi poured Masaru and himself another shot. “I’ve heard you’re quite skilled with Katon yourself” he considered, curious to how he would match up against the man. A Chunin who was stronger than his rank indicated, it was similar to himself, despite being promoted to Special Jounin a year prior.

Takeshi noted a figure approaching him from behind, he kept a habit of constantly checking reflective surfaces, bottles, mirrors, anything around him to keep an eye on suspicious activity. His father had taught him such observational skills since a young age, making a game of it as far back as he could remember. Even without his Byakguan active, Takeshi was rarely surprised. As the hand reached for his shoulder he pivoted, his Byakugan reflexively activating as he grabbed their wrist and pulled them toward him as his other hand prepared to counter strike with Jyuuken to their exposed ribs and armpit. But he froze the moment he heard the man’s voice and saw his face. “Noeru” he breathed, flooded by joyous relief as he released the man and embraced him tightly. After losing so much, it felt like a miracle to have his best friend and squad mate returned to him. He held him tightly for several long moments, perhaps uncomfortably long, but he needed it. “I’ve missed you” he muttered softly as he released the much frailer man before clasping him firmly on the shoulder and giving him a long hard look over.

The physical and mental strain Noeru had endured was apparent. He had been captive for several months and then held for questioning and ‘rehabilitation’ for over a week within the confines of the Anbu conclave. It hadn’t even been publicly announced yet that he had been recovered, though if he was walking freely now, Fanho was sure to announce the success of his mission any day. Guilt flashed across Takeshi’s face, not for the first time. “I’m sorry, that I wasn’t there with you…they wouldn’t let me come after you, but I would have. You know that” he said with great conviction and deep sorrow. Obeying the command to stand down and not raid Setsuzoku strongholds himself had been the most difficult order he had received. But the Commander had been right. He had been grieving the loss of his father, brother and best friend all in the same day. It had taken weeks to get his head on straight, and even still he doubted he would ever truly get over his losses. Takeshi forced himself to smile, biting down the unspoken question, ‘What happened to Yozei out there?’, instead he gestured to the bottle and called to the bartender to bring another cup before promptly pouring a glass for Noeru. His friend was a year or so older than him, but they had treated one another as equals for several years now, each being promoted to captain and Special Jounin in the same year. “Let’s drink. We have a lot to celebrate” the young man said as he raised his glass and tossed another one back.

1052/350 Endurance Training (3 Stats)