I know

[Takeo]

Takeo had to attend to a few things this particular morning. When his early alarm blared Takeo awoke letting out a large yawn in which he could see his own breath. The chuunin had suddenly became aware of his body temperature and how cold his room was. Peering out his window revealed a gentle snowfall that would surely stick to the ground. As he pulled himself to the edge of his bed the teen reached to the ground to grab something. His hand rummaged around underneath his bed for a moment until he reached his playbook. This small notebook that was carried around by Takeo at almost every waking moment was filled to the brim with notes. He had dedicated many pages to his adversaries and comrades, and it was his prepared nature that occasionally troubled Takeo. Looking down on his book the chuunin reflected in thought, Why is it that I'm so concerned with overcompensating... His hands carefully rifled through the pages until he turned to a list of pages dedicated to 'Idou, Itsuki'. The notes were extensive, and oddly particular. Such as one hastily written saying, "His pride is his greatest source of power!" While Takeo took the cataloging within his playbook of: strategies, other ninja, and jutsu very seriously there was tender care within its pages. As he closed his very personal book Takeo found his pants scattered in his room and pulled them over his legs. The teen made note of getting his very thick socks to keep his feet warm; moreover, Takeo also chose to wear a white turtle neck for warmth. Immediately after this the chuunin exited his room and walked down the lengthy hall outside his room. As he came to the door of his home he reached at the coat rack sitting to the right and lifted up his signature coat.

[Takeo]

Takeo turned around and walked down back his long hallway to a side room past his own. Inside this small room was a multitude of ninja tools employed by the teenager. Within this room was a small bench in which a large amount of chalk sat. Takeo sat down on this very bench and picked up a piece of chalk, and from this moment on Takeo began sealing his daily ninja tools on the inside of his coat;continually, the teen removed his gloves from his coat pocket and sealed his kunai into one hand and shuriken into the other. Takeo couldn't help but intensely stare at one thing throughout his whole ritualistic sealing process. Attached to the wall across from where the teen sat was a special weapon that Takeo had manufactured for himself. A war fan with a chained kama attached at the end was Takeo's Gunbai, and the chuunin couldn't help but stand up. He moved forwards detaching his new weapon from the wall and fastening it to his back. Takeo tied the chain kama around his waist and mounted the war fan on his back. Quickly pulling his coat over his body revealed only the handle of his war fan behind his head. The chuunin quickly ran back to his door and pulled his boots over his feet and immediately busted out his door. 

[Takeo]

The sky was still fairly dark and the dimly lit lights of the Kokuun sector didn't do much for visibility. The winter brought a lot of darkness over Tenkaigakure, but people remained active despite the gloominess. As Takeo sprinted through the Kokuun sector he really only passed elderly people that awoke early and walked for exercise, yet when he neared the city center his eyes widened at all of the people. As soon as he ran through the Kokuun Sector entrance Takeo took a hard right. He ran with intent through the snowy darkness towards a small somewhat hidden shop. As he ran along an outer street of the city center the chuunin took a sharp left down a somewhat sketchy street. This street from the outside really appeared to just be an alleyway, but within sat people who had stalls set up selling stuff. I knew these people would mostly be here. Of course, they wake up early to maximize sales, realized Takeo. While jogging down the alley Takeo stopped at the one exit, which was an even smaller street to the right. This street had what the chuunin was looking for. As he slowed down and walked down the street Takeo headed towards a small stall. This man who stood around 4 feet tall stood at tiny stall, and he called out to Takeo. "Hey you, I thought you'd never come back, but a dog always gets his stick back!" The small man tugged at Takeo's pant leg until the chuunin looked down upon him. "I'm here for what I always want.... just fork it over please," replied Takeo. The man swiftly passed something across his stall table towards Takeo. When the chuunin knelt down to get a clearer view of this minature stall before him sat his typical -pack of cigarettes. It's been too long, Takeo reminded himself. Takeo placed his payment in his fist and dropped it upon the stall table, and as he stood back upwards he picked up what he paid for. 

[Takeo]

The chuunin crept out of the side-street onto a typically busier street, yet this dark dreary morning filled the street with slow moving old people. Takeo trudged forwards as snowflakes began to accumulate upon the top of his head. With a slight shake of his head bits of snow drifted down off of the teen's head down onto the hunched over senile creatures filling the street. Elderly individuals were often littered throughout the Tenkaigakure streets on mornings like these, and despite the snow everyone on this day seemed to keep their attention directed towards their own personal goals. Takeo wasn't finished just yet though as he had to stop by one of his favorite local bookstores. Not only did this shop have a cafe tucked within, but it also carried the nicest journals in town. Takeo had gone through man small journals in his life, and with his expertise in hastily jotting down nonsense he had without a doubt located the best. 

[Takeo]

The chuunin gingerly made his way towards his favorite bookstore, and because there was plenty time before he would arrive. Takeo decided to break into his fresh pack of cigarettes. Takeo removed a single cigarette from the pack that was tucked away within his coat. The chuunin turned down a smaller street which served as connector to a much large street. Takeo lit his cigarette taking initially two reasonable drags from it. His exhales warmed his body and eerily dissipated in the falling snow. This narrow street Takeo strolled through was mostly residential except the occasional cafe. Takeo had become so fond of this street due to its perfect length. The chuunin took a few more drags from his cigarette and slowed his pace. The street Takeo choose to cross over on was the perfect length for finishing a single cigarette. As he neared the end of this street Takeo tossed his cigarette butt over his side. 

[Takeo]

When the chuunin exited the narrow street he traversed to get to this much larger bustling throughway Takeo took a hard left. This street is where the teen's preferred bookstore was located; continually, the street Takeo trekked down was littered with other small and large shops. People ran wildly in this street trying to get what they desperately wanted. Takeo moved to the far right of this street where he only walked for mere moments more. His boots stuck to the ground, and Takeo blankly starred at his 'favorite' bookstore. The entrance to Takeo's destination was covered with yellow tape and above this tape the word 'closed' was painted. The teen's head dropped and his body sunk. Closed? How... I a loyal customer. How- did I not know? Takeo's thoughts made sure to beat him up over such a truly gutting moment for his psyche.  

[Takeo]

The chuunin could hear a deep roaring chuckle from within his head which momentarily concerned him. Takeo then began to notice how Kyuubi often revealed himself at the oddest and most humiliating moments. You being able to constantly read my emotions is rich, it seriously is, remarked Takeo in his own head. The fox paid the boy no mind and receded back to his typical silence. Takeo often wondered what he was feeling or even worse what he was plotting. The chuunin couldn't help but feel as if he had betrayed his own body by allowing something else to live within it. Continually, there was much shame that Takeo had associated with his position as a jinchuriki. Whoever was "granted" the ability to bear this creature had to fight for it, and with sheer determination Takeo won this village tournament. He felt paraded around almost as if the village was exclaiming, "look how strong we are." What Takeo was not prepared for was the publicity of this event, and how quick it would spread what he was... The chuunin was used to being alone and an outcast, but he had never truly experienced such animosity from people he didn't even know. Takeo has always wanted to transcend being just some piece of Tenkaigakure, and to some now he is simply branded as a trophy piece. Others despise what lies within Takeo and can't help but blame the chuunin. Beyond even these people shinobi whom work around the chuunin look down on him for his 'inexperience'. Takeo was still standing slumped over infront of his now closed favorite bookstore. From a young age he had never really been all that emotional even through the death of his parents, but something now was welling up deep inside of him. He slowly walked away from his despair on display in front of him, yet this sadness followed Takeo close as he walked towards a large park. 

[Takeo]

Takeo couldn't help but sink into himself as he walked down the busy street. He hoped no one noticed him at all. The chuunin knew he had to do something with all of his negative emotions, and he understood that he had to face his feelings. Takeo crossed over two streets before turning onto the street where one of the many park entrances sat. The chuunin dragged himself into the park in search of one of the few gardens. It wasn't often that Takeo would come to this park, but he had very intimate experiences he cherished in some of these gardens. Takeo's mind turned on autopilot and he walked down two small paths before reaching a steep staircase alongside a large hill. Takeo slowly made his way up the stairs which led to a quiet zen garden. There were many places to sit alone atop this hill, and right as Takeo arrived he looked around for the perfect spot. The garden atop this hill was not large, but it was very maintained. Takeo walked over to the edge of the hill and sat on a patch of soft grass. He sat with his legs crossed and his back straight. Takeo closed his eyes and began to focus on his breathing. All of the zen gardens within this park were designated quiet zones where people could immerse themselves in their own thoughts. Takeo was still mostly unaware how tangled Kyuubi was with his own being now. Takeo did not see himself as a whole anymore but instead now two separate entities. 

[Takeo]

It was almost immediate, but due to placing himself in such a vulnerable mental space Takeo was filled with rage. Takeo didn't typically experience such powerful anger, but he recognizes that this is Kyuubi within his psyche. Despite trying to focus more on his own breathing Takeo became consumed by an angry red haze. Surrounding the chuunin in his thoughts was a space filled with red haze that limited any of Takeo's vision. He could feel the fox's chakra, but Takeo could not see him at all. Still sitting even in this alternate space Takeo closed his eyes again. He began breathing in and out until the sensation of what felt like dry breath was hitting his face. Opening his eyes once again revealed the large snout of a massive fox breathing in his face. Takeo knew he had to respect Kyuubi and not anger him in any other way. "What does the brat want today? MORE POWER?" resounded the large beast. He then took his hand to his chin and continued, "no you want something more don't you? Either that or you really can't get a hold of yourself. You really do continue to prove how weak you are. Even when I gave you some of my strength to rid this world of that insolent punk you failed... I've seen you kill, but why when I lend you my power you can't do as I wish? It's because you're spineless." Kyuubi was practically reaming Takeo at this point, but Takeo somehow managed to keep his composure. "I understand I made use of your strength in a time of need, but I don't always plan on bargaining with you. Whether you want to face it we're a part of each other... I plan on using your strength in many ways for purposes possibly beyond what you want. I may have not done what you asked, but I remained true to part of myself," softly spoke Takeo. Kyuubi reared back cackling and then retorting, "You think you're somehow a part of me, no no no, I am a part of you."

[Takeo]

The fox wasn't exactly convinced that Takeo had control and power over him, and that was because Takeo in no way had shown that he had power over Kyuubi. The chuunin knew himself that he was gaining more mastery over the beast sealed away in him, but he wanted the fox to take note of it as well. "You think a mere ninja like you could even overpower the one tailed beast? Pfft... I'm exponentially stronger than that wimp, and compared to you he could look like an absolute villain," announced Kyuubi. Despite his animosity Takeo quickly retorted, "I recognize and respect your power, but you still can't see that we share our power now. Me growing in strength increases your own and vise-versa." The fox gave Takeo a truly dumbfounded look and paused before replying. "When are you going to understand that I want nothing to do with you," stated the beast in a harsh tone. Following this Kurama shifted his massive weight and turned away from the chuunin refusing to face him. "You wouldn't have given me an ounce of your strength if that was true," claimed Takeo. The massive beast gave Takeo no response and proceeded to advance into the thick red haze until he was out of the chuunin's sight. Takeo had always been a determined individual, and because of this he stood up and pushed deeper into the haze within his mind. Takeo could hear Kyuubi's footsteps, but he still could not see the creature. "If you really don't think I respect you then lets start with the basics! What is your name? You know mine, but I do not know yours," questioned Takeo. As soon as the chuunin finished speaking the large footsteps ceased and the haze began to shift. The blood red clouds swirled around Takeo and lofted upwards into what seemed to be an endless abyss. Takeo's surroundings became clear and he was somehow underground somewhere. The chuunin new he was deep within his own subconscious, but his mental space was clearly based off of some sort of warped reality. Before Takeo was Kyuubi again, but this time he had revealed where he truly lied within Takeo's body. Before the chuunin was a massive gate with bars in between Kyuubi and himself. It looked as if the fox could probably only fit parts of his large claws through gate while Takeo could easily slip through. Without even questioning the chuunin's motive the fox answered, "Kurama, that is my name." When Kurama gave Takeo his name the chuunin could feel a shift in his headspace, and before is own eyes the gate that held the tailed beast creaked just barely open. The fox gave Takeo a massive grin before completely disappearing again. Takeo then immediately came to, only to be left with a massive headache.

[Takeo]

When the chuunin snapped back to reality the sky had darkened and the snow had let up. Takeo felt a slight pain at his stomach and lifted up his shirt to check it out. The seal that was typically invisible except from when Takeo invoked Kurama’s power was glowing slightly. The chuunin quickly pulled his shirt back down and stood up. The zen garden where Takeo has been sitting was now empty which prompted the chuunin to also leave. Takeo slowly descended the large staircase that he initially walked up, and upon reaching the base of said staircase the chuunin took a different path towards another park exit. He had a strong urge to go home which lead him towards the Kokuun sector of Tenkaigakure. His neighborhood was dark and dimly lit; continually, most people that lived her were already inside leaving the streets fairly empty. When Takeo made it back to his home he only bothered taking his boots off before falling into bed. The chuunin often didn't easily fall asleep, but after his day today Takeo passed out. Like always Takeo would toss and turn in his sleep until he woke up at an ungodly hour. The first time he awoke it was 2:47 a.m., and he woke up again at 4:17 am. Takeo was most often awoken by vivid nightmares which always left him in a hazed state in which he'd pass out. When Takeo woke up for the morning it was 7:00 am on the dot. He woke up realizing that he had slept in all of his clothes and even his coat which he would always hang on the coat rack by his front door. The chuunin took his gloves off to free his sweaty hands from their entrapment, and then proceeded to run to his bathroom. Takeo jumped into his shower after stripping all of his clothing where he left it on his bathroom floor. The shower was warm and cleansing; consequently, Takeo stepped out a renewed person and folded up his clothes taking them back into his room. As he entered his room he noticed his black leather gloves still laying on his bed. The chuunin sat his clothes on a nearby chair in his room and approached his bed. He then reached down to retrieve his gloves which he placed in a nearby drawer with multiple other pairs of leather gloves. Upon returning to his folded clothing Takeo put it all away except his coat. The chuunin then unfolded his classic coat, and he returned it to its designated coat rack. Takeo then went back into his bedroom to put on clothes for the day. He first went to his closet to get a white t-shirt and black briefs. The chuunin pulled on his underwear despite still being wet, and he also put on his breathable t-shirt. Takeo turned around to get a pair of black pants. As he put his pants on Takeo got a pair of tweed socks and put those on as well. After putting his clothes on the chuunin left his room heading towards his storage room; moreover, once he reached this drafty room he approached the only red locker. Inside this lockeroom was the chuunin's Gunbai which consisted of a war fan with an attacked chain-kama. With chalk that sat in his storage room Takeo sealed his Gunbai down the side of his left leg. Lastly, Takeo put his playbook in his pocket and left his home.

[Takeo]

Tenkaigakure and its surrounding area had begun to warm despite the weather the previous day. Takeo was a very warm blooded person in the sense that he was always warm to the touch. Because of this Takeo typically stayed very warm and did not get cold easy. This also implied that on warmer days the chuunin was prone to overheating. Takeo was trailing through the streets of the Kokuun sector; continually, he was also planning on exiting the village from the Kokuun sector. When he closed in on the village wall Takeo scaled a building, and upon reaching the roof he traversed the roof tops. Tenkaigakure's wall was stiff and stalwart, and like a shinobi Takeo easily sprinted up it leaping off. As he flew over the wall Takeo threw his body forwards into a flip. He gently landed in the north part of the forest surrounding Tenkaigakure. The morning air was warm and the chuunin's shower was still keeping him feeling refreshed. Takeo removed his playbook from his pocket while walking aimlessly through the forest. He turned to a page named labled A.

[Takeo]

The page labeled A wasn't very filled with information and the jutsu section was quite empty. All that Takeo had written down there was "basic ninjutsu" and "specialized doton techniques". Underneath the section of "specialized doton techniques"  was Earth Shore Return and Tearing Earth Turning Palm. Takeo was reading over this section to himself, "Creates a vertical wall, but allows openings from: below, the side, and behind." The chuunin paused for a second and scribbled something out before continuing to read. "Causes the ground to collapse inwards. Could be used to easily combo with any Katon or Fuuton jutsu." Takeo continued walking throughout the forest as he began to contemplate to himself. Hmmm... we really need to work on making more use of Akimoto's jutsu, but he also has so little to make use of. Looking over Akimoto's section in his playbook soon became too aggravating, so Takeo flipped a few pages over to section labeled Kuromaku.

[Takeo]

Takeo was reading over his notes on his summon to himself when he realized that personality-wise Kuromaku shared more than a few similarities with Kurama. Hmm... I wonder if Kuromaku could provide me with some insight, wondered the chuunin. Takeo slipped his playbook back into his pocket and stopped walking. He moved his right thumb to his mouth and bit it slightly then placed it on the ground before him using Kuchiyose no Jutsu. There was a large poof of smoke in front of the chuunin and standing before him with a scowl was an ominous raven. Kuromaku asked Takeo a question with his gravely voice, "What do you need from me? I hope you didn't call me away from what I was doing for something trivial." Takeo had spent the months since having Kurama sealed inside of him perplexed about how to unite the two, but he never thought to reach out to an individual that he had a similar relationship with. "Well it isn't specifically combat related or life-threatening, but I wanted your insight. You are much wiser than I, and I figured you could provide me with useful information," softly replied the chuunin. Kuromaku beat his wings while cackling. "Just spit it out already Takeo," roared the raven. "Well, you know I had a tailed beast sealed inside of me. And he is arguably one of the most ravenous. Kyuubi is extremely strong and wise as well, but we have not seen eye-to-eye. I understand why because I don't think I'd be two happy if I was sealed into someone else either...I guess through all this rambling I'm just asking you what you would recommend," replied Takeo. His raven summon groaned slightly before responding and turning his back to the chuunin, "Here hop on." Kuromaku did not enjoy being ridden or being used as some sort of vehicle, so Takeo knew he shouldn't question his summon's request. Takeo climbed up on his large summon and prepared for flight. Kuromaku immediately flapped his wings and flew up above the forest canopy. The two of them were flying above the forests in Hi no Kuni towards the lightning country. "We've actually never been too fond of one another," said Kuromaku. Takeo didn't let his summon finish before he questioned what he was saying, "wait who? You and..... Kurama," The chuunin was surprised that Kuromaku could possibly know Kyuubi. "Yes, him... Now if you'd let me finish I'd tell you what I was going to say," angrily replied the raven. "Of course, sorry, replied Takeo in a soft tone. "As I mentioned previously when you signed your contract with me, I am old! Much older than you and even most humans you know. In my younger days Kurama wasn't sealed in anybody, and he was ravaging the countryside freely. I'm sure you've noticed, but the two of us actually have quite a bit in common. And that is precisely why we don't get along, but regardless think about how you treat me. Think about how we gained each other's trust," stated Kuromaku. Takeo began to ruminate and then replied, "I treated you as an equal; moreover, I showed you that you're more than just my summon. To me, you're not only my friend, but also someone I'd protect with my life. We're a team," answered Takeo. Kuromaku groaned in agreement and continued on, "That's right, and you also proved your strength to me. Furthermore, I knew I could trust my life with you, and I was willing to sign a contract with you. You have to realize that Kurama has a similar situation with you as I do. Except we agreed on a summoning contract when Kurama was unwillingly sealed inside of you. You have to treat him equally and commit to what he wants. Someday you must become a team." Takeo was atop his massive raven, and they soared high above at breakneck speeds.

[Takeo]

There was a silence between the two as they pushed towards the edge of Hi no Kuni. To the north east of the fire country was Kamanari no Kuni. "I'm sure most would find it difficult to sympathize with a creature like Kurama; moreover, I'm sure he wouldn't even want me sympathizing with him. Yet I don't feel any real ill will towards him," finally replied the chuunin. Kuromaku immediately squawked back saying, "Trust me from my position, you're most definitely the monster to him. Not in the sense that you're intimidating in any way, but you've taken away his way of life." Takeo waited a moment before continuing, "I think all of these points are great, but I don't really think much of this would matter to him. I really just have to be stronger than him, and I have to be ready when he tries to exert his power..."