A Day in Nature?

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

The area surrounding Tenkaigakure and much of Hi no Kuni had been blanketed in snow as of recently. This time of year, the weather got chillier, and on some of the colder days it would snow. The past few days had been quite cold which allowed a few inches of snow to build up on the ground. The trees in Hi no Kuni rarely fully shed their leaves, but they did thin this time of year. This allowed more sunlight to come through the forest canopy, and all of the snow that fell onto the trees made its way to the forest floor. Takeo's right hand was in his kimono and his left rested at his side. He woke up earlier this morning to trek south of Tenkaigakure. The chuunin had requested, formally, that both of his comrade's meet him roughly two kilometers south of Tenkaigakure. He had requested that both Itsuki and Akimoto be there no later than noon; moreover, it had become common that Takeo sent his friend's requests via scrolls. The cold air around the chuunin kept his walking pace quite brisk, and he wasn't traveling far at all. Two kilometers south of Tenkaigakure was a small break in forest filled with flowers, but this time of year most of the flowers had died leaving only the dirt. The sun was shining down on Takeo's long dark hair; he used his left hand to brush some hair out of his eyes. Takeo moved through the desolate forest yawning ever so often. He walked for no longer than a half hour before making it to his destination. The break in the forest was piled up with snow that had surprisingly not melted at all from the rising sun. Despite what seemed to be a fairly clear day this dead flower patch had clouds lingering above. A few bucks and does were peering at Takeo from the tree line. The chuunin walked to the center of circular break of trees in the forest. He sat down crossing his legs and pressed his fists together; Takeo began to ease into meditation. Not only did his breathes warm his body but also the chakra he was channeling through his body. Meditation allowed the chuunin to close out all other influences and focus on his chakra control.

Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki

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[Sakuga]

A breeze blows through the forest, wind cracks branches against trunks, leaves rustle along in the distance, and wildlife gallop in-between the lines.  Akimoto leans against a tree.  Snow adorns its branches.  The sun sprays light down unto his pale skin, his blonde hair shines like gold in the bright light.  Then he notices Takeo... meditating.  

"Oi, Oi...  did you invite me out here just to sit around or what..."  Akimoto looked out into the forest.  He could see the leaves moving slightly,  with each breath they seemed to move slightly like he was connected.  Must be my chakra.  This ninja training is practically meditation its so difficult... is there a god? "Hey Takeo... where exactly does chakra come from?"

[LmnDrp]

I FUCKED UP THIS POST SKIP THIS FUCK YOU

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

Takeo didn't break his concentration when Akimoto approached, nor did he open his eyes when replying. "I brought us out here in hopes of having a relaxed day. Life is all too hectic," enunciated the meditating chuunin. "Not to be literal but your source of chakra is the combination of both your physical and mental energy, you know that," articulated Takeo in response to Akimoto's vague question. Takeo then stood up after a moment and began brushing snow off of his head. He had been meditating there for most of the morning so a fair amount had accumulated up. When it fell to the ground it made a cute little snowman. Takeo turned back to face Akimoto and said, "You were timely, but Itsuki, well he should be here any minute." Takeo's eyes traced along Akimoto's golden hair, it used to be so dark, ruminated the chuunin on older times. He couldn't help but smile as he looked up into the sky. The sun felt nice on Takeo's fair skin despite the cold weather. The chuunin continued to speak to Akimoto claiming, "I brought some books with me if you want to get some reading done."

Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki

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[Sakuga]

Akimoto sat down close to Takeo.  He leaned forward, and looked down at Takeo's nimble legs as they rested upon the earth.  He scratched his head, ruffing his golden hair a bit, as he continued to examine his friend.  Takeo's hair has gotten longer than before.  It's been so long, and I still haven't said anything.  Akimoto couldn't help but imagining running his hands through it.  "Hey, you've got a hair on your face." Akimoto said, before pinching it between his gloved fingers and pulling it lazily behind Takeo's ear.  Akimoto's knee brushed up against Takeo's gently, accidentally, intimately.  Akimoto didn't address it and reached over Takeo to get to the books he brought with him.  He dug around in his portmanteau like bag, before finding an old looking manga to pour through.  "This seems interesting."   Akimoto stood up and started to pace around with a hand in his pocket as he started to read the first page.  After awhile he unsheathed his fusion sword and SLAMMED it into the ground to use as a rest.  Akimoto didn't bring his longsword, it actually broke in their fight with Akira all those years ago.  It should still be shoved into the ground near Futo Gorge.

[LmnDrp]

He decided to simply take the foot path, rather than running along the trees. Though, it made time fly, his destination was not a great distance away from any measure and it did tend to demand for attention and energy than simply running on the ground. After long, he approached the clearing, he could see out yards ahead of him and make out the figures of his friends. They were oddly close, or rather Akimoto was to Takeo, and using his Dojutsu he noticed his heart race and blood pressure increase, what a weird fucking kid he thought to himself as he entered the clearing and greeted his old pals saying simply "yo!"

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

The chuunin was digging his feet into the snow. The opening on his ninja tabi chilled his toes as they sunk into the snow. Akimoto used his glove hand to move some of Takeo's hair out of his face which the chuunin was appreciative of. "Thanks for that," replied the chuunin as he undid his ponytail. The chuunin let his hair down which would hopefully keep him warm. Akimoto grabbed one of Takeo's old manga and began to flip through it. His friend was quite dramatic and slammed his fancy blade into the ground. Takeo's ears rung when Akimoto slammed his fusion blade into the ground. Before Takeo could comment on Akimoto's new seat Itsuki finally showed up. The chuunin looked over at Itsuki and replied, "now that you're here we can get started!" Takeo proceeded to remove a medium sized scroll from his kimono; he opened it and spread it out on the snow. There were three separate seals on the scroll. Takeo used Kuchiyose no Jutsu three times of the three separate seals. From each seal a bento box was summoned. Takeo turned back to face Itsuki and Akimoto, "Alright let's eat," announced the chuunin as he pointed at the bento boxes. "I made you each a somewhat special bento box. Hopefully I've learned what you both like to eat, and hopefully you enjoy my cooking. Your names are on each box, I'm going to eat now if you both would like to as well," continued Takeo as he sat down on the ground. Takeo opened his bento box which had: grilled unagi, pickled beansprouts, tamagoyaki, and sushimeshi rice. Each bento box Takeo made would have a grilled meat, a pickled vegetable, and tamagoyaki with sushimeshi rice.

Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki

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[Sakuga]

Akimoto took his lunch from his friend and opened it.  Inside, large squiers of Ikayaki were tightly packed inside.  With a stick of squid in each hand Akimoto started to happily eat his food.  Taking one bite from one squid and another from a different one, Akimoto started to stuff himself.  He often ate quickly which was a habit he could never seem to kick.  As he continued to eat he noticed a layer of curry and rice on the bottom.  Oh this is perfect.  With one hand he ate, while with the other he flipped through the manga.

Sweet gingery squids slid down Akimoto's throat pleasantly as he finished eating.  The meal was preferable, and lifted Akimoto's spirits. 

"So... what exactly are your guys goals with the village?  I'm only here because my family is.  This place isn't really my home, despite living here most of my life I don't feel like I fit in with the others."  He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees before setting aside the bento box and manga.  "Takeo, you're exceptional, you'll probably be the Hokage one day, especially with Kyubi inside of you.  You'll at least be a big deal here.  Itsuki, you're awfully unique compared to most ninja, your combination of kekkei-genkai is killer, just with the saibogan you're almost unbeatable for any average guy, I'm sure you'll be right by Takeo's side."  What about me?  Akimoto struggled to see a future that included Tenkaigakure.  "I feel like my loyalty is all I have sometimes.  Loyalty to the village, and of course loyalty to you guys.  I think I need to be loyal to myself."  Akimoto stared at the sky watching the clouds pass over.

[LmnDrp]

Itsuki had arrived to the scene late, and so the others had already started digging into their prepared bento boxes before he had even sat down. He thanked his friend Takeo, wow it's like we're having a little picnic, how haven't we done this before? he thought to himself. Opening up his own prepared lunch revealed to him an assortment of delicacies; yakiniku with karashi, umeboshi, and tamagoyaki with sushimeshi rice. It was an assortment of unique flavors that Itsuki was very keen on, with the central theme being a bitter and tangy zest. He enjoyed himself alongside his close friends and watched as the beautiful plumes of blownout white clouds rolled overhead in the sky as the light of the sun peaked through the canopy past the snow-ridden treetops. As Akimoto asked a thought-provoking question he continued to respond, "man, fuck this village," his mouth was half-full with food as he took a massive gulp and continued, "don't get me wrong this is my origin point and I have love and respect for the people here and the memories I've made. But I'm my own person and my identity isn't tied to this village, I've never been appreciative of the aggressive sense of community in Tenkaigakure. It's insisted upon as if it's necessity. But my way of life is my own and it's not predetermined, I've got biiiiig plans. Way bigger than being the right hand of some stuffy Hokage, no offense, but an office isn't really my style anyway."

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

It was nice to have all of his friend's together in one location, and Takeo was extremely pleased that they seemed to enjoy his hard work in the kitchen. Moments like this warmed the chuunin's heart making all of evil in the world fade away momentarily. Takeo paced himself when eating; this is something he had become accustomed to. Before the disappearance of his parents they had put him in etiquette classes that he abhorred but still affected him today. Akimoto began to unload which caused Takeo to place his bento box and chopsticks down. He wiped his mouth and waited for Itsuki to finish before replying."I'm not that spectacular at all. His name is Kurama, and he is just as much his own person as I am. I will not let Tenkaigakure use me as some sort of tool. People here already look down on me, they can't help but blame Kurama. He may be shrewd and harsh, but I respect him despite all the damage he has done. I cannot ignore the wishes of who lies within me. Moreover, I do not feel any sort of obligation towards the Hokage for having Kurama sealed inside of me. He did not choose to get sealed into some brat like me," before the chuunin continued he chuckled slightly and went on with a smile. "I have to work on not being just Takeo, but a person who is intertwined with Kurama and in touch with both of our chakra. The power granted to me is not from the Hokage or Tenkaigakure, it is Kurama's power," finished Takeo with an exhale. The chuunin had never really felt accepted, and he was glad to have a close knit group of people who felt similarily.

Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki

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[Pain]

Masayume wanted to see her friends again after being away for so long, after the loss at the tournament. She was devastated. She knew that she was weak, and she had to get stronger. During that time of pain she grew close with the Hokage, Tenkei Naien, and began her training. After two long years of training she feels different, stronger, driven, and above all ready to do one thing, become Hokage. Scanning a particularly snowy part of Tenkaigakure's surrounding forest with her byakugan she finds three people, two of which she instantly recognizes being Takeo and Itsuki, the third she is unsure. Arriving at the scene of the three eating lunch and having conversation, she approached and announces herself to them. "Hello boys, it's been a while!" She jumps in to hug Takeo and Itsuki, before turning to the third with a questioned look. "And who may you be?" She says putting her hands on her hips.

[Sakuga]

Akimoto skulked, still leaning against his sword.  "I never thought I would hear you open up like that Takeo.  Behind all those outer layers of excellence you suffer just like the rest of us aye.  Snake, I know damn well he'll be Hokage one day, he's not leaving this village anytime soon, and he's definitely the most powerful ninja I've ever seen.  "Personally, I'm not sure if I hate this place Itsuki..."  Akimoto looked at the trees flowing in the wind, he noted the weed that sat in a grinder in his pocket, and he started to remember all of the good times he's had here." 

"I hate how..."  Akimoto noticed the girl who a girl with Byakugan entered the clearing and introduced herself by hugging Akimoto's friends she asked who Akimoto was.

"Horiuchi Akimoto."  Akimoto stood up straight and placed a hand on his sword.  "Oh?  and whom are you?" 

[LmnDrp]

Itsuki's smile did a complete 180 as Akimoto spoke, "behind what outer layers, fanboy? Takeo isn't anything special, he's just a hardworker. Training will make you a better ninja, not kissing ass." Itsuki's annoyance was curbed slightly by the sudden appearance of an old familiar face. "Yume! What the fuck is up!!" he exclaimed with excitment. Seeing a close friend after about 2 years had Itsuki feeling extremely energetic, which resulted in him lifting her off the ground as they hugged and proceeding to do a backflip before continuing conversation. "Wow, yeah! Talk about a while, the last time Takeo and I saw you, we were all still 16! Yume, Akimoto. Akimoto, Yume. He was your replacement instated by the Hokage after your sabbatical. You guys have probably met before, you just don't remember, you've been training around each other for years. What exactly have you been up to for the past two years, Yume?"

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

The chuunin was somewhat stunned by Akimoto's response to what he said, but Takeo was even more shocked by what Itsuki said. He could not help but blush at his rival's recognition of his hard work. Takeo often tried his best, and sometimes he tried too hard. With his relentless attrition, Takeo was not used to praise. He was not getting it twisted either; Itsuki was not praising him. The chuunin simply felt happy to be labeled a 'hard worker' which he thoroughly overthought. Takeo was met with more surprise when Yume appeared from the barren forest; he could not help but blush yet again. His body moved on its own and stood up receiving her hug alongside Itsuki. His right arm wrapped around the girl for a moment as they embraced. Upon separating Itsuki introduced Yume to Akimoto while Takeo stood there somewhat awkwardly. "We've encountered a lot of danger since our last time together. It hasn't been easy without you Yume," added Takeo with a gentle smile. The chuunin felt a warmth like no other that reminded him of what family felt like.

Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki

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[Pain]

Masayume was filled with many emotions of joy to see her old friends again, noting the caution from Akimoto with his hand on the hilt of his blade, "Don't worry I only come with good intentions, Tenkei has mentioned your name now that I have heard it, nice to meet you. Yume said putting her hand out for a friendly handshake before turning back to her old time friends. Yes I have heard of your dangers, but I was too weak to a useful unit of the team. After th tournament I knew I had to grow stronger. So I trained, and found a master to train me harder. She smiles at the two wide with admiration in her eyes. I have found my new goal, and I'm ready to join back the team! I know now that I can be a true asset. Yume was very delighted about the reunion.