Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Mar 28, 2023 15:35:03 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Mar 28, 2023 15:35:03 GMT 10
A calm, early summer's breeze flows across the rolling grassland, the mid morning light shimmering in the dew collected along blades of grass of untold number. A young man kneels silently, his hands pressed together in silent prayer, his eyes lightly closed. A small statue stands before the young man, undisturbed as it rises from a vast bed of red clovers. The young man kneels at the edge of this pasture, not daring to disturb the statue's crimson bed.
Looming high overhead is the great stone plateau, Akagahara, casting the praying man in its morning shadow. After a few moments longer, the young man claps his hands together lightly two times, lays the hands against his lap, and bows deeply to the statue before carefully rising back to his feet. He straightens his posture, finally opening his eyes and gazing skyward into the great blue expanse. There were few clouds today, he noticed, and though it was still only mid morning, it was pleasantly warm.
Ever since the war had ended, Kuroda Uchiha had made a point to come to this place every mid week to pray for the continued prosperity and safety of the Uchiha Clan. Call him sentimental, but Kuroda felt it necessary to thank the Heavens that his Clan was able to survive the war. Many thousands had perished, and untold more displaced. The Daimyō, Prince Itsuki Madoka, seldom seemed to notice; seemingly too engrossed in the lavishness of the palace in far off Otafuku Gai.
Kuroda blinks slowly, letting the calming breeze wash over him. Wearing a simple, ankle length dark blue robe with sleaves that rested against the backs of his hands over a dark grey shirt; black pants and boots that exposed his toes. Kuroda slips his right arm up through the robe sleeve, and rests it against the interior of his robe, held up by the blue sash holding the robe closed, and letting the now empty sleeve waft in the breeze. The symbol of the Uchiha Clan, a Red and white fan, shows proudly at the center of the robe's back.
Kuroda's dark grey eyes drift across the great, half mile tall natural wonder for another few moments, before he smiles and turns away. The Uchiha Clan village was only a few miles away, and wouldn't take too long to return to even at a leisurely pace.
"Things have been quiet these last few weeks." Kuroda muses as he walks at a steady pace towards the treeline. There was a road fairly close, but none stretched through the forest surrounding Akagahara. He would have to pass through the forest first, and travel another half mile before the road would become visible. "I should be thankful for that. I've been able to try my hand at cooking."
Kuroda smiles to himself - knowing full well that his ability to cook was awful. In time, he'd figure it out.
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Mar 30, 2023 13:21:21 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Mar 30, 2023 13:21:21 GMT 10
HP: 340 | Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Kuroda Uchiha NOTES: First post back -- woohoo! With his feet cemented to the underside of a tree limb, Arata held his hands out in an open gesture. “See?” He offered with an upside-down grin, “It’s not all that difficult. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!” Halting the steady flow of chakra which kept his feet glued to the bottom of the tree limb, he fell through the midmorning air and, with a gentle flip, landed near his young travel companion. Shiro Namikaze, the eight-year-old boy now standing in front of Arata, offered a shy grin and a shrug in return. Arata rustled the child’s blonde hair, “Ah, come on. You won’t have to dangle from limbs just yet. Let’s just work on standing on the trunk. I’ll walk you through it.” With a serious look, Shiro nodded and shifted toward the tree.
Arata frowned. Shiro rarely spoke these days, only a year after his parents had been lost in the battle which had decimated the clan. He had always been a quiet child, but the events of that day had seemingly stolen the little speech he had left. At least, that’s what Arata had thought until just recently. Four days before this one, on a similarly beautiful summer morning, Shiro had confronted him with no shortage of words, asking—begging, even—to be trained as a shinobi. It was a troubling request, but one which Arata thought he understood. He hoped he did, at least.
It was Shiro’s persistence which had dragged the two Namikaze deep into the forests surrounding Akagahara this morning. Leaving the village before dawn, they had already spent a fair amount of time drilling the basics of chakra control as they leapt from tree branch to tree branch. Arata was impressed. Shiro already demonstrated the characteristic speed and agility of their fellow clan members, and he listened attentively to any lesson offered. However, after witnessing a particularly tough fall from a worryingly high branch, Arata had decided to call a halt on the expedition until Shiro could properly use his chakra to cling to such surfaces.
“Okay, so you know how we worked on getting little bursts of chakra? Like when you want to launch off a limb faster?” Blue eyes watched Arata intently as he spoke, moving only slightly as Shiro nodded. “Well, this is kind of like that. You gather up the chakra in your feet and legs, just like before, but here’s the difference: don’t let that all go at once. Instead—”
Arata halted, turning his ear toward a faint rustling sound. Not the wind, no—and too regular for any animal. His body moved quicker than his mind, one arm wrapping around Shiro’s waist as another covered the child’s mouth. Lifting the boy, Arata had launched the two of them up into the canopy before he realized that the sound was the soft rustle of human footsteps. The shinobi set his student down gently, placing a finger over his own lips to command silence. Then, as quick as he had leapt into the canopy, he dropped back down to the forest floor.
If he had heard a stranger’s footsteps, that stranger had likely overheard the sound of Arata’s voice. Hiding would only arouse unwanted suspicion. Reaching into the deep pockets of his cloak, Arata yanked out his favorite book—an anthology of various tales from across the Land of Wind—and opened to a random page. Leaning back against the tree, he took a deep breath and tried to look as if he had been reading for hours.
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Mar 30, 2023 17:42:14 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Mar 30, 2023 17:42:14 GMT 10
As Kuroda had only been walking through the wooded area for a few minutes when the general silence is disturbed by a glad sounding voice. He couldn't immediately make out the words being spoken, but he recognized the tone of instruction as he neared. There had additionally been a rustling sound, though he knew not the exact direction.
Out through the shade of the canopy, Kuroda steps into view of a person he did not recognize. He stops, and looks at the man - taking note of his features. The person had a particular bearing about them; one the leader of the Uchiha Clan knew to look for. A few leaves flutter down from above them, settling softly on the undergrowth between Kuroda and the unknown individual.
Kuroda's eyes are drawn slowly behind the man, and he sees scuff marks on the bark of the tree against which the person leans against. Kuroda took in all these details in the span of a heart beat. This was a shinobi, and unrecognized one, within four miles of the Uchiha village.
"Good morning." Kuroda says in a friendly tone towards the man reading. "It is good to see that I am not the only one out and about at this good mid morning. It has been good weather."
Kuroda's eyes linger on the man, and then slowly slide up the length of the tree before returning to the man.
"My name is Kuroda," he says by way of introduction, but refrains from giving his surname for now. "I can't say I recognize you. Are you travelling through?"
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Mar 31, 2023 13:35:08 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Mar 31, 2023 13:35:08 GMT 10
Arata glanced up as the stranger emerged into the clearing. Jet black eyes seemed to bore a hole through him as they looked him up and down, briefly interrogating him. The man standing a few strides away from him certainly had the look of military discipline. Those were the eyes of a man who took in the world differently—eyes of someone at home on the field of battle. Two leaves drifted down between them, fluttering slightly in the wind. Sit still, Shiro. Arata mentally cursed.
“Ah, you startled me there! I figured this area would be fairly abandoned, but a good morning to you, too.” He grinned, shutting the book and slipping it back in his bag.
“Kuroda, huh?” Arata rolled the name around in his mouth a bit. Was it familiar? A name he should know? He had travelled quite a bit throughout his life and had never once ‘accidentally’ bumped into another shinobi. Where was he coming from? Why was he here?
“Pleased to meet you—my name’s Arata,” he said with a nod. “You’re about right. I’m travelling through, though not necessarily through all of this stuff, specifically.” He gestured toward the more heavily wooded areas around them. “I just stepped off the road to slow down for a bit. I’ve been travelling for a few days, now, making my way back up to Otafuku Gai. Not every moment’s been as pleasant as this morning.”
He stood up straight and knuckled his back. “I’m guessing you’re from around these parts, then, huh?” With a glint in his eye, he added, “Any recommendations for a nice place to stay in another fifteen miles or so?” Walking a few steps away, he bent over and picked up his walking staff, a sturdy piece of wood which had lasted him through plenty of battles and, more importantly, years of roadside travel.
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Apr 1, 2023 1:45:19 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Apr 1, 2023 1:45:19 GMT 10
Kuroda listened to the man, who identified themselves as Arata.
"Apologies if I did indeed surprise you, but yes, I live in the area." Kuroda smiles friendlily at Arata, chuckling at the aspect. "Otafuku Gai is at least another six days on foot. "
Kuroda gives Arata an appraising look.
"The village I live in is only four miles away, following the main road." Kuroda tells Arata in a conversational tone, watching Arata move to pick up his walking staff. "I'll take you there - you can gather provisions to help with your travel to the city. We do have an inn as well, and a couple small, family operated places to eat. You may be able to purchase a horse and wagon, if you do not already have them."
Kuroda starts to walk past Arata, patting the stranger on the shoulder friendlily.
"If you do have a horse already, we have a stable to put it up where it can rest and eat. It won't be expensive." he tells Arata. As he passes Arata, his long hair would be blown lightly aside, revealing the Uchiha crest emblazoned on his back. "You are more than welcome; my village is quite glad to provide hospitality to travelers. And your friend up in the tree is welcome as well."
Smiling to himself and still enjoying the mid morning warmth, Kuroda starts through the woods again, motioning for Arata to follow.
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Apr 1, 2023 3:18:48 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Apr 1, 2023 3:18:48 GMT 10
Arata gave an exasperated huff as Shiro fell to the ground, a rain of leaves drifting in his wake. “I thought I told you to stay quiet.” He spoke while helping the boy to his feet. Shiro, true to character, responded with only a cocked eyebrow and a slight gesture toward Kuroda. The message was as clear as if he had spoken it: Really? We all knew I was up there. “Yeah, yeah, fine. Come on, then. It’s rude to turn down a stranger’s hospitality.” Shouldering his pack, the two of them set off after Kuroda.
Arata kept a wary eye on the Uchiha crest proudly stretched across the other man’s back. Kuroda Uchiha. The name was familiar, now that he could place it in its proper context. He was another young shinobi, one who had stepped up to lead his clan around the same time as Arata himself. He had borne the burden of leadership well enough, from what Arata had seen and heard. The Uchiha had always been a prosperous clan, of course, but even the most powerful families had faced difficult periods of transition with the end of the Great War. Their continued strength spoke highly of their leader.
The trio walked in silence for a short time, listening to the birds chirping overhead as they enjoyed the summer breezes. The whole scene carried with it memories of a different time: late spring mornings at the Ninshu monastery and long days on the road with merchant caravans. There was a peace then which he now lacked. Trying to ease the tension in his neck, he scolded himself. Relax, Arata. Not everyone is out to get you. Whatever part of himself spoke was right, of course, but his body resisted the thought. Frustrating.
Breaking the silence, he turned to Kuroda and gestured toward the third member of their party. “This is my cousin, Shiro, by the way.” The boy offered a grin and a slight bow, apparently unbothered by how the day was developing. He was probably busy thinking about the lunch the two of them would scrounge up in the Uchiha village. Feeling his own stomach rumble, Arata added – “He doesn’t speak much, but he’s a good kid.”
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Apr 2, 2023 6:15:52 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Apr 2, 2023 6:15:52 GMT 10
Kuroda chuckles lightly to himself when he hears Arata behind him, speaking to the person who drops out of the tree. He hadn't actually known someone was up in the canopy, but it was a bluff that usually worked. Smiling to himself as he walks, Kuroda takes a slow pace until Arata and the child catch up to him. After a short while, the trio make it through to the other side of the wood, finding a narrow and winding road.
Kuroda steps onto the packed dirt road, and turns left. Before long, Arata breaks the silence, introducing the young one accompanying him.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Arata and Shiro." Kuroda replies, taking note of the boy being a mute. Kuroda could sense Arata's apprehension - his tension was clear in the stiffness of his motions. "...You need not worry about your safety on this road. My village sees to the maintenance and protection of the road for twenty miles in all directions from my village. You'll find no roving bandits or malcontents waiting to accost you."
Kuroda walks calmly, down the road, enjoying the company. As promised, the village was not far at all. A few miles, and idle conversation would make the walk go by quickly. They would leave the forest, and come upon a wide grassland that the road cut straight through. Every now and then, just beyond the line of sight, small flashes of red may be glimpsed in the somewhat tall grasses, but these sightings would be gone the instant they were noticed. Kuroda raises a brow, almost seeming to be disapproving.
Eventually, the trio would come upon a tall wooden archway that bore the Uchiha crest upon its face, and two armored men stand flanking the archway. Each is armed with short swords, and bags that presumably house kunai and shuriken. One of the men steps forward, blocking Kuroda's path forward.
"Halt." the man says simply. His eyes suddenly flash crimson - Sharingan. Kuroda stares at the man's eyes unblinkingly, and after a few moments, the man's body seems to lose its tension. His eyes lose their crimson glow, returning to that dark grey. "Welcome back, Lord Kuroda. You return to us with additional company?"
"I do, Hanzo." Kuroda replies, smiling and nodding. He turns and gestures to the two. "Arata and Shiro. They are travelers and guests for as long as they may desire."
The guard nods, and steps aside, bowing at the waist and permitting entry. The other guard, smaller than the first, turns and presses his hand against... nothing? It were as though the air itself were a wall! There is a shimmering and warping of the air between the support pillars of the archway, and the smaller guard then steps aside, also bowing.
Kuroda nods appreciatively to the guards.
"Before we go, please inform Team Eight that they need to work on their camouflage - I saw their Sharingan from thirty feet away in the grass." Kuroda says.
"Yes Lord, we will pass on your instruction when they return." the smaller guard says.
Kuroda turns to Arata and Shiro.
"Now then, come! Let's see about getting you provisioned, fed, and put up for the night." Kuroda says friendlily. "Welcome to the Uchiha Clan village."
With that, Kuroda passes through the archway. On the other side is a road stretching for another quarter mile, coming to crest atop a hill. Looking over, the trio would be greeted by the sight of a somewhat rustic looking town; especially when compared to Otafuku Gai. A lake is situated to the furthest left of the village, and some few hundred people can be seen as blurry dots in the distance.
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Apr 2, 2023 9:52:12 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Apr 2, 2023 9:52:12 GMT 10
Arata slowly relaxed, his grip loosening on his staff as the trio fell into a familiar stride. Some idle small talk filled the short journey, through which he gradually saw Kuroda’s character revealed. Fearsome as his clan was, it seemed the Uchicha had no shortage of calm, kind responses to whatever questions Arata directed his way. A pang of guilt shot through Arata as he compared his manufactured story to Kuroda’s openness. Perhaps I should… He began to weigh the value of meeting the Uchiha not as a traveler but as a fellow shinobi and clan leader. Certainly, there was more to be gained in such an interaction than simply assuaging his guilty conscience.
As they walked, he saw a flash of red movement, but even a better eye than his would have struggled to make out much more than that. Kuroda was correct: the roads were being watched, indeed. A half hour later, they had arrived before the grand archway that marked the entrance to the Uchiha village. Once inside, Shiro quickly found himself a distraction, barely giving Arata a questioning look of permission before dashing off after a dog that some of the Uchiha children were playing with. “Traitor,” Arata whispered with a soft grin, glad to see Shiro less as a shinobi and more as a child. “It seems that we’re not entertaining enough for my little cousin, Lord Uchiha,” he said with a broader smile. “But could I possibly bother you to point us somewhere where we could sit and share lunch? My stomach has been gnawing at me, and I’m sure Shiro’s will be soon enough.”
Something about the gentle nature of the town, and the welcoming—albeit cautious—character of her inhabitants, helped Arata make up his mind. His guilt had eaten at him long enough. Just as the two of them started to walk again, he paused briefly. “Actually, perhaps we could share a word in private first?” He sighed, shifting his weight to the side. “I—I have not been entirely honest with you.” He locked eyes with the man standing across from him and stood up straight. “I am Arata Namikaze, head of the Namikaze clan. Shiro—wherever he’s run off to—is indeed my cousin, but we are not travelling to Otafuku Gai. This was a trip to help him train as a shinobi, though I did not know we had strayed into Uchiha territory.”
“It is one thing to craft a white lie out of caution, but it is another to abuse someone’s hospitality by persisting in that lie. Especially when the lie is not particularly well-crafted. We, uh…” He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, “We don’t even have a horse or provisions. For a week-long journey. I need to work on coming up with better cover stories, I think.” He offered a slight laugh before his grin slid back into a serious expression. “Anyway, I would like to offer my sincere thanks for your kindness, and I apologize just as much for not trusting you sooner. Life has made it harder to trust in the kindness of strangers in recent years, but that's hardly an excuse.”
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Apr 5, 2023 5:58:15 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Apr 5, 2023 5:58:15 GMT 10
Kuroda smiles as the boy, Shiro, glances at Arata and then wordlessly takes off to chase after other nearby children playing with a stray dog. When Arata says they must have been too boring for the boy, Kuroda laughs as they continue towards the village.
"Being boring is what we adults are good for." Kuroda remarks, smirking. "And yes, there's a small grill house that I think you may enjoy. A stone plate sits at the center of the table, heated by fire beneath. We get strips of meat and vegetables that you can then cook to your own liking. I'll take you there; I'm particularly partial to the boar meats they offer."
He notices Arata become somewhat anxious, and stops to look at the man when asked if they could speak privately.
"Of course. We're not quite in the town yet, so we may speak here." Kuroda replies, looking quizzically at Arata as the latter seems to muster up what he wants to say. The Uchiha leader listens without interruption as Arata comes clean. When Arata finishes, Kuroda gazes at the man for a moment, and then looks out across the village at the bottom of the hill. "Thank you for telling me this now, rather than later, Lord Namikaze. It most certainly eliminates an awkward issue in the future."
Kuroda's gaze lingers on the village, shifting to the people moving about their day. He had heard of the Namikaze Clan's destruction. Some said that a few dozen or so had survived and escaped the massacre, but those had been unsubstantiated rumors. Evidently, there was some truth to it - and that Daimyo Itsuki had been responsible for commanding the destruction now put Kuroda in a difficult position.
"I accept your apology." Kuroda says, turning back to Arata. "As such, my offer to house and help you reprovision stands. If you have coin, we will be able to better equip you for your travels. A horse and wagon, if you should want such. I do recommend it; if nothing else than to make storing your foods and personals easier."
Kuroda motions to Arata to follow as Kuroda starts down the road again.
"You understand that there are supposedly gag orders to report suspected survivors of the Namikaze Clan?" Kuroda asks, lower his voice only slightly. "It may be safer for you and your cousin to rest here for some time. Many smaller families and minor clans also call this village home. The Fuma Clan is my Clan's distant relative, and a number of them reside here. The Hagaromo Clan, who stood with us during the War against the Senju, also have members of their clan that reside here. The rest of the village is more or less a collection of various folk that either do not belong to a particular clan, or are of minor clans."
Kuroda looks at Shiro.
"I often fear for the safety of my Clan, and for those who live under my protection." Kuroda says, thinking of the devastation of the Namikaze. "If your Clan yet survives, I invite you to bring them together here. We Uchiha are still very strong, alongside the Fuma and Hagaromo Clans. Should you wish it, the Namikaze Clan may rebuild here as well."
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Apr 6, 2023 4:45:49 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Apr 6, 2023 4:45:49 GMT 10
“It’s a generous offer,” Arata nodded, looking on at Shiro running around with the Uchiha children. Perhaps a Fuma or Hagoromo child ran amidst the pack of them as well, though such things could be hard to tell. He scratched his chin in thought but said nothing more on the subject. Kuroda knew the weight of caring for his own clan—surely he would understand Arata’s need to think more on his invitation.
The two of them continued to walk deeper into the village, making small talk and encountering more than a few people along the way. It seemed as though everyone had decided to find a way to enjoy the midmorning weather, the villagers each moving at a slower pace as they hung laundry out to dry or moved in and out of the few the villages few stores. There was a certain peace to the flow of the town, neither too rushed nor too sluggish. It had a feeling of home.
Eventually, a comfortable silence fell between the two clan leaders. After a moment, Arata spoke in a more serious tone. “The Uchiha are a powerful clan, but would you really be willing to take on the daimyo for sheltering us?” He gestured to a group of construction workers, laughing as they shared a lunch break together. “Your people are happy here—at peace, even. That is more than can be said for most of us in the Land of Fire. Your invitation could jeopardize all of that. I don’t understand: Why offer something like this? Why risk what you’ve worked so hard to build up?” As they spoke, a small building came into view. The grill house Kuroda had spoken of was certainly compact, but the smell of roasting pork and vegetables flooded the surrounding streets with an aroma that made Arata’s stomach rumble. Almost as if he had cast a summoning jutsu, Shiro seemed to materialize at his side, drawn in by the same smells. “Back already?” Arata smirked, raising an eyebrow. Shiro nodded vigorously, pointing toward the grill house door. It seemed his desire for lunch had finally caught up to him.
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Apr 6, 2023 9:34:55 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Apr 6, 2023 9:34:55 GMT 10
Kuroda considers Arata's questions quietly as the moved into the streets of the village. Many of the passersby stop to offer a polite bow or happy wave as the pair walk. Eventually, Kuroda finds an answer.
"The Daimyo has gone astray from the Will of Fire." Kuroda says after a few minutes of silent thought. "While Prince Itsuki has turned to selfishness, I do not believe that he would strike out with a significant enough force to overwhelm us. Not without weakening his own defenses."
It was not an answer, Kuroda knew. So he continued to speak.
"I think the proper response is often the simplest. If we Uchiha had suffered so, then I would hope against hope that someone would be strong enough to take us in." Kuroda says, smiling at his people as they walk. "Not just strength of arms, but strength of will. The Uchiha crest is that of a fan that breathes life into flames; the Will of Fire burns hot in our blood and hearts."
Kuroda stops, fixing a confident look upon Arata.
"I would take in you and your kin for simply having been asked. When those in need ask for help, those with the strength and will to do so, should do so, wouldn't you agree?" Kuroda says. "What sense is there in building, if we do not use it to shelter? I offer this knowing that the Daimyo could take offense, and knowing that who lives in this village is my decision. Not his. If the Daimyo attacks the Uchiha, he will bring not just the might of the Uchiha down on himself, but that of our sister clans and allies. We are strong, because the bonds we have built are strong."
At that point, Shiro returns, and gestures to the nearby grill house.
"It seems that it's time to eat." Kuroda remarks, smiling at Shiro. "Come. We can talk more if you wish, whether it be about this issue, or about your travels. I suspect you will make for good conversation!"
With that, Kuroda opens the grill house door, and the trio are immediately greeted with the scent of cooking meat and spices. It is warm inside the house, and the tables set and ready to receive customers. The owner, a portly fellow with shimmering gray hair and a deep widow's peak looks up, smiling.
They are happily welcomed, and given their table. Kuroda sits on the cushion, putting his arm back through the robe's sleeve.
"I still recommend the boar meat strips." Kuroda chuckles. "It pairs very well with broccoli, carrots, and lettuce leaves."
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Apr 12, 2023 6:43:34 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Apr 12, 2023 6:43:34 GMT 10
Arata grinned at the Uchiha’s suggestion. “At this point, nearly anything sounds good, but I’ll take your recommendation. Boar’s always been a favorite of mine, as well.” Settling into one of the low, cushioned seats surrounding the table, he studied the restaurant. Kuroda lounged in front of him, clearly at home. His fellow clan leader had offered an interesting answer to Arata’s earlier question. Despite Itsuki’s crimes, hearing anyone speak with such open disregard for the daimyo still came as a shock. Such words required strengthen which, as Kuroda had mentioned, came from the bonds one built with others.
The meat soon arrived for the table and found itself quickly tossed upon the stone slab sitting between the Arata, Shiro, and Kuroda. As it sizzled and spat, Arata rested his chin on his fist and poked at the strips of boar meat, testing their tenderness. It was a culinary sin of his—an inability to leave the food to cook on its own—but his fretfulness could certainly have been expressed in worse ways.
Looking up from his poking, he locked eyes with Kuroda. “You know, it was a great joy of mine up until a year ago to travel all across the Five Nations. In that time, I heard a lot of stories. And I’ve seen a lot of wonderful and strange ways of looking at the world. I mean, in the Land of Lightning alone there’s—” He smiled and cut off his words with a soft laugh, remembering the simpler days of his journeys. A brief second of silence passed between the three of them, interrupted only by the low crackle of the fire. “Anyway, those tales belong to a different season of my life. You reminded me of them for just a minute or two as we walked outside, speaking of the Will of Fire—those who hold to it, and those who do not.”
“Tell me, what does that Will mean to you? Why not live some other way, as they do in the Land of Wind or the Land of Lightning?”
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
Apr 15, 2023 9:35:51 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on Apr 15, 2023 9:35:51 GMT 10
Once the platters of vegetables and meats had been placed tableside, Kuroda was pleased to have the additional company for sure. Using his chopsticks, Kuroda lay several strips of boar meat on the hot stone at the center of the table, and enjoyed the sizzling sound as the meats cooked.
"I've never had the opportunity to travel myself - unless you count during the war. Which I personally do not." Kuroda replies, selecting the vegetables he wanted to cook with the meats and placing them on the hot stone as well. "I've been to the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind, but never in peace time. Those were always deployments in service to the Daimyo. If you have stories of peace time travels, I would love to hear them."
Kuroda reaches over to the tray, and picks up a steaming kettle. He pours the hot water into a narrow cup, and sets a tea bag into the water before returning the kettle to the tray. He turns over the boar meat strips to cook the other side, considering the rest of Arata's words and queries.
"The Will of Fire... that is something that began as a theory for how best to create peace in the world." Kuroda says, considering his words. "It's love, Lord Namikaze. The love we have for our family and friends. The love we have for our homes and lands. The Will of Fire is our capacity to love others and ourselves. At least, that is what I believe it to mean."
Kuroda looks out the window at the people passing by in the street.
"If I lived in another nation, I suppose I would have grown up under their ideals, which I imagine are in some way similar to the Will of Fire, though I admit ignorance to what their beliefs are." Kuroda looks back at Arata and Shiro. "As for those who do not hold onto the Will of Fire - those are people and individuals who care only about themselves. They take, and do not give. The Daimyo has, alas, fallen into such ways. But, Daimyo he is. I pray for my country, so that perhaps the next generation are gifted with a Daimyo that inherited the Will of Fire."
|
|
Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
|
Awaken
Apr 18, 2023 12:11:20 GMT 10
Post by Arata Namikaze on Apr 18, 2023 12:11:20 GMT 10
With a light flick of his chopsticks, Arata tossed the first strips of boar off the grill onto his plate. Taking a small bite, he savored the flavor as Kuroda talked. The Uchiha had certainly been on the mark with his food recommendation. This lunch had the makings of quite a meal, especially considering its unexpected nature. That was, of course, if the conversation hadn’t started to taste sour in his mouth.
Arata frowned slightly and ran his hand through his blond hair. With a sigh, he spoke, “Not many of us have the luxury of waiting for the next generation, Lord Uchiha. You and your clan are safe for now, but my home and family have suffered because too many people found tolerance more palatable than justice.” Leaning forward, he locked eyes with Kuroda. “We are both men who understand the weight of responsibility. Itsuki’s position does not excuse his behavior—in fact, it convicts him all the more. A leader ought to know better. A leader ought to be better.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Arata noticed that Shiro had stopped eating. The boy sat tensely on his cushion, his fist curled around his chopsticks and his face contorted in a poor attempt to mask his anger. Arata shut his eyes and took a deep breath. Arata, you blind fool. He turned and offered a gentle smile to Shiro, placing a soft hand on his shoulder. The boy loosened up slightly, but his brow remained furrowed. Arata turned back to their host. “These are topics for another day, perhaps. Let’s speak of something else. You asked about my travels, Lord Uchiha?” He gave the slightest grin, “Have you ever heard of the sand tribes of the Land of Wind?” At the question, Shiro perked up a bit, his eyebrows unfurrowing as one of them was lifted questioningly. Arata winked at him. His younger cousin had heard most of his stories—many of them several times over. The sand tribes, however, had never featured in any of those tales. A good storyteller always kept a few tricks up his sleeves.
|
|
Kuroda Uchiha
Member
Ninja Rank: D
XP: 48
Ninjutsu: 9
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Minion 1: Hana Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 6/1/1/1/2/1/3
Minion 2: Yagura Uchiha
Stats (NTGTTSS): 5/5/1/1/1/1/1
Minion 3: Ginneko
Stats (NTGTTSS): 1/4/1/1/1/4/3
|
Awaken
May 6, 2023 9:27:52 GMT 10
Post by Kuroda Uchiha on May 6, 2023 9:27:52 GMT 10
Kuroda takes the comment about having the luxury of waiting in stride - it hadn't been meant in cruelty, in all likelihood. It had its merits as an argument.
"You perhaps have a point, to a degree, Lord Namikaze." Kuroda replies evenly, taking a sip of his tea. "I don't see reason in trying to change your mind on the matter. But safety is perhaps to strong a term. This village is all that remains of my clan."
Kuroda looks through the window again.
"Two hundred and twelve - that is the extent of the Uchiha. Less than half of this village in population. There was once far more; and war has seen to the culling of that fact." he continues. "I will not pretend that our suffering is equivalent, as they are not."
Kuroda turns back to them, and casts a friendly smile at Shiro to help alleviate the child's concerns.
"Itsuki's position is what enables his behavior. And eventually, perhaps sooner than later, that will come to bring him personal disaster. Power does not free one from that eventuality, when they use that power for selfish purposes." Kuroda adds. "It is not my place, simply put, to determine who is and is not worthy to rule. The Uchiha have been involved in enough betrayal and bloodletting to last several wars. I do not seek to add my generation to the list of war mongers that have long held power in my position. As you say, a leader ought to be better - and so I strive to be a better man than my father and my grand father."
It perhaps sounded cowardly, he knew - but acting against the Daimyo with so little to bring to the front was suicide. Speaking out now would mean the eradication of the Uchiha - and a hundred fully realized Uchiha were not a match for a hundred thousand soldiers, no matter how developed their Sharingan was.
And that meant only one way to overthrow the Daimyo - murder. And he'd had enough of murder after such plotting led to the killings of the Senju leader, as well as his father and grand father being killed in retaliation. Such that it was that Kuroda was happy that Arata chose to change the subject.
"I have heard of them, but only on the fields of battle. I faced a small contingent of shinobi from the Land of Wind when I was twenty - they were attempting to infiltrate from the north western front." Kuroda says, looking thoughtful as he pulled up the memory. "Though... I can't say for certain they were Sand Tribes? What are they like?"
|
|