Simple Joys [Open]

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: [open]

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NOTES: 

A ray of sunlight glanced off the axe as Arata swung it down. With a sharp crack it split through the log he had set up, half of the firewood toppling off the chopping block while the other half remained standing. Breathing heavily, the young Namikaze straightened up and knuckled the small of his back. With the summer sun glaring down on him, he had worked up quite a sweat after an hour’s worth of chopping. Still, looking at the pile of firewood that had accumulated in that time, he felt a certain sense of refreshment. There was something deeply satisfying about work which bore such tangible results. The normal activities of his life—planning, organizing, and administering—rarely bore fruit so immediately.

Bird chirps filled the air, and, as far as the eye could see, there was little sign of civilization in the small clearing where Arata had taken up his work. The only indication of any human interest in the spot was the small trail which he had taken here from the Namikaze village. His home, a short walk away, was itself hidden in a clearing, surrounded by bamboo and the trees of the Forest of Death. On days like today, Arata thought he could better understand the mindset of the village’s early founders. He came out here for the same reasons they had first come to the forest: to be tucked away and hidden from the world was more than just a good means of defense. There was a joy in solitude, a joy in being surrounded by nature and living by the sweat of one’s brow.

He picked the axe up again, swinging it high over his head before it sliced down, cleaving yet another log in two. As he stooped down to pick up the now-halved logs, he stopped. The birds had put an end to their singing. A nearby rustle of leaves added to his wariness—his time alone had been interrupted. Straightening back up, he spoke into the silence. “You are welcome, friend, if you are a friend. Step out from the shadows, and let’s talk.”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

Yōsuru had forever been puzzled by the fact that the Land of Wind had such a reputation for being bleak, grim and overly serious. When the Land of Fire held a landmark known quite literally as the 'Forest of Death.' If that wasn't bleak and grim. He wasn't entirely sure what was.

He had travelled a small distance into it. Wishing to see the sights and learn exactly why it had earned such a name. And either it was an exaggeration or he had so far been lucky. Because nothing deadly had made its presence known just yet.

The trail he came across was curious, and being someone who enjoyed exploring their curiosities. He had followed it. All the while taking ocassional puffs from his long ornate pipe. Steadily blowing smoke as he made his way. It wasn't long before he heard the sound of dull thudding coming from deeper into the forest. Curiosity piqued further, he raised an eyebrow and made his way steadily towards the source of the noise. Adjusting his straw hat slightly to keep the beams of sunlight that ocassionally pierced the canopy out of his eyes.

The sound became louder as he got closer. He made no attempt to hide or conceal his presence. Mostly because he was sure nobody would react well to being snuck up on in a place known as the 'Forest of Death' but also because he figured that anything making this much noise felt quite comfortable in this space, and that was intriguing to him.

Eventually he was a mere few steps away, and already he could recognise the features of Arata Namikaze. Though it was dark the night they met, the young Lord maintained an unmistakeable aura. And it seemed he had noticed Yōsuru's presence in turn. With a small smirk the Shin emerged from the trees with a friendly nod and gesture of his pipe.

"Well, we've only met once, but I like to think we're friends." He smiles softly, taking another puff of his pipe. "I figured you'd have fledglings of your clan chop the firewood for you, but I respect a man who does these things himself."

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: 

Arata turned to see a pale man emerging from the tree line, a still-smoking pipe held in his hand. Though the circumstances were certainly different, he recognized the man from their earlier meeting. “Ah,” the Namikaze spoke as he propped his axe against the chopping block, “Yōsuru Shin. Has anyone ever mentioned that you have an uncanny ability to appear where you’re least expected?” Between meeting the Shin clan leader atop the Fire Temple roof a few nights earlier to this bizarre meeting deep in the Forest of Death, Arata was unsure just how or why he seemed to be overlapping so much with the Land of Wind shinobi. It wasn’t an unwelcome meeting, just a curious one—and something which put him slightly on edge. A foreign clan leader wandering so close to one’s village called for a degree of watchfulness, even if past interactions had been friendly.

The Namikaze smiled at Yōsuru’s comment about chopping firewood. He gestured to the clearing around him. “You can only sit at a writing desk so long each day, as I’m sure you know. A little time out here, away from everything else, keeps me sane.” He paused, “Besides, it’s good for the young ones to see that I don’t ask them to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself.”

He walked over to a nearby supply pile and lifted up a second axe, testing its weight in his hands for a quick second. Flipping it over so that he held it by its head, he offered the handle to Yōsuru. “You’re more than welcome to stay, but my rule for anyone who ventures out here is that we work while we chat. Idle hands make for fretful minds.”

He moved back to his own axe, grabbing it before lifting yet another log onto the chopping block. With a practiced motion, he split the wood in two and tossed the pieces into a growing pile of firewood. He worked in silence for a few more swings of the axe before addressing Yōsuru again. “So, is this an accidental meeting, Lord Shin, or have you come to the Forest of Death seeking something?”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

"More than you may think." He smirks. "Although usually it's phrased more like 'keep your nose out of my business.' But who's here to split hairs?" He takes a few steps towards Arata, dousing his pipe and stowing it away as he silently appraises the Namikaze.

He nods slowly as Arata mentions wanting to get up out of his seat whilst also setting an example for the youth of his clan. "Being given enough peace just to write at a desk would be a welcome change of pace back home." Back in the home of the Shin his days were often filled with dissent and complaints from a vocal minority of his people. Nothing he couldn't handle, but the endless cacophany could get tiresome from time to time.

Yōsuru eyes Arata curiously as the younger Shinobi picks out an axe and holds it out for him. Despite himself he chuckles slightly. "Putting an old man like me to work? A cruel taskmaster you are." He takes the axe gently and tests the weight himself before checking the sharpness, making sure he hadn't been handed an intentionally faulty tool.

Without further complaint he hangs his hat up on a nearby tree and preps one of the logs for chopping. "Not that I mind a bit of labour... but does your mind truly become so distracted if your hands are not occupied?" He inquires, bringing the axe down on the log and splitting it into two before prepping another one.

He ponders Arata's question for a moment as he cuts through another log. "Hmm...well it was an accidental meeting with you I suppose. I didn't expect to just stumble upon the Head of the Namikaze." He chuckles. "As for what I'm seeking...well I suppose at first I was seeking the Forest's namesake death but all I've received so far was a rather relaxing hike."

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: Notes here

Arata brought the axe down in a graceful arc, cleaving another log. “Distracted?” He repeated back to Yōsuru. “Yes, I suppose that’s about right. Doing something like this,” he set another log on the chopping block, “keeps me in the present moment. It keeps me focused on what actually matters. If you’re in your head all the time, it’s easy to lose sight of the things around you. Chopping wood, going for a walk, cutting up the vegetables—they focus on the mind on the immediate, on the countless little things which actually make up a life.” He swung again before straightening up and wiping a bit of sweat off his brow.

He listened to Yōsuru’s explanation and chuckled a bit. The Forest of Death was indeed a misleading name. Oh, there were certainly dangers. A great deal of venomous creatures prowled about the forest, and the deepest parts were almost impossible to navigate without getting lost. Ultimately, though, no shinobi worth their salt would feel too threatened by such things.

“It is a…misconception,” he smiled, “that the Forest of Death is far more dangerous than any other place in the Land of Fire. The flora and fauna rarely pose a serious threat here. As far as I know, the ‘Death’ part comes not from the Forest itself but its history. Many clans call this region home, and they have not always gotten along. This Forest has often been the starting points for major conflicts, and more than a few battles have been fought under the canopy.”

He swung the axe down again before pausing. “Ah,” he added, “but that’s neither here nor there. You have come to see the forest, and you have happened to meet me along the way. If you’d like a guide, I’d be happy to help. After all, I grew up in these woods!”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

Yōsuru listens carefully as Arata explains why the forest is named as such. When the other man is done he simply sighs and shakes his head slowly. "That's disappointing. If we named every spot where a scuffle had broken out the 'something' of Death we'd get bored of the word very quickly." He brings the axe down on the next long, splitting it in two. "No offense of course. I suppose I expected to see a giant fox or something crazy like that." He chuckles, as he's about to chop another log he pauses and turns his attention to Arata. The leader of the Namikaze offering to be his guide around the forest.

"Now that, most certainly is not a job for a clan leader." He laughs as he splits the log, this time leaving the axe buried in the chopping block. "An emissary, sure, but I am almost certain that Lord Arata Namikaze himself has more important things to do then show an unwelcome wanderer around a few trees."

He leans on the axe handle and raises an eyebrow at the other man, pausing for just a few moments. "However, if Lord Arata Namikaze doesn't have anything better to do. Then I suppose this unwelcome wanderer would accept such an invitation." If Arata tried to speak Yōsuru would raise a finger briefly. "However, I only want to see the actually interesting bits. If you're just planning to show off various types of tree I'll find my own way. I'm no Senju, I don't plan to spend the day admiring the quality of the wood."

The silence that followed was broken only by the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds above them as Yōsuru waited to hear the other man's thoughts on the matter. 

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: Notes here

Arata shrugged, offering Yōsuru a wide grin. “I suppose that’s where we’ll have to agree to disagree, friend. As leaders of our clans, we always have important things to do—and that includes offering to show strangers around every now and again.” After all, he noted in his head, there were few better ways to turn strangers into friends and allies. Sometimes being a host was the most important work he could do as a clan leader. It built up solid relationships—personal relationships—which could be called upon during difficult times. No clan in the Land of Fire could survive on its own, not even the Senju or the Uchiha, but the Namikaze were even more keenly aware of that fact than most.

He laughed again at Yōsuru’s request to only see the finest the forest had to offer. The man certainly had a blunt way of putting things—honest and forthcoming with his opinions, much like the other shinobi Arata had met from the Land of Wind. There was a refreshing quality about it, even if it wasn’t how Arata would choose to speak. “Trust me, the Forest of Death is a little more than the history lessons which gave it its name—I’ve got a place or two in mind. No giant foxes, mind you—at least, none in the past few years—but there’s a couple interesting things nearby.” He set his axe down again, leaning it against the chopping block, and nodded to a trailhead at the far side of the clearing. “Shall we?”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

As Arata speaks, Yōsuru smiles softly. "You hold wisdom beyond your years. As I suspected." He was glad to see that the Namikaze Lord was not quite as haughty as the Lady of the Senju. And furthermore glad to see that Arata did not see himself as above certain work, whether it be chopping wood or showing a foreign Shinobi around the lands he called home. Humility was an important quality for a leader. It was something the Wind Daimyo had long forgotten about, and he worried the same for other Clan heads in the Land of Wind. Thus far, the Land of Fire had a pretty good record for Leaders who could see they weren't above the others in their care.

He chuckles slightly as Arata talks up the Forest and he nods, raising his hands in mock surrender to concede to the Namikaze's point. "Very well, then I shall observe with great interest. Lead on." However Arata decided to travel, be it walking on foot or sailing through the treeline, Yōsuru would follow closely behind.

If there was a moment of rest or just a peaceful stroll the older man would ask a question. "Forgive me if my information is out of date. But I've heard the Namikaze are renowned for their speed. If such a thing is true, I would love a demonstration some time." 

He would reach into his satchel and pull out his pipe once again, along with a strange looking herbal powder that he would pack into it. He stops for a moment and looks over to Arata, holding the pipe over to the younger Shinobi. "Sakuzen root. Would you like to try some?"

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: Notes here

    The two shinobi leapt from limb to limb, moving at what felt like a leisurely pace to Arata. There was no great urgency, no need to do much more than stroll, but years of travelling through the canopy had made the treetops feel like home. He hoped Yōsuru wouldn’t mind. The travelled on for a few miles that way, moving at an easy speed and trading comments here and there.

    When the Shin leader asked about the Namikaze clan’s famous speed, Arata glanced back with a slight grin. “You’ve heard correctly. If my people are known for anything, it’s for our quickness. We’re not sure where it comes from, exactly, but we try to make good use of it.” He slowed his pace ever so slightly, dropping back to Yōsuru’s side. “As for a demonstration—well, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Shin clan in action, either. A sparring match sometime?” Arata had heard tales of the Shin during his time in the Land of Wind, but each seemed more exaggerated and mysterious than the last. He wouldn’t ask Yōsuru about any of the more dramatic tales. Sometimes, it was best to see the truth with one’s own eyes.

    As they continued to move, a faint but steady whispering met Arata’s ears. The shinobi slowed even more, dropping down to a dirt path below. He looked back at Yōsuru as he offered him some Sakuzen root. He chuckled, “I haven’t seen Sakuzen in years!” He took the offered pipe, inhaled, and let out a puff of smoke. “Thank you,” he nodded, handing it back to the other shinobi.

    He walked a few hundred more paces with Yōsuru, and the steady whispering grew into a low roar. Finally, the duo left the forest behind and stepped out onto a river bank. The water snaked along in front of them, emerging from the source of the roaring noise: a massive waterfall which flowed down most of a nearby cliff face. Looking up at the sight never failed to make the Namikaze smile. He glanced at Yōsuru, “One of my favorite spots—what do you think?”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

The Shin Leader lets out a hearty laugh as Arata challenges him to a duel down the line. It was a laugh of good humour, of enjoyment. Far removed from any sense of mockery. "I worry you'd be disappointed." He begins, shaking his head softly and chuckling. "My best years are far behind me. Not that I refuse your challenge of course." He smiles softly as they keep on traveling. His words were a half-truth. While it was true that he was nowhere near the strength he had possessed in his prime during the war. His recent spar with Kuroda had started to re-awaken some of those old instincts. Dormant muscles had begun to re-awaken, and maybe the old dog was able to learn some new tricks after all.

They stopped for a moment as he passed his pipe over to Arata, surprised to learn that the man had tasted Sakuzen herbs before. "Hmm, am I correct in assuming you have been to the Land of Wind? Outside of military matters?" He was interested in that potential. Most that he had met so far deemed his home a mystery. Even those that had perhaps been there during the war didn't know much about it other than it was hot and it was expansive beyond imagination. Even less knew much of the Shin beyond rumours and legends. So the knowledge of the Namikaze was a welcome curiosity.

That conversation could wait a moment as the two arrived at their destination, a running river with a roaring waterfall. Surprisingly tranquil despite the noise, and definitely the sort of beauty he'd expected from the Land of Fire.

"I admit defeat, it truly is a sight." He nods, moving closer to the shore of the river and sitting down near the trunk of a tree as he takes a puff from his pipe. "You know, I always had this fear that the war would never be over in my lifetime. That I would never be able to walk in other lands without fear for my life...what a tragedy it would be to miss out on a sight like this." He spoke wistfully, loud enough for the other man to hear even though he wasn't exactly talking to him.

If Arata sat down Yōsuru would offer him the pipe again as he took in the sights for a few more moments. "Forgive me if it sounds narcissistic, but I am curious as to what you know of the Shin?"

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: Notes here

Arata sat down next to his travelling companion, planting himself a short distance away on the trunk. He nodded in response to Yōsuru’s comments about the war. Some statements demanded no response, only recognition. The Namikaze thought he knew what Yōsuru meant—that desire to have a peaceful road stretched out before him, with hardly a worry about what dangers laid ahead. He had tasted that peace, if only briefly, in his own travels. One day, he hoped to return to it again. After everything with the daimyo was settled.

He accepted the pipe and inhaled again, handing it back to Yōsuru. A stream of smoke floated out of his mouth before he spoke. “I spent almost two and a half years travelling with a merchant caravan, guarding them from the effects of the war on their journeys. Nearly half that time was spent in the Land of Wind. It’s a beautiful land, I think. Dangerous, too, if you don’t know what you’re doing.” He leaned back and smiled a bit, thinking of the steep learning curve that had come with a life travelling through the desert. Thankfully, he had been surrounded by people—some of them complete strangers—who had offered to show him the ropes.

“As for the Shin,” he continued, “I’ll be honest: I don’t know much. Nothing concrete, at least. Caravans trade stories just as much as their wares, but not every tale is as true as people would like you to believe.” He looked at the waterfall for a second, gathering his thoughts. “Hear a story often enough, though, and it’s easy to start to see the truth behind it. We heard about two brothers fighting for leadership—and about a thousand different stories behind why they were doing so. We also heard a fair amount about your clan's fascination with taking and recreating the kekkei genkai of other clans. I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about what others have to say about that.”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

He chuckles slightly as he takes his pipe back from Arata, musing on his commentary about the dangerous nature of Yōsuru's home. "That it is, that it is." He nods. "To be truthful, I don't think we would've survived the war were the desert not our home. I think it killed more enemy combatants than the Shinobi." He jokes. "But I believe the sands can sense wisdom within a soul. Perhaps that is why you were granted the knowledge to navigate them." He suggests, taking another puff from his pipe. He maybe didn't intend the sentiment literally, obviously Arata hadn't been given some sort of visions or great boon from the desert, but perhaps also that Arata's familiarity with it had been born not just from education, but some good fortune as well.

"Then again, at least my home looks dangerous. From what I've experienced, your home is deceptively deadly. It looks beautiful, serene, tranquil. But that just allows things to lurk in the shadows." He half jokes, offering the pipe again, quite happy to have a companion to share in it.

He listens quietly as Arata explains what he knew about the Shin. Stories and rumours but Yōsuru was used to that by now. His clan thrived of misinformation and false rumours. Sowing overconfidence in some circles and fear in others. That had been their way during the war. He was trying to drag them into the light now, but it was a slow process.

He looks away from Arata and towards the river when the other shinobi mentions the story of the warring brothers. He smirks softly, but it's not a jovial smirk. "Aye, I think I've heard about those brothers too." He nods gently, that wasn't a story he was quite ready to share with a new acquaintance.

When it came to the reputation for scavenging and harvesting DNA and Kekkei Genkai from others all he can do is cock his head slightly to the side and nod in gentle agreement. "That is indeed a popular story. And I wish I could say it's not true but...that would make me a liar." He shrugs. "Unfortunately genetic engineering has been our way for as long as I can remember, and the way we've gone about it in the past hasn't always been...pleasant." He sighs slightly. "I myself possess some degree of stolen DNA. Back during the war, it was practically a badge of honour." He spoke plainly and honestly. Allowing Arata to judge for himself whether to turn away in disgust or stay and continue conversing. As much as Yōsuru was trying to improve the stained reputation of his clan. He promised himself he would never try and shy away from their history.

If Arata did stay Yōsuru would continue. "Tell me about yourself then, and your clan. Your people. Hopefully some cheerier stories to lighten the mood. I typically pride myself on being well informed but the Namikaze are quite a reclusive sort. I'm afraid all I know is that your warriors are usually unmatched in terms of speed."

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 340 (440 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: @

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NOTES: Notes here

The Namikaze listened attentively as Yōsuru spoke, only moving to silently pass the smoking pipe between the two of them. He was not wrong about the Land of Fire. It could certainly appear friendlier than the desert. There was more water, more fruit, more shade—more of everything, really—but that often masked the danger which lurked in the wooded landscape. In the desert, everything was much more honest.

He didn’t push Yōsuru for more information on the two brothers. Every shinobi had a story or two best left untold. However, when the Shin leader confirmed that his people often stole DNA from the battlefield, Arata couldn’t help but frown. It made sense, in principle: plenty of shinobi took weapons off of enemy combatants, making them their own. Why would it be any different with an opponent’s DNA? Still, in his gut, Arata felt that the practice was deeply wrong. It was cruel and undignified, much in the same way that everything about war was cruel and undignified. He glanced at Yōsuru, wondering what sort of stolen DNA had been grafted into his own. What sort of “weapons” had he picked up from the battlefield?

Arata said nothing, though. It was rude to judge, especially when it came to war and survival. He knew well enough what lengths people would go to in order to win and survive.

He exhaled as Yōsuru asked about the Namikaze. “My people?” He chuckled, “Well you’ve said it yourself: we’re quite a reclusive sort. We’re scouts, spies, and messengers—we try to avoid the public eye as much as possible. Other than that, though, I suppose we’re like most people. We try to welcome strangers, we like good food and drink, and we try to stay true to each other. With the exception of a few of my cousins, I think we’d be mostly content to build up a decent-sized village somewhere in this Forest and live a quiet life. Doing what it takes to get us to that point is my goal.”

The waterfall thundered in the distance as the two shinobi sat in silence for a second. Arata looked up at the sky. “You know, I’ve travelled all over the world. I’ve seen things that are greater or more beautiful than little bamboo groves and forests in the Land of Fire. I’m willing to admit that. But—at the same time—there’s something about this place. This is home. These are my people. If there’s anything worth stepping out of the shadows and fighting for, it’s them. You know what I mean?”

Made by Zeref of THQ

[Yōsuru Shin]

Yōsuru closed his eyes for a moment and his face relaxed into a contented smile. Arata's words resonated deeply with him. The Namikaze was the prime example of what he wanted his people to see when they thought of foreign Shinobi. He worried what horror stories the children in the Land of Wind may still be told today about Shinobi from other lands. Perhaps that if they were naughty the Uchiha would come and steal them from their beds, or something along those lines.

No, this was what they needed to see. Someone who simply cared for their home as they did for theirs. Someone who would fight to protect what matters to them. Shinobi from all the lands were different in the most beautiful ways, but when it came to what was important, that's where the similarities lay.

"It warms my heart to hear that so many have goals and visions that align with my own." He nods, opening his eyes and looking over at Arata. "I too seek to build a home, but not just for my people. For all in the Land of Wind to call theirs. Not to herd them, or control them. But to allow them safety and co-operation, to allow them to evolve in their individual natures, not become imprisoned by them." It was likely words that sounded wise but didn't actually make much sense. Yōsuru was certain however, that he'd lived long enough to earn the right to ramble on to young people.

"I would like to extend an offer of friendship to your clan, as I have to the Uchiha. However, I'm curious..." He pauses for a moment, analysing Arata's expression. "...both you and Kuroda seek to build a home. Just for yourselves? Your clans? Or for everyone?" He takes a short breath before adding. "Truly there is no right or wrong answer. I'm simply curious, if you do intend a home for all. Then who would you trust to lead it?"

He still did want to see an example of Namikaze speed, and was close to challenging a race to the young Lord but this sudden curiosity had taken hold, and needed to be satisfied. However, he wouldn't be at all surprised if Arata wanted nothing to do with his friendship, given the reputation of his people.

[Arata Namikaze]

HP: 360 (460 w/ C.A.)| Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post

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TAGS: Yōsuru Shin

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NOTES: Lots of dialogue--sorry!

“Oh?” Arata spoke, surprised to find a Yōsuru’s sentiments similar to his own. Perhaps it was a sign of some higher guidance or divine blessing, so many shinobi desiring to bring about a change in the world. Perhaps the taste for war that so many clans had harbored for centuries was growing stale. If so, he was happy to find another ally who sought to establish something new.

“I think there’s much to be gained in a friendship between our two clans,” the Namikaze nodded. “Especially if you are seeking to set up the kind of home you just described.” He bent over, picked up a pebble, and threw it across the waters. It skipped neatly, hopping three or four times, before it sank to the riverbed below.

“The coming years will be ones of great change. The wheels are already turning on that. Our respective daimyo—or anyone else in power—will not be eager to see such changes. If those of us who are like-minded don’t band together, then we’ll be crushed from the outset.” He turned his gaze toward Yōsuru. “From what I know of you, I think you are a wise man and a good leader for your people. The Namikaze would be glad to accept your friendship, if you’ll accept ours.”

He leaned his chin on his fist and paused for a moment. “As for the home I seek to build…I don’t know exactly what that would look like or who would lead. Perhaps Kuroda or Kozakura have some greater sense of things. For me, though, it’s simple: the people of this Land deserve a place where they don’t feel the need to turn their blades against one another. We advocate for the “Will of Fire”—for the strength of our bonds with each other—but then we turn around and spend all our energy fighting among ourselves. All for what? Some feudal lord's approval? It’s all backwards. If we banded together, had a common home...”

He laughed and scratched the back of his head, “Ah, you’ve got me rambling now! Enough from me—what do you make of all of this?”

Made by Zeref of THQ