Ryuunosuke felt he'd never get used to living in such a big village. Even after living here in Amegakure for six years he still finds himself overwhelmed. The towering mechanical spires, the billowing of steam and turning of various cogs. The loudness of static, the large crowds, the blinding lights - even the often same grey slated sky he grew up with felt so different from home. It was so much sometimes and there were days that he felt swept up in it's chaotic flow, unable to breathe.
Luckily, this wasn't one of those days.
He was doing quite well this afternoon. Lunch hour had just hit and Ryu was more than eager to get himself some food. As the streets began to crowd with various peoples the young genin started to grow a bit uncomfortable. He knew how people tended to be around this time, so eager for food that they become a bit cranky to put it lightly.
As he stood in line for one of his favorite sandwich shops he pulled out his wallet a smile on his face, only to turn around when someone tapped his shoulder. Blinking he looked back only to see no source of the tapper. Tilting his head to the side in confusion he turned back to his wallet... Only to see it not...in...his...hands?
Wait, what?!
A quick glimpse around from eyes trained for hunting, his eagle-eyed sight locked eyes with a shifty figure as they froze in place... holding his wallet! "H-Hey!" He shouted as the person bolted through the crowd as Ryuunosuke got swept up in the lunch rush. "Come back you thief!" He yelped desperately. Gritting his teeth he managed to push through as a break in the flow of people gave him room to run.
Only for him to realize the person was nowhere to found... Or so he thought. Scanning the area he noticed the person's face. 'There!' As the person ran to an alleyway - Ryu quickly followed, only to come through the end of said back road and a new street... With no visible target.
'Damn it!'
And just like that... His day went down the toilet.
Through the sound of metal and patron did an outcry of pain erupt through the air. Droplets of blood trickling the street from above. If one were to look closely, they would spy what looked to be two figures at the edge of a rooftop - one of them was dangling with feet kicking. An ominous figure, cloaked in pristine white, clutched the throat of Ryu's assailant. A squeeze from the powerful appendage that held him suspended in midair forced choking, though the captor's luminescent purple orbs were calm, collected. "This is the second time today. There will not be a third," Anotsu murmured. Fear coalesced with confusion, the Jounin's speed affording him an easy interception. Feet planted, Anotsu glanced south until almond-shaped orbs fell upon Ryuunosuke. [break][break] The Uchiha's free hand slid from its pocket and searched his quarry's pockets, pulling the wallet free and using the pad of his thumb to open it. Upon inspection and verifying its owner, a turn and thrust sent his captive flying into a nearby wall. A sickening thud rendered him unconscious, form sliding down into a slump. Anotsu stepped forward and fell from the edge of the rooftop, landing with both feet soundlessly onto the grounds below. Obsidian locks bounced softly as he approached the Genin, holding up the wallet and waving it back and forth slightly. "If there's one thing I won't let get ruined for my Genin, it's lunch." [break][break] A toss of his wallet, the object flying in a lob before landing in Ryu's hands should he have caught it. A deep whiff of the air, a step past the Genin as eyes scanned the lunch choices. If the street hadn't been bustling with activity, Anotsu would have been sure that the audible sound of his stomach's growling could have been heard. To that end, the Jounin glanced over his shoulder. "Shall we?" he asked, eyebrows rising to a small degree. [break][break] Toward the shops he ambled, the sound of groaning slightly present as the clad-in-white Uchiha vanished into the crowds. As an Amegakure native, he was more than acclimated to such hustle and bustle. "Uchiha Anotsu, by the way." Anotsu called back with a slight wave, tall enough to be seen through the crowd as he mulled over meal choices. [break][break] [3:36PM]
By the time Ryuunosuke stepped onto the new street he suddenly found his own wallet being lobbed at himself as he fumbled with it for a second before holding it within his open hands. Confusion colored his visage as he looked up at the man who threw it at him from a distance. "...Thanks?" He spoke aloud not sure what to make of the situation - having missed the man's whole confrontation with the would be thief that happened above him.
"Anotsu-san..." He wondered out loud only to snap out of this thoughts watching idly as he waved back as he walked away through the ever moving throng of people. "H-Hey, wait up!" Rushing to keep up he slowed down to a normal pace once he finally caught up. "So, uhh... thank you for getting my wallet for me!" He said while the words of 'But what happened to the thief?' were left unsaid.
"Anyways, what do you like to eat? I'm cool with anything myself!" He laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. The genin was never a picky eater, when you grow up eating simple and unexciting dishes like roasted meat, vegetables, and plain rice for most of your childhood you learn to enjoy whatever you're given. The life of a hunter was anything but extravagant after all. "Oh right!" He piped up almost forgetting himself. "My name's Ryuunosuke! Nice to meet you sir!"
Anotsu paused as they continued to amble the stalls. Very rare was the occurrence, but Ryuunosuke had coaxed a raised, single eyebrow from the Jounin. "You haven't been briefed, yet." The Uchiha was in a moment of deep thought as he stopped at a ramen stall. The very aroma was intoxicating, the senses overwhelmed with the potential of broth and ramen. To coalesce with particular meats and eggs was the journey to ecstasy. As almond-shaped orbs began to read over a conveniently placed menu, he took an occasional glance toward Ryuunosuke. "To answer the most important question first," Anotsu trailed off with an index finger raised. That same finger snapped forward to the ramen. "Anything with ramen and meat in it is always the go-to for me." [break][break] One would have surmised that the Uchiha would have handled business first. The growl produced seconds after his statement, however, signified that there was far greater matters at hand. "I know who you are, as well. Ryuunosuke Nara. You've been assigned to my Platoon. Consequently, that's how I was able to intercept the wanderer who pilfered your wallet. Lucky for me," Anotsu said with the corner of his lips turning upward into a grin. "I've have had to cover your meal." An order of wasabi shoyu ramen was placed. "You have good taste, sir!" the vendor exclaimed as he went to work. Sweat and a dirty apron were signs of effort. As steam and flame occupied the stall, Anotsu gave Ryu his undivided attention once more. [break][break] "You weren't informed that you'd be in my Platoon? If not, I'll have to have a conversation with personnel from the Academy. I don't like sneaking up on my Genin....at least, not when it's not part of a training exercise." His voice was deep, yet not thunderous. It was a low boom, vibrating the ears like gentle, rolling thunder across plains. "But before we get into any of that, why don't you order?" A dip of his chin in understanding. The Uchiha stepped to the side, arms lofting to cross one over the other at the Jounin's chest. "It doesn't have to be ramen, either. So long as I get to brief you on the up and coming, the whole of Amegakure is our office if need be." [break][break] That calm and collected air about Anotsu seemed to radiate from him in waves. Every movement, every ministration seemed casual and with a certain rhythm, a certain stride. Passersby greeted him with a nod, doing the same for the young Genin as he waited for his meal to be prepared. [break][break] [4:18PM]
"Of course I was briefed. It's not like I forgot or anything." He said with a slight nervous chuckle. He looked away trying to hide his embarrassed blush at the situation. Damnit, why did his sensei have to be so perceptive?!
And of all the times his nigh perfect memory failed on him, it had to be now! Well, to be fair - he was lost in a frantic moment recently - so he could be forgiven for not realizing things sooner! Or so he tried to rationalize. In truth sometimes, even someone with a mind like him could forget important things.
Supposed 'genius' or no.
Noticing they stopped at a place he never eaten at before his mouth practically watered at the various smells and aromas as his stomach groaned in protest. Right, he hadn't eaten yet! Speaking of food - his sensei said he was gonna pay for the meal, right? Ahhh... But he felt kinda bad about it! But also he was really hungry and didn't have a lot on him at the moment...
Eventually his hunger outweighed his humbleness as he made his decision to eat something good, even if it wasn't by his own merit or money. He ended up getting an order of tempura with a side of fried rice - while not exactly the healthiest of foods - Ryu figured it was more than enough for a good lunch.
Sitting down on an available stool he broke apart his chopsticks before muttering "Itadakimasu!" in thanks before digging in, just happy to be finally eating.
Ryuunosuke was different from his peers. Alive with words as much as ministration, it would be nowhere near as difficult to come to know his Genin. Anotsu thought back to Koma the Quiet, to Daichi the Protagonist, to Aiko the Researcher. A soft shake of his head, a huff that could have been perceived as the faintest of chuckles. Hands reached out to grip the large bowl filled with the delicious combination of broth, ramen, egg, and all other manner of addition. It took no time for Ryu to find a seat. [break][break] The Uchiha followed suit, sitting carefully and placing it before him. He repeated the action, the audible snap of the chopsticks followed by a dipped head. The heat greeted Anotsu as the ramen was lifted to his mouth, pushing the contents forward and savoring the test as he sat up once again. In silence he'd eat, at least until the beast within his stomach's hunger had been sated. "I see," was all that Ryuunosuke would receive in exchange for his feigned knowledge. [break][break] "Have you met with the others in your Platoon?" Anotsu asked, slowing down long enough to fit syllables and vowels into their exchange. The patrons along the street began to thin, granting the pair room to discuss matters without increased volume. The Uchiha's hitai ate dangled, swayed here and there. "If you've any questions for me, as well, I'm open to answering....provided they're able to be discussed out in the open." Ever watchful were the Jounin's eyes. Even in those fleeting moments of an encounter earlier, maintaining a certain alertness was key to reducing the element of surprise. As shinobi, there was nothing more key. [break][break] Anotsu was both an enigma and a familiarity somehow. Rarely surprised, hardly moved by the ministrations or words from those who desired to move him. He was a calm before the storm, the only indication that he possessed the means to kill the corpse that was effectively left behind and hidden after the fact. He lifted his chopsticks and nodded to the chef with a grin, the expression returned before he lowered his form and continued to bask in the glory of the wasabi shoyu. The ryo had been exchanged in one swift motion - at least, Anotsu figured, Ryu had benefited from the incident. [break][break] Of course, he would be sure to reprimand him later for being caught off guard so easily. [break][break] [5:02PM]
The piece of battered shrimp laid limp between the tightly pressed chopsticks stopping half way to his mouth as he glanced over to his sensei. Flecks of rice still pressed to the side of his lips as he paused in a moment's thought. "Not yet - but I hope to remedy that soon." He gave a carefree smile before continuing. "Which'll be no problem seeing how it was so easy to run into you, sensei!"
A toothy grin followed before he returned to his meal - eating with the decorum of a half starved mutt. As time ticked on ever slowly, Ryu's meal began to deplete ever so swiftly before it was completely gone. Wiping his face with his arm he spoke a happy "Gochisosama!"
However, throughout the light exchange the two have had - a nagging question had been gnawing at the back of his mind until it became too much to ignore. "By the way sensei - did you see what happened to that thief earlier?" He questioned. The black haired teen wasn't being accusatory - though the young man did have his suspicions that his very own Jonin sensei had something to do with it. He didn't speak that part out loud, more than content to let what was unsaid speak for him. A frown came on his face as he punched his open palm as he grit his teeth in annoyance.
"I really wanted to punch that jerk in his stupid face for what he did!" Seriously, the audacity! If that guy was in the wilderness doing stuff like that he'd get stabbed in the gut for such a bold and stupid move! Such laws like Amegakure ran with didn't always persist outside it, that much Ryu knew from experience.
A thief was more likely to lose the very hands they used to steal with as punishment. Not that he would do that, obviously. He never liked how... cruel the outside world could be at times. Sometimes it was just too hard to stomach. Still, he at least wanted to give the guy a nice knock on the head for stealing his carefully saved money!
You know, like civilized people did!
He let out a sigh relieving himself of his pent up annoyance. It was time to forgive and forget he supposed. "Ah, guess it doesn't matter. Even if he did manage to steal my wallet there wouldn't have been a lot to take." He said as he stretched his arms up into the air releasing out a small content breath. "Anyways, thank you again for the meal, Anotsu-sensei." He spoke sincerely letting his arms rest with his hands on his lap showing a bright grin.
There was a momentary pause in judgement. A flicker of inner conflict, the realization that he had been directly involved in playing judge, jury, and nearly executioner to Ryuunosuke's misfortune. Despite this, Anotsu's visage remained unchanged. A brief pause as he finished the last of his noodles, lowering his utensil and securing the large bowl by its bottom with outspread digits. Silence prevailed as Anotsu drank the last few mouthfuls of broth. Warmth spread throughout his chest, that pleasing contrast to the streets of Amegakure and the showers of rain therein. A satisfied breath of approval was exhaled with pleasure. Was he going to lie to Ryuunosuke? [break][break] They were shinobi. Like a newborn child being ripped from its mother's arms, innocence was never theirs to have, to raise. At first impression, Anotsu's honesty would be a catalyst to the Genin's inability to trust him. Alternatively, the Jounin's methods could have a trickle effect, promoting the doling out of violence for every injustice. A long gaze at Ryuunosuke as Anotsu came to terms with the possibility of both outcomes. Finally, lips parted to speak. [break][break]
"He's being seen to by the Medical shinobi. I dealt with him. Whether he'll see tomorrow or not is another matter entirely." There it was, a confession given without contestation to its truth. "We are shinobi. We're protectors, the first and last to the battlefield when Amegakure is threatened." Anotsu's voice took on a deeper tone. "...And we never let the enemy get the drop on us."
[break][break] A frigid air blanketed the immediate environment. The layers had been peeled back to reveal a serious Anotsu, his iris like the sharpest blade's edge as his pools of luminescent purple met Ryu's contact. "Don't let your negligence get you killed. Or worse, your Platoon mates." It was a truth that couldn't be accompanied with padding, with sugar. The Jounin's words may have been serrated daggers to Ryuunosuke's mood. Better this than Anotsu's own leniency and a dead Genin to bury. [break][break] "You're welcome," he said, the cold air about him suddenly replaced with the casual disposition he was so known for. Before he could continue, however, a pair of eyes caught his attention from the alleyway. The ill will within them more than evident, there was no possibility that he could avoid the confrontation to be. "It's been said that snakes can be dangerous," Anotsu began as he stood. A hand fell upon Ryuunosuke's shoulder to clutch it. "We should cut the head off to make sure it's dead. We have company." A slow gait lead Anotsu toward his intended destination. "Come." [break][break] [10:07AM]
"I-" He paused his dark eyes widened a fraction in understanding as the weight of the situation weighed heavy on him like an oppressive rock. Part of him should've realized and yet he remained oblivious... Or perhaps he did so on purpose.
To lessen the guilt he felt gnaw at his insides - even if his effect on the whole thing was indirect at best. Still, it hurt to know that his negligence was so costly. Did such a fate await him on the battlefield as well? Would his foolhardiness leave him without a teammate or ally? Dead or dying due to his lack of awareness?
"-I understand, sensei."
Suddenly everything felt unnaturally cold - though looking into his sensei's luminescent violet eyes - so serious and cutting - he felt it wasn't as much 'in his head' as he first thought. And as quickly as the chill came - it faded - leaving a more comfortable, cheery, naturalness behind. However, a chill still ran down Ryu's spine as he felt that frigidness bury deep in his bones.
Looking up, finally snapping out his haze of thoughts he noticed his sensei's talk about "snakes" further confusing the teen with it's crypticness. Only for the Nara to follow his line of sight - as dark eyes clashed with shadowed ones.
And Ryu was suddenly hit with what he could only describe as a feeling that 'wished death' upon him. As his Uchiha sensei rose and continued his words Ryu found himself following his lead even before the man beckoned for him. For a moment he sense of sudden and drastic fear welled up within him.
But watching his sensei walk with such a calm stride - with such a purpose. That fear melted away and only a firm resolve lingered in it's place. Kind dark eyes suddenly narrowed with a sense of determination as he fell in line with his teacher's steps - ready as he'd ever be to leap into action.
[attr="class","yuki-notes"] Protecting The People.
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This was the dark and damp of Amegakure's population. Shinobi or not, malevolence and disrespect were the tools of men who sought freedom from the watchful eye of ninja and their ways. The crowd had thinned considerably, leaving little resistance to Anotsu as he ambled toward their intended destination. He could hear the click of the Nara's feet behind him. With no pause in his own stride, Anotsu didn't bother to cast his gaze backward - Ryu was prepared. The tall, iron buildings delivered them into the mouth of the dark corridor. What once was sky was now a family of titans, structures that towered over them as if silent guardians. "Our thief has allies," Anotsu muttered. [break][break] Through the maw of the alleyway they moved, the Jounin's eyes darting to and fro - not out of fear, but simply out of observation. Seconds passed before the end of the street yielded the givers of their invitation. Three figures, spread apart, watched them with murderous intent. The very air about them thick with tension, Anotsu's arm stretched out just enough to halt the Genin behind him's advance. "They're not here to offer us a deal," the Uchiha began. Broken armor and tattered cloth adorned their figures, disheveled shadows poised to advance at a moment's notice. But they would have been remiss to ignore the Jounin that stood before them. [break][break] "You got a problem with a little charity?" one of the voices asked, deep and thick with anger. "We could have ambushed the little bastard. Instead, we considered it a reward for letting him live." Anotsu's gaze fell half-lidded. "Vermin should stay within the sewers we allow them to," the Uchiha replied. Glints of metal - they wielded daggers. Anotsu's free hand fished into his pouch, a smoke pellet hidden betwixt the pads of his fingertips. "We never engage without a plan," he muttered to Ryu. "There's just enough light for you to act. I'll lead. Follow up." [break][break] "Vermin!? You nearly killed one of ours!! The price just went from a wallet to everything you've got on you." Chuckles echoed from before them as the shadowed forms began to spread out in an attempt to surround them. "Your typical thugs. I'll report this to the Kage Tower. For now....we don't have much of a choice. We deal with them now or risk the vendors getting threatened later." [break][break] Ryu would find the pellet thrust diagonally, its impact with the ground creating an explosion of smoke that spread out to engulf the proximity betwixt them. Into the fray Anotsu vanished. The sound of blade upon blade echoed through the alleyway, grunts and groans of pain and effort continuing for seconds. One of the assailants staggered through the veil of gray, coughing and hacking. Disoriented and bent over, Ryu was in place to act as the sounds of battle continued behind the plume of smoke. [break][break] The time to act was now. This would be a defining moment. [break][break] [11:23AM]
Their trek led the pair to a deep, dark, alley way. The air around here was thick and damp - breathing it in seemed to put an uncomfortable pressure on the lungs. The wide open skies vanished revealing the innards of the deepest parts of the village - the places where most citizens did not linger for long.
There is the bowels of the long backstreet stood three shadowed figures who seemed anything but friendly. When his sensei spoke with a firm tenure that these thugs were not there to shake hands but throw them - Ryu nodded solemnly in agreement.
As Anotsu and the criminals traded barbs the situation grew even more tense. Narrowing his eyes he kept his words to himself - knowing it was not the time to have his emotions cloud his instincts.
His eyes slid shut as he let out a breath just moments after his sensei released the smoke pellet. Taking his superior's words to heart his eyes snapped open into a fierce focus as he watched the man scuttle around in the smoke his shadow just protruding from the haziness.
His sensei really knew how to set things up. This would be perfect! Taking out a kunai he threw it at the man's foot causing him to shout and swing wildly before realizing the teen missed. The smoke was slowly fading from their location - but that was exactly what he wanted.
"Look at you, looks like your little disappearing act failed! You're mine you little shit!" The ratty clothed man growled in anger and glee. His lips curled in a half smile half snarl on his weathered and worn face.
'Now!'
He thought as he went into a familiar handseal to those who know of the Nara clan's infamous hijutsu. In a brief instant Ryu's shadow began to warp and elongate on the ground as it slithered towards the kunai's shadow. From there it quickly snaked it's way to the thug's shadow locking him in place for but a moment.
"What the hell did you do you brat?!" Smirking in response as sweat began to bead at his brow he started pantomiming moving his arm while tightening his hand into a fist - the thug was forced to follow the moment.
"Light's out!"
Punching the side of his cheek with his fist the criminal soon acted in tune effectively knocking themselves out as he crumbled to the ground.
Shaking his hand he muttered and "Ow, ow ow-" Before he rubbed his face which gained a nice bruise. While he looked distracted he was far from it. Anotsu's words resonating with him as he kept himself aware of his surroundings. 'That's my limit right now, no more shadow possession til I get my chakra back.' He thought with a grimace.
As the smoke began to dissipate the Nara kept his eyes out for his sensei and the remaining two thugs - ready to jump in at a moment's notice. Even though he was probably sure his sensei had this in the bag, it was good to be prepared just in case.
Through the smoke, a wraith clad in pristine white dipped in and out of melee range with expert precision. Beneath a fist he ducked. Weaponry brushed his clothing, shrugged off with a kunai. A pivot allowed the Uchiha to spin, every agile movement seemingly more calculated than the last. Finally, a glint of metal sliced through the air - an outcry of pain and a spray of scarlet followed suit. The body twisted and contorted as its throat was opened, the jugular vein a host of red that painted the adjacent wall. Within those moments did hands clutch skin, attempting to close the deep wound....but to no avail. The Jounin wouldn't linger on it, vanishing once more into the last vestiges of smoke. "What the-!?" the confused aggressor cried out. Frantically he searched, the plume now expired. The witness to Ryu's triumph, wide eyes silently begged for understanding. [break][break] "H-Hey! HEY! Aren't you supposed to protect the people!? You can't kill us! T-take me in! I'll turn myself in!!" It was a declaration of surrender. A misstep, a trip over the lifeless body that the Uchiha had created moments ago. He fell forward, attempting to scramble to his feet. It was a set of three shuriken that sliced through the air, embedding themselves deep into the chest. Anotsu appeared from the darkness, materializing almost as if a shadow released. Desperation in his crawl, the last of their ilk turned over in the murky puddle beneath him. "You were resolved to your fate until the hand you were dealt wasn't effective," Anotsu began. It was a slow and methodical gait toward the form whose blood began to coalesce with the muddy water. [break][break] Anotsu stood over him. Both hands pushed deep into his pockets, half-lidded eyes regarded the wounded thief with little remorse. His eyes lofted to match Ryu's gaze. "We're shinobi," Anotsu began. "There will come a time when death knocks. When that time comes," Anotsu stated, stomping the shuriken deeper into the chest of the writhing figure below until it no longer moved, "What we do to protect this village will inevitably shape our futures. Remember that." There, in the darkness of the alley, it was evident that the Jounin had been speaking to Ryu in the entirety of their ministrations. [break][break] Anotsu approached the unconscious thief that had been dispatched with Ryu's Nara skill. Kneeling, he placed two fingers at his throat. "You were quick on your feet. Good. This one can spread the message to every rat in the nooks and crannies of the village. I doubt they'll be stealing from anyone from now on." The Jounin adjusted his attire, ensuring that his collar and obsidian locks were kempt. "If you ever take a life, Ryuunosuke Nara....let it serve a purpose." Anotsu ambled until he stood beside the Genin, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Let's go. I have one more matter to take care of." [break][break] Back toward the hustle and bustle the Uchiha moved, though he stopped at the mouth of the darkened alley and turned to wait for Ryuunosuke. A small smile etched itself across his features. "The other Genin will be lucky to have you." [break][break] [2:25PM]
Ryuunosuke watched the gruesome display with a quiet though slightly troubled air. He should be used to this - he grew up with hunters. Blood, guts, innards, the like wasn't uncommon to see. But those were animals and maybe the occasional idiot who thought they could take on well trained men and women with a shinobi history.
And to add to it - he never once took a human life with his own hands. He always observed - and truthfully the only time he saw someone bleed out, he was five years old and he was traumatized for months. Even now the memories were fresh in his mind's eye as he watched his sensei end one of the thug's life without a second thought; cold, clear cut, callous, even.
His sensei's words were nothing but honest - it was true that one day he would have to take a life. When that time came, he too hoped it was for a righteous cause. To protect his home, his comrades, and his allies - that was why he was a shinobi after all. To give back to the village who gave to his clan? But a part of him secretly wondered if that was a worthy reason.
Was it worth spilling his blood for? For spilling the blood of another? For a moment he stared out at nothing - his mind weighed down by his thoughts. He heard his sensei's words but they felt almost far away. In a breath Ryu finally snapped out of his daze as he watched the Uchiha walk away to what seemed to be their next destination.
Perhaps the last of this impromptu meeting - and one he couldn't help but feel a little sad about. He learned a lot from this excursion after all. Through the wildness of his mind the words Anotsu spoke warmed his heart a little as a smile graced his lips for the first time since this whole confrontation with the thugs started. And he couldn't be more grateful.
"Ah, thank you, sensei." He said earnestly his smile soft if not a bit somber. No doubt the events of the day having an effect on him. But it didn't truly dampen his spirit. Despite everything, he still had that flame that burned inside of him. Here was hoping it never went out.
Ryuunosuke was steeled in his resolve. It was a welcome change to the uninitiated of Amegakure, the hesitant who were unable to draw a blade, act with murderous intent. Anotsu neither looked back or spoke as they vanished into the crowd, the sound of rustling and gathering behind them a clear evidence that a disposal unit had already been dispatched. Anotsu glanced about as he took a slow, steady observance of the population. So many lived careless existences. To the Uchiha, he was part of the invisible force that allowed such a thing. [break][break] "Maintaining our humanity is important," Anotsu said to Ryu. The purpose of their travel was revealed as Anotsu stopped in the middle of the newly gathered crowds. He gave Ryu a reassuring nod, a tilt of his head silently commanding the Genin to observe his surroundings. "As Amegakure shinobi, there's nothing we won't do for those who need us. When you came out of the Academy, it was your declaration to this village that your flesh and blood would be second to its needs." It was the look of determination in the Nara's eyes that allowed Anotsu to continue - it was clear that he understood completely. [break][break] "Don't ever romanticize this life, Ryu," Anotsu began. "The only glory that we will ever know is the one that Amegakure will receive. Otherwise, we do what we must. I don't ever want my Genin, Mai's Genin, to dream so big that reality becomes an afterthought. Just as quickly as our stories begin, they can end." The Jounin refused to sell them a dream. As a child, it had been priority that his mind become a sponge that soaked only the greatest lessons. Above the surface, he was a calm and collected individual. But beneath that exterior lied a will that had been tempered through the fires of hardship, loss, betrayal. Mazoku, his father, had taught him much....by means that he intended to repay. [break][break] "If there's nothing else, I owe a visit to the KazeKage. You're free to go as you please. We won't meet for a while yet." Droplets of rain began to pitter patter against the street. The downpour would pick up soon. If Ryuunosuke had naught else to say, the Uchiha would create a single handseal that would see him vanish from whence he stood into the nothingness of Amegakure's streets. [break][break] [5:40PM]
The final bit of advice that his sensei gave him resonated with him. They were simple in their concept, don't lose sight of yourself, and don't become arrogant. Or, that's how Ryuunosuke interpreted them. As Anotsu vanished with the coming rain - Ryu allowed the coming downpour soak him a bit. His statuesque form would eventually move with a simple blink. Followed with him pulling up his hood of his coat and shoving his hands into his pockets. "..." Without another word, he began to move - joining the oncoming crowds before he blended in their wake and also disappeared.
Ryuunosuke felt he'd never get used to living in such a big village. Even after living here in Amegakure for six years he still finds himself overwhelmed. The towering mechanical spires, the billowing of steam and turning of various cogs. The loudness of static, the large crowds, the blinding lights - even the often same grey slated sky he grew up with felt so different from home. It was so much sometimes and there were days that he felt swept up in it's chaotic flow, unable to breathe. 
