Another mission, another team. Akihito didn't know this one and it was expected their first mission together would not be one filled with much excitement and danger. It was a standard mission, really. However, aiding in such a small matter as this could mean a chapter could be concluded for the Kitagawa family. In a way, he didn't blame the cat... Saying goodbye was never as easy as it should be.
Akihito has pulled on the standard-issue uniform and a black yukata top with crimson detailing on top. His fan was tucked up his sleeve. His wild hair was drawn back into a ponytail. The mission details were safely in his pocket in case he needed to confirm something in it later on.
The streets were as quiet as ever, nothing unnatural as this wasn't the center of the village and largely a residential area. As Akihito made his way there he couldn't help wonder about who the others would turn out to be. He would work with them regardless of who they were, but some personalities were simply easier than others. Secretly he hoped they would be agreeable and not too loud. He knew their jounin was a rather... powerful man. Blessed by wind, some said. If his study of chakra natures and elemental ninjutsu had any truth to it, this meant he could potentially boost his attacks. Or at least combine them. It was an interesting concept. It was far easier acquiring knowledge of the higher ranking shinobi of the platoon than it was to find anything on the genin he would be working with. So far he had a name and a few other basic tidbits of information... It'd be fine.
As he neared his destination he would see another was standing outside the house, too. Green hair and pale skin. That would be Itaru. Had to be as the other team member was a female. Akihito approached, stopped before him, and bowed lightly. The difference in rank didn't warrant anything showy or overly formal.
"Itaru Tokoro? I am Akihito Kisaragi, one of the genin on platoon 1."
Now all they needed was their final member and they would be good to go.
Dawn broke and slowly light would return to the world, the shadows of the night were chased away for another moment. The village of stone would remain bathed in shadow for a spell longer, but it did not mean the people of Iwagakure would sleep in or let it stop them from getting their day started. In the Kisaragi household Akihito had been up before dawn, preparing a few select items and a lunch before he headed out in a timely manner so he would arrive at one of the many training grounds of the village around the time the sun finally started to be visible over some of the mountain ranges.
His warm-up was simple enough and worked through rather quickly. Once done he would shrug off his windbreaker, leaving him only in a t-shirt and loose-fitting pants, and open-toed sandals. With him, he had his tessen and a few other items, but those would remain in his bag until -if- he needed them. The fan lay heavy in his hand, the weight familiar and safe. He ran a hand over the side of it, slowly sliding it open, and checked the spokes of it. All was well with it. He snapped it closed and switched it out for a large paper and bamboo fan. He was not working with the real deal until he had the movements down and they flowed somewhat naturally.
The paper fans were easy to handle and the resistance was nearly zero, but it was the equivalent of training with a bokken... Akihito positioned himself in the middle of the round training ground and started out with some simple, basic deflection and parry moves before he moved into a few sweeping strikes both upward and downward.
Some might have been rather self-conscious about waving a fan around as this and Akihito had yet to meet any who didn't view the tessen as a women's weapon or a lesser weapon when compared to the sword or kunai. All weapons had their advantages and disadvantages. Flawed and never perfect. Much as the beings who wielded them.
Akihito Kisaragi stands at about 182 cm tall and has slightly tanned skin. His hair is a deep burgundy red to the point where it appears black except for the very ends where the sun has bleached it and the hair is thinner. He usually dresses in the village uniform paired with a yukata top when working, when not he will wear something practical and likely throw on a yukata on top as it helps him conceal attacks and the like with the fans he carries. Usually, he will have several normal fans on his person along with foldable war fans.
Born into a long line of shinobi Akihito was the second child and great expectations were laid on him early in life. Where his brother excelled Akihito was expected to do the same. Offensive power and swift execution were their trademarks and what his parents had excelled at and so would their children. Akihito grew up fast and learned to navigate the more cutthroat parts of the industry and his parents' words soon became his mantra: Excel in all endeavors. Be swift. Be deadly in everything.
Being raised in the Kisaragi household was no easy feat, they were raised as shinobi and expected to make it their entire life. So where others had playdates and played tag Akihito and his brother had training or study time. Akihito always showed more interest in their study sessions and is fluent in much of history and basic herb and plant lore, even with knowledge of some of the ancient clans. His Father often reminded him that as they lacked any hijutsu or kekkei genkai one must arm oneself with knowledge and strategy for only the latter could win over a stronger opponent relying on their nature. As such Akihito is often in the pursuit of knowledge about everything which might relate to his profession.
As one might conclude, he is experienced in the world of shinobi, but lacks behind when it comes to everything else. If it isn't furthering his career, then there is not much use for it in his life. This does not mean he is not curious and if given the opportunity to he would like to learn more.
Despite his training, a softer side still held on and it was this which spurred him into writing letters only to burn them and watch the flame consume his secrets and emotions.
To My Dearest Elder Brother,
Ichimaru. You have left me at the mercy of our parents. I do not blame you I only wish I had been there to aid you even if I know it would not change the outcome of your mission. Death is final and coming for all of us.
I still feel as if it was yesterday you snuck me out on my birthday to go get shaved ice and celebrate my twelfth birthday. It remains one of my fondest memories to this day. You always looked out for me in that way. Maybe because you knew I wasn't like you. You are... Were the perfect son. You mastered the art of stealth and assassination with frightening ease and a blade always were your friend, an extension of yourself. It was beautiful to observe. You would have been a master among masters had you been granted enough time to hone your skill. But we Kisaragi have always been fodder for the cause, right? Willing subjects and obedient soldiers. I am not like that. I can't imitate you the way our beloved parents want me to. I do not know how to steady my hand and endure the weight of the blade. I guess it is a blessing I do have out Father's fire, huh?
Mother tells me to stop grieving for you. Keep my head up and work harder since you did not die in vain. You accomplished your mission and earned the greatest honor: dying for your country and Kage.
I would rather have my brother.
I love you always,
Your Aki.
To Mother and Father,
Esteemed Mother and Father. you gave me life, you gave me a roof over my head and the clothes on my back. I remain eternally grateful.
You have given me the tools to become a shinobi. A great one, too. But I cannot give you my heart. It hurts too much to let it go and all the dreams and opportunities with it. I know the art of the shinobi leaves no room for the heart. I suppose it is why I have not earned your praise in so long, despite never stepping out of line, never failing. My only flaw is being average it seems. I hope one day you will see I am an equal to my beloved late brother. I am being filled into a new platoon after the loss of my previous platoon and my jounin recovers. They were unclear if it is a permanent change, but either way... I cannot deny I am happy about the change. Perhaps I will finally be able to step out of your shadow and become my own person. In a way.
Your most grateful son,
Akihito
Dearest Future Me,
I hope you find a way. Your own way. Do not cut your heart out to satisfy Mother and Father, you will lose so much more than you gain. Meet the world with a smile, be polite, be just as lethal as brother's blade and as poisonous as the senbon Mother employs. Never let anyone in unless you are sure they will not urge you to smother your fire in exchange for a brief inferno of power and glory. You will find a way to bring glory to the Kisaragi name, but make it your own way and not anyone else's.
Oh and please stop eating so much sugar. You know you get sick dummy...
Proficiencies
Taijutsu [Rookie] The basics are down, but still need some work. It is far from his favorite art, but he can handle some simple strikes and dish out a good punch compared to the average civilian.
Tessenjutsu [Rookie] Akihito has the basics down but is still mastering them. Having abandoned the traditional shurikenjutsu he favors the short to mid-range war fan.
💠 Dragon's Bite - Metal Folding Fan. A metal folding fan with a simple red and orange color scheme. It can conduct chakra and it is able to burn like a hot pan would. It is rather heavy for a folding fan, but can do the job of a simple fan as well as a weapon. Dragon's bite is best utilized in close range as the edge of the fan can be used to cut with as the spokes of the fan have been sharpened. Fans of this weight are also great as hammers/small clubs it seems.
Stealth [Rookie] The bread and butter of the Kisaragi family. Akihito has mastered it to some degree, being he knows the basics and can understand the concepts of the next steps, but is unable to replicate them at this time due to a lack of experience and awareness.
Fire Release [Apprentice] Controlling fire isn't easy and so far it has not been, but he has worked hard and is able to produce smaller flames and heat from his body as well as extending some of it through his weapon of choice - the tessen - as long as he holds the tiger seal with his other hand.
