"Well, well." It was a beautiful execution, the corner of Anotsu's lips lifting until a grin existed for seconds. He continued to observe from the distance, completely shrouded in foliage and nature as he watched the interaction unfold before him. Daichi had even brought tools, improvising and using everyday objects to create a makeshift blanket of deception. As if on cue, the small animal emerged from the thick of brush to bark gently and shake any stray leaves or dirt from his coat. Such a dance of show and tell was easily exercised as a means to cover his story. The Genin's eyes fell upon the contents of the bag, the intrigue clearly drawn on his features as green eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh yeah!! Now THIS is how you greet a guy!" The words were shouted with impatience, tearing at the contents and attempting to free himself - eyes taken off of Daichi. [break][break] How would the Genin take advantage of the situation? The sound of flora and fauna continued to carry on through the forestry, the day furthering as beams of light broke through their grassy cover. Terrain stretched out for as far as the eye could see, even the bustling sound of the village perishing with how deep in they'd traveled. Which approach would Daichi take? One of a continued facade? One of violent proportion, subduing his quarry? Such questions were critical to observe. Anotsu was adamant in this scenario, neither a muscle or appendage relinquishing the idea of no interference. [break][break] "O-of course I noticed the dog!" the Genin shouted at Daichi, a defensive air cascading him. "If you knew the forest so well, maybe you wouldn't have gotten caught!" The Genin's greedy fingers hurried at the wrapper, his eyes still locked onto the prize that awaited him when he'd uncovered it. "Who's the loser!? You're the one who has to cut himself down!" A belly full of laughter broke out and into the atmosphere. With little more separating the gluttonous Genin from his distraction, Anotsu watched on with intrigue to view - scrutinize - Daichi and his next set of ministrations. [break][break] [3:51PM]
It was odd to see the clear valley that separated Hikari from the matriarch that so blatantly attempted to lure him in. Almond-shaped orbs regarded her with little more than an imperceptible tolerance. Where his innermost thoughts desired to eviscerate her for the treatment of the Genin beside him, the Uchiha understood that necessity outweighed personal judgement. He turned his attention to Hikari in an attempt to greater canvas the mission and all that it encompassed. "It's for the best that I take the reins on this one. Agreed." He wondered if the small boy was allowed to laugh at his pun. Whatever the case, the Uchiha inspected the belongings with eyes alone. He dare not touch them, 'lest he receive a similar treatment as the Genin who had taken to action. [break][break] "We'll stick to the main road while there's sunlight left, away from any nooks and crannies that could host opposition. If you have a blanket of lesser value or a sheet to cover anything valuable, it'll draw the best outcome if we pass anyone in our journeys." Anotsu made his way around the cart to where the horses reside, lofting a hand and brushing it along the large animal's side. "I'll be needing your help, Hikari. If this is your first mission, let's make it one with a few objective lessons along the way." [break][break] It was the Jounin in him. It was strange to have motivated - attempted to, anyway - a Genin of the village directly opposite their alignment. But as Anotsu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, it was clear that Hikari was more his objective than the tension between Ame and Iwagakure. Digits took the reins as the last preparations were completed. Without delay, Anotsu's lips parted as he began their trek. "We're moving, miss. Hikari and I will be sure to keep our eyes on things. If he's any particular skills, they'll be invaluable to the mission's completion." [break][break] A clear attempt at opposing her will. Anotsu had endured the hardship of stern superiors - parents - at a young age. To the best of his ability, he'd combat such a fate for the young Genin. Maintaining a steady control over the horses whilst simultanteously observing Hikari's ministrations, the Jounin guided the trio to the first leg of their destination. [break][break] [3:37PM]
"I wouldn't be much of a Jounin if I expected an apology from you for doing what you naturally do," Anotsu replied as they continued their walk. The Uchiha rounded a corner as he listened to the Kaguya's words, etching them upon the tablet of remembrance to assess his mental capacity at a later interval. This moment, however, required his undivided attention. He had asked Setsuna to greet him in the manner that he felt appropriate. As such, setting his Chuunin up for failure was a direct contrast to that which he stood for. If Setsuna were searching for disdain or annoyance, he would find none in Anotsu's demeanor or expression. A set of stairs greeted them before long, the Uchiha taking a casual descent as he spoke. "Indeed. It's why I asked you here today. I don't deny that you're deserving of your position," Anotsu began as he reached the last step. "But you're right. The point of your leadership is to help sprouts grow, not stomp them back into the soil." [break][break] The pair would continue their journey, the sounds of clang and grunt gradually increasing in volume as they ambled down a long corridor. Before long, Anotsu stopped at a set of double doors that lay wide open and separated for them to view that which was inside. An empty dojo, complete with tatami mats and mirrors that lined the walls. Wooden swords and the like were placed neatly upon racks, one of the walls showing the outside world in which heavy rainfall was usually constant. Today, however, there was naught but Amegakure's towering creations. Anotsu's luminescent purple pools slid toward Setsuna's position. "If you're determined to sate your thirst, I can assist you in here. But this doesn't reach the Genin." [break][break] The terms of the agreement were set in stone. It was the only outcome that Anotsu could have created. The turmoil of war hadn't presented itself, and the prospect of an untamed Chuunin on the battlefield would have spelled chaos for Daichi, Koma, Aiko, Hoshiko. To that end, the Uchiha would sooner occupy the Kaguya's time with physical engagement than risk their getting placed in harm's way. [break][break] "Decide here and now if you'll agree to these terms. If not, I've no choice but to keep you on the sidelines until you're in full control and cooperation. I won't hesitate to kill you if you threaten the life of my Platoon." The words were ice, frigid in every sense of delivery as Anotsu's piercing gaze was fully upon Setsuna. There was no twitch, no imperceptible expression. There was only the depth of his seriousness, a threat and a promise to his subordinate. [break][break] [1:40 PM]
[attr="class","yuki-notes"] The Enemy of my Enemy.
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Far be it from the Uchiha to interfere in the social matters of others. The conversation had been more than audible as the Jounin approached from the main road leading to his intended destination, his casual stride accentuated by hands pushed deep into the pockets of his pristine white attire. Thankfully, a reprieve from the nearly perpetual rain of Amegakure had given Anotsu one less reason for regret to have settled in. Almond-shaped eyes watched as the pair conversed, arched eyebrows furrowing just slightly in response to the ramblings of a condescending patron. Despite this, the calm and collected air about him remained unchanged. It was important to maintain character, his position and reputation demanding that he give the utmost respect - worthy or not they were. Such a thought at the forefront of his focus, Anotsu's hand relinquished its comfort from within the confines of his garb to loft and wave slightly. Doubtless, reservations had been had with the prospect of assisting a representative from Iwagakure with a mission of this magnitude. [break][break] "A pleasure," the Uchiha said. He had already been informed of the assignment. There was an amount of Ryo to be had for the mission's completion. In that regard, he could bear the occupation of performing as a hired service without treason waiting upon return. Necessity had provoked his assistance. Perhaps fortunately, his long-eared companion could benefit from a third party cutting through the tension with his presence alone. [break][break] "Uchiha, Anotsu. At your service," the Jounin continued. The natural, protective aura of his character began to filter out and toward the small boy. As such, he spoke again before interruption could take place. "If we're to arrive on time and without interception, we should focus our efforts on leaving immediately." The Uchiha stood partially in front of Hikari, hoping to steal the attention long enough for him to collect himself. The hitai ate dangling from his neck displaying the pride of Amegakure, Anotsu offered a forced grin to the client with little authenticity behind it. [break][break] An insufferable client and the fact that he was, essentially, within enemy territory. This would certainly be one for the annals of history. [break][break] [12:29PM]
It was a spectacle to watch her flail and fail. [break][break] Anotsu's visage remained unchanged as Ichigo spoke, though the Uchiha was almost sure that his eyebrow was twitching to an imperceptible degree. Thankfully, the distance between them would render such a reaction unseen. He didn't interrupt, instead opting to bear witness to the full extent of her deception before replying. "...I see," Anotsu said with all of the feigned understanding that he could muster. Difficult it was to maintain the facade of compliance to her secret plan. For all intents and purposes, the Jounin needed to possess positive reinforcement. To that end, it took every ounce of effort not to chuckle. "Mm.." Anotsu muttered, needlessly clearing his throat of something imaginary caught in it. [break][break] "The rain is everywhere. You could stand anywhere within Amegakure and see it.." the Uchiha thought. Yet again, a mental check to ensure that his countenance hadn't betrayed his charade of understanding. "To answer your question," Anotsu began with a casual gait, "No. I am not the Kazekage. My name is Uchiha Anotsu, one of the Jounin here in Amegakure. Normally, you'd be correct in your statement. However, the Kazekage is occupied with matters at the Tower. As a Jounin, I've the authority and position to direct and assist new Genin like yourself." Silently, Anotsu wondered if he should have spoken in fewer words. [break][break] The rain continued to batter and pitter-patter, an audible backdrop to their conversation and initial greeting. The Jounin's hands rest in his pockets as he turned and tilted his chin north, capturing the beauty of the nearly perpetual blanket of rain and the seemingly ominous clouds that shown themselves with the occasional lightning strike. Amegakure was certainly no utopia. Every ounce of its charm lie in the technology that buzzed to life about them, the flicker of sign and notice illuminating their surroundings. [break][break] Anotsu's head swayed east and west, cognizant of her apprehension. "If you're done taking in the sights, I'll take you to the Kazekage's tower." The shroud of introduction now replaced with a more business approach, Anotsu turned and began the task of leading Ichigo toward their intended destination. "Any more secret plans I should know about along the way?" the Uchiha asked, the faintest drop of sarcasm being stirred into the question. [break][break] [12:02PM]
There were few who had an appreciation for the annals of history. Little surprised Uchiha Anotsu, and yet his words were a welcome delight to he who had heard and been taught the history of Amegakure. The blood, sweat, and tears of those who had come before were firmly planted in his knowledge, and the Jounin's countenance shifted into one of pensive nature in response. Intrigue burned within the Uchiha's iris. His next set of words were split between those of admiration and the curiosity to pick further at the treasure trove of Chinetsu's wisdom. He opted, instead, to remain focused on the objective at hand. He silently bookmarked the notion, tucking it away for a later interval. [break][break] "Amegakure has faced impossible odds and stepped triumphantly over the hurdle of its adversities," Anotsu nodded. "I'm sure that we both hold our respective villages close to the cardiac. My thanks for your words." Not one to linger on moments, Chinetsu's question was answered as Anotsu shifted his weight to his left leg. "My Platoon consists of young Genin and a couple of Chuunin. I, myself, am a Jounin." Anotsu remembered his initial greeting, not mentioning his position for no particular reason. He nodded to the distance. [break][break] "If you're not waiting for a squad of your own, I think it our best move to cover more ground and ensure that none are somewhere dying alone and without a means to call for aid. To that end, I'll follow your lead and let you take point. I've no Medical Ninjutsu or knowhow to speak of. I can, however, assist in facilitating your protection." Violet eyes matched Chinetsu's gaze as he spoke. [break][break] "The Empire's silence is a greater threat than its roar," the Uchiha began. "Initiative is sure to pull back the veil of their machinations." [break][break] [8:25PM]
Anotsu hadn't anticipated having to swat a fly so early in the morning. [break][break] His shoulders had risen and fallen to a small degree, accompanied by a slight tilt of his head as they ambled down the hallway. Nods here and there were offered to the Uchiha in his seemingly languid stride. He returned them with a respectful glance, the faintest lift of the corner of his lips his receipt of gratitude. Anotsu's hands rest deep into his pockets, almond-shaped eyes forward. He continued to listen to the Chuunin, his undivided attention a double-edged sword not initially poised to display the gap between their capabilities. Doubtless, Anotsu surmised, Setsuna sought some form of education. The Jounin would offer him this and more. [break][break] Seeing was believing. Such a familiar saying was personified as Anotsu did naught to give indication to his ministrations. The Amegakure Jounin merely vanished from whence he stood, his presence flickering in and out of existence for the briefest of moments. Setsuna's advance struck air, resistance absent and leaving his momentum to its full extent. Anotsu was birthed once more to the Chuunin's sight, though ambling - in the same fashion as before - at his eastern flank. Reality held her breath, exhaling only when he'd fully settled back into his trek. [break][break] Of course, the appearance of Setsuna's intent had purchased him the attention of elite shinobi who descended from the air at the flutter of an eyelid. Arms hidden among robes as black as night, at least four sets of piercing gazes appeared fixed upon Setsuna. Only then did Anotsu halt his advance, a hand lofting in dismissal. "Leave us." The command set in stone, the figures yet again took to the winds and left naught but small gusts to force Anotsu's coat into a dance behind him. [break][break] Anotsu fell statuesque, though a slight turn of his head to look at Setsuna from the corner of his eyes was testament to just how irrelevant the Kaguya's attempt was. Clearly, the difference between a lion and its cub had been established. "Cruelty builds character," Anotsu muttered. As if chaff to the wind, Setsuna's attack was discarded. Only the rest of his words remained, seized and used to fuel the purpose of Anotsu's call to meet. [break][break] "Boredom?" the Uchiha asked as he yet again took to a casual walk, sandals clicking softly against the floor beneath them. "Have you at least checked on your Genin to ensure that they're prepared for our training session? If not, I would wager that boredom is the effect. Your lack of responsibility is the cause." [break][break] [8:51AM]
The Jounin, Uchiha Anotsu, has crossed over into the Rising Spirit Roleplay Forum to create bonds, grow in strength, and etch his name upon the tablet of history as one of the greatest Uchiha to exist in this Alternate Universe. Herein lies the history, the chapters of his journey to ascension and beyond. Only time will tell what fate has in store for the Scarlet Jounin...
It was as if the young Genin had forgotten his training. Anotsu would have sighed audibly had it not been for the necessity of stealth, eyebrows furrowing as he watched the display below. Coincidence to a shinobi was few and far between, a lesson that Daichi was about to learn with no less than hardship. The stray Genin, eyes darting north to match Daichi's gaze, narrowed his gaze as he stood to his feet. "...Fool." The single word was followed by a symphony of foliage and wire. With blinding speed, Daichi would find himself snatched into the arms of an appropriately placed set of traps designed to halt the advance of intruders. [break][break] "You're a shinobi, but you just walk up to a stranger in the forest without canvasing first? What a loser!" the young boy laughed. The prodigy of Ame could only dangle upside down, every limb tied and strapped with reinforced mechanism to ensure that he'd go nowhere. And yet, Anotsu did naught to assist. The Jounin continued to watch from his perch, silently contemplating Daichi's ability to improvise and persevere. [break][break] The freckle-faced Genin pulled baggy pants up, sniffling and circling Daichi's position with quiet scrutiny. "You don't look like much.." the Genin stated. "Who sent you out here? No way anyone just shows up here specifically after this being my first day of skipping." A rub of his double chin, the Genin evidently an Akimichi Clan's student. [break][break] There was little for Anotsu to do, the Jounin standing to full height and pressing his full weight against bark with a shoulder. Arms lofted to fold across his broad chest, the Uchiha took note of them whilst remaining statuesque, quiet and hidden from view. [break][break] [10:09AM]
They were on the same page. Anotsu gave no immediate response, the busywork of his chopsticks seeing egg and other manners of ingredients placed at their end and delivered to his mouth. The symphony of rain outside carried the silence for seconds, the Uchiha imperceptibly taking in Koma's words with a certain conviction. The young Genin had begun to more actively engage in the chess match of their introduction. There were more words, the shell of his character cracked just enough for Anotsu to realize that the wisdom imparted had stirred reflection. The chatter of other patrons rang softly through the air as the Jounin continued his meal, stopping at an appropriate interval to reply. "No argument to be had, Koma," Anotsu began. A soft roll of his shoulders, a small slouch developing as the warmth of the wasabi cascaded his torso and offered a consequent relaxation. "That's one of the reasons for our meeting today. It wasn't coincidence, though I surmise that you're already aware of that." [break][break] The pads of his fingertips met the cold of his glass, lifting it to parted lips and sipping the drink with a visible enjoyment. The contrast to his meal was a cold, refreshing moment. Once his thirst had been satisfied, the Uchiha lowered the glass and kept his eye on the beads of water rolling down its sides. "You now know the air about me. You know my expectations. In time, this familiarity will allow us to move like a well-oiled machine. And a solid meal in the process never hurt," the Jounin continued with a grin. "Words, ultimately, will do little for the comradery you'll build with the others. Actions and character will fill in the blanks where vowels and consonants won't." [break][break] It wasn't lost on the Uchiha, the similarities and contrasts between himself and Uzumaki Koma. Anotsu was a practiced social expert. He dealt in information, his clan a troubled and chaotic blood that coursed his veins. Outwardly, however, Anotsu's very presence spoke otherwise. Without indication that he'd become so pensive, the Jounin glanced outside. A figure clad in obsidian met his gaze, nodding before vanishing into thin air. The brief interaction concluded, Anotsu took to finishing what remained of his meal before a sum of ryo was placed at the corner of the table. "I've placed enough here to cover a meal for you and the other members of your Platoon later. Whether you eat with them or alone is up to you." [break][break] Slowly, the Jounin stood and adjusted his clothing. "I've business to attend to," Anotsu began. A hand lofted slowly, settling upon Koma's shoulder as the Uchiha's eyes fell upon the Genin's own. "One day at a time, Koma. Move forward at your own pace, but don't get left behind by the stride of your responsibilities. Much like the kittens in the alley....you have to do it for yourself because no one else will." [break][break] A small nod, and Uchiha Anotsu made a casual stride into the seemingly perpetual downpour outside. Upon crossing the threshold, he seemingly vanished into thin air with a Shunshin. Shortly after, the waitress arrived to collect her portion of the ryo for their meal and left the Genin with a smile. [break][break] [9:25AM]
The morning had greeted Anotsu with naught less than the seemingly insurmountable work of document study and signatures. The steady flow of shinobi in and out of his office was almost a spectacle, hardly a moment of reprieve before the next matter at hand saw parchment placed upon his desk and pointed at with eager fingers. The heavy pitter patter of rain at the window of his office, a symphony he welcomed daily, offered peace when the war of observation waged intensely inside. Before long, however, the Jounin saw himself into the hall for reprieve. Pristine white robes flowed with a certain grace as he moved, his footfall barely producing a click as he ambled. The regal air about him was almost tangible, pools of violet giving but a moment's notice to patrons who passed and acknowledged him in name or respectful nod. What light shone through from the morning only served to accentuate his presence. Truly, Uchiha Anotsu was a man of presence and character. [break][break] The calm expression upon his countenance didn't change when he was greeted by the Chuunin. Anotsu dismissed the attention spread through look and whisper as Setsuna approached him, instead opting for a more attentive gaze that fell upon him in his trek. In his experience, the Jounin had been exposed to a plethora of personalities. Each their own puzzle, he had made it a habit to piece them together in order to reach the bigger picture ere long. This was, perhaps both fortunately and unfortunately, no different. He had risen from his bed enough times, slid the mask of exhaustion over his visage, forced lips to part and smile too many times, to allow the facade to continue beyond necessity. If nothing else, Uchiha Anotsu wasted little time with deception unless it was absolutely necessary. Even in the field, he weighed the consequence of blood spilled vs. silent infiltration. [break][break] "Let me spare you the pleasantries," Anotsu began. He offered no smile, no grin. No, the Uchiha had shattered the veil of warmth and comradery. In its place, business and intense focus. "Walk with me." Upon his heel he turned, a slow and calculated gait increasing distance betwixt himself and Setsuna until the Kaguya chose to follow. A dossier was plucked from the hands of a statuesque assistant, the Chuunin's name labeled along its front. The pad of his fingertip pushed it open as he moved, Anotsu's eyes scanning over the correspondence; how odd that he need not even look where he was going and yet he moved with a sense of accuracy nonetheless. [break][break] "Over the years, I've come to realize that asking 'How are you' is nothing more than blanket conversation, a respectful precursor to a favor or request for information. Instead, I offer you a more appropriate question." Provided that Setsuna was still within earshot, Anotsu turned the corner and continued down an adjacent hallway without indication of their intended destination. [break][break] "How would the -real- Setsuna Kaguya greet me?" [break][break] [8:50AM]
Anotsu gave no more than a dip of his chin in acknowledgement before he turned to his southern flank. His ministrations were twofold - the most impressive of the two being his form vanishing into nothingness. Along the earth the Jounin began to glide, his Shunshin technique offering him purchase in closing the distance betwixt himself and the stampede. The second was observation: he paid little attention to those who were not of his Platoon outside of the results of their attempts. Trial and error. As such, the sense of urgency that cascaded his every moment of focus was heightened when he watched his Genin's efforts fail to offer them the earthen edifice they'd sought to utilize. The grit of ivory daggers, a grunt of exertion that saw him reach his maximum speed as footfall slammed into the earth when he drew near. His every step was calculated, meticulous in execution. [break][break] How curious, the Jounin thought, that each projectile and instrument of attack had only succeeded with indirect - grim - victories. As he drew close to his Platoon, the gears in his mind had already begun to turn. "Not all of them are real," Anotsu began with a calm but audible enough voice. Simultaneously, he had already set to reaching into his belongings. Nimble digits took but a breath to wrap about the handle of twin kunai. Years of training had afforded him a certain accuracy. To his advantage, distance and speed had already been programmed into his fingers. The projectiles were unleashed with intensity, spinning in a straight line and closing the gap between his fellow Jounin and her aggressor. But the kunai weren't alone - far from it. Exploding tags whipped about at their rear. [break][break] Anotsu maintained an appropriate distance from the stampede, years of Shurikenjutsu granting him the caution that kept him both at the outer edge of aggression and yet a proximity with which to intervene on Mai's behalf. With a single handseal, the kunai found itself detonating at the head of the rhino covered in her bugs. Its twin followed suit, offset just so to accentuate the first. The Uchiha was hopeful that the very force of the explosions would leave his prey headless, or at least thrown from its trajectory to the extent that Mai could place the final nail in its coffin. [break][break] "Ame Platoon! Evade and stay on your toes! Attempt Kai!" The distance from his Genin too great, Anotsu placed his faith in their ability to adapt. It took him few handseals as the command was given, the Uchiha's own prowess called upon once more as he surveyed the stampede before him and focused his chakra. Tenketsu roared to life as he summoned his inner essence, the flame within increasing in intensity until it surged with an ebb and flow designed to disrupt. The evidence of manipulation before him, Anotsu attempted to dispel any illusion or blanket of trickery birthed. [break][break] Hopefully, all had gone according to plan. [break][break] [3:36PM]
A nod of his head in understanding as the Genin spoke. Anotsu continued the endeavor to eat his meal. It was said that one could tell that a meal was good based on the amount of conversation during. In that regard, the Uchiha allowed the conversation a pause once Koma had answered him. He leaned down as he took to eating, savoring every bite with closed eyes and an occasional hum of enjoyment. Every few bites, sips of water were taken. The air about the Jounin was one of complete relaxation, as if naught could interrupt this moment of peace. [break][break] Minutes passed as Anotsu gave his undivided attention to the food before him. Finally, his meal halfway finished, he retired his chopsticks momentarily and allowed his gaze to wander so that Koma felt no reservations about continuing his meal. "Good. You've had some sort of interaction, then." A nod of his head. "Soon, I'll be gathering all of you to join me in the field for combat training. You'll be getting to know your Platoon much better." [break][break] There it was. Part of the reason that Anotsu had plucked Koma from his ministrations and provided him a meal. He wanted to leave no impression that it was all business, however, a soft shrug of the shoulders followed by a shake of his head. "I want to know all of you," Anotsu said in the midst of what could be perceived as transaction. "If we're going to face war and fatal situations, it's important to know your peers, to familiarize yourself with them like one would a limb." [break][break] In time, Anotsu hoped to provide the young Genin insight. If into nothing else, he was preparing the boy for interaction. "You won't need to tell them your life's story. But you will, at least, need to build trust and communication. I suppose that you could call this meal together practice." Koma would find a small grin etched upon Anotsu's features before the Jounin continued his meal. [break][break] [8:21AM]
"Anotsu of the Uchiha Clan. How far the mighty have fallen."
Eyelids fluttered as consciousness was returned. Darkness seemed to cascade the room, the frigid air nipping at what seemed to be every inch of his epidermis. Light flickered in and out of existence, the oblivion before him swallowing up most of anything that the human eye could possibly perceive. Dirt and dust caked every wall within the cell that held the Jounin, the thin mattress beneath him shifting as the Uchiha slowly sat up. Chains rattled slightly just a few yards away, the thin frame of a figure curled up on the bed opposite his own. Tattered clothing adorned his form, unkempt and dirty locks veiling his countenance. But Anotsu was certain that he was being watched. Every few moments, a twitch of the limb, a shift of weary eyes. Anotsu searched his surroundings for anything of use, finding naught but a broken bucket sitting lifelessly in the corner. The stench coming from it was indication enough not to draw near.
"You're finally awake."
A hand lofted to rub at the back of Anotsu's neck. Mazoku had struck him in just the right manner. His head rolled in an attempt to ease the pain. "Am I still at the Uchiha compound?" Wheezing laughter from the other side of the cell. "Even in captivity, your will persists. A lesser individual would have awoken with a panic, no sense of logic." Pursed lips prevailed, the Uchiha inspecting his pockets and pouches. Empty. He had surmised that the chances of keeping his inventory were slim. Still, there was no loss in being sure. Resolved to the fate of finding an escape route, Anotsu slowly stood to his feet and approached the bars that held him captive. The smell of rust and blood grew stronger as he approached.
Two guards, clad in apparel that sported the Uchiha fan, paced the floor at varying routes. A wooden table rest in the corner, scrolls and ryo scattered across its surface. The Jounin was able to spot his belongings in a chest nearby, the gears within already beginning to turn. "They won't come close to this cell," the elder stranger began. "They know what happens if they approach you." Anotsu stepped back, taking a seat at the edge of his bed and fixating his gaze upon the knowledgeable captive. "How long have you been here?" Anotsu asked.
"Long enough to have seen things, young one. I have been a captive almost all of my life. I can hardly complain, however. They've treated me with respect in this place, at least. My dignity remains in tact....even if nothing else does."
The elder captive scratched at his neck, shuffling to the edge of his bed and stretching lightly. "From the look of you, you're aware that you're not going to be here long," the stranger spoke with black eyes staring at Anotsu through dirt-ridden locks. The Uchiha remembered Mazoku's words, his eyes shifting to watch the guards as they patrolled wordlessly.
"Correct," Anotsu began. "This cell wasn't meant to hold me. It was meant to be the start."
