Ayaka Uchida never wanted to be a Shinobi. All she care about in life was her music and getting away from her demanding parents. Unfortunately fate had other plans. Betrayed by her Jonin Sensei and lost in a foreign land Ayaka is forced back into the life she never wanted. With newfound resolve and a desire for answers Ayaka sets forth on a journey that will shake the foundations of everything that she has known in her life. At least she has new friends, even if they are a little eccentric. (AN: Placeholder Synopsis. Will probably change it later.)
Smoke on the Water (Naruto, D&D 5thed OC/AU)
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Chapter One: Betrayal at Sea
- Location
- earth
Chapter One: Betrayal at Sea
September 29th, 127 After Founding
Of the Coast of Steam Country(Aka. Boiling Water)
The ocean was an open expanse to her. Sitting on the fore of the trading steamer Kobayashi Ayaka could not help but wonder what new lands lay on the horizon. Smiling she began to softly strum the strings of her Guitar. "And she's building a stairway to heaven," She sang, the black guitar shining in the evening light. She stared at the distant coast wistfully thinking of her family. Her inner peace interrupted by footsteps on the deck.
"Ayaka," A firm voice said from behind her. Annoyed Ayaka turned around. Standing in front of her was her Jonin Sensi, Matsuro. A well built man of 23 years, he had a firm look on his face as he continued,"Mind explaining to me what happened back in Iron Country?"
"I failed the Chunin Exams," Ayaka said with a smile,"And now you have no choice but to tell my parents why their daughter cant be a Shinobi anymore."
"I have seen you in the field Ayaka," Matsuro said with worry in his voice."I know you can do better."
Ayaka says nothing as she plays her guitar as she begins to play "Smoke on the Water". The opening notes calming her nerves as she plays. "Your right I can..." She says as she plays faster, noting the expression on her Senseis face as the song continues.
"The Third Shinobi World War may be over," Matsuro continues, "But that doesn't mean you can shirk your duties! After all your're an Uchida..."
"Has it occurred to you that I had aspirations in life besides being a hired killer!" Ayaka shot back her eyes glowing with the Sharengan, slightly visible from her Grey contacts. "Im sixteen years old and the only thing I have done with my life of note is to bring misery and death to others.... I'm done with that shit!"
"Ayaka..." Her sensi pleaded, eyes filled with sadness.
"When I get home I am going to the mission office and resigning," She says as she stops playing and begins to adjust the strings on her instrument.
"What about your teammates?" Matsuro pointed out.
"They're big boys," Ayaka said with a snarky tone,"The knuckleheads can handle themselves."
Shaking his head he walked away. Ayaka smirked, happy the bothersome Jonin finally left her in peace. That new song wouldn't write itself after all. The time passed as she poured over her music sheets barley bothering to look up she heard peals of thunder in the distance as raindrops began to fall. "Fuck!" She cursed with exasperation. Grabbing her pack she stuffed the sheets into her folio and sealed it against the rain. "Of course it started to rain," Ayaka muttered. As she placed her Gituar into her waterproof case as she spotted an indistinct shape emerging from the waves, the camouflage Jutsu fading from its hull. With startling swiftness the shape took the form of an Ironclad, the vessel matching the Kobaysi's heading and speed. Ayakas eyes widened as the sides of the Ironclad opened and the dull forms of cannons revealed themselves.
"Pirates!" One of the Sailors on the Kobyashi yelled as the Ironclad fired. Seeking cover Ayaka dodged out of the way as an Armor piercing shell burrowed itself into the hull. The venerable steamship struggling to turn as the steam engines worked overtime to escape the Ironclad. As the ship got closer, Ayaka could see multiple forms jump from the ships side as almost a dozen Shinobi ran across the sea as the Ironclad fired another salvo, the impacts disabling the rudders on the Kobayashi. The steamer lost all maneuverability as the enemy Shinobi ran across the water. The steamer began to rock in the water as the waves grew in height from the storm.
With little time to act Ayaka drew her bow, gathering Chakra at the tip a small ball of flame formed. "Fire Release: Phoenix Fire," she whispered, the verbal component modifying the Jutsu as the Arrow was released. The Arrow flew through the air, splitting into three projectiles as the Pirates got closer. Seeing the arcing bolts one of the enemy Shinobi attempted to block the attack with a Water technique only for a burst of electricity to intercept his Jutsu. The water from the Technique separated into the component gasses leaving no time for the Shinobi to react as the fiery bolts impacted the newly formed gas cloud.
An explosion rocked across the ocean startling the enemy Shinboi. The one that Ayaka targeted fell beneath the waves as two more were tossed away like rag dolls. Much to her disappointment the pair managed to right themselves and ran towards the Kobayashi once more. Wasting little time she began to launch more Jutsu. The arcing bolts streaming through the evening light were almost beautiful. Careful not to stay still she moved on the deck, dodging the few jutsu thrown her way.
"Nice shot!" A voice called out. Ayaka snuck a quick glance as she spotted her teammate. At almost six feet tall Shiro Hamanka cast an almost imposing figure witch was accentuated by his brown hair and bright emerald eyes. Wearing a pair of cargo shorts and an open Hawaiian shirt he looked more like a tourist than a Shinobi. An assumption that got many enemy Nin killed during there travels together.
Ayaka smirked as she launched a fire ball into the enemy Shinobi who were now within Kuni range. The ball of flame impacting what looked to be a Tijusustu Specialsit. Before the fireball could land Shiro landed a lighting bolt next to him. The enemy nin screamed as the exothermic reaction flared. The resulting shock wave sending him flaying back. "Dawww... Is that a compliment I hear," Ayaka says sweetly, dodging a fuma shuriken that embedded itself in the mast behind her.
"Will you two love birds knock it off for five minutes!" their team mate shouted as he flashed a few hand signs,"Wind Release: Buffeting Airwaves!" The Jutsu channeled a current of wind towards one of the boarders who was about to crest the ships railing. Before the Jutsu shot him off Ayaka spotted the symbol of hidden mist on his forehead protector. The now identified mist Nin was shot off the Kobayashi, impacting the roiling sea with a loud splash.
As Ayaka pulled away from the railing she could see her second teammate in all of his glory. Standing at five foot nine, Konozuma Hyuga looked unimposing. Wearing a dull green flack vest and camo pattern cargo pants, he looked like the stereotypical Chunin. His black hair pulled back in a pony tail as is dull purple eyes narrowing as his Byakugan activated. Drawing his Katana Konozuma rushed towards the enemy. One of the mist nin tried to form a defense but he was too late as the Katana sliced him from right shoulder to stomach. Crimson blood flowed onto the ships deck as more mist nin rushed on. Ayaka and Shiro supported their teammate as the Mist nin closed in. Ayaka moved to the Pilothouse, the elevated structure providing a better vantage point. As the mele on the deck intensified with a second wave of Mist nin, the Ironclad scrapped against the side of the Koybayshi. Grappling hooks were launched into the trade steamer and more Mist Nin jumped on.
Ayaka narrowed her eyes at the enemy ship and began a chain of hand signs. Fire chakra flowed through her fingers as she drew an arrow and breathed. "Flame Relese: Uchida Flame Ball!" She shouted as she fired the arrow. The projectile flew thorugh the air into one of the firing ports. A great explosion tore through the Ironclad and much to her dismay the ship was still there. The only sign of damage was a smoldering gun port. "Of course they would enhance the damn thing with Fuinjutsu," Ayaka complained internally. As she prepared another Jutsu she felt a searing sharp pain in her back. Slowly she turned around to see her Joinin Sensei holding the Kuni embedded in her.
"Why?" She asked weakly her warm blood flowing down her back as her Sensei let go of the Kuni. Stumbling to the edge of the observation box on top of the piloting house. Her Sensei said nothing as the Koybaysi shook. A great spear of ice grew into the ship, the poor steamer splitting in two as Ayaka fell into the water vision fading. With her last burst of energy she grabbed something buoyant as she faded away into unconsciousness.
(Edit One: Fixed a Spelling mistake and did a little trimming. Note to self make sure you do a better job of edting in the future.)
September 29th, 127 After Founding
Of the Coast of Steam Country(Aka. Boiling Water)
The ocean was an open expanse to her. Sitting on the fore of the trading steamer Kobayashi Ayaka could not help but wonder what new lands lay on the horizon. Smiling she began to softly strum the strings of her Guitar. "And she's building a stairway to heaven," She sang, the black guitar shining in the evening light. She stared at the distant coast wistfully thinking of her family. Her inner peace interrupted by footsteps on the deck.
"Ayaka," A firm voice said from behind her. Annoyed Ayaka turned around. Standing in front of her was her Jonin Sensi, Matsuro. A well built man of 23 years, he had a firm look on his face as he continued,"Mind explaining to me what happened back in Iron Country?"
"I failed the Chunin Exams," Ayaka said with a smile,"And now you have no choice but to tell my parents why their daughter cant be a Shinobi anymore."
"I have seen you in the field Ayaka," Matsuro said with worry in his voice."I know you can do better."
Ayaka says nothing as she plays her guitar as she begins to play "Smoke on the Water". The opening notes calming her nerves as she plays. "Your right I can..." She says as she plays faster, noting the expression on her Senseis face as the song continues.
"The Third Shinobi World War may be over," Matsuro continues, "But that doesn't mean you can shirk your duties! After all your're an Uchida..."
"Has it occurred to you that I had aspirations in life besides being a hired killer!" Ayaka shot back her eyes glowing with the Sharengan, slightly visible from her Grey contacts. "Im sixteen years old and the only thing I have done with my life of note is to bring misery and death to others.... I'm done with that shit!"
"Ayaka..." Her sensi pleaded, eyes filled with sadness.
"When I get home I am going to the mission office and resigning," She says as she stops playing and begins to adjust the strings on her instrument.
"What about your teammates?" Matsuro pointed out.
"They're big boys," Ayaka said with a snarky tone,"The knuckleheads can handle themselves."
Shaking his head he walked away. Ayaka smirked, happy the bothersome Jonin finally left her in peace. That new song wouldn't write itself after all. The time passed as she poured over her music sheets barley bothering to look up she heard peals of thunder in the distance as raindrops began to fall. "Fuck!" She cursed with exasperation. Grabbing her pack she stuffed the sheets into her folio and sealed it against the rain. "Of course it started to rain," Ayaka muttered. As she placed her Gituar into her waterproof case as she spotted an indistinct shape emerging from the waves, the camouflage Jutsu fading from its hull. With startling swiftness the shape took the form of an Ironclad, the vessel matching the Kobaysi's heading and speed. Ayakas eyes widened as the sides of the Ironclad opened and the dull forms of cannons revealed themselves.
"Pirates!" One of the Sailors on the Kobyashi yelled as the Ironclad fired. Seeking cover Ayaka dodged out of the way as an Armor piercing shell burrowed itself into the hull. The venerable steamship struggling to turn as the steam engines worked overtime to escape the Ironclad. As the ship got closer, Ayaka could see multiple forms jump from the ships side as almost a dozen Shinobi ran across the sea as the Ironclad fired another salvo, the impacts disabling the rudders on the Kobayashi. The steamer lost all maneuverability as the enemy Shinobi ran across the water. The steamer began to rock in the water as the waves grew in height from the storm.
With little time to act Ayaka drew her bow, gathering Chakra at the tip a small ball of flame formed. "Fire Release: Phoenix Fire," she whispered, the verbal component modifying the Jutsu as the Arrow was released. The Arrow flew through the air, splitting into three projectiles as the Pirates got closer. Seeing the arcing bolts one of the enemy Shinobi attempted to block the attack with a Water technique only for a burst of electricity to intercept his Jutsu. The water from the Technique separated into the component gasses leaving no time for the Shinobi to react as the fiery bolts impacted the newly formed gas cloud.
An explosion rocked across the ocean startling the enemy Shinboi. The one that Ayaka targeted fell beneath the waves as two more were tossed away like rag dolls. Much to her disappointment the pair managed to right themselves and ran towards the Kobayashi once more. Wasting little time she began to launch more Jutsu. The arcing bolts streaming through the evening light were almost beautiful. Careful not to stay still she moved on the deck, dodging the few jutsu thrown her way.
"Nice shot!" A voice called out. Ayaka snuck a quick glance as she spotted her teammate. At almost six feet tall Shiro Hamanka cast an almost imposing figure witch was accentuated by his brown hair and bright emerald eyes. Wearing a pair of cargo shorts and an open Hawaiian shirt he looked more like a tourist than a Shinobi. An assumption that got many enemy Nin killed during there travels together.
Ayaka smirked as she launched a fire ball into the enemy Shinobi who were now within Kuni range. The ball of flame impacting what looked to be a Tijusustu Specialsit. Before the fireball could land Shiro landed a lighting bolt next to him. The enemy nin screamed as the exothermic reaction flared. The resulting shock wave sending him flaying back. "Dawww... Is that a compliment I hear," Ayaka says sweetly, dodging a fuma shuriken that embedded itself in the mast behind her.
"Will you two love birds knock it off for five minutes!" their team mate shouted as he flashed a few hand signs,"Wind Release: Buffeting Airwaves!" The Jutsu channeled a current of wind towards one of the boarders who was about to crest the ships railing. Before the Jutsu shot him off Ayaka spotted the symbol of hidden mist on his forehead protector. The now identified mist Nin was shot off the Kobayashi, impacting the roiling sea with a loud splash.
As Ayaka pulled away from the railing she could see her second teammate in all of his glory. Standing at five foot nine, Konozuma Hyuga looked unimposing. Wearing a dull green flack vest and camo pattern cargo pants, he looked like the stereotypical Chunin. His black hair pulled back in a pony tail as is dull purple eyes narrowing as his Byakugan activated. Drawing his Katana Konozuma rushed towards the enemy. One of the mist nin tried to form a defense but he was too late as the Katana sliced him from right shoulder to stomach. Crimson blood flowed onto the ships deck as more mist nin rushed on. Ayaka and Shiro supported their teammate as the Mist nin closed in. Ayaka moved to the Pilothouse, the elevated structure providing a better vantage point. As the mele on the deck intensified with a second wave of Mist nin, the Ironclad scrapped against the side of the Koybayshi. Grappling hooks were launched into the trade steamer and more Mist Nin jumped on.
Ayaka narrowed her eyes at the enemy ship and began a chain of hand signs. Fire chakra flowed through her fingers as she drew an arrow and breathed. "Flame Relese: Uchida Flame Ball!" She shouted as she fired the arrow. The projectile flew thorugh the air into one of the firing ports. A great explosion tore through the Ironclad and much to her dismay the ship was still there. The only sign of damage was a smoldering gun port. "Of course they would enhance the damn thing with Fuinjutsu," Ayaka complained internally. As she prepared another Jutsu she felt a searing sharp pain in her back. Slowly she turned around to see her Joinin Sensei holding the Kuni embedded in her.
"Why?" She asked weakly her warm blood flowing down her back as her Sensei let go of the Kuni. Stumbling to the edge of the observation box on top of the piloting house. Her Sensei said nothing as the Koybaysi shook. A great spear of ice grew into the ship, the poor steamer splitting in two as Ayaka fell into the water vision fading. With her last burst of energy she grabbed something buoyant as she faded away into unconsciousness.
(Edit One: Fixed a Spelling mistake and did a little trimming. Note to self make sure you do a better job of edting in the future.)
Last edited:
Journal Entry One
- Location
- earth
September 29th, 180 After Founding (Journal Entry One)
Looking back on this day I can't help but thank the Kami for my luck. Three centimeters to the left and I would be dead. To this day the only reason I survived that night is that my Jonin Sensi missed my heart. Jonin at Matsuro's level do not miss, especially at close range with a surprise advantage. Witch leads me to believe that he did so on purpose. I never managed to get a straight answer out of him. Maybe he took mercy on me? Perhaps he was just going through the motions? I will never know and the fact that he tried to kill me again... Who knows but I will say this. In my long years I have learned to let go of the past an move on. I could have forgiven him for the first and maybe the second attempt to murder me, but turning my team mates against me... That was crossing a line and when they hesitated to follow his orders... Lets just say I hope my former Sensei is rotting in the deepest depths of hell.
If it were not for my Sensei's betrayal I would have happily returned to Konoha into the waiting arms of Danzo and his Minions. Who knew that a little hesitation would save my clan from extinction. I count my lucky stars that I managed to escape with my life when most of my clan didn't. If it were not for Gherman and his Genin I would have died on that beach. Without them my clan would have perished and be relegated to the dust bins of history, another casualty of Danzo's machinations... It is unfortunate that I can only- (Remaining Journal entry is scratched out with ink. Completely illegible.)
Looking back on this day I can't help but thank the Kami for my luck. Three centimeters to the left and I would be dead. To this day the only reason I survived that night is that my Jonin Sensi missed my heart. Jonin at Matsuro's level do not miss, especially at close range with a surprise advantage. Witch leads me to believe that he did so on purpose. I never managed to get a straight answer out of him. Maybe he took mercy on me? Perhaps he was just going through the motions? I will never know and the fact that he tried to kill me again... Who knows but I will say this. In my long years I have learned to let go of the past an move on. I could have forgiven him for the first and maybe the second attempt to murder me, but turning my team mates against me... That was crossing a line and when they hesitated to follow his orders... Lets just say I hope my former Sensei is rotting in the deepest depths of hell.
If it were not for my Sensei's betrayal I would have happily returned to Konoha into the waiting arms of Danzo and his Minions. Who knew that a little hesitation would save my clan from extinction. I count my lucky stars that I managed to escape with my life when most of my clan didn't. If it were not for Gherman and his Genin I would have died on that beach. Without them my clan would have perished and be relegated to the dust bins of history, another casualty of Danzo's machinations... It is unfortunate that I can only- (Remaining Journal entry is scratched out with ink. Completely illegible.)
Chapter Two: Out of the Frying Pan
- Location
- earth
October 1st, 127 After Founding
Somewhere in Steam Country
Ayaka's eyes fluttered open as she stared at the roof of the tent. Her head pulsed with an incessant pounding as if an entire percussion section was practicing inside of her skull. Whimpering she closed her eyes once more trying to will the headache away. As she tried to get up she felt a sharp pain in her back. "Hey hold still!" A voice called out to her side. Turning her head Ayaka could see a red headed girl wearing a green jacket and brown cargo pants. Her eyes a shade of luminous jade.
"Who are you?" Ayaka whispered weakly, her throat dry from lack of water.
"Names Akaki Uzamaki, Med-Nin in training!" The young girl said with a cheerful enthusiasm. "Whats yours?" She said grabbing Ayaka's arm and pulsing Chakra through it.
"Ayaka Minamoto," Ayaka lied, hoping that the cover name was good enough to fool the Med-Nin. She couldn't help bot notice the lack of a Headband. "Oh Kagu-tsuchi please don't be a Missing Nin," Ayaka thought to herself. "Could you tell me what day it is."
"October first," Akaki said, "You were out for two days and let me tell you it was touch and go for a bit."
"Two days!" Ayaka thought, "Oh gods I'm in so much trouble! If I dont report back to the village..." The internal monologue stopped as she tried to recall what happened...
"Welp! Looks like you're mostly fine," she said checking her patients vitals, "Your mildly dehydrated and slightly concussed... But that's something a little fresh water will fix in no time." Akaki leans out of the tent and yells, "Hey Asshole! I need some water over here!"
"Fuck off!" A young man shouted, his voice slightly squeaky. "Get it yourself!"
"You better get it or I'll come out there and teach you a lesson in respect you little turd!" Akaki yelled out as she counted with her fingers.
"Fine!" the boy yelled, "I'll get your water!" Ayaka could barley hear the muttered, "Crazy bitch," as the boy walked off to the nearby stream.
Turning to her Akaki smiled. "Thats Seirei,," She said smiling at the boys continuous cussing. "He's a bit of a knucklehead but he grows on you... Like a fungus!" Ayaka chuckled a little bit, reminded of her teammates. A sad expression played across her face as she remember Shiro and Konozuma. The pair constantly bickered much to her Senseis annoyance... With that recollection the events of the previous day came back to her in crystal detail. Looking around the tent Ayaka spotted a journal with a pen near by.
"Pass me that journal!" Ayaka said quickly, a look of worry written on her face.
"Why?" Akaki said nervously as she grabbed the Journal a look of worry on her face.
"I need to write some stuff down," Ayaka said, receiving the Journal from Akaki. Using her talent for recollection Ayaka began to write down the events of the attack on the Koybashi. As she wrote down the last thing she remembered, Ayaka double checked that the Cipher that she used could only be read by her and most Leaf Shinobi. The key tucked away in the confines of her mind. The last thing she wanted was to was to reveal intelligence to a bunch of random nin. Satisfied with her cypher Ayaka turned to Akaki.
"I just want to say thanks for saving me," Ayaka said to the med nin, her head ache still prevalent but beginning to fade.
"Don't mention it," Akaki said, "There is one little thing miss Minamoto..." Akaki pulled a Headband out of her pocket the symbol of Leaf Village proudly displayed on it. "Your contacts fell out..."
Ayaka panicked feeling her eyes, and noticing the lack of contacts. "Oh shit!" Trying not to panic she began to explain, "Look I dont want any trouble..."
"Snnnerk," Akaki chuckled as she put the headband away, "The look on your face was priceless, and by the way you have nothing to worry about."
"What do you mean?" Ayaka asked.
"Well for one we're Hedge Nin not Missing Nin and Second," Akaki said as she prepped a poultice, "The last thing we want is to get on Konoha's bad side. We have a hard enough time as is, the last thing we want is to end up on your villages
shitlist." Akaki then pats her patient on the shoulder, "Now roll over, I need to change your bandages."
"What," Ayaka said as she looked underneath her bed noticing her lack of shirt. Luckily her modesty was maintained by chest wraps that left little to the imagination. "What the fuck!" she exclaimed, "Where are my clothes!"
"Relax," Akaki said. "My other teammate is washing them for you, now turn over!"
"Fine," Ayaka said with embarrassment, turning over. At least this wasn't as bad as the time Shiro walked into the wrong hot springs by accident. Pushing that memory aside, she focused on the now hoping that her team mates managed to escape the Koybashi like she had. She felt cold air on her back as Akaki moved the wraps out of the way. At least this couldn't get anymore embarrassing.
"Hey bitch I got your water!" Seirei yelled as he barged into the tent. Ayaka's head turned to see the intruder. A young boy form what she could gather who looked about thirteen years old. With a wiry thin build and green hair he looked like a stereotypical Genin. Completing his look was an orange shirt with a green jacket over it. His cargo pants were a dull green with exposed knee holes for ventilation in the warm fall. His forehead lacked any headband as was common with hedge nin.
Slow to react with embarrassment and shock Ayaka notice he carried a full bandoleer of canteens. Faster than she could blink Akaki rushed to Seirei and flicked his forehead. "Ow! What was that for!" He yelped.
"Knock first you idiot!" Akaki reprimanded as she took the canteens from Seirei.
"Its a tent, how are you supposed to knock!?" He countered as he left Ayaka heard him muttering, "Freaking psycho nut job... Next time she can get her own water."
"Dont mind him," Akaki said, wetting a clean cloth with one of the canteens. She began to clean Ayaka's stab wound. "He may lack some social graces but he makes up for it by being a menace on the battlefield. Hell there was one time I saw him tear a Chakra beast in half!" The next ten minutes saw Ayakas wound cleaned and redressed. Throughout that entire time Akaki would not stop talking about her team and the embarrassing things that happened to them. ".... And then Seirei got tossed out of the Tavern like a Kuni and managed to knock the water tower over. Lets just say that's the last time we visited Red River.... But hey I'm done and your bandages are as good as new!"
Ayaka smiled, grabbing a shirt that was laid out for her. As she pulled it on she felt a twinge of pain in her back. Grimacing she pushed through the pain. Her new shirt was a dull green tank top. Not her usual ware but she could manage, after all beggars couldn't be choosers. Grabbing her now dry jacket she put it on. As she did, Ayaka notice that the hole in the reinforced fabric was sewn closed with expert skill. She almost couldn't tell it was there... The swarm of memories almost overwhelmed her once more. With determination she walked out of the tent.
The soft morning sunlight greeted her, the trees around her providing shade from the afternoon sun. Four tents circled a smokeless fire. Sitting on a log reading a map sideways was a man in his early twenties. His pale skin was accentuated with messy white-silver hair. A pair of piercing golden eyes that almost shined with a ethereal light turned to Ayaka. "Hmm it seems our guest has finally awakened," He noted with an accent. He folded the strange map an put it away.
"Thank you for saving me," Ayaka said, noting that Seirei and Akaki took seats by the fire, "My name is Ayaka... Ayaka Minamoto."
"Hmmm interesting," The man said his bright golden eyes making Ayaka uncomfortable, "My name is Gehrman Awaichi and for the record it wasn't me who found you, it was this fine fellow over there." He pointed to a person who was making their way into the clearing.
The girl... or boy, Ayaka noted was about five and half feet tall and about thirteen years of age. Determination their gender was hard at first glance but judging by their gait Ayaka notice that the person was in fact male. A quite effeminate one at that. As he got closer Ayaka could see that he had shining blue hair and amethyst eyes. Wearing a thick blue coat more fit for winter and navy blue cargo pants the boy smiled. "Ah looks like you made it," He said, his voice soft like a flowing creek. "My name is Ikoma Yuki, what is yours stranger?"
"Ayaka... Ayaka Minamoto," Ayaka replied. Juding from his expression it seemed her lie about her last name seemed to not be working. Cursing her bad luck Ayaka decided she was going to find something to hide her eyes as soon as she could. Ikoma smiled as she pulled a packet from her pocket.
"Would you like some contacts miss Minamoto," He asked with a knowing smile.
"It that obvious," Ayaka asked.
"Shnerk," Seirei grunted, "Well I hate to break it to you but there's family that's very famous for their Red Eyes and Black hair. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out Uchida."
"Don't say it out loud!" Ayaka complained. "Do you have any idea how many people want my eyes!?" With practiced motions she put the new contacts in. Luckly they were Grey like her old ones. Checking the hand mirror in the Contacts Kit she could see the hue of her eyes was a pleasant mahogany. The contacts she had previously were of higher quality and didn't let the red of her eyes bleed through as much but as they said, beggars can't be choosers.
"Well..." Akaki began. "Lets just say your not the only person here that's in high demand..."
Ayaka paused, "What do you mean?"
Gesturing to her teammate Ikoma the blue hair boy began to spoke, "My name is Ikomi and I was from Mist..." He began as he started to knit what looked to be a pair of gloves. "My parents fled the Village before the Mizakages goons could get them. We fled Water Country and for a time we were safe... Until a Hunter Team from Mist found us. My parents tried to fight but they killed by hunters... Before the Hunters could kill me as well Gehrman recused me. He was like a lighting bolt and before I knew it all of the hunters were dead." Ikoma smiled as he said that.
After Ikoma finished he pointed to Akaki. The young girl had a mournful expression as she spoke, "When I was six I was kidnapped by an evil man..." She shuddered as she spoke. "He did things to me... and when I had a chance to escape I took it." Akaki managed to calm herself and continued to speak, "Gherman found me outside of rice country with Ikoma and I have been with them since." Finished with her story Akaki elbowed Seirei.
"What!" The irascible Genin yelped.
"Its your turn idiot!" Akaki chided. "We're telling the new girl our tragic backstories now its your turn!"
"Hrrmph," Seirei grunted. "Make me!"
Akaki jumped from her seat and tackled Seirei the ground. In the resulting mele many blue words we're spoken bewteen the pair, with Seirei questioning Akaki's parentage in a most uncouth manner. The resulting tumble ended with Akaki on top holding Seirei's face to the ground in an arm lock. "Tell your tragic backstory dammit or I'll break your arm!"
Gherman seemed unfazed by the sudden violence as he read his map. Turning to Ayaka he says, "Don't worry this is how they communicate, you'll get used to it." He then turned back to his map, muttering something in a foreign tongue.
With his free hand Seirei taps on the ground, "Fine!" He shouts. "I'll tell her my tragic backstory!" He stills for a moment, "Your going to let me go right?"
Akaki smiles, "Sure," and releases him from the arm lock.
Dusting his clothes Seirei shakes his head and sits on his log once more. "Since we're doing backstories might as well tell you mine. I used to live in wind country with my family but Dragon Hunters killed them."
"Dragon Hunters?" Ayaka asks.
"Oh yea my Ancestors were Wind Dragons!" Seirei says as he pulls his sleeves back showing off the green scales on his arms, "See!"
"You're Dragon Kin! I thought you were all extinct!" Ayaka exclaimed.
"Well I know some of our clan managed to run off to Kami fuck knows where," Seirei says bitterly, "If it wearnt for all of the fucking infighting maybe my clan wouldn't have scattered to the four winds. As for how Sensei found me... Thats a little embarrassing."
"He was being chased by a group of Kunoichi who caught him on the wrong side of the Hot Springs," Gherman said with a hint of mirth. "They were close to catching him too..."
Ayaka stares at Seirei and he began to speak depan, "That was an accident... How was I supposed to know that Women get their own hot springs!" Ikomi and Akaki begin to chuckle at Seirei's ignorance as he continued the story, "So as I was running I bumped into Gherman. Somehow he managed to convince the crazy ladies that I was his student and that he would punish me for my "transgressions" what ever those are. Then he takes me aside and asked me what was going on and I told him "Everything"!"
"He was quite descriptive," Gherman quipped.
"Yep!" He beamed. "Then from that day forward I became his student!" Seirei turns to Gherman, "Hey Sensei its your turn! Tell us your tragic backstory!"
"Hmmmmm," Gehrman emoted as he continued to read his map witch was now upside down. "I do have a story to tell but it is far from tragic. When I was a young man my mother who was from these lands told me stories. Fantastical tales of men who could break mountains, ensnare the minds of entire cities and Red eyed warriors who's eyes could see the future."
Ayaka shifted slightly at this statement. Paying her no mind Gehrman continued his story, "I thought these tales were fascinating and I wanted to see these lands for myself. When I came of age I left my homeland of Hyborea. As I was leaving my mother gave me this map. She told me that it would always take me where I need to go even if I don't know where I'm going. It has yet to lead me astray..." Gherman closed his map and got up, "Thats enough of my life story for now."
He then proceeded to put the fire out and spoke once more, "There's still some wreckage by the beach. We should search through it and see if we can find anything useful." With that parting statement Gherman started wondering towards the beach.
Ayaka followed the enigmatic Shinobi, keeping pace with him. The rest of the group followed, with Akaki and Seirei bickering in the back as Ikomi giggled at their antics. Ayaka still felt ill at ease, but she put that aside. Puting up with these hedge Shinobi for a week or two wouldn't be so bad. Once she returned to Fire Country things would go back to normal... She hoped. But for some reason part of her felt that this was not the case. Taking a kuni Ayaka left her after action report near the trail-head to the beach. If any Konoha Nin found it they would know that she's alive...
Somewhere in Steam Country
Ayaka's eyes fluttered open as she stared at the roof of the tent. Her head pulsed with an incessant pounding as if an entire percussion section was practicing inside of her skull. Whimpering she closed her eyes once more trying to will the headache away. As she tried to get up she felt a sharp pain in her back. "Hey hold still!" A voice called out to her side. Turning her head Ayaka could see a red headed girl wearing a green jacket and brown cargo pants. Her eyes a shade of luminous jade.
"Who are you?" Ayaka whispered weakly, her throat dry from lack of water.
"Names Akaki Uzamaki, Med-Nin in training!" The young girl said with a cheerful enthusiasm. "Whats yours?" She said grabbing Ayaka's arm and pulsing Chakra through it.
"Ayaka Minamoto," Ayaka lied, hoping that the cover name was good enough to fool the Med-Nin. She couldn't help bot notice the lack of a Headband. "Oh Kagu-tsuchi please don't be a Missing Nin," Ayaka thought to herself. "Could you tell me what day it is."
"October first," Akaki said, "You were out for two days and let me tell you it was touch and go for a bit."
"Two days!" Ayaka thought, "Oh gods I'm in so much trouble! If I dont report back to the village..." The internal monologue stopped as she tried to recall what happened...
"Welp! Looks like you're mostly fine," she said checking her patients vitals, "Your mildly dehydrated and slightly concussed... But that's something a little fresh water will fix in no time." Akaki leans out of the tent and yells, "Hey Asshole! I need some water over here!"
"Fuck off!" A young man shouted, his voice slightly squeaky. "Get it yourself!"
"You better get it or I'll come out there and teach you a lesson in respect you little turd!" Akaki yelled out as she counted with her fingers.
"Fine!" the boy yelled, "I'll get your water!" Ayaka could barley hear the muttered, "Crazy bitch," as the boy walked off to the nearby stream.
Turning to her Akaki smiled. "Thats Seirei,," She said smiling at the boys continuous cussing. "He's a bit of a knucklehead but he grows on you... Like a fungus!" Ayaka chuckled a little bit, reminded of her teammates. A sad expression played across her face as she remember Shiro and Konozuma. The pair constantly bickered much to her Senseis annoyance... With that recollection the events of the previous day came back to her in crystal detail. Looking around the tent Ayaka spotted a journal with a pen near by.
"Pass me that journal!" Ayaka said quickly, a look of worry written on her face.
"Why?" Akaki said nervously as she grabbed the Journal a look of worry on her face.
"I need to write some stuff down," Ayaka said, receiving the Journal from Akaki. Using her talent for recollection Ayaka began to write down the events of the attack on the Koybashi. As she wrote down the last thing she remembered, Ayaka double checked that the Cipher that she used could only be read by her and most Leaf Shinobi. The key tucked away in the confines of her mind. The last thing she wanted was to was to reveal intelligence to a bunch of random nin. Satisfied with her cypher Ayaka turned to Akaki.
"I just want to say thanks for saving me," Ayaka said to the med nin, her head ache still prevalent but beginning to fade.
"Don't mention it," Akaki said, "There is one little thing miss Minamoto..." Akaki pulled a Headband out of her pocket the symbol of Leaf Village proudly displayed on it. "Your contacts fell out..."
Ayaka panicked feeling her eyes, and noticing the lack of contacts. "Oh shit!" Trying not to panic she began to explain, "Look I dont want any trouble..."
"Snnnerk," Akaki chuckled as she put the headband away, "The look on your face was priceless, and by the way you have nothing to worry about."
"What do you mean?" Ayaka asked.
"Well for one we're Hedge Nin not Missing Nin and Second," Akaki said as she prepped a poultice, "The last thing we want is to get on Konoha's bad side. We have a hard enough time as is, the last thing we want is to end up on your villages
shitlist." Akaki then pats her patient on the shoulder, "Now roll over, I need to change your bandages."
"What," Ayaka said as she looked underneath her bed noticing her lack of shirt. Luckily her modesty was maintained by chest wraps that left little to the imagination. "What the fuck!" she exclaimed, "Where are my clothes!"
"Relax," Akaki said. "My other teammate is washing them for you, now turn over!"
"Fine," Ayaka said with embarrassment, turning over. At least this wasn't as bad as the time Shiro walked into the wrong hot springs by accident. Pushing that memory aside, she focused on the now hoping that her team mates managed to escape the Koybashi like she had. She felt cold air on her back as Akaki moved the wraps out of the way. At least this couldn't get anymore embarrassing.
"Hey bitch I got your water!" Seirei yelled as he barged into the tent. Ayaka's head turned to see the intruder. A young boy form what she could gather who looked about thirteen years old. With a wiry thin build and green hair he looked like a stereotypical Genin. Completing his look was an orange shirt with a green jacket over it. His cargo pants were a dull green with exposed knee holes for ventilation in the warm fall. His forehead lacked any headband as was common with hedge nin.
Slow to react with embarrassment and shock Ayaka notice he carried a full bandoleer of canteens. Faster than she could blink Akaki rushed to Seirei and flicked his forehead. "Ow! What was that for!" He yelped.
"Knock first you idiot!" Akaki reprimanded as she took the canteens from Seirei.
"Its a tent, how are you supposed to knock!?" He countered as he left Ayaka heard him muttering, "Freaking psycho nut job... Next time she can get her own water."
"Dont mind him," Akaki said, wetting a clean cloth with one of the canteens. She began to clean Ayaka's stab wound. "He may lack some social graces but he makes up for it by being a menace on the battlefield. Hell there was one time I saw him tear a Chakra beast in half!" The next ten minutes saw Ayakas wound cleaned and redressed. Throughout that entire time Akaki would not stop talking about her team and the embarrassing things that happened to them. ".... And then Seirei got tossed out of the Tavern like a Kuni and managed to knock the water tower over. Lets just say that's the last time we visited Red River.... But hey I'm done and your bandages are as good as new!"
Ayaka smiled, grabbing a shirt that was laid out for her. As she pulled it on she felt a twinge of pain in her back. Grimacing she pushed through the pain. Her new shirt was a dull green tank top. Not her usual ware but she could manage, after all beggars couldn't be choosers. Grabbing her now dry jacket she put it on. As she did, Ayaka notice that the hole in the reinforced fabric was sewn closed with expert skill. She almost couldn't tell it was there... The swarm of memories almost overwhelmed her once more. With determination she walked out of the tent.
The soft morning sunlight greeted her, the trees around her providing shade from the afternoon sun. Four tents circled a smokeless fire. Sitting on a log reading a map sideways was a man in his early twenties. His pale skin was accentuated with messy white-silver hair. A pair of piercing golden eyes that almost shined with a ethereal light turned to Ayaka. "Hmm it seems our guest has finally awakened," He noted with an accent. He folded the strange map an put it away.
"Thank you for saving me," Ayaka said, noting that Seirei and Akaki took seats by the fire, "My name is Ayaka... Ayaka Minamoto."
"Hmmm interesting," The man said his bright golden eyes making Ayaka uncomfortable, "My name is Gehrman Awaichi and for the record it wasn't me who found you, it was this fine fellow over there." He pointed to a person who was making their way into the clearing.
The girl... or boy, Ayaka noted was about five and half feet tall and about thirteen years of age. Determination their gender was hard at first glance but judging by their gait Ayaka notice that the person was in fact male. A quite effeminate one at that. As he got closer Ayaka could see that he had shining blue hair and amethyst eyes. Wearing a thick blue coat more fit for winter and navy blue cargo pants the boy smiled. "Ah looks like you made it," He said, his voice soft like a flowing creek. "My name is Ikoma Yuki, what is yours stranger?"
"Ayaka... Ayaka Minamoto," Ayaka replied. Juding from his expression it seemed her lie about her last name seemed to not be working. Cursing her bad luck Ayaka decided she was going to find something to hide her eyes as soon as she could. Ikoma smiled as she pulled a packet from her pocket.
"Would you like some contacts miss Minamoto," He asked with a knowing smile.
"It that obvious," Ayaka asked.
"Shnerk," Seirei grunted, "Well I hate to break it to you but there's family that's very famous for their Red Eyes and Black hair. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out Uchida."
"Don't say it out loud!" Ayaka complained. "Do you have any idea how many people want my eyes!?" With practiced motions she put the new contacts in. Luckly they were Grey like her old ones. Checking the hand mirror in the Contacts Kit she could see the hue of her eyes was a pleasant mahogany. The contacts she had previously were of higher quality and didn't let the red of her eyes bleed through as much but as they said, beggars can't be choosers.
"Well..." Akaki began. "Lets just say your not the only person here that's in high demand..."
Ayaka paused, "What do you mean?"
Gesturing to her teammate Ikoma the blue hair boy began to spoke, "My name is Ikomi and I was from Mist..." He began as he started to knit what looked to be a pair of gloves. "My parents fled the Village before the Mizakages goons could get them. We fled Water Country and for a time we were safe... Until a Hunter Team from Mist found us. My parents tried to fight but they killed by hunters... Before the Hunters could kill me as well Gehrman recused me. He was like a lighting bolt and before I knew it all of the hunters were dead." Ikoma smiled as he said that.
After Ikoma finished he pointed to Akaki. The young girl had a mournful expression as she spoke, "When I was six I was kidnapped by an evil man..." She shuddered as she spoke. "He did things to me... and when I had a chance to escape I took it." Akaki managed to calm herself and continued to speak, "Gherman found me outside of rice country with Ikoma and I have been with them since." Finished with her story Akaki elbowed Seirei.
"What!" The irascible Genin yelped.
"Its your turn idiot!" Akaki chided. "We're telling the new girl our tragic backstories now its your turn!"
"Hrrmph," Seirei grunted. "Make me!"
Akaki jumped from her seat and tackled Seirei the ground. In the resulting mele many blue words we're spoken bewteen the pair, with Seirei questioning Akaki's parentage in a most uncouth manner. The resulting tumble ended with Akaki on top holding Seirei's face to the ground in an arm lock. "Tell your tragic backstory dammit or I'll break your arm!"
Gherman seemed unfazed by the sudden violence as he read his map. Turning to Ayaka he says, "Don't worry this is how they communicate, you'll get used to it." He then turned back to his map, muttering something in a foreign tongue.
With his free hand Seirei taps on the ground, "Fine!" He shouts. "I'll tell her my tragic backstory!" He stills for a moment, "Your going to let me go right?"
Akaki smiles, "Sure," and releases him from the arm lock.
Dusting his clothes Seirei shakes his head and sits on his log once more. "Since we're doing backstories might as well tell you mine. I used to live in wind country with my family but Dragon Hunters killed them."
"Dragon Hunters?" Ayaka asks.
"Oh yea my Ancestors were Wind Dragons!" Seirei says as he pulls his sleeves back showing off the green scales on his arms, "See!"
"You're Dragon Kin! I thought you were all extinct!" Ayaka exclaimed.
"Well I know some of our clan managed to run off to Kami fuck knows where," Seirei says bitterly, "If it wearnt for all of the fucking infighting maybe my clan wouldn't have scattered to the four winds. As for how Sensei found me... Thats a little embarrassing."
"He was being chased by a group of Kunoichi who caught him on the wrong side of the Hot Springs," Gherman said with a hint of mirth. "They were close to catching him too..."
Ayaka stares at Seirei and he began to speak depan, "That was an accident... How was I supposed to know that Women get their own hot springs!" Ikomi and Akaki begin to chuckle at Seirei's ignorance as he continued the story, "So as I was running I bumped into Gherman. Somehow he managed to convince the crazy ladies that I was his student and that he would punish me for my "transgressions" what ever those are. Then he takes me aside and asked me what was going on and I told him "Everything"!"
"He was quite descriptive," Gherman quipped.
"Yep!" He beamed. "Then from that day forward I became his student!" Seirei turns to Gherman, "Hey Sensei its your turn! Tell us your tragic backstory!"
"Hmmmmm," Gehrman emoted as he continued to read his map witch was now upside down. "I do have a story to tell but it is far from tragic. When I was a young man my mother who was from these lands told me stories. Fantastical tales of men who could break mountains, ensnare the minds of entire cities and Red eyed warriors who's eyes could see the future."
Ayaka shifted slightly at this statement. Paying her no mind Gehrman continued his story, "I thought these tales were fascinating and I wanted to see these lands for myself. When I came of age I left my homeland of Hyborea. As I was leaving my mother gave me this map. She told me that it would always take me where I need to go even if I don't know where I'm going. It has yet to lead me astray..." Gherman closed his map and got up, "Thats enough of my life story for now."
He then proceeded to put the fire out and spoke once more, "There's still some wreckage by the beach. We should search through it and see if we can find anything useful." With that parting statement Gherman started wondering towards the beach.
Ayaka followed the enigmatic Shinobi, keeping pace with him. The rest of the group followed, with Akaki and Seirei bickering in the back as Ikomi giggled at their antics. Ayaka still felt ill at ease, but she put that aside. Puting up with these hedge Shinobi for a week or two wouldn't be so bad. Once she returned to Fire Country things would go back to normal... She hoped. But for some reason part of her felt that this was not the case. Taking a kuni Ayaka left her after action report near the trail-head to the beach. If any Konoha Nin found it they would know that she's alive...