Gyoken's eyes bore a glint of understanding as he absorbed Tentai's words, the complexities of fuinjutsu and the intricacies of the art not lost on him. His knowledge, though proficient, held the humility of a student acknowledging the vastness of the subject. When the conversation shifted to the dark revelation of his father Ichijo's actions—sealing a tailed beast within him to force strength—an echo of somberness crossed Gyoken's features. Without hesitation, he bared a portion of his torso, revealing the intricate sealing mark etched into his flesh. It was a symbol of both power and burden, a testament to the sacrifices made for strength.
Tentai's reaction, a mixture of surprise and perhaps concern, elicited a chuckle from Gyoken.
"You know, Master Tentai, you really are weird," he remarked with a playful smile, scratching his head. There was an odd camaraderie forming, a bond that transcended the typical teacher-student dynamic.
"In some weird way, deep down inside, I know my father just wants the best for both my brother and me," Gyoken continued, a flicker of hope lighting up his eyes.
"I never heard him say it, but I know he's extremely proud of my big brother Shijo. I hope to hear him vocalize it one day," he added, the excitement in his voice revealing the yearning for acknowledgment from a distant patriarch.
The room, filled with a momentary hush, found its voice through Tentai as he unveiled the existence of Nagi Island as a sanctuary for Jinchuriki. Gyoken, intrigued by the notion, felt a spark of curiosity kindled within him, a desire to explore this retreat that was unbeknownst to him until now. Tentai then directed his attention to Gyoken's injuries, extending an arm and cryptically urging him to bite. Confusion danced in Gyoken's eyes, surveying the myriad bite marks on Tentai's arms, a peculiar sight. However, before he could fathom the significance, a creature emerged from beneath Gyoken's shirt, a white cat with distinctive black spots.
"Miyuki!" Gyoken exclaimed, joy coloring his voice, though he noticed the bandage wrapped around the cat's right paw.
In a leap from Gyoken's shoulder, Miyuki aimed love bites at Tentai, the small feline's playful aggression accompanied by a green aura that mended its wounded paw. The cat pranced around the room, the bandage dropping away like a discarded accessory.
"Meow, Meow Meow," Miyuki's triumphant meows echoed as it settled back on Gyoken's shoulder, a grin adorning its tiny face. Seeing the cat healed, Gyoken decided to reciprocate, sinking his teeth into Tentai's arm, feeling a surge of rejuvenation coursing through his body, a tangible half-healing.
"I think I'll keep the bandages as I want to conceal some things," Gyoken mused, contemplating the layers he chose to reveal or conceal. As his chakra and body found restoration, his Sharingan sparked to life involuntarily. Before Gyoken could express his gratitude, Tentai vanished, leaving a void that echoed with the resurfacing loneliness. Gyoken, now reclined, was once again enveloped in the spectral embrace of memories, the Chunnin Exams and their aftermath replaying like a haunting tableau.
Location: Leaf Hospital
Posting Order: Tentai > Gyoken
Post Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days.
Skip Points: lll