Leaf District

[Jeriah]

Suzaku's office, once a relatively calm and controlled environment, had now become a stage for the tumultuous clash of powerful emotions. As the atmosphere heated up, it seemed as if the very air around him was affected, succumbing to the intense fury radiating from the Fourteenth Hokage.

His piercing gaze fixed on Ketsugo Uzumaki, a man who had been the source of frustration and conflict for Suzaku for years. The room itself felt the heat, as if it were being scorched by an invisible flame. Steam billowed from Suzaku's form, a physical manifestation of his seething anger.

"Why must you still be of this realm?" Suzaku's voice boomed with indignation, reverberating off the walls of his office. Each word was a dagger, carrying the weight of years of pent-up resentment. "Better question, why are you here, buffoon?" The insult, sharp and biting, was a reflection of the deep-rooted animosity between the two.

But as quickly as Suzaku's anger had flared, he seemed to remember himself. Perhaps it was the presence of Yaju Inuzuka and his canine companions, a reminder of the professionalism expected of him as Hokage. The temperature in the room began to slowly subside, the searing heat diminishing.

"Please see to this," Suzaku's tone had shifted, still serious but no longer brimming with rage. He directed Yaju with a quiet command, indicating the task at hand. If Yaju followed the scent, it would lead him to the Mushroom District, where answers, mysteries, and perhaps even danger awaited.

 

[LucianRedgrave]

Yaju could feel the tensions rise in the room as if the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. He almost wanted to chuckle at the thought of Ketsugo getting under the Hokage’s skin. In his mind it was like watching puppy’s squabble amongst their litter. The disgruntled attitude between the lot was young but that didn’t make it any less urgent in their eyes. He through a hand up in gest as he turned his back on the Hokage. His footsteps seemed light even for someone of his stature but the very moment he reached the threshold of the office door his image was gone. The only thing giving way to his vanishing act was the sound of Jujin’s own large paws making a hasty retreat. The eight of them were on their way, each dog not far behind their master as they traversed the city streets of Konoha. They weren’t ones to slouch when it came to a mission directive.

The streets of Konoha bustled with activity as Yaju and his Ranbu Oni-Tai pack made their way through the village. Citizens paused to glance at the formidable group in passing. Jujin and Yaju led the way, his massive form cutting a path through what little crowds still moved about the village, and the other hounds followed suit. Each member of the pack was a testament to the Inuzuka clan's skill, their agility and discipline evident in their every move. As they navigated the labyrinthine streets, Yaju's mind remained sharp, analyzing the scent trail left behind by the blood-soaked rag. It was a puzzle waiting to be solved, and he was determined to follow it to its conclusion. The scent led them through the heart of Konoha, weaving a tale of the events that had transpired. Yaju's senses were finely tuned to every nuance, every change in the scent's intensity. He knew that this hunt would require his utmost skill and focus. With Jujin by his side and the Ranbu Oni-Tai at his command, he set out to unravel the mystery, determined to bring clarity to the shadows that loomed over Konoha. It wasn’t long before Yaju and company were already heading out of the village gates; what little information the village streets did have to offer were pointed far beyond its walls.

When the pack reached the gates the only thing that could be heard over the movement of civilians and shinobi alike was the pregnant sound of a beast howl. Their snouts pointed towards the skies and in turn their tune boomed through the streets. Those who could hear it would likely stop and stare in awe. In a moment's notice the lot of them had slipped into what lay ahead despite the turmoils of the land's most recent attack.
[Transitioning to Grass District]​

 

[Davon]

With the Inuzaku gone, the Uzumaki resumed. The hand of the Uzumaki removed from the bridge of his glasses. After they were ensconced on his face, he put both hands in his jacket. His cerulean orbs watched the rising inferno before his eyes, hoping to quell such an intensity within the vortex of his gaze. It was the only solution he could possibly think of, knowing that if he continued with a prolonged speech or stay, then perhaps the entire Hokage residence would be melted asunder. When the Phoenix proposed his inquiry, Ketsugo's eyes shifted to the floor towards the pig and then back upwards to the man with bloodshot eyes.
"It's baking in here, be careful before you end up making pork chops."
He snickered after his remark, wondering how such deliciousness could never end up on a plate as a side of thick-cut bacon.
"Anyways, I am here offering assistance. I will give you something, more valuable than gold itself."
He stepped forwards, bypassing most of the furniture in the room. A golden light emanated from his right pocket, through the purposefully woven jacket, and when the light stopped shining he withdrew a golden coin. He pressed the coin on the Hokage desk, placing his hand back in his pocket.
"The balance of the world is upset, and someone in particular has messed it up. Howeeeveerrrr, class is opening up. Enrollments are throughout he Chunin exam rounds, I can teach the lot of shinobi who require to become stronger. See that golden spiral coin? Just press your chakra into it and it will signal me to come to it. If you want the leaf to become stronger... eh, you know what's best great fiery phoenix lord Suzaku."
He finished his statement, and in the blink of an eye, his presence was erased, and his location became unknown. It was certain that he had left the Leaf District and perhaps returned to the Whirlpool District.

 

[Fox]

The decay is upon us. Unsettling and eerie whispers can be heard throughout the village as the man walks down the street. It's odd. Nay, it's more than that; it's almost as if his presence is transparent. His once inactive scarlet orbs are darkened, painted black as he wallows in the depths of his despair. "Mm..." a hum echoes through the empty streets as the people themselves prepare for the funerals of their loved ones. They peer into the darkness and lose themselves in it as a result. This mindset of his would receive scorn and disbelief, had it not been for his history in the village. "Is there anything else new in this place?" He thought as the thought of his son as well as his own team resurfaced in his mental plane as an indicator of the sort.

"How unfortunate of me to miss the incident."

The man whispered once again, seeking a change to his dull life. However, he intended to discuss the events with his student, Tenbo Uchiha.
The man rested his hand in his pocket as he continued to move forward, seemingly unburdened by the losses the village suffered at the hands of their shadows. It was as if their own darkness had turned against them, though he himself was molded and shaped by the darkness, with the Sharingan serving as the very symbol of his suffering he didn't find it concerning. The real question, though. His emergence. Why now?​

 

[Davon]

"It appears that age has worn you down, and the bitterness of life has permeated your core, sensei." The voice came from behind Ichijo, swift as a sparrow and sharp as an eagle's talon. These words were meant to seize Ichijo's attention, as Tenbō placed his left palm on the man's shoulder. He slid his hand across his sensei's shoulder until Tenbō's left arm rested over Ichijo's shoulder. With them locked together, Tenbō continued his speech. It was only loud enough for Ichijo's ears; not even the trained shinobi and hounds of the Inuzaku clan could perceive his words. "I've heard rumors about the existence of powerful beasts, distinct from the Tailed Beasts. Allegedly, these are incredibly remarkable and astounding creatures that the world has yet to truly encounter or explore. I place my trust in no one more than in you, especially considering your wealth of experience as an elder. Are you intrigued by this prospect?"

 

[Fox]

Just like a musical chord to his ear, the world was painted like a music sheet in his eyes; nothing could be right as it could be disharmonious. However, it changed when his student emerged from the back. His tired eyes darted to the side as the man appeared to be rather familiar with the Uchiha. 'Ah, Tenbo,' he said, his tone anything but monotone. It wasn't something he could be startled by, as he was too used to being targeted for assassination in life. It was true in every word of Tenbo, as it rang true in his heart. He had lived a long enough life that hardly anything could surprise him anymore, perhaps no thanks to an ability of his. 'Even a sparrow could come with good news.' A rare occurrence of Ichijo Uchiha smiling for once.

The Uchiha appeared to be rather interested in this new... breed of creatures as he hadn't heard anything about that particular thing. The thought of being the first to discover those species excites him as it is something different from what he is used to, even in the past he had hunted down a tailed beast or two in a previous life. This is much different. The Sharingan appeared to be excited with a red hue as he continued to move onward to wherever Tenbo was heading. "It sounds interesting. I'm in." ​

 

[Davon]

The offer had been accepted, and Ichijo embraced the news along with the challenge it presented. The anticipated outcome was that his sensei accompanying him would increase the likelihood of success. However, as both of them walked down the village streets, Uchiha kept his head down. As they moved with the crowd, they remained unnoticed, blending in with the masses. Upon finally exiting the village, Tenbō positioned themselves out of sight from the gates, deep within the forest. Approximately a mile away, two units of Root operatives were concealed within the environment. With his head now raised, Tenbō spoke once more as they continued along the path toward their objective.
"There is a reputable monster hunter who goes by the name Jōtō, although I wonder if that is his true name. Supposedly, he possesses an impeccable skill set for hunting and tracking down beasts. I am certain that he is a man motivated by self-interest, and the promise of coin may be quite persuasive. Furthermore, a man with his level of expertise could provide long-term benefits to the Leaf Village. The rumors have originated from the north, so that is where we shall venture."

[Leaf District - The Mushroom District]

 

[Itami]

Listen while you read~

In the heart of the Uchiha District, a sprawling and opulent mansion stood as a testament to the clan's prominence. The night had fallen like a dark velvet curtain over the world, but within the mansion's walls, warm candlelight painted intricate patterns on the ebony wood-paneled walls. The flickering flames danced and cast shifting shadows, revealing the subtle opulence that graced every corner of the grand Uchiha manor.

The room where the scene unfolded was a sanctuary of solitude, and yet, the air was imbued with the rich and heady scent of vanilla and tobacco, an unusual blend that seemed to cling to the very atmosphere. The dark room held secrets, and the quietude was punctuated by the soft, almost inaudible sound of liquid dripping—a plip, a plop. A closer look would reveal a table strewn with parchment, each piece kissed by the wet embrace of deep red ink. These were wedding invitations, each one meticulously crafted and destined to set forth a wave of change, as the parchment dried and curled slightly at the edges.

On the elegant script that adorned the black paper, the words "You're invited!" were etched in a manner that exuded both grace and allure. It was an invitation that would alter destinies, drawing many eyes and countless whispers within the district, for the union of Mirai Uchiha and Mujin Uchiha was no ordinary affair.

As the last invitation received its final stroke of red ink, Mujin, the master of this clandestine operation, allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He leaned back in his chair, the dark room casting his silhouette into enigmatic shadows. His shaggy black hair framed a face illuminated by the haunting, blood-red Sharingan eyes that held a universe of secrets. His attire was simple yet spoke of refined taste—a black t-shirt clung to his muscular frame, paired with loose-fitting black pants that allowed for ease of movement. His feet were adorned with slippers, which seemed to glide silently across the polished wooden floor.

With the invitations dispatched and the echoes of their significance reverberating in the night, Mujin, ever the multitasker, made his way to the spacious kitchen of the manor. Here, the air bore a different aroma—one of freshly baked blackberry and the comforting scent of pie crust. The window seal served as a resting place for the freshly baked pie, its rich and inviting fragrance wafting into the room.

Mujin proceeded to tend to the remnants of his culinary endeavor, methodically washing dishes with an almost meditative rhythm. The cookware was a testament to the Uchiha clan's stature, gleaming with an opulent sheen. Every detail, from the delicate wood grain on the floor to the fine quality of the kitchenware, attested to the luxury of the Uchiha manor.

As the night deepened and the world outside slumbered, Mujin Uchiha continued his quiet preparations, not only for the upcoming wedding but also for the future that remained veiled in shadows.

" It seems, Tenbo and Ichijo have decided to go on another mission without me. "

---

In the midst of his meticulous dishwashing routine, Mujin allowed his thoughts to wander as the clinking of porcelain filled the kitchen. His words, spoken softly to no one but himself, cut through the solitude of the grand Uchiha manor. His eyes, still tinged with the crimson hue of the Sharingan, flicked momentarily toward the window seal where the freshly baked pie exuded tendrils of steam into the night air, an offering to the moon and stars that adorned the sky. The solitude of the Leaf District's night had a way of amplifying one's thoughts, and Mujin's mind was awash with questions about the mission, the mysterious undertones that seemed to cloak it.

With a resigned sigh, he set down the last gleaming dish and dried his hands methodically. His purpose had shifted once more. As he ascended the stairs, footsteps nearly soundless, he entered his office. Here, a white piece of cardstock and a sleek black ink pen awaited him. The weight of the pen felt reassuring in his grasp, and his strokes on the paper were precise, each character flowing seamlessly from the nib.

"Mirai~

Tenbo and Sensei have run off into the night on another mission. Something feels off about this one. I've decided to head out and check up on them. Don't wait up for me.

-Mujin

P.S. Wedding invites are sent out, the pie is cooling, the house is clean. See you tomorrow."

The note was both concise and poignant, a testament to their unspoken understanding. Returning down to the kitchen, placing the note on the table, Mujin couldn't help but smile faintly, anticipating Mirai's reaction when she discovered it.

With his message conveyed, he turned his attention to his travel equipment in the next room over an armory of sorts, each item meticulously arranged and packed with the precision of a seasoned shinobi. The night's mysteries beckoned, and as he stepped out into the moonlit streets, Mujin's silhouette blended seamlessly with the shadows. His destination was clear—wherever Tenbo and Ichijo had ventured, he would follow, for their bonds ran deep, forged in the crucible of countless missions and shared dreams.

As he disappeared into the night, the grand Uchiha manor stood as a silent sentinel, guarding the secrets that dwelled within its walls, while the scent of cooling pie lingered in the air, a tantalizing reminder of the warmth and love that awaited his return.

[Leaf District - The Mushroom District]

​

 

[Mellow]

In the ethereal realm that interweaves with the physical world, where the boundary between the living and the afterlife is blurred, a group of paranormal spirits materialized. These spirits, remnants of souls with unfinished business, were bound by a common purpose: to deliver a message that had transcended the veil of existence. These spectral entities, whose forms were translucent and ephemeral, congregated near the Gold District's borders. Their presence was marked by a gentle, eerie luminescence, casting an otherworldly glow on the surroundings. Though they lacked corporeal bodies, their collective will and determination were tangible. Tessa, the president of the Gold District and a master of the Koyami Clan's Soul Release Kekkei Genkai, had summoned these spirits to convey a message to some of the hidden villages. She had crafted a bounty scroll targeting the Shimo Clan as a request from her brother-in-law, a formidable and enigmatic group with secrets that had threatened the peace of the Grass District. Tessa understood the urgency of her message, and these spirits were her chosen emissaries. With a solemn nod, Tessa transmitted her thoughts and intentions to the spirits. Their spectral forms flickered, acknowledging her command. In an instant, they began their journey through the spirit realm, an otherworldly dimension with no fixed laws of space or time. As they traversed this supernatural realm, the spirits encountered surreal landscapes, composed of fractured memories and echoes of past events. The spirits moved with an eerie grace, their passage marked by a gentle, otherworldly wind. They navigated through the ever-shifting, kaleidoscopic terrain, guided by an instinctual knowledge of their destinations. Eventually, they approached the threshold that separated the spirit realm from the mortal world.

Spirits: There, on the outskirts of Konohagakure, Kusagakure, and Kumogakure, the 3 ghostly being split off into 3 different locations. These beings found the perfect location—a wall near the cities busiest streets. The spirit converged upon the wall. In unison, going completely unnoticed due to its highly translucent figure began to inscribe the bounty scroll onto the surface, its touch leaving an ephemeral mark that transcended both the physical and spiritual realms. As the last stroke of the message was completed, the spirits' glow intensified, their purpose fulfilled. The message for the three districts was now etched into their walls, awaiting discovery by those who could decipher its meaning.

(Note: Wanted for the assassination attempt on lord Kusakage, Xaio Tendo. Clan members hail from the Mist District and have symbiotic hosts as their Kekkei Genkai. Search for the clan crest and eliminate every member of the clan with no remorse and return with DNA samples.)

With a final, melancholic wisp, the spirits began to fade. Their mission accomplished, they slowly dissipated into the ether, returning to the realm beyond the veil. As they vanished from existence, their ethereal journey served as a testament to the interplay between the living and the spirit world, a phenomenon that remained a mystery to many but a profound reality for those who possessed the unique abilities of the Koyami Clan.

 

[Itami]

Listen while you read~

Mujin's journey back to the Leaf District from the enigmatic land of the Sand was an odyssey filled with adventure and discovery. The vast desert was left behind, replaced by the lush, verdant forests of the Land of Fire. The stark contrast was a testament to the world's diverse beauty. Tall trees towered above, their canopies forming a natural shade, while a chorus of chirping birds serenaded him along his path.

As he trekked through the heart of the Land of Fire, the sight of crystal-clear streams, gently meandering through moss-covered rocks, invigorated his senses. Mujin couldn't resist pausing by one such stream, bending down to cup a handful of water. The liquid was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the arid desert sands.

On his journey, he crossed paths with locals tending to their daily chores. Villagers bustled about, and farm animals grazed in the emerald fields. Children played near babbling brooks, their laughter filling the air. Mujin exchanged greetings with those he encountered, feeling the warmth and hospitality of the people of the Land of Fire.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the landscape. Mujin made camp beneath the sprawling branches of a colossal oak tree. With a small fire crackling nearby, he enjoyed a meal of simple but hearty fare. The sapphire sky gradually darkened, stars emerging like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas.

In the days that followed, he continued his journey, traversing winding roads that led him ever closer to home. Along the way, he met fellow travelers who shared their own tales of adventure. They spoke of distant lands, of mysteries untold, and Mujin found himself engrossed by their narratives. Stories from the Land of Sand and its enigmatic guardians were met with keen interest, yet he kept the tale of the precious gemstone close to his heart, a secret for him alone.

Finally, after weeks on the road, Mujin arrived at the familiar entrance to the Leaf District. The towering stone gate, flanked by torches, welcomed him back to the village that was both his birthplace and the place he called home. He passed through the gates with a sense of nostalgia and relief.

As he navigated the bustling streets, the sensation of returning home after an arduous journey was both comforting and surreal. He was met with familiar faces and nods of acknowledgment. The Uchiha clan block was within sight, a place that held not only his dwelling but his memories and his family's legacy.

Upon entering his residence, Mujin took a moment to change into fresh attire. The weight of his journey began to dissipate, replaced by the comforting familiarity of his home. His feet moved with practiced grace through the space, dusting off shelves and straightening belongings.

In a hidden corner of his abode, he retrieved a small, ornate box made of polished mahogany. Within the box, Mujin rested the precious gemstone, a shimmering ruby that had become a symbol of his journey and the mysteries he had uncovered. With deliberate care, he secreted the box away in a spot that only he knew, ensuring that it remained concealed from prying eyes.

The day ended with the soothing scent of incense, a calm ambiance that accompanied his reflections. His home was his sanctuary, a place of memories and secrets, and the ruby gemstone was a silent witness to the adventures that lay beyond the horizon, waiting to be shared with the one person he would choose to confide in.

Mujin had returned to the Leaf District, and while his journeys beyond were remarkable and not so life-altering, there was a sense of fulfillment in being back home, in the place where his heart truly belonged.

[Sand District --- Leaf District]

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