Not Enough, Never Enough (open, NK)

Kinzoku Nazar found himself sitting on a bench in the streets of Suna simply watching the civilians walk by and going about their business. He wore his traditional attire, a black zip up jacket, flak jacket above it with a larger black cloak above both which draped down to his ankles. On his right hand he wore a black glove followed up by black pants and black boots. To top it off, he wore his black hat outlined in red to block the sun from his face and eyes. Yes, everything the Nazar wore was black. Some would find it strange why someone would dress themselves entirely in black clothing considering he lived in the hottest place there was. Though the heat was no concern of his. Being born and raised in Suna had basically made him accustomed to the heat. To add to that, Nazar remembers are put through rigorous training to perfect both their mind and body. Through his training he had learned to adapt to the heat now being able to go about his day without having to worry about how hot it would be.

Sitting there on his own, Kinzoku looked up into the bright blue, cloudless sky as he began to think about recent events. That of the disappearance of the Kazekage. Little to no information was out there on what had happened. People say that the Kazekage had left his tower and then simply vanished from thin air without a trace. That's all the Nazar knew about the situation. He was in the dark on this one. It did not help that he had been out of the village on a mission when all this occurred. He could only wonder how vulnerable the village was with the sudden loss of their leader. Who was going to fill the gap of power, who would take on the role as the new Leader of Suna? How could anyone have been prepared for this? Kinzoku knew there was no way he could fill the gap. Having only recently been appointed a Jounin he did not have the full capability to run and protect an entire village which only reminded him how much more work he had to do.

Reaching into the pocket of his black cloak, Kinzoku pulled out a cigar and placed it into his mouth. Scrambling through his other pocket he eventually found his lighter. With his left hand he chopped off the tip of the cigar before lighting it and placing the lighter back into his pocket. Taking a few puff from the cigar, he removed it from his mouth before looking down at his left arm. It was made entirely out of steel. Flexing the steel arm by clenching and opening his fist, the Nazar would simply observe his arm as he had just recently completed and finished making upgrades to it. It was time he test out is strength and work on himself to better be able to protect the people of the village. Especially with how vulnerable they are now. But later. At the moment, he would enjoy his cigar while it lasted before he went on to more important matters.

Dark days lay ahead. Suna had taken a turn for the worse. Despite the illusion of bliss this beautiful, cloudless day emitted onto the village, Suna was a hopeless place to be right now. Moral was low, you could see empty shops and houses as some people packed up their belongings and moved elsewhere, maybe to some other smaller neighbouring towns or to minor villages near by. Most of them probably headed for Konoha, the closest allies to the former village of Suna, maybe the one last safe place in this world. Safe for now however. Anyone who looked at a map knew Konoha was probably next for Kumo's plan of total conquest considering Konoha rested right smack in the middle of Kumo and Suna. Nobunaga figured it was only a matter of time before that would happen. The Hokage had been here during the takeover of the village, but he did nothing to stop this Maku character from seizing the village once Koroshi vanished. Odd. Nobunaga figured the Hokage would at least try to keep an allied village from getting into the hands of the enemies.

That was wishful thinking though and Nobunaga found himself patrolling the streets of the village he once could call Suna, or home. He figured with their weakened defences and many people leaving there would be a rise in crime against those who had not yet left or refused to do so. Therefore the Hiyu would remain loyal to whomever was left. Walking through the paved streets looking like he was ready for war, the Hiyu had his massive black weather worn cloak draped over his entire body except for his head. Poking out of the neck hole was the massive, bandage wrapped handle of his ultra great sword. Concealed underneath the cloak was both the blade of his sword which sometimes could be seen poking out underneath near his feet and his armor. 

Whilst making his rounds Nobunaga came up to the bench he found Kinzoku lazily smoking his cigar on. Noticing how calm Kinzoku was given the situation Nobunaga wondered if the man had been caught up to the date with the events that took place. Approaching the bench, the brute of a man that was Nobunaga would walk up to a tree behind the bench and rest his back on it considering his sword prevented him from sitting on the bench. "You caught up to date with everything? Where do you plan on going?" Nobunaga abruptly asked in his usually short, straight to the point sentences.

Nobunaga caught Kinzoku glance over towards him, as if checking if he were truly there before he asked the one question that matter. The brute that was Nobunaga remained silent, starring off into the distance. The only thing on his mind was the disappearance of his leader and the fact that it made no sense. Having just come back from his meeting with the interim kage, Nobunaga was now up to date with the happenings of the village and could now inform those who were still left in the dark like Kinzoku. 

"Aye, I know. But it makes no sense." His hoarse voice breaking the silence, he continued to lean on the tree as he went on to explain what he had learnt from Kyson. His stern face remained so as he went on speaking in his usual awkward manner. "There were two intruders who entered the village. One an emissary from Kumo named Maku, the other, dont know him. Koroshi sprang into action but vanished. Maku swears he had nothing to do with it, I dont trust him." Thats what happened to their protector. Whether it were true or not the one simple truth was that he was no longer here, regardless of how it happened.

"With Koroshi gone the next in line was a kid named Kyson Hozuki." Apparently Koroshi had told Kyson before the Jounin exams that he were to be named Kage if anything happened to himself. He knew so shortly after would such events take place, throwing the kid into the role of leadership. "He, along with other village shinobi held audience with Maku. Maku's demands were simple, the village submits to Kumo." Nobunaga would let that set in. The bench he was lying on, the walls and buildings surrounding him were no longer Suna. They were now Kumo. "In order to protect the village we submitted. The citizens were free to go as well as us Shinobi. I suggest you leave, follow your family. I have a feeling there wont be anything left here once the take over is complete and if you remain you will be assimilated into the Kumo army." If Kinzoku was smart he'd probably be able to connect the dots and realise that if he were part of the army he would one day have to attack Konoha, where his family had just been relocated. His only option was to leave what was once Suna, but Nobunaga wouldnt be the one to break it to him.

It seemed Nobunaga was informed on the situation, though there were some aspects to it he could not explain. He started off by explaining how there were two intruders who had entered the village. That much Kinzoku had known, most of the common folk in the village had known that so word got around pretty quick. Though no one had known who they were. One turned out to be someone from Kumo named Maku, the second was still unknown as to who he was. Apparently the disappearance of the Kazekage had nothing to do with this fellow Maku, though Nobunaga did not trust the man's words. Kinzoku had no reason to trust this Maku either. By Maku claiming he had nothing to do with lead them no where in actually getting answers as to what happened. 

Apparently some kid had taken the mantle of Kazekage in place of Koroshi. If no one had objected to it, it must have meant they were all in accordance with it so Kinzoku saw no reason why not agree with it also. But it did not matter whether he agreed to it or not, for the next piece of information Nobunaga provided would render the position of Kakekage obsolete. Maku had come to take control of Suna. To keep the citizens of Suna safe they were forced to submit. Without Koroshi around that was probably their best option. Maku probably had the full force of Kumo with him.

Nobunaga suggested that Kinzoku leave as well for Konoha with his family. Otherwise if he stayed he'd just be assimilated into the Kumo forces. If Kumo had taken Suna under their control, what was stopping them from one day taking over Konoha as well. If that had ever happened his family would be in danger yet again, assuming Konoha fought back. 

"My best bet would probably be to seek refuge at Konoha"  Kinzoku replied. " Konoha are our allies. So Kumo may one day come for them as well. It may give me enough time to improve my skills. Better protect the people if they were to occur one day." Kinzoku looked down at his cigar only to see it had burnt out in his hands. Flicking it to the ground, Kinzoku looked back over to Nobunaga. "What's you're plan?" he asked his former fellow Suna nin. From the way he spoke, it did not sound like he would be coming to Konoha.

Nobunaga nodded in agreement as Kinzoku confirmed that his best bet would probably be to go to Konoha, also considering his family had recently just moved there. When Kumo inevitably made their move on Konoha, Kinzoku and the others who moved there would be able to aid in the defence of their allied village. The Hiyu remained silent while the Nazar spoke about getting stronger to protect his family. Nobunaga too would have to get stronger but not to protect his family for he had none, but to protect Kyson. Even though Suna was no more, he stilled viewed Kyson as his leader. Koroshi had enough faith in Kyson to put him in charge which meant Nobunaga had to have the same amount of faith in the kid. So he pledged his allegiance to Kyson and swore to follow him wherever he went. And that meant going to Kumo.

He remained silent for a moment after Kinzoku posed his question, wondering how to break it to him. "Maku gave a choice to all the shinobi of the village to either leave or stay and be assimilated into the Kumo forces. He gave that choice to all but one... Kyson. As part of the takeover Kyson is obliged to go back to Kumo and therefore I must follow him." Kinzoku would probably wonder why Nobunaga felt that he had to follow Kyson. He was about to break it, the secret did not matter anymore for Suna was no more. "I am a member of Koroshi's hand picked Anbu, Dust. Including me there were only two. Therefore it is my responsibility to follow our leader and Koroshi made Kyson that leader."

Nobunaga crossed his arms as he let that sink in. He would follow Kyson to both protect and watch over him in the cesspool and hell hole of a village that was Kumo, which meant he would no doubt be a part of their forces. "That may mean one day we will find ourselves on the opposite side of the battlefield, if we are so unfortunate. This may be the last time we speak as allies." The prospect of having to fight a former village member was a haunting one, but a very plausible one in the not so distant future.

Kinzoku listened to Nobunaga as he gave his answer on what he was going to do. It turns out people were actually given the choice on whether they wanted to stay or not, except for Kyson who was replacing Koroshi. He was forced to stay and become a Kumo nin. As a result, Nobunaga decided he was going to stay as well as join Kumo. But his phrasing seemed odd. He didn't say he was staying by choice. He said he "must" stay. Kinzoku raised an eyebrow at his words as he waited for Nobunaga to explain which is exactly what he did. It seemed he had been apart of some secret organization Koroshi had created called Dust. Now it made sense why he had to follow Kyson wherever he went. The Dust were probably sworn to protect the village as well as the Kazekage. As a result he basically had no choice. But Kinzoku had a feeling that even if Nobunaga had the choice he would still probably follow Kyson where ever he went. Whether he was a member of the Dust or not, his personality wouldn't change. And it takes a special kind of person to make an "oath" in other words such as that to join the Dust.

Nobunaga finished by mentioning how they could one day end up facing one another on the battle field and that this could be the last time they meet face to face as allies. That was true, assuming Kumo would one day come to assimilate Konoha. It was probably only a matter of time before they did. "Let us hope that day never comes" Kinzoku replied as he got up off of his bench and walked over to Nobunaga. He was trying to be optimistic, but that day was more than likely to come. Although Nobunaga was bigger than Kinzoku in terms of muscle size, the two were actually the same height. "I'll be heading out soon. My family is probably waiting for me back at Konoha" Kinzoku said, adjusting his hat. "What do you say we have a little sparring session before we part ways. What better way to say goodbye?" he'd ask with a friendly smile.

It seemed Kinzoku was not at all surprised that Nobunaga had been apart of Dust. He did not question him on it nor make a comment. Perhaps he was not surprised. He was more concerned with Kinzoku not mentioning anything about him joining Kumo. What were his thoughts on the matter, his opinion. Guess it didnt matter thought cause whatever he had to say would change nothing. Nobunaga made up his mind and was following Kyson, whether that took him to hell or Kumo which were essentially one and the same.

"Wishful thinking." Nobunaga thought to himself while leaning back on the tree. They both knew the day where Kumo continued their expansion into Konoha would come eventually. Un-moving, Nobunaga kept his stern gaze fixed on Kinzoku as he rose from the bench and made his way over towards the tree. Nobunaga nodded while he informed him on his plans. "Probably for the best." Nobunaga was pleased to hear Kinzoku would be leaving. Doing so would further strengthen Konoha's forces along with the others going over. Its also meant he would be subjugated to Kumo, a luxury in of itself. 

The Hiyu remained silent for a moment as he pondered the Nazar's request. "Trying to learn my weaknesses in case we meet on the battlefield?" Nobunaga nudged himself off of the tree with his arms still crossed underneath his massive black cloak. He would actually prefer if Kinzoku knew his weaknesses. In the event that they ever did meet on the battlefield the Hiyu would be reluctant to kill his former ally in which case Kinzoku would have to know his weaknesses in order to effectively take him down. "Aye, I accept your offer." Nodding his head over in the direction of the training grounds, indicating they should make their way over Nobunaga would continue as he began walking down the path "I wont go easy on you Nazar."

Nobunaga made a comment about Kinzoku wanting to learn his weaknesses in case they do ever meet on a battle field. Kinzoku couldn't help but chuckle a little at that. He hadn't even thought about that, but Nobunaga had a point. This would give him the opportunity to see what the Hiyu could do, but it would also give Nobunaga the opportunity to see what Kinzoku was capable of. "You'll be seeing my tricks too" Kinzoku added in, which was half true. In truth there was so much Kinzoku had not learned yet that if the two every met in the future, Kinzoku was bound to have new techniques Nobunaga would not have seen. Nobunaga was probably in a similar situation. Although he is a former member of the Dust and probably more skilled than Kinzoku, he probably had more to learn himself. Kinzoku's intention was not to learn Nobunaga's weaknesses but simply to have one last good moment together. One last memory before the two parted ways. Who knew when the next time they'd meet will be, if ever.

The Nazar was pleased to see his offer was accepted as Nobunaga left his tree and began heading towards the training grounds, the ideal spot for such. "I wouldn't expect any less from a member of the Dust" he answered in regards to not holding back as he followed beside him towards the training grounds. He refrained from using the word 'former' because he wasn't actually sure if they were still a thing now being under Kumo's control. Maybe they would still be working in the shadows. He could ask, but those were probably matters to important for Kinzoku to know anyways so he refrained from doing so. "Just make sure I don't lose any more limbs, it was a pain getting this one."

It's a shame he didn't have his crossbow working yet, it would have been good to be able to test out both his new arm as well as weapon. With the strength Nobunaga probably possessed to wield a weapon of that size, he'll be the perfect partner to see how good Kinzoku's left arm really was. Sooner than later the two would eventually reach the training grounds. Without a word, Kinzoko began walking away from Nobunaga creating some distance between the two. Once about 15 meters away he turned around as his black jacket swirled with him. "Ready when you are partner" Kinzoku said as he tipped his hat with a smile on his face.

Glancing down at the metal arm after Kinzoku made a comment about losing limbs, Nobunaga would pose the question "Why did you not get your arm healed by Lord Koroshi?" Based off of him mentioning losing a limb, Nobunaga figured Kinzoku lost his arm and had it replaced by this metal one. However Koroshi was a master healer, able to easily heal lost limbs back to their former state. Kinzoku's arm could have easily been healed back to normal. It was quite odd that he would prefer this metal replacement. It was also quite odd that it worked. How was he able to move the hand and finger's around normally? The Hiyu had never seen anything like it however he kept that question to himself while Kinzoku would answer the question he had actually asked.

Arriving to the park now, Nobunaga would slide his right arm out from under his black cloak and pull it over his head. Slipping the weather worn cloak off of his shoulders, Nobunaga would reveal the armor he sported under while gently placing the cloak and a nearby bench. Walking away from the bench as to not have it in their way, Nnobunaga would come to a halt once he was satisfied and watched Kinzoku put some space between the two of them. Standing still and unmoving, Nobunaga's stern gaze awaited for Kinzoku who declared that he was ready with the tip of his hat.

Slapping his hands together into a single seal, a tiny puffy white cloud would erupt beside him. Swiftly disolving, out of the cloud would appear another Nobunaga, standing tall and as stern as ever beside the original. The first thing Nobunaga thought of was that Kinzoku was a Genjutsu user, something Nobunaga had absolutely zero skills in. Therefore he would need the aid of another to dispel any Genjutsus. In this case the other was in fact just another him in the form of a shadow clone. Figuring he'd warm up before their spar got heated, Nobunaga would keep his sword hooked on his back and get in for some close quarter's combat.

With the real Nobunaga standing to the left of the clone, both of them would simultaneously bolt forward towards Kinzoku without uttering a single word. Closing the cap in a relatively short time, Nobunaga would come right before Kinzoku while the clone continued past Kinzoku's left side and stopped right behind him. First Nobunaga would shoot his right fist straight towards Kinzoku's sternum while the clone now behind him but still standing to his left would deliver his shin to the back of Kinzoku's knees. The sweeping motion of the kick going forward and Nobunaga's fist hitting him backwards would cause the Nazar to fall right onto his back, leaving him open for further attacks. 

515 - 30 = 485 ap

Nobunaga ap: 243
Clone ap: 242