A Push or A Shove, The Right Direction's Above (P)

It was not until about noon that Shanks began to make his way to the Hoshigakure Training Grounds. His breakfast with Olive and her family had set an exciting precedent for the events to come. He previously had been unable to gain access to these stately parts of Hoshigakure. The orderliness of the citizenry pointed to the fact that The Water Gardens was an area delineated for the upper class. It was in stark contrast to where Shanks lived. The well paved streets here did not match the dusty pathways that  carried traffic in and out of his district. The luxuriant cedars and palm trees were planted haphazardly unlike the  electric poles that distributed the power lines to homes in his area. Nor did the durability of these cutting-edge edifices compare in any way to the shabbiness of his district's aging structures. Still Shanks loved his neighborhood all the same. If anything, the glaring difference in living standards was for Shanks, a motivation to rise to a position of authority in which the power to influence the situation of things would be at his disposal. His meeting with the Hogokage today would be a decisive moment to determine what path his progression would take. If he had to pick and choose, he would much rather abolish the Village System right here and now from where he stood under the shade of a palm tree. But he knew that such a 'happy ever after' tale had no place in the world of the shinobi. If he wanted to bring about change, he would have to pay with his blood and sweat. He would even have to put his life on the line in order to obtain the power needed to accomplish such an arduous task. Even then, the work would only be half way done. Executing his plan would be a different thing entire. Shanks was aware that the Kenja would definitely rally together at his call to arms. But if he wanted to make a statement on the world, he needed a group of powerful individuals with goals in alignment with his that will be willing to fulfill that change.

He left the comfort of the palm's shade into the heat of the afternoon sun. He crossed the paved main road and proceeded to enter the spacious street leading to the Training Grounds. Standing in front of all the buildings adjacent to the street were at least a team of two jounin ranked ninja serving as guards. Most of them were members of the police force, and some buildings had up to five surrounding it. One of them had twelve; all armed to the teeth. Nobles certainly knew how to make elaborate statements. Shanks chuckled to himself as he continued walking down the street, taking a left and picking up the pace. He did not wish to be late but he also was in no particular hurry. This was evident as he stopped to flash a dazzling grin at a pretty young woman on the balcony of a resort styled duplex overlooking on the empty street. The building was made purely of polished dark brown wood and its structure was predominantly Japanese; borderline neo nipponic. She was seated cross legged on the balcony railing, dressed in a purple hoodie sweatshirt with white sleeves and a white hood. She had dark blue crop yoga pants which matched her hair and a pair of black sandals to match. Her eyes were milky white with a hint of purple that matched her sweatshirt. She smiled back at Shanks, whilst running her fingers through her lush hair. The breeze of the afternoon caused it to billow from side to side.


Shanks would have loved to stay and chat with her but he knew he had more pressing engagements.He noted the Hoshigakure head band tied around her neck. She was obviously higher than him in the Hoshi hierarchy despite being younger than him in age. Clearly, the Hyuuga were blessed with exceptional talent due to their bloodline.

"I really would not mind if you watched me train with the Hogokage today, ojou-chan.", Shanks said as he reached for his trusty bottle and took a sip of his woo woo. "Cheers."


The Kenja would then continue his walk towards the training ground without soliciting a reply from the Hyuuga maiden. He could feel her staring at him from behind as he walked off, but he needed to say nothing more. His message had been passed across and he knew that if she was interested, would have a clear view to the training location. His many years of experience with women gave him the confidence required to make a stellar impact on them within the crucial first seconds of meeting them.

Just another two minutes of leisurely walking, and Shanks could now see the gates to the training grounds. He began to make his way in, knowing fully well that he was right on schedule. However, he hardly knew what to expect of this encounter.

Shanks prided himself in the achievements of his father when it came to business. In the life of a man, an ideal role model is always key. Growth can be fostered and greater heights can be achieved or even surpassed when a power-hungry man has a more accomplished man as his target. Shanks believed himself to be the power-hungry man. Valen Akari, he saw as the target which he must surmount. In a small village like Hoshigakure, the strong were not as rampant as the weak. Yet, the weak could hardly be written off as weak-willed for the mere fact that they are weak. No. The state of mind of an individual is just as powerful as their potential physical prowess. For without an iron-will, one cannot muster the courage needed to attain to a higher level of comprehensive development.

The Training Ground was the ideal environment in which one could begin to surpass their limits, and that was exactly the motive behind Shanks visit today. As he walked into this ideal location, Shanks felt invigorated. The site of the Hogokage Valen Akari, overwhelmed the Kenja Head with a desire to move up the ranks as quickly as possible, and have his strength acknowledged by the world. He glanced around the yard. Its earth was solid, dusty, lifeless; a testament of the multitudinous amount of feet that have forced the complete stoppage of weed growth. Practice dummies filled the area just outside the private dojo. Tree stomps improvised to become targets for projectiles, lined the area near the intimidating wall that sent out one message, and one message only: PRIVACY. Græy made his way towards where the Hogokage was. His masculine stride was laden with grace and purpose.

"Greetings! Valen-sama. I hope I did not keep you waiting too long? My journey was briefly interrupted when I spotted a Hyuuga girl on my way here. Bad habit of mine... But I had to say a few words to her. Nonetheless, I am here. And, I thank you for this opportunity.", said Shanks in a halcyonic tone of voice.

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