Hospital Visitation [Max]

Today had been a rather dreary day in the village of Kumo as its clouds collected in the sky and began to pour down rain upon its inhabitants. Rain had not been a foreign concept in the village though the amount of it could make some cause of concern for some. Many people had been walking about with their umbrellas or other forms of protection against the natural occurrence, but there had only been a few that had been going out into the element unprotected. Kiseragi stood in a small stall nearest to the hospital with no real protection on himself. Wearing his usual yukata with his amigasa covering his head he had been buying some fruits and other things before visiting a friend of his. He had not heard anything concerning their recovery though that did not mean something would not come of it soon. With the purchase being done he slowly made his way toward the hospital and checking in," Here again to check on my friend." The nurse at the front knew who the man was and who he had been here to see. Giving him a rather small smile she would direct him as usual to the room of the patient.

As he walked he did so silently, thinking of what could happen when he had arrived. The boys entire body had been battered and bruised in the events of the failed siege lead by a single Kirigakure shinobi, a thought that should have been paid back in blood. For the moment the village was somewhat peaceful though that wouldn't probably last for long. As he arrived to the door he walked in by himself looking over to the bed before walking toward the blinds and opening them," Another dreary day in the village as per usual. People are just meandering about through the rain though its never really enough anymore. Was hoping you'd finally speak back to me so I don't feel completely weird for talking to a sleeping person." As he sat the bag of fruit down he pulled up a chair near the bed and began to stare out of the window, those amber eyes watching each individual raindrop batter against the see-through glass of the window.

Shadows swirl, forming various images in the mind of the young lord, his mind seeming to trap him in a prison of its own design. Over and over, his mind replays the last thing it can recall, the sickening *CRACK* booming over all other sounds. The image of young Max is damaged, the hammer breaking the figment from the neck down, sending cracks all through the body of the puppeteer. Max collapses to the ground, his eyes now closed. There was almost a peaceful look on his face, accepting of his fate at the hands of a former friend.
 
With the image of the Little Conqueror now lifeless, the gates catch ablaze. Everything he had worked towards and held dear was now burning down around him. His people’s wails of agony pierce the scene, their bodies becoming nothing more than ash. With a slight breeze the remains of his homeland blow away, all that now remains being his lifeless body lying there in the muck. Images of his friends would appear, their heads hanging low as they look upon young Max. They would shake their heads and then turn and vanish. Was he dead? Was this torment some sort of afterlife, punishing him for his misdeeds and failures?
 
The scene would then revert back and begin to play again and again…
 
The pitter-patter of rain would begin to drown out all other sounds, and the shadows and images dissolving into just an empty black void. His mind would start to race, wondering why the scene was beginning to change now. The scene had played countless times, never changing prior to this moment. What was happening? What was different?
 
His eyes would begin to open, the light of the room blinding as his pupils adjust to the new stimuli. A familiar voice could be heard, though not understood immediately. It was low and difficult to hear, as if their words were being muffled. Once adjusted his eyes would begin to dart around the room, trying to understand where he was. He was lying on a bed. It looked like… the hospital? And there was a man sitting beside the boy, gazing outside it would seem or at least watching the rain fall on the glass.
 
“Kis… Kiseragi? Is that you?” The boy would ask, his voice low, raspy and dry. “I'm so happy to see a friendly face. What happened? Did we manage to repel Kiri?" A brief pause, hesitation setting in before he continued with one final question for the time being. "Why... why can’t I move?” Max had a sinking feeling in his stomach, the haze in his mind slowly clearing as he thought about what he last remembered. Hopefully it wouldn’t be a bad as he had feared.

Where all hope had been slowly draining from him as he looked at the raindrops, a stunning voice broke through the silence that caused him to stand from his seat and look at the body in the bed. A small smile found its way onto his lips as he laughed and shook his head," You're quite unfortunate to be stuck with me my friend. Yes it is me. I'm finally glad to finally be talking back to someone and not myself honestly, but welcome back my friend. You've been here for a quite a while, not a whole lot has passed but it is good to see you finally awake," when the question had finally hit, Kiseragi's smile falterd and he looked at the boy Kage with a grimace on his face. Pulling up the chair to the bed he would sit down in it, looking down to Max before speaking to try and figure out the best way to say it," During your fight with that Kirigakure shinobi you were...hit in the back with his hammer...It crushed your spine. The doctors don't really know if you will be able to fully recover at all..," he let the words sink in for a moment before turning his head toward the door.

Silence would befall the room as he looked back to Max to allow him some time to take that in before he backtracked to his previous question," To answer your earlier question we...While we did not repel Kiri, a ninja by the name of Kutari Uchiha challenged and defeated the Kiri threat. Reports say that the Kirigakure ninja was a Jinchuriki and in his defeat the beast was released. The beast was also beaten and sealed in the one who had killed the Kiri ninja, formerly known as Nobunaga of the Cloud. The ninja known as Kutari took the mantle of Raikage and has now been running the village. If it wasn't bad enough I hear rumors from some that say two of the previous Kage thought long dead to the world were also seen at the village. One Kurisu Ametsuchi and his successor Yaju Hayate. Though the legitimacy of these statements regarding those two have yet to be confirmed by my eyes," he was still reporting as if Max was the Kage, and truthfully in his eyes he was. For the moment he would let Max digest all of that information before answering any other questions he had.

Max would notice the smile of his comrade shift to a grimace, and immediately he knew the news that was coming to him. Kiseragi would inform him that his spine was heavily damaged in the battle against Nobunaga. “So… I’m,” Max would frown, the words almost painful to speak, “I’m paralyzed…” The boy wanted to cry, but refrained from doing so, his face clearly showing his displeasure. There was no place nor time for such things like tears now. “While I am grateful for my life, I fear that in my current state I am of little use to even myself, let alone Kumogakure.” He would close his blue grey eyes, trying to think of a solution to his dilemma.
 
His mind would fail him and rage would begin to build, replacing any and all sadness he might have felt prior. “I was spared by Nobunaga, but not because of mercy or anything of the like. I was likely spared so as not to become a martyr. My death would have rallied the village against the invaders… not that it really mattered considering the outcome in the end.” Disgust would plaster his face, his displeasure of his current situation clear as day. “And to think, I only desired peace with the Mist. Instead they brought war to our doorstep and left me alive like this… a mistake they will someday regret.”
 
His mind would shift to more pressing concerns regarding his newfound status as a former kage. “This Kutari Uchiha shinobi. What are your thoughts regarding the man? Has he done anything to bring harm or doom to our village?” The question was simple, but it would allow Kiseragi to speak his thoughts and provide the young boy with insight about this new player in the great game. Max respected the opinions of Kiseragi, and so the man’s words would determine whether Max would shift his thoughts to removing a potential domestic threat first before anything else. Of course Kutari seemingly defended Kumo, so Max didn’t wish to turn a possible ally into an enemy.
 
Other former kage have returned as well? “Forgive me, my memory still is hazy. Those names… I recall you mentioning the Ametsuchi before. That is the clan associated with that beautiful place you stay, right? Has your former master returned from the grave?” He hoped that such wasn’t too direct or distasteful, but he imagined that the man must have passed based on how Kiseragi spoke about them and what he had stated. Or at least he thought that was the case. His memory was indeed foggy and focusing on any one particular memory was difficult.
 
“Thank you for this information, Kiseragi. You need not be overly formal, as from my understanding I no longer hold a position of power or authority. The respect you show me I am grateful for, though.” His smile would return, his friend making this terrible situation far more bearable. He could have woken up to an interrogation or worse from enemies of Kumo.
 
His smile would fade, his mind considering an option he otherwise might not have had to take, “I may have a solution for my… condition.”

Kiseragi sat and listened to the male as he spoke, his fingers slowly clenching into a fist of anger. What was supposed to be simple peace turned into this, by a nation that only wanted to conqueror over being allies. No. It was better to say they wanted only wanted cooperation by assimilation, but even a child knew to never leave someone alive after you have defeated them. The crimson hues of the male laid upon his friend as he smiled and nodded," Once we get you back up to snuff they will pay. Be sure of that Maximilian. For too long people have tried to push our humble home about. Its about high time we finally pushed back and this time? We won't take any prisoners, but for now...we focus on your recovery," the smile was only a facade to hide his true feelings...the feeling of anger. He was tired of having his home pushed around. Admittedly he should have been by Max's side during his time of need, but he had been getting the civilians out of harms way as a precaution.

When Max asked about Kutari, the males crimson eyes turned back to the window as if he had been looking through to the village," He is...an unknown. I have not had an interaction with him, but in his very, very short tenure as Raikage some things have gotten better. We are still dealing with the rot fields and virulent civilians yet actual village life is somewhat stable. The Black Forest is no longer standing, but I can't honestly put a finger on this man...not yet," it was true that Kutari was a bit of an enigma as far as other things went. He knew nothing outside of him being an Uchiha and being the host of the Bijuu. With what he didn't know he was soon going to find out. When Max began to inquire about the other Kage returning he nodded in affirmation," Yes. The reports say that Kurisu had been seen taken into the mountains with one other...and if it is my master he has been avoiding me...Or maybe I have been avoiding him," he was filled with...anger he thought. Seeing that the one whom he revered as a father back, but how and why? If he had been back for a while why didn't he say anything?

The males eyes for a moment flashed from their three tomoe state to something different as anger took refuge in his body, an action Max would briefly see before his eyes slowly returning to their normal amber hues. A small smile appeared on his face as max told him not to be so overly formal, a request that Kiseragi would have to work on at a later time. As the revelation of a solution to his problem came up the only word that left Kiseragi's mouth filled the room," How?"

Hearing Kiseragi’s words, Max would shake his head lightly. Kutari was an unknown to everyone it would seem, though it would seem as if he was at least able to keep Kumo stable in the boy’s absence. It would seem as though all of the good the young lord had started was halted, though. The walking rot monsters known as virulent citizens were being studied to see if they could be returned to their former selves last Max remembered, but either it reached a point where no more progress could be made, or the study was no longer being funded and progressed. That would quickly get remedied should Max be able to recover.
 
Following along, Max had little to say regarding Kiseragi’s thoughts on his master’s seeming reluctance to see him. Nothing the boy said could help or change the situation, so it would be better not to poke at that possible sore spot, especially considering the clear rage that would flash across the face – and most notably the eyes – of the Anbu here before him. If needed, he would track down these people and question them himself. He didn’t like to see the suffering of those he considered friends, no matter what the cause of that suffering was and Kiseragi deserved to at least get a few questions answered…. That is of course if these people really are who they seemed to be. There is always the possibility that they are simply imposters. Such likely wouldn’t fool a capable shinobi, but if the Uchiha hadn’t seen them himself and was simply going off of rumors… well, the untrained eyes can often see what the heart wants them to see. Perhaps in these turbulent times heroes from the past are preferable to the monsters of the present.
 
Kiseragi would inquire about what Max meant. In reality, Max wasn’t entirely sure that it would work. “It was something I was considering before, but was reluctant to do out of fear of it not working. I can…” His voice would trail off at the end, his mind racing at the thought of what he was about to say. “I can replace my body with that of a puppet. I’ve read about an old sand shinobi that was able to do so, and I have done a great deal of study into the technique.” Max probably sounded a bit crazy to Kiseragi, but it would only get stranger from here on. “I have prepared a puppet body capable of housing me… but…” Max would break eye contact, his eyes shifting to his now useless body, knowing fully that this was the only option if the medical shinobi can’t solve the issue. “I’ll need someone to… to place my heart in a special container.” Max would look to his friend, hoping that he would accept the task. There is the possibility of it not working as planned and the boy dying in the process, but such isn’t something Max would mention. He didn’t have the luxury of failure, and neither did Kumogakure.

He had no idea what his friend had been planning to remedy this, but as he listened on the clues were dropping more and more. For some reason it didn't register until the last words. For someone to place his heart into a special container...but that would be the equivalent of death would it not? He was not too versed in the ways of puppetry or how this would affect Max, but he would none the less ask before agreeing," This...procedure would cause a sort of stasis or death for you would it not? It is a one hundred percent chance of success? If it meant you walking once more then...," he paused for a moment to consider what he would have to do. The thought of blood or death never bothered him, but holding the literal instrument of one's life in his hands? Was sort of a hard pill to swallow. There wasn';t much he could have done in this situation, but if he preferred anyone to do this it would be himself.

Shaking his head to steel his resolve he would rest a hand on the males shoulder and nods," I'll do it then. If anyone should do this task it should be me. I wouldn't trust just anyone with my former Kage's heart and soul...So just direct me in what I need to do and it shall be done. Maybe then after this we can share more stories. I don't know if you knew but certain developments have also arisen that have changed certain aspects of myself, but after this we should talk about the future. I have no idea what Kutari will do with this village, but if we are to regain our honor for the cloud...Well we will talk of that later," a short smile would arise on his features before returning to his usual stoic look as he awaited the response of his friend.

1,589 wc

Kiseragi would ask questions, much like Max had figured. He wasn’t sure how to reply, or even that he wanted to answer the questions regarding what may happen to him. He knew the risks, but thought little of failure in this matter as he simply had no choice but to succeed here. “It will indeed place my very existence in a stasis. This broken body will simply be a former shell, my very soul ending up bound to the container you place my heart within.” Max would look lock eyes with Kiseragi, his pain apparent but masked by a fierce determination. “As for whether or not it will work… well, I’ve not tested any of this. I know it has been done before by a historic shinobi known as Sasori. I have done the research, I have made the needed arrangements. The only way to know for sure if it will be a success will be with this test. So yes, if my technique is wrong or I messed something up I will likely die.” Max would smile, looking down once more at his unfeeling body, “But I have no reason to doubt my capabilities in the puppetry arts, and making sure that I am capable of bettering Kumo is worth any level of risk to me.”
 
Once hearing his friend agree, Max would continue. “I have a puppet vessel prepared in my old shack in the cemetery. I am unsure if they would allow you to bring it here, but the readily available medical staff may be helpful in keeping me alive should things not go according to plan.” He would clear his throat, the realization and reality of what was going to happen starting to truly hit him. Was he ready for this? Shaking any thoughts from his head, he would continue. “I will then need you to… to quickly remove my still beating heart and place it in the prepared container… this is where much of the risk will come in, since if my heart completely stops and dies it may not matter if you place it in the vessel.” Max doesn’t specifically say that it will kill him, but the implication is very clear. Once this begins, they will only have one brief window of opportunity to make sure the procedure is complete.
 
“You are right, Kiseragi. After this is done, we will have much to talk about, friend. We will have all the time in the world to catch up and plan for the future. Kumo’s honor and glory will be regained, no matter what.” The young lord spoke honestly here, as his homeland meant more to him than anything else. Rulers may come and go, but Kumo? Kumo is eternal, and nothing will change that so long as Max draws breath.

(Mid thread claim: using 1,589 to claim Susanoó A rank 1,589/1,875)

For a moment he would look at his friend, not wanting to wait for the administration of the hospital to discharge him. With a hushed voice he would move toward the window and open it, looking outward before turning to Max," Good thing i'm not going to wait for them to make a decision on discharging you. We'll leave now just give me directions as we go alright?," as he spoke he would begin to pick the male up, and in doing so Max would begin to see those amber eyes begin to go crimson. An unique state of his bloodline would begin to manifest as a semi-phantasmal arm would clear a chunk of the wall as he jumped out. The strain of using this was immense but time was of the essence. Within moments he would begin clearing the rooftops with leaps, using the single Gunsteel grey arm to attach to the greater clearings.

All of this newfound power crept through his body as he continue to move and take directions from Max. When the two arrived finally to the cemetery he would continue to walk in silence, a small drip of blood coming from both of his eyes. Though he payed it no mind as he walked with Max in his arms. When the two arrived to the shack he would push it open with his foot and look around," So where should I put you and where this this container?," the male would ask as he tried to make heads or tails of everything.