What Large Teeth You Have! (p. Akaboshi Uzumaki)

The young wolf was quiet, walking at whatever pace his handler dictated. The mission had been completed successfully, yet there was a…. blemish on the report. Luckily for him his handler was a capable shinobi, one capable of keeping him in check and preventing any bloodshed. All it would take though is one slip up… one mistake regarding the shinobi assigned to him and he could kill again, possibly taking the life of the shinobi handler as well. That would end in a death sentence for certain for the young wolf.
 
Sebastian Loghain would approach the gates with Akaboshi. The towering walls were well guarded, several archers trained on the werewolf. Such a reaction was understandable considering his rampage earlier. Upon hearing word from the scouts that the two were approaching they took the needed precautions should the worst happen again. Upon seeing the Jounin, the soldiers bearing pikes at the gate entrance would bow, “Sir! Know that with one word we will put the man down.” They would of course hold their fire, awaiting further command from the senior officer. Sebastian would look up at the soldiers, ready to take his life without question. A look of sorrow would flash across his face, knowing that his actions, even though out of his control, brought this fate upon him.
 
With the mission completed, Sebastion Loghain would look upon his handler, awaiting what he figures would be a great deal of questions. This was how most reacted to his unfortunate curse. “I am grateful that they sent such a skilled shinobi. You saved not only the lives of those around us but also my own.” The wolf would offer an outstretched hand, a sign of respect. The young wolf didn’t seem to be under any duress, nor did his posture suggest a transformation was imminent. He simply wanted to thank the man for his kindness. The archers were ready to place several shots into the man’s head should anything occur.
 
Once they shook hands or the Uzumaki refrained from doing so Sebastian would speak up again, this time with less enthusiasm. “So, go ahead and ask your questions. Everyone does.” His tone was one that lacked feeling, his words holding no spark of life. They were plain and cold, the programmed response to the expected actions of his handler.

WC: 388

With the village gates in sight the mission would finally reach its end, but that didn't mean everything was over just yet for the two Hoshigakure shinobi. As they approached the entrance Akaboshi immediately noticed the hostile atmosphere that was hanging around, an intent clearly aimed at Sebastian. "Hm, looks like news about the accident has already spread" the Jounin muttered. Given the circumstances the redhead could understand their reaction, just like he was aware he quickly needed to defuse the tension and the undeniably difficult situation. Akaboshi would raise his right hand and direct his attention towards the guards. "Stand down men, that's an order. Although I appreciate the alertness and vigilance of our forces, everything is under control. Please proceed with your duties and keeping our village safe". The Jounin moved his head ever so slightly, a nod to assure his shinobi he'd take care of it.

Although most of the guards complied with his request there were still a couple who were hesitant and remained wary of the situation. One of the rookies walked up to him, claiming himself to be ready and awaiting the Uzumaki's orders. "That won't be necessary kid. Here, do me a favor would you?" Akaboshi reached in his side pocket, not for his cigarettes, but for a piece of paper. "This is my report on the mission and what happened today. Can I trust that you'll hand this to the right people?" He'd then hand it over to the boy as he watched him take off. Now that things seemed to have calmed down the red haired shinobi started to think about what his next course of action should be. To leave things be would simply be out of the question, that much he knew. It was at that point that Sebastian would share his gratitude on how Akaboshi dealt with everything that took place. "No need to thank me, it is my duty to protect the people of Hoshigakure, regardless of how they might look" the Jounin replied as he accepted the handshake. "Come, it is time we had a chat and standing here will only attract attention". Assuming Sebastian followed him he would start walking away from the entrance but close to the village walls.

The Uzumaki grabbed his lighter before lighting up one of the cigarettes he kept in his pockets. "I read your file, quite interesting I must say. Not something we often encounter either I might add". Taking a drag from the ciggy, blowing the smoke in the opposite direction of them before continuing. "You can tell me your life story later, what I want to know for know is how you feel about our village". Akaboshi would briefly come to a halt as he stopped walking. "I guess my question to you is where your loyalty lie". The Jounin wasn't one to have prejudices, he simply proceeded with the village's best interests. 

(WC: 486)

The tension in the air at the gates would be thick enough to cut with a knife. Luckily the wolf’s Jounin handler would help to alleviate some of it, ordering the soldiers to stand down. Most would of course listen, but some wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the threat of the werewolf. A rookie soldier would quickly make his way over to the Uzumaki, the eager cadet ready to place his duty to the village before his own safety as he places himself closer to Sebastian Loghain and the threat of the beast should it dig its way out. A smirk would find its way across Sebastian’s face as the senior officer would send the young man out on an ‘important task’. It was much like what the older children did with the younger ones when they wanted them to scram without clearly stating such.
 
The man accepting his handshake was a good sign, a clear statement that he was willing to give the wolf a chance. With this done the scarlet haired man would beckon him to more secluded place away from the fidgety fingers of the soldiers at the gates. They would make their way along the wall before they finally find a suitable spot. The shinobi handler would pull out a cigarette and light it up, ready to enjoy the small bit of peace he could before the next assignment. The scent of burning tobacco and ash would fill the area quickly. The keen nose of the wolf was sometimes a blessing and other times a hindrance, but he had no intention of preventing this man from enjoying his free time. Of course the Jounin’s next words caught the young wolf off guard, a puzzled look flashing across his face as the man asked his questions.
 
With a nod, Sebastian would answer, “You are different from the rest. Most that see what you have ask the same old questions. I like the change of pace.” His words would carry a jovial tone to them that suggested amusement. “Despite my status as an exile, I still care a great deal about my village.” He would shift his gaze from looking upon the face of the man out into the wooded area he resides in. “I hold no grudges for what needed to be done regarding my exile. I am a danger to those around me, whether they be civilians or shinobi soldiers.” Loghain would lean lightly against the wall watching the horizon, the orange tinge to the sky beautiful at this time of day. “The shinobi gave me both a purpose and an outlet for the rage within. They could have easily killed me for my crimes, yet they spared me and classified me as a shinobi.” His eyes would shift back to his handler, “You need not worry. I have no deep seated hatred for the shinobi forces, nor do I seek to dismantle the village.” His words were true, but it was clear there was a twinge of uncertainty before adding, “So long as they give me no reason to.” It wasn’t an outright threat, but it was clear there was something not being said by the young wolf.


WC: 534

Both men took their time to enjoy the change of pace now that they were a safe distance from the village gates, trying to leave the hectic events that happened behind. "Never a dull moment" Akaboshi said out loud smiling. He wasn't sure if it was just a coincidence or simply his luck, but of course something like this happened right after being promoted to Jounin. During the Uzumaki's time as a Chuunin there were also plenty of occasions and events taking place he had to deal with, that much was simply part of the job. "If they had told me this would happen so soon after my promotion I'm not sure if I'd believed them. But then again, danger never waits". The red haired shinobi took another drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke away as he'd look up at the sky.

Akaboshi would lean with his back against the wall while listening attentively at Sebastian who by then started to answer the redhead's earlier question. Parts that were said made sense and he could understand, such would be the fate of an outcast. A danger to himself and those around him. A wildcard, one with claws and fangs, a risk to the safety of their people. "They needed to make a decision. Weighing the life of one individual against the lives of those in our village, what would you have done?" Deep down Akaboshi knew it wasn't easy, not for the higher ups nor for Sebastian himself. But as a shinobi of Hoshigakure it was his duty to make sure no harm would come to those of the village, even if it meant treating one of their own as an animal.

Regardless of his position as a higher ranked officer, the red haired Uzumaki was aware on how hard it must be for Sebastian to not be able to live his life inside the village walls. Even more so since Hoshigakure was still his home. "I can't imagine how it feels, but if they really wanted you dead then I wouldn't be having this talk here with you. And if I really believed you were such a threat to our village then I would have returned to Hoshigakure on my own, if you get what I'm saying". Despite his compassion for others, Akaboshi would never allow someone to become a danger to his beloved home and if necessary would remove those who tried. "Unfortunately some people flock together, following the herd because they simply don't know better or understand what they are dealing with. Not that I can say that I do, for that I don't know enough about your condition". The Jounin took a last drag of his cigarette before tossing it on the ground and putting it out with the bottom of his shoe.

Considering the two of them were able to have a normal conversation had to mean that there was some kind of trigger that caused Sebastian to change. "From what I witnessed today it seems you aren't in control of your emotions, which causes your bloodline to go off, if that makes sense". There were far more people with knowledge on the matter of DNA and whatnot, but at least Akaboshi knew the case of Sebastian involved something amongst those lines. "What can you tell me about who and what you are?" In order to help the man he had to know what he was dealing with first.

(WC: 575, TWC: 1061)

The Uzumaki was right about having to have made a decision and Sebastian was in complete agreement with the man. “I would have made the same choice. I am dangerous without supervision, and most civilians don’t have the capability to ward the creature off…” The words chosen here were deliberate. While Sebastian and the wolf were both one entity, two sides to the same coin, the man didn’t speak as though they were one. The man mentally separated the two, though he knew that acceptance was one of the first steps towards mastering the transformation. “You are a brave man, and I appreciate your keeping the wolf in check earlier.” A puzzled smirk would cross his face, not entirely knowing fully what the Jounin handler meant. If either Hoshi or his handler wanted the wolf dead he would be… well, if the wolf was actually capable of dying. It was strange, but despite regularly being lost in a blood frenzy the man never woke up and found himself injured. Although it might not have been a veiled threat. He could simply mean that he would not have allowed the wolf to return to the village, since he could end up hurting others. The man was accustomed to solitude.
 
The Jounin would state his observations and ask about who and what Sebastian was. He wasn’t entirely sure how to answer that. “One of your fellow officers has his own thoughts not too different from yours. Doctor Akabayashi is looking into my condition and thinks that it is triggered by stress. Something about spikes in body chemicals I think.” The doctor knew a lot more about the specifics, but Sebastian picked up on some of it. “You wanna know who and what I am?” He would avert his gaze, breaking eye contact with the man, “Well, you saw what I am?” His voice was low, his words carrying a mixture of sorrow and pain. It wasn’t something that he asked for, but this curse was his cross to bear.
 
“As for who I am…” He would look up at the sky, watching the clouds drift slowly. “I am Sebastian Loghain, the cursed mongrel of Hoshi.” He would gaze over to Akaboshi once more, “But before I learned of my curse I was a simple laborer. I was once one of those civilians you shinobi swore to protect.” Much like how he spoke about the wolf earlier, he spoke as though the shinobi and he were not one and the same. That of course wasn’t true, since he was enlisted as a Hoshi shinobi and had the headband to back such a claim. Still, there was a degree of separation between them. He would point to his headband wrapped around his bicep, “Despite this, I can’t make such an oath. All I can do is pray that I find the strength to control the wolf and avoid hurting people in the meantime.”
 
He would then turn the question around on his handler. Since this seemed much more informal and less like an interrogation than he originally expected, he figured that he, too, was allowed questions. “How about yourself? Who is Akaboshi Uzumaki? And where does your loyalty lie?” Sebastian knew the man could say it was to the village, but the wolf meant beneath this surface level answer. Of course they had only just met, so he would understand if the officer didn’t divulge this information.

WC: 573
TWC: 1107

Akaboshi would allow Sebastian to speak as the man answered some of the Uzumaki's questions. "Hm, I never particularly indulged myself in the medical arts, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt if someone tries and figure out your case. Who knows, maybe in the future they'll even be able to come up with a cure". Not that the Jounin wanted to give him false hope, but the redhead figured it wouldn't hurt giving Sebastian at least something to look forward to, even if only a little. "I'm sure our forces and civilians would also feel more comfortable around you if your condition could be helped". But like he already said, he was just one of the many shinobi and not a doctor.

The man continued his plea, one Akaboshi made sure to pay close attention to so he could get to know the man behind the wolf. The Jounin waited until Sebastian was done talking before speaking up himself. "No one is asking you to make an oath. Everyone has their own reasons for becoming a shinobi, whether it be because they want to become someone others look up to, or simply because they want to become the strongest in the village. As long as they share the same interests: protecting the future and safety of our village. But considering you're still keeping it with you must mean something, right?" As he finished his sentence Akaboshi would point at the same headband Sebastian brought up moments ago.

Their conversation then shifted to the point where Akaboshi received the same questions he asked Sebastian earlier. "I would love to claim I am the honorable man you see me as but unfortunately the truth is a bit different than that. I witnessed the deaths of my friends and comrades because people weren't able to put their differences aside and there was nothing I did to avoid it from happening. Was there something I could have done? Maybe not, but it is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life". Of course there was more to it than that, just like how the Uzumaki wasn't really to blame for the event taking place that day. However it also didn't mean he could easily forget.

"As for my loyalty, that would be towards Hoshigakure and its people. Even though as a Jounin there are certain expectations I no longer bow down to individuals, I respect everyone regardless of their rank. Don't get me wrong, if I receive an order from my Kage then it shall be done. But some of the past leaders didn't always have our village's best interest in mind". One of the ones coming to mind would of course be Valen, but perhaps that was a talk for another time. 

(WC: 461, TWC: 1522)

Sebastian would listen to the story of the officer, the horrors of a past war sitting heavy in his heart. Perhaps his curse of lycanthropy was in some ways a mercy. While he still had to witness the gruesome aftermath of his rage, he didn’t have to watch it as it happened. He didn’t have to hold his friends in his arms as they whisper to you their final words and take their last breaths. Loghain felt sorry for what this man must have went through, what he must have witnessed. The wolf never had to experience war like that, as it was always a single entity against many bandits. He lived alone, acted alone and unless something changed in a drastic way, he would likely die alone. “I don’t envy you.”
 
His loyalties would lie exactly where the young wolf expected them to. “Based on what you said, I imagine you are a good soldier. I don’t know if I could ever have the kind of discipline such a life would require.” He would once again glance up to the horizon, knowing full well that his next words may strike a chord, “Forgive my forwardness, but I must ask you a difficult question. Who is it that determines what the village’s best interests are?” It was a simple question, but it may help lift the lid and peer into the mind of the red haired Uzumaki. “Is it the Kage, or the people?” He would pause momentarily before glancing back to Akaboshi, “Or do you make that call yourself?” They were in a relatively isolated place, so this conversation was of course only between them, no fear of anyone eavesdropping on the pair. “I can’t imagine I would be able to follow orders that went against my own beliefs. Such may cost me my life one day…”

WC: 308
TWC: 1415

A laugh escaped Akaboshi upon hearing the man's compliment, or at least he assumed it was one. "What makes one a good soldier? Some would say they have to be strong while others would claim something like being good at leading. If everyone was extremely powerful then there would be no need for people like me to protect them". From a young age they were taught how to defend themselves but that alone wouldn't make a great shinobi. It wasn't always the strong who'd become victorious, if that were the case then there wouldn't be any tales like David & Goliath. "I want to be a good person first, being a soldier comes second". The Uzumaki never really cared about being the most powerful, but he couldn't deny it had its perks.

The Jounin continued to listen attentively as Sebastian asked a second question. "That's a good one. If everyone would make their own decisions then there would be no need for a Kage or the shinobi system we currently have. On the other hand we're always looking for guidance, I believe such is inherent to humanity. Sometimes we require a push in the right direction, not that it means the one making the decisions can't be in the wrong. But that is also part of the responsibility coming with the position. But at a certain point everyone will have to be able to make a call themselves. We aren't just sheep following the herd. In my opinion that shows the growth we go through". Akaboshi could understand where the man was coming from and why he asked such a question.

"Everyone has their own beliefs, not all of us are able to follow every single order they receive. It is how you say, I'm a soldier, a shinobi of Hoshigakure. But that won't stop me from making my own decisions. I can't expect the higher ups to hold my hand forever". The red haired Uzumaki would smile as he answered Sebastian. Now that he was a Jounin people would expect more and better from him. He was no longer the little boy from the Academy, but a full fledged shinobi. One capable of making the right call. "Why do you ask? Are you afraid the moment you disagree or believe it isn't the right choice you'll be punished and cast aside once more? I know you've been treated as one, but not everyone of us is a monster. And besides, you have me to back you up now" Akaboshi said as he slapped Sebastian on his shoulder, showing he wasn't alone anymore.

(WC: 433, TWC: 1955)

Their conversation was going far better than originally expected, something that the man had been grateful for. It allowed for them to get to know one another, and the Jounin handler was far more than Sebastian had expected. His words were a far cry from what the young wolf had figured they would be. For a shinobi officer and military soldier the man held a kindness in both his words and his expressions, once that flipped some of Sebastian’s perceptions. The playful slap on the shoulder was unexpected but surprisingly delightful. A smile would make its way across his face before answering the question posed to him.  He would calmly answer with, “Yes, I did fear such a thing. I had known that I have at least one friendly face among you, and now I found a second. Perhaps the shinobi forces could be somewhere I can fit in and find a good life.” He would turn his hands, looking down at his upturned palms with an unease before continuing, “If I ever gain control over this wolf inside. Honestly, I feel like I am making great strides in this, but my transformation earlier makes it feel as though I am powerless compared to the creature.”
 
“Let us not dwell on such things, though.” He seemed to want to change the subject off of his lycanthropic curse. “I must say, I hadn’t expected to see such a thing earlier. I must say that despite first appearances, I can’t bring myself to believe the church is capable of such things.” It was very clear that Loghain’s perception of the men of the cloth was not from a place of persecution and hatred, even though he was a perfect example of the threat shinobi pose to the masses. He was a devout follower before his curse and a devout follower still.  “What are your thoughts on the matter?” It was a terrible sight they took in, and it weighed on the man.

WC:330
TWC:1745

Akaboshi listened and understood the man's worries. "I doubt you're the first person in history who's afraid of finding his place, let alone find a good life. Just how I refuse to believe there haven't been others with your condition or one similar to". As he mentioned earlier on during their conversation, the Uzumaki's knowledge on the matter was extremely limited, yet he knew there could be no way that Sebastian was the only person having some sort of curse placed on him. Whether his situation was one easily fixed would be an entirely different matter, "As long as you don't lose hope there will always be light at the end of the tunnel". The Jounin was glad to hear the man feeling like progress had been made, if not for the occasional drawbacks. "There will be a relapse without exception. Although completely different to one another, same could be said about people who try to stop smoking or drinking. Even though they've stopped there is always that moment where they want to go back, a time where it's hard to resist. Same goes for you. Regardless of resisting your anger, your shifting, sometimes a moment will come where it's no longer possible until you're completely in control. But at least you're not giving up and working towards the day you fully managed your condition". As long as there's life there's hope.

Speaking of shifting, their conversation changed from Sebastian's situation to what happened earlier that day during their mission. "It's always the ones you least expect". To most, the Church looks like a peaceful entity within Hoshigakure while the reality couldn't be further from the truth. Akaboshi experienced that the hard way, and more than once. At the end of the day it was impossible to deny the village was still divided. "There's no use in hiding the fact I'm not a fan of the religious cult they are trying to force on others. Just how they're not particularly fond of our kind, as some of them like to call us. They have my respect and as residents of Hoshigakure they'll also receive my protection, but we're still miles away from getting along". Safe to say, not all members of the Church shared the same thoughts as could be seen with the priest, as he would explain to Sebastian. "Similar to not every shinobi is the same, such can be said about the Church. In the end, everyone has their own beliefs and that is something we should respect. As long as they don't become a danger to our village, of course". In the case of one of them getting strange ideas in their head to try and harm Hoshigakure in any way, Akaboshi wouldn't hesitate to put the threat down. 

(WC: 462, TWC: 2417)