A New man is Born(Guren)

The once hunted man from Konoha approched the desk of the lady who essentially ran things out front for the Kazekage. He would calmly set down his hand on the desk and cleared his throat in order to speak with her. Upon her looking up he would address her "I am certain the Kage is more than aware of my presence in the village, and I wish to request an Audience with him. My Name was once Adam Taurus, S- Rank Missing Ninja from Konohagakure, But Now I go by Raiden Ametsuchi, Son of Kurisu Ametsuchi one of the former Raikage, and the reason for the visit is simple, I wish to join the village, and make myself a better man.....a New Man" Now Raiden knew that all the information was not exactly nessicary, however he kind of gets a little bit over sharing when he gets nervous.

The white haired man stood there awaiting the response from the lady on rather he was approved to go see the Kazekage, let alone what time he could possibly enter and see the man he wished to see. After a Moment if nothing was said he would take a seat nearby assuming that maybe his name will be called when it is his time to speak with the kazekage.

Now from his time within the village, Raiden had learned of two new Kazekages having taken the seat for one reason or another, he remembered being around just before the lord Kenshin he believed the name was had left the post and set the Lady Mizuki in charge, Now the man running things was Mizuki's Deputy Kage, Guren, now being full fledge Kage. He was certain the man had heard something of him, be it an Ex-S Rank shinobi from konoha was within his walls, to the man who had been kicked out of just about every bar after the Dojo of the late Yaju Hayate had been closed after his death.

That death was what sent Raiden in his spiral of despair. He had gotten little to no information from the man about his father and sister, they only got to meet once to talk about it all. And it left Raiden with more questions than answers, what he did know is eventually his travels will take him to Kumogakure, for he needed to see the village that both his father and sister ran, and find any information about them that he could. But for now, Raiden was fully shedding the name and even the old personality of Adam Taurus, and he was going to embrace what it meant to be Raiden Ametsuchi. and He would try to live his life as he imagined his father would wish of him.

Which is why Raiden was here, for a new start.

The receptionist, Jasmine, would see the frame of a snow haired man approach her desk. Due to Jasmine's longevity in her position as the Spire's receptionist since Guren took over, she had adapted from being a timid young woman to scared of no man. No matter the build. She had seen the Ragdoll himself go to and from the Spire. His protegee: Seb, who was just as menacing. And throughout all of these appearances, she had developed a bit of a backbone. Something that was certainly required in the Spire, and especially Sunagakure. So when he firmly placed his hand on the desk, she did not waiver and her eyes remained focused on her task at hand until she was ready to greet the man. After hearing his polite introduction, she'd put her pen down and look up at the man with a soft smile.

"Nice to meet you Raiden, the Kazekage is finishing up with a meeting and should be done in around ten minutes. In the meantime I'll go up to his office and let him know that you're requesting his presence! If you don't mind waiting and taking a seat, I'll be back shortly."

With that, Jasmine would finish her task, raise from her chair then approach the rear facing wall. Equipped to it was a panel on the wall, which she'd place her hand upon, and raise her other hand up to her chest. A single seal was formed, and she'd teleport out from the receptionists area and up to the kazekage's office. Once there, she'd knock on Guren's closed door and call out to him. "You've got a Raiden Ametsuchi waiting for you downstairs!" Her relationship with Guren was light and informal most times, just as he preferred. From there Jasmine would return to the first floor of the spire where he desk awaited her.

At this point Guren was finishing up in his meeting with some academy instructors who would serve as proctors for parts of the upcoming exams. Once it was concluded, he'd rise from his desk and escort the instructors out. In the same fashion that Jasmine had done, he'd teleport down to the first floor of the spire alongside those instructors. From there, they would turn to Guren, nod, and then exit the Spire. Now with the man he presumed to be Raiden in his sights, Guren would exit from behind the receptionists desk and approach the waiting area and stop once two meters from the sitting man.

"Raiden, pleasure to meet you. I've heard reports of your status as a missing ninja here in Sunagakure. I didn't get the details from Jasmine, but what has moved you to request a formal meeting with me?"

Guren's tone was both lowered yet friendly. His expression maintained its typical resting smile, as his eyes were fixated on the man's stature. He seemed capable, and as if his reputation as a high ranking missing ninja proceeded itself. Endowed in his yukata and black shinobi under armor, Guren stood before the man as he would in front of anyone: calm, cool, and collected. But he would be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued of what may come from this encounter.

WC = 535

Raiden would get to do the very thing he planned to do as he was instructed to do so by the receptionist. He watched as it only took her a moment to disappear and shortly after that moment she was back just as fast, that was rather impressive, Raiden thought to himself. But shortly after that even, the kage had appeared with a gathering of other ninja, they appeared to be in range from special jounin to full fledge jounin, and they would exit and the last man who was safe to assume was the kage, would stop all of two meters from Raiden , while Raiden watched him approach he would stand and bow at his waist with his arms straight to the side to show honor and respect to the kage , it was than that the kage spoke to him, causing Raiden to straighten up and respond” Yes sir, Raiden Ametsuchi, formerly Adam Taurus of Konohagakure, last I heard I was an s rank target but years and hands taking the hat and other tragedies likely made my crime seem lesser, have come to the lord Kazekage seeking to become a new man, a new shinobi under the lords rule. I am more than willing to start at the bottom, but I have fallen into a spiral and I feel this is the best way to pull myself out of it.” Raiden likely over indulged in information again, but he couldn’t help it he was nervous who wouldn’t be in the presence of a kage?

Guren would nod in place, understanding the sentiment of being a foreigner in a village for so long that one began to grow accustomed to their views. Their way of live. So much so that it compelled one to enlist in their shinobi forces. This was the same fate that Guren had met upon coming to Sunagakure. So from Raiden's initial story, Guren could relate. And although he hadn't known of all of the details on this man's past, he wasn't so sure that they mattered. Though loyalty was always a question at hand when dealing with missing ninja. But quickly he reminded himself that often times missing ninja took on that moniker because they didn't agree with the culture of their original country. And that's what brought them to Sunagakure. It was essentially a band of misfits. 

Raiden's bow was quite formal, and something that Guren would have to get used to. He was always humble, and seeing people show him such signs of respect felt...different. Nevertheless he appreciated it, and would make sure it was known.

"Raiden, thank you for your honesty and respect. I can attest to the feelings you may have, wanting to join Sunagakure after living the life of a missing ninja. It's the same decision I made. But despite who we are today, we always carry with us our past. I am willing to allow you to become a shinobi of our village, but I would need to develop a bit of trust between us. With that being said, I'd like to hear notable things from your story: where you've been, what you've done, and who you've crossed. How you've come to the life you live today. And in turn, I'd see you as a Genin and I'll keep a watchful eye of you. Understand that it is not personal, but policy. A high ranking missing ninja though powerful, cannot begin as a highly trusted personnel. So what say you? Does that seem like a fair trade?"

Guren's posture would remain relaxed, yet his head would be slightly lowered and leaning forward in anticipation of the response from Raiden. 

WC = 354. TWC = 889

Raiden would hear the lord kage's words, and he would let out a sigh, while it had hints of relief it was also one that was pained. While he had come to accept his past and the actions that was hidden within, he still was not proud of what had transpired, but he would begin his story "My lord Kazekage, it is a bit long, perhaps a seat while I regale you with this tale" Raiden would sit down, rather the kage did or not was up to him, Raiden would not protest any further than he had just done so. He would begin at the start of his story "I was born in Konohagakure, and became a shinobi at a young age, as my mother always told me that my father was a Shinobi, and so I decided to be like him. Well some time after becoming a genin I ran across a group of genin in the training grounds, and one was being a little bit more of a show off to the others, and I felt like he was being a bit of a bully. The Uchiha's eyes are excellent but their greatest weakness is behind them. The boy was one of the clan, and I snuck up on the entire group no one knew I was there till I struck. Kicking the Uchiha into the sky..... Using the dancing leaf shadow technique, appearing behind him in the air and than with a strong fist technique drove him to the ground.....I will never forget the feel of his ribs cracking under my fist, or the sound of his rib breaking into his lung. Raiden took a moment to reflect with eyes that gazed into the past as he relived that very moment with vividness. After a moment of silence he would pick back up "the other genin saw me as a monster as if I had killed him on purpose. One charged at me, however his coordination was off and was caught in the back of the neck by a kunai by his friend, Luckily he lived but I had to run, the girl who was there stood there in horror at the scene. I did not know what to do at the time. By the time I tried to approach the Kage with the dead Uchiha , my deeds had been reported, and due to killing a fellow shinobi within the walls of the village, and the family ties he had, I was labeled as a S-rank threat. So I ran completely away...."

Raiden took a moment to take a deep breath, as he talked about it he was able to slowly let go of the guilty he held over the incident "Having felt like the village would not hear me out I ran to the outskirts where I ran into a group that called themselves Koukan, a group who wanted to oppose the Akatsuki that rose to power in that age, they destoryed every minor village and was working their way through the major villages at the time, their latest victim at that time was Kumogakure. I delived the body to the girl Kiranomo, she said she would speak to the kage on my behalf...but I still continued to run, just in case , at least I off loaded the body." Raiden shifted in his seat as he was getting to a darker part of his story, one that started his depressive spiral that lead him to coming to Sunagakure. "When I left there I went to a bar, where I ran into by Serendipity, my Father and Brother, My father as it turned out was Kurisu Ametsuchi, one of the past Raikage. When he heard my story and than my mothers name, he described her to a tee and informed me not only of his status to me, but also my true name. Raiden Ametsuchi. As it turns out the previous Hokage from a time was my Uncle, and his brother, and they had another brother, who was the Kazekage of the time. Well apparently my father, brother and I got so drunk that I passed out and i guess I stopped breathing, he thought me dead, and apparently blamed Konoha." Raiden took another breath and a small smirk "I will not lie, to think about it, my father avenged me, I had only just met him, and he did that in my name, but I was still to cowardly to return to Konoha, and I ran away to the Dimension of Dragons that was held by the Koukan member Kiru Retsuno, I did not realize how much time had passed, when I was spat out into the world, it had been five years since than."

Raiden took this moment to think back about it all , did he really wish to seek out more information on his father, or was he still running out of some fear? Maybe it was a bit of both, but he would go on to begin speaking again "I came to Sunagakure cause it was the last place I knew of that I had family, It was not until I arrived that I learned of the events that transpired while I was hidden away in the dimension, My Uncle was Koroshi Uchiha, However I decided to stick around for awhile and I got to meet Yaju Hayate, he had a dojo here before his untimely demise, and turned out he knew my father and knew about my sister as well, Apparently they were apart of a team together and she was also a Raikage. Mikasa Ametsuchi, Sadly before he could let me know much more, he went out on a mission and never returned, I heard he had died, and his dojo closed." As Raiden thought about it he slipped a little on his climb out of his depressive spiral. Anyone he had gotten close to had died or vanished and likely was dead. This would make Raiden sigh heavily once more, even more sullen than the first sigh.

"You see, Lord Kage, My past is filled with loss and cowardice, and I can not help but to think sometimes how life may be different If I had just faced the council on my actions, but I could be dead and not know what little I do know....Eventually I will wish to travel to Kumogakure to find out more about Kurisu and Mikasa, but that is not for some time, and recently I been getting drunk around your town, thrown out of every bar at this point for getting into brawls, and mere commoners have beaten me, I have fallen short of my training, let alone the reputation I once held. I feel my Father would be disappointed in this life I currently live. So I wish to reform, become a new man, and live up to my fathers name, and become a great Shinobi like he was." It was than that Raiden would look up to the Kage, rather he was standing or sitting, cause there for the last part, Raiden had been hanging his head, with his hands intertwined, his fingers had gone white with pressure that he squeezed as he let go of the anger and disappointment in himself, as he cleared way for himself to be able to change a grow, to become a better man than he was now.

While looking at the great Kazekage, Raiden would nod to him and once his eyes fell upon his face again he would speak plainly now "While I know Trust takes time, I will show you that you can trust my words, upon accepting me as a shinobi and granting this oppertunity to make a new name for myself, you have earned yourself a man so loyal, that even if you decided to walk away from the village for whatever cause, I would follow you, no matter how blind it may seem, I am a weapon to be sharpened and an shield to be polished, but once I get to that point, No one will be able to touch you, and not of your own power, but of your influence on others, namely at this point in time that I am aware of, Myself" And with that, Raiden would draw the Katana from his hip, with the sheath, and dropped to his knees, offering the sword up to the Lord kage, not as a present of the sword itself, but as a show of the vow he made right than, that he would be whatever his kage needed of him.

Guren, upon being invited to sit within the comfort of the reception hall, would politely refused. These days his time had been so heavily consumed by desk roles and responsibilities that standing was a luxury to him. He'd shake his head softly, "Thank you, but I'll stand. My job demands quite a bit of desk work so I actually enjoy when I'm able to stretch my legs."

As Raiden accepted Guren's decline to sit, he would begin unveiling his story. And Guren would remain attentive and captivated through and through. The origin of the story indicated to Guren of Raiden's upbringing. He was originally a Konoha shinobi, yet actions to defend another had gone horrendously, leading to the man's status as a missing ninja. It was a shame, and somewhat reminding Guren of his own story. Yet his own actions were motivated by furthering his personal aspirations. Raiden's seemed to stem from stopping an aggressor. Who would have foreseen that he'd end up as the victim? And understandably so, Raiden fled. He left behind his way of life and took on the moniker of missing ninja, one that came with a life that Guren knew far too well. Yet Raiden himself seemed to have lived through eras, meeting many names that Guren had only read in his studies in the Academy, and being related to people who were so heavily tied to the history of Sunagakure. Raiden's own uncle had been Koroshi Uchiha, whom Guren had read quite an extended piece on. This man that stood before him truly had a long and treacherous journey filled with lost, death, and misfortune. Guren, deep in reflection, had no choice but to feel a level of sympathy for him. Folding his arms, he'd continue to listen and take in all of the information that Raiden had been imparting into him. It was commendable, the fact that he had so willingly shared a deep level of his backstory all upon being asked. It let Guren know that his intentions were true, and he was honest. And evidently this trouble filled past still pained Raiden today, something that Guren could decipher just by observing his mannerisms and body language.

And suddenly came Raiden's self motivated pledge of allegiance to not only Sunagakure, but to Guren personally. This was something the Chinoike was not used to, as he had always ensured oaths were taken to the village itself. But considering his devout loyalty to Sunagakure, he spent little time interpreting it as more than a dedication to the Village. The demonstration was respectable, as he went as far as to offer his sword as a symbol of his loyalty. Guren, several meters away, wouldn't waver when the sheathed sword was drawn. This was no sign of aggression. Just pure allegiance.

"Raiden, rise and restore your sword to your hip." Guren would begin, taking no further actions until Raiden did so.

"Your story is long, and hard. Such is the life of a missing ninja, and I can only imagine all of the trials and tribulations you have seen in your time. I appreciate you for educating me on your life, and I would be glad to see you as a Genin of Sunagakure. Take comfort in the fact that your story is your own, and it is a testament to the life you've lived and the things you've overcome. Be proud of who you are, and live life not seeking a new slate, but one in which you're able to rise over the pain and loss that you've experienced. Take that, mold it, and let it motivate you. Time will tell your fate with Sunaakure, but for now you are one of us. A genin. And should you ever feel as if you are falling, or straying from your calling, let me know. I personally look after all of our shinobi in any way that I can. And if you wish to challenge yourself and find an immediate way to reinstate your body back to its fighting and proud form, enlist in the Chunin exams. Someone of your background must be capable, and it may be the catalyst you need to get your resolve fortified. Thank you again for your honesty."

As Guren spoke, his voice carried throughout the first floor of the Spire. He carefully monitored the reaction and response from Raiden, knowing that he just revealed a great deal of his past, it was understandable should he be sensitive to a new person's response. Thus Guren had attempted to carefully craft his reflection back to Raiden on the spot. 

"Now then, first order of business would be to get you registered as a shinobi, inclusive of a headband and standard genin fatigues. You will have access to all of our infrastructure and facilities that other genin have access to. And you will be held to the same standard. Considering you have lived within the walls for awhile, I take it you are already familiar with our customs and policies. But for Sunagakure shinobi in particular, you will be provided with housing and a weekly stipend to supplement your pay. Any additional missions you are assigned and complete will result in further payment. How does this all sound thus far?"

WC = 871. TWC = 1760

Raiden would listen to the order given to him from the lord kage, he would stand on his feet at a towering height to most, and replaced the Sword and its sheath back in the haki of his outfit, upon his waist. At that moment he would listen to Lord Kage's words. The kage spoke to him about accepting his past and growing from that pain rather than dropping it and growing a new. this would make Raiden Sigh, easier said than done. He would nod knowingly, this was what Raiden needed, but he did not really want to accept it, but he had to. the lord kage was right, and the way he spoke, likely it was from his own experience. Raiden would hear the words however he had ,longed for. He was made a genin of Sunagakure. Raiden would take out the crossed out head band of Konohagkaure he had kept on him and handed it over to the Lord Kage "Here, this is the headband I kept to remind myself of who had betrayed me with little need, I hope that with the Sunagakure Headband, that it will be different and that if something had occurred like that, Suna would investiagte further before jumping to accusations. " Raiden was certain that would obviously be the case, but he just wanted to enforce that point.

If Raiden could help it, he would investigate every claim of Murder until there was nothing left, he would make sure nothing like what happened to him would happen to another if he could help it. He was snapped back to the Lord Kazekage when he spoke about a Chuunin Exams "Would it not be a little soon, even if I was not in the shape I am now, I am just joining, are you sure the exams are a good start for me off the bat sir?" Now Raiden did not mean it to be rude as to question the lord, but he had not seen the reasoning at first, if the Lord did not mention it right away Raiden would pop off rather quickly I suppose it would be an...Interesting way to meet the other genin of Sunagakure" At which time Raiden would nod and than listen to the kage speak of paperwork and getting the headband. As well as the other incentives that came along with being a genin of Sunagakure. When the lord finished about the list Raiden would pipe up about one thing. "Is the genin attire actually nessicasry?" while if he had to wear it he would, However if given the option, Raiden would prefer to wear his own clothes.

"Other than that, everything sounds great to me Lord Kage, im ready to get to signing the paperwork" Raiden would follow the kage if he needed to where the paperwork could easily be filled out quickly without trying to find some way about it. Once handed the paperwork , he would fill it out and hand it in , rather to the kage or the receptionist whoever he needed to give it to. Than he would await for further instructions.

With Raiden now standing, this was the first time Guren would see his full stature. He had an impressive build. And no doubt that after getting the rust off he would be restored to his former glory. Guren's words seemed to have struck a chord with Raiden, evident by his sigh. And the Kazekage knew this frustration personally. It was always harder to tackle his problems head on, but if he didn't, then they would always lurk in his past. Guren didn't want Raiden to go through this anymore than he already had. And truthfully the Chinoike had just begun steps at confronting his own past. 

Shortly after, Raiden would offer his old headband to Guren; to which Guren would accept in his off hand for now. It was a symbol of his previous life and those who had wronged him. In response, Guren would say "Worry not. Our policies here tend to differ from what the other major villages uphold. We hold our shinobi to a standard, but our practices are...unorthodox and darker. However we function as a unit, our shinobi protect each other and themselves. Should they harm another it should only be in a spar or to protect themselves. I oversee all shinobi and their situations personally."

Following this affirmation, Raiden would question the intent of him signing up for the Chunin Exams. Guren would frown slightly, but understandably so. This frown would shift to somewhat of a determined smile after thinking it over. "Well Raiden, the best way at acclimating to a situation is to dive right in. Our genin are composed and rehearsed, yet you have the experience from years of traveling and surviving. I have no doubt you will do well. But if you truly refuse, then I will not force you into the exams. If you accept, I implore you to spend some time studying in the New Academy prior to the first portion of the exam."

Raiden would ask about the necessity of wearing genin attire, to which Guren would laugh. "No, it is not necessary. The headband is the important part. The genin shinobi fatigues are optional, but having the option to wear them is a symbol of your status as a Sunagakure Shinobi."

After all of his concerns were aired out, Raiden would state he was ready to sign the paper work. "Splendid," Guren would begin, "I'll have Jasmine run through all of the paperwork with you, and once complete she will issue to you your new headband, fatigues, and key to an apartment. You got that Jasmine?"

The woman would nod in confirmation as she had already been gathering the paperwork in a neat stack upon her desk, and adjacent to it were the keys, fatigues, and headband in a tidy pile.

"Good. Now then, Raiden. Is there anything else I can help you with? If not, I must be off to my next appointment. But I would like to check back in with you soon."

WC = 497. TWC = 2257

The Silver haired Swordsman from the leaf village, or rather born of the leaf, and was now becoming a part of the sand, would watch as the kage accepted his old headband, it will likely be given back to him when he reaches an acceptance of that past, and even fully let go of the animosity he held towards the leaf for what they allowed. He had not heard anything different or seen anything to make him think that he was forgiven by that village, and did not seek out to see otherwise any time soon. However with lord Kage's Affirmations about their methods, he would nod in acceptance, this was very great to hear indeed. Unorthadox and Darker however cause his attention. Raiden did not know what exactly that meant but he would be certain to dig deeper into that later. However he did smile to hear that the lord kage keeps a close eye on all the events of his shinobi.

Raiden with his smirk was met with Guren's as he said it was best to just dive right in, This could be true, as Muscle memory could very well take over for Raiden and return him to his former glory. He would nod as Guren finished his words about studying in the new academy "Very Well my Lord, I shall partake in this exam, and I shall indeed go study within the Academy you speak of" Raiden had went on with the question he wanted to ask previously.

To which the Lord Kage laughed and eased his worries, however he did have a good point, it would designate him as his role, while the headband made him apart of the village, the attire put him with his peers. Meanwhile Raiden affirmed that everything was good on his part at which time Guren said Jasmine would handle the rest, at which time Raiden would bow to the lord kage, as a formal departure, he would address the lord one last time
"That is everything I can think of at this time My Lord Kage, and Thank you for this great honor, I do hope I do nothing to disgrace this oppertunity you have graced upon me." At that time, he would than walk over to Jasmine unless the Kage said something that would require him to stay put.

Upon reaching Jasmine, he would take the paperwork first and begin to fill out everything accurately, and after double checking everything with the paperwork he would hand it all over to her, upon which he would wait till she let him know that everything was in order, at which time he would collect his new belongings. He would look at the keys in his hand, if they did not have the address he was certain that either Jasmine would tell him or arrange an escort to take him.

Upon getting to his new home he would first take a look around. He did not expect much, just the basic stuff, a kitchen with a fridge and stove, a bedroom with just a bed, and a bathroom with a shower and toilet, it was all he really needed. Whatever he had seen he would be more than appreciative for. The first thing he would do is hang the new genin attire up in the closet, he may not wear them any time soon, but who knows, one day when he feels truely belonging to the village he may, but he had to earn such a thing within himself.

At which time his next move was to do some shopping to fill what he could of the fridge and cabinets with the food that he could truely enjoy. this allowed him to get to know the village more intimately , and travel the streets while sober. Raiden after buying only food, having sworn off Drinking for the time being, would return home when he was done, and put everything up, he was not hungry at this time, however he would lay down on his new bed, and almost immediately he would fall asleep. Tomorrow starts the true journey he must undertake to become a new person by accepting who he was.

And with that, Guren would depart back to his office, entrusting that Jasmine would do her due diligence in getting Raiden set up properly. 

Jasmine herself would wait until Raiden had concluded the paperwork, and upon submission of it she would review to make sure everything was completed. Confirming this, she'd look up and politely smile at Raiden and slide his new possessions forward. "Congratulations and thank you, Raiden. You will find the shinobi apartments within the new Sunagakure Recreational and Academic Campus. Just head out from the Spire, proceed towards the training grounds, and head towards the residential side of the campus. There should be signs leading to it. Thank you."

And with that, she would get back onto her own job. Should Raiden follow her instructions, he would be taken right to the apartment building. Once within there, he'd be met by the building attendants who would show him to the room that his key was marked, "G8" appropriately labeled for Genin #8.

- Exit -

WC = 165. TWC = 2422.

Max Stat Discount
1500 Words to memorizing Raiden Ametsuchi's signature
603 towards mastering Damage Reduction Shield (2062.5.5/2062.5), rest trained here
319 Words towards Ketsuryugan (Stage 1, 1403/1500); rest trained here; waiting to submit claims until app approved