From Hell to the Sands (Guren)

The cave had ruptured and opened somewhere within an older part of the village, The sun peeking through sifting grains of sands that would soon show the village proper in the distance. A hand moved to cover their face as he stared out into the distance, confused on the topography of the land and more importantly...buildings he had never seen before. Red eyes peered into the distance trying to find something familiar that he could hone in on. Nothing stood out to him which confused him and soon he wondered just how much time had passed since he had been in that cave. A whisper of a voice appeared within the edges of his mind as he began to step out into the land," Tread carefully my son for you know not what you are stepping into... I sense we have been gone for quite some time," the voice of the motherly Tsuki-Onna flooded his voice. A grunt of disapproval slipped from his lips as he tried to ignore her but remembered he did that he could not...for they were one in the same now. Looking down to his clothing, the Kimono had seen too much time in the elements as it was freyed and torn in some areas and the bandages he had worn were also nearing the end of their life. Much about him had went into a downward spiral, but he remained strong.

As he moved out of the cave fully he would begin to walk through the new entrance and out into the village proper. As he reached the bustling village, he could see things were different. The village had been thriving moreso now than he could remember, and the insignia on the headband of the villagers were also different...just how much time had truly passed since his enclosure and entrapment in that cave? The looks he had been receiving had been normal to him at least, but more so the old and archaic headband hung from his neck which was the source of the confusion. Knowing nothing else to do, he begun to head to the spire which in his mind reminded him of the Kazekage's office. Walking in he was surprised to see such advancements in the village that he was literally taken aback. He stood in the doorway for a moment before moving over to the receptionist and looking at her," Where is the Kazekage? I need to speak with them," he wasn't demanding, but his voice carried an eerie...echo as if it was two voices in one. Not sure of what to do from there he would listen to her explanation of how to get to the office itself and off he went.

His trek took a moment as he kept stopping to look at things that had shocked him. Finally he had made it to the door that would house the Kage's office and with a swift, yet brutal tap he would knock. Waiting for a moment he would push the door open and step in," Who are yo-," his voice had silenced itself as he looked around and saw things that were definitely not of his time...and he only followed up with one other question," What...year is this? And what happened to the village?"

Jasmine, writing up an agenda for the Third to adhere to today, had been working diligently at her desk within the reception floor of the Spire. Lately there had been a number of newcomers, two who swore their allegiance to the Sand Village, and one who was just passing by. Resultantly so, Guren would need to attend several meetings in order to discuss how to evaluate and acclimate the new shinobi into the ranks of the Sand. And regarding the visitor, Zaled, Guren was particularly interested in meeting with him. His credentials seemed to belong to a place that the Chinoike was unaware of, and so he wished to get some perspective from the older shinobi. But as Jasmine drafted up the schedule for the Kazekage, the front doors of the Spire would burst open and an older man who seemed to be in a state of confusion would stand within the threshold before proceeding onward towards her desk. She'd quickly note his appearance, with her eyes homing in on the headband he bore. It was different to what the present day Sunagakure symbol represented, yet she didn't recognize exactly which village this represented. Strangely enough, she hadn't heard any records of a foreign shinobi visiting the Sand Village aside from Zaled, and this man did not match the description. He asked where the Kazekage was, and though her intuition told her to refrain from providing him with that information, she figured he had gotten this far without being stopped so the chances of him being hostile were low.

"He is at the apex of the Spire. Proceed to that wall over there, and place your hand upon the seal. It'll take you to his office. His meetings have yet to begin today, so he may have time to see you. No promises though." The woman would say as she squinted her eyes and narrowed her brow at the man. Internally, she'd telepathically communicate to the Sunagakure Communications Unit to patch herself through to Guren. "There is a man heading to your office, I do not represent the symbol on his headband so be cautious...But he seems, confused?"

Guren himself would respond in turn, "Interesting. I'll be ready for him."

With that Guren would await the man's arrival at his office. Surely enough, just moments later a knock at his door would come. "Enter." Guren would call out in a deeply calm voice. Standing just over his desk, he'd watch as the newcomer would enter his office, immediately questioning then cutting himself off. He seemed to take in the surroundings of the room, and then ask aloud about what time he was in and what happened to the village. Guren disapproved of the man's boisterous attitude, yet could sympathize with him as he seemed to be in a state of dismay. 

"You come into the Kazekage's office demanding answers? I understand you may be bewildered right now, but that is no way to approach me. But judging by your questions and the headband you bear, I presume you may be a shinobi of Old Sunagakure. Before the attack likely, but who exactly are you?" Guren would respond with a stern expression upon his face and an unwavering voice to match. Guren, having spoken with Raiden regarding his history, had learned quite a bit on Old Sunagakure. Since speaking with the new, old genin he had gone on to investigate into the past of the Sand Village. He had coordinated with elder citizens and shinobi to piece together high level information on the past. Previous Kazekages, their symbol, and even their way of life. It was all different in comparison to modern day history, so seeing the disarray this strange man had displayed was understandable. Nevertheless, Guren expected respect. And to get information, one had to provide information in turn.

WC = 639

That was a fuuinjutsu array...he knew them all too well thanks to his delving into the art of sealing and also thanks to Tsuki-Onna as well. Yet this had been difference, more advanced than something he would have seen in his era. The male stood confused but touched it as he was whisked away to the top. Fast forward to being in the office with Guren, he looked at the male with his crimson eyes with a mix of confusion and unplaced anger. This was the Kazekage? What...had he missed here? Just hearing the term "Old Sunagakure" made him feel like a relic of a time long gone...archaic even. His slender right hand moved to rub against the headband as if he was lost in thought, the abrasive metal didn't do any favors to his skin and it was apparent that the headband had seen better days. A gentle cough from within his mind would break him from his meager thoughts as he looked at the male and found the words to speak once more," We...We are Kushimaru. Lord of the Suna Sect of Shinkou and Jounin of this...village. You I do not know or remember... Nothing is as it seems. Perhaps we were stuck in that cavern for far longer than we thought," each word sounded as if it was coming from two voices but perfectly blended and melded into one. The horned male continued to look around the room for any trace of something that could point him in the right direction of his memory. He continued to look about until something caught his eye, a portrait.

Slowly he would glide over to it, his footwork seemingly being one fluid and flush movement as he stood in front of the portrait of one he could vaguely remember. It was a Kage yes, but the facial features had...had they been different? Tapping his chin he would tilt his head quizzically as he pondered to himself," Similar yet not...Maybe this is and isn't whom we remember. Tell me...When was the attack on Suna that was helmed by both Kirigakure and Konoha?," this would be his best bet on finding out how long he had been down there. He was thinking maybe months...a year at best. If that was the case then the village had prospered faster than he actually anticipated. He would turn once more to face Guren as he awaited the reply and from there he would act accordingly.

There was a single body standing before Guren, but its choice of pronouns seemed to signify that there were two entities within it. Well at least two. For a single person to be referring to himself as "we" would slightly worry the man. He was unsure of what his, or their, background was but he couldn't help but think they were a tad crazy. Almost as if they had been locked away in a chamber of some sorts, and just crawled out of a cave. But that was unlikely, the only chamber he could think of was one that he had built himself. At least that's what he thought until those before the Kazekage referred to them as spending too much time in a cavern. Guren's brow would raise slightly in confusion. But now as he focused his ear more on the voice of this pair, he could almost distinguish two different tones emanating from the one. Guren would allow his eyes to assess the appearance of the man a bit deeper, noting the profound horns upon his head. His mind instantly divulged back to the man who he had met recently under the moniker "Kenshin". Perhaps the two were from a similar background...or at least the same Clan.

Guren, slightly taken back, would refrain from speaking as he watched this stranger, Kushimaru, get lost in a picture of a previous Kazekage. The man would then turn to Guren, and ask about the attack from the Mist and Leaf villages onto Sunagakure. Guren would walk around his desk, and posture his weight upon the front of the desk so he was a bit closer to the man. His concern was slightly eased upon finding out this man was a shinobi of Old Sunagakure, yet what were his current intentions?

"That was...nearly three years ago. Have you been in hiding all that time? A lot has happened since then, Kushimaru. The village was destroyed and in ruin, then rebuilt by Kenshin Uzumaki, Lord First of New Sunagakure. There was another Kazekage after him, Mizuki. And I am the Third. I take it that the what you've returned to is a bit of a shock, and understandably so. The shinobi world now is much different than it was back then."

Guren would momentarily reflect on how his own life had changed in those three years, as he made his way from the desk to the corner of his room that contained his tea kettle. He'd begin brewing a pot of lavender mint tea, one he found to be an exceedingly calming blend. "Care to discuss it over a cup of tea?"

WC = 378. TWC = 1017

Three years. Locked within the darkness of a cave with nothing but the darkness and the embrace of Mother. He couldn't even remember if anyone of his sect were still alive after the battle, but here he was still around. The changes of his body he could still feel as if it just happened yesterday. He would slowly turn to face Guren, the look of confusion leaving his face and replaced with an eerily calm but neutral face as he assessed his situation quickly," So much of what I have known is gone..My sect could have been killed off or left after the destruction of the village only leaving me. Thinking I was dead it sounds the most plausible and yet... typical of the situation. I will have to look into that later then," the duality in his voice had calmed for just a moment, but Guren would've noticed by now that there were two distinct voices melded into one. As the male went to search out his teapot, Kushimaru would wave his hand for a moment and go to sit down as he continued to look around. As the tea was brought to the table, Kushimaru would rest his right hand on the back of the couch and finally speak," So this is why the villagers look at this headband as if it was foreign.... It has changed. What in this world has changed in three years?," he would of course wait for Guren to speak on those matters before he grabbed for the cup of tea and stopped mid grab.

His eyes if not for a moment began to glow, around the iris of his eyes before shifting back to their effervescent red hues. There had been no change in personality at least for now, but his voice carried a more...cold tone as he sipped the tea," So this world is still within a state of utter chaos that still hasn't changed within the time in which we...no I had been stuck in that cave. Interesting. Do forgive us with the change in pronouns we are...still vying for the reigns of what it is to be us," sitting the cup down, he would begin to roll his shoulders to get much of the stiffness out. Short, but loud pops could be heard as his body settled and after that cooling sense of relief came over him, he would pick up the cup once more. Everything still felt weird to him, his body was in constant turmoil since he knew Tsuki-onna was trying to take over his body, but with a will like his it would be difficult. Another matter he would have to see too later as well. In the meantime he sipped on the tea as it had been the first...actual tasting thing he had been able to get in over three years. As he was about to speak, his stomach would betray him as he roared as loud as a Bijuu, his eyes visibly widening as he stared down," Guess not having food for three years would do that to you. " It wasn't said in jest, more in a matter of fact tone as he shrugged and went back to the conversation at hand,"I am sure you have questions of your own?"

Guren watched as the reality of the situation hit Kushimaru like a blow to the face. He couldn't imagine the shock the man was going through. To be living life normally, retreat to a cave, then awake to a completely different society had to have been difficult to grasp. All in a matter of three years. The stranger's voice somewhat settled, as he seemed to reflect out loud on the matter. Guren would nod in return, not interrupting his chain of thoughts but nevertheless continued on with his actions. In front of Guren's desk, was a small coffee table with a club chair on each side. Kushimaru would carry himself to one chair on the side of the table, and GUren would bear in hand two cups of freshly brewed table. One he'd sit near Ksuhimaru, and the other he'd carry back with him to his own chair at his desk. Sitting within the confines of it, he'd lean back and take a small sip of his tea. It was soothing, and should hopefully be the same to Kushimaru. He'd wrap his fingertips around the cup, and angle his head to lock eyes with the stranger as he inquired about the exact changes in the world. 

"Well Kushimaru, each village has seemed to gone through its own regime change. From what I've been told about the past, in comparison to what I know now, I would wager that every village has a different kage from when you were last active. And so their own policies would likely be different as well. What I know of Kumogakure, is that it is strong and prideful. When I was last there, it had an unorthodox approach with nurturing its shinobi. Kirigakure, has gone through its progressions as well. And resultantly ended up feuding with Sunagakure in a number of ways during the reign of the previous Kazekage. Lately tensions have been calmed, but I still don't necessarily trust them. Konohagakure was recently liberated from Kirigakure's subjugation, but I am unsure of what has become of them since. And my knowledge of Hoshigakure is minimal. These villages are the current great villages of the shinobi world. There may be more out there, but I am unsure of who or where they may be. My current concern has been developing Sunagakure's shinobi, more specifically our genin right now through a Chunin Exam." Guren would say in response. He couldn't help but think on all that had happened since he had became a shinobi of the Sand Village. 

Following this long winded speech, Guren would take another sip from his tea then lean forward and place it upon its coaster on his desk. Kushimaru replied with a comment on the state of chaos in the world, then segue into commentary on the internal battle of entities within him. Guren found this to be peculiar yet nonetheless intriguing. Though he hadn't had a lot of time with "Kenshin" he was able to mentally note some things about his uniqueness which could be attributed to a clan, seeing as Kushimaru bore numerous resemblances. 

In response, Guren would ask the man "I don't mean to intrude, but where does you ancestry lie? I cannot say that I've seen a clan or race more unique than yours. I recently met a man who too had horns and eyes that radiated just as yours do, but I didn't get the chance to ask him."

With his question out there, Guren would relinquish his grasp on his cup of tea and fold his fingers upon the desk. Whatever Kushimaru's response was, or lack there of, Guren would respect his discretion. Before he got the opportunity to comment further, Kushimaru's stomach would growl. He'd go onto comment about not having food in years, perhaps something that was not much of a problem for this clan of people. Still, something Guren couldn't relate to. 

"Well, when we wrap up our discussions I can treat you to a proper meal. But Kushimaru, I have to ask you. Now that you are here in present day Sunagakure, what are your intentions? You have an oath to Old Sunagakure, but not to new. Though we may be different, we still are the Village of the Sand. That being said I respect any independence you may seek, but I would ensure you that you would find a home here and we'd value your hand at our side."

WC = 739. TWC = 1756

Three years worth of information had been given to the male in seemingly minutes as he closed his eyes to process it all in silence. Konoha had been freed from the grasp of Kiri from what it sounds like though if that was the case then was the attack on his home because they had no other choice? Interesting how things are found out after the fact and not before, but that had been the past and this is now. It seemed as if tension had still been on the horizon and maybe he was released from his gaol for this one reason.. A small conversation had begun within his mind between himself and Tsuki-onna who had to remind the young Shinkou that there were still unknowns about the world, but an injection was made that brought him back to the present and to the next question by the Kazekage. A small raise of his brow would show that the question was somewhat odd to him, but it wasn't without warrant. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he sat down the cup and rested his hands on each side of him," My ancestry lies far beyond the touches of sand into a place only known as the Land of Abyss. It is there that my clan, the Shinkou, dwell. My..physiology is unique in the sense that many Shinkou will never take on an appearance similar to their...partner i should say. If I were to explain in explicit detail the true nature of my clan would probably befuddle you. If I could put it in a simple term however, my clan has the unique opportunity of hosting an unique and sentient chakra within us. In some it just manifests as a whisper, a voice. For others they have forms, personalities and minds of their own. In my case mine, whos name is simply Tsuki for short, is apart of my very being and due to the complicated...situation we were in to survive we became one and my form changed to take on some of her characteristics," that was only the surface of what truly happened but he didn't need to bother Guren with all of the details...rather she would not let him.

Either way he would return his hands into his lap as another question was proposed to him. What would he do now? The old Sunagakure would indeed been gone and without much else to keep him here he could leave. Yet...that would be an abandonment of duty and that would make him a traitor to his cause. A deep breath would be taken before he answered and just as quickly he would speak," I have an oath to Sunagakure regardless if it is old or new. To forsake my loyalty on mere technicalities would make me the very thing I despise the most- a traitor. For that reason I will hold onto my vow and protect this village until I return to the abyss upon my last breath," his answer had been definitive and he wouldn't budge on it.

Hearing Kushimaru's detailed explanation of his heritage and the intricacies that came with it, Guren was bewildered. Most of the clans he had read on and come across all had certain aspects that made them unique, but this truly took the cake. Aside from the surface level information, it was reassuring that Kushimaru felt comfortable enough to share this level of information with the Kazekage. Guren had anticipated a level of reluctance from this man in sharing information, simply because of how different this world had been from the one he lived in. But nevertheless, he proved his loyalty. 

"Thank you for being comfortable enough to inform me of your background. I realize it's an unorthodox question, but bloodlines and clans are things that I study quite closely. Thanks to my predecessor, of course."

Following this came Guren's question regarding Kushimaru's loyalty. To him, it seemed as if it were a no brainer. He reaffirmed the oath he swore, capping it all off with his despise for traitors. This pleased the Third, as he stood from his chair and walk over to the jounin. "That's excellent to hear. Well then I personally welcome you into the shinobi force of New Sunagakure," he say while placing his hand on Kushimaru's shoulder in a friendly manner. "I think it would be appropriate to have you maintain your rank as Jounin, and integrated within our new system. Thus you'll receive a new headband, apartment, and shinobi fatigues. The headband is the only portion of our uniform that is mandatory, I'm sure you understand...But in any case, I know you're hungry. So, would you prefer to acquire your new belongings and register within our system? Or grab a quick bite to eat first?"

WC = 289. TWC = 2045

Things had been going in a pace that he wasn't quite unsure of but it felt right for some reason. Much time had passed since he was active as a shinobi and this would help him as well. He suspected many that would have been alive or in duty might either be dead or retired, but he needed to check on one thing...and one thing alone. Standing up he would accept both the new items and the food," I thank you for allowing me to continue my role as a Jounin of the village. It may have been three years but i shall make up that time expeditiously... I understand while the headband is necessary i will keep to my own clothing once i see to it being repaired. With that being said is there anything else i should know about my role as a Jounin? I am sure that things have changed in three years and I have much to learn about the system of the village now," things had definitely changed but he wasn't going to fall behind just because of that. Once the two were ready to depart, he would follow behind Guren and once they were out he would begin to look around the village proper. So much had indeed changed from his time here. Buildings had been different. Stores that he would once go to were either replaced or closed. Some weird structure loomed over the village and it actually felt cooler to him. This must have been the progress of a new village after the ashes. His mother and father would have been proud of this...if they were still alive. A somber sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head and turned his attention back to Guren," You mentioned earlier that your interest in bloodlines came from your predecessor? How close were you two?," He wasn't really close to any of the old Kage and only served by name instead of getting close to them. Maybe this would be different for him if not better.

TWC: 2354

As Kushimaru stood alongside Guren, he'd take a brief glance at his frame. He appeared sturdy, and proven. Though he was idle for the last few years, Guren could tell this Jounin was likely sharp enough to shake the rust off and quickly. The Third understood the sentiment behind keeping his old headband and maintaining his old clothing. It was a significant amount of change and it was only fair for Kushimaru to take his time to adapt to it. When asked about his role as a jounin and what that meant to new Sunagakure, Guren nodded. 

"Let's walk and talk," he'd say as he began to lead the way out of his office. Once they reached the seal upon the wall, Guren would place his hand upon it and the two would teleport to the first floor. Once they reached the first floor, Guren would lead the way while continuing to explain information to Kushimaru. "Well New Sunagakure is essentially a home to our citizens, our shinobi, and traveling vagabonds and missing ninja. We have a relatively open door policy with travelers and visitors, something established by the First and maintained by the Second. This policy allows for quite a bit of economy, information, and relationships to flow through our village. Of course, it presents a risk with those who have ill-intentions, but we haven't had much risks of that. Nevertheless, at the Jounin level you would be expected to quell any threats to the village along with your colleagues and superiors. One reason that traffic to Sunagakure is so high, is because of our status on bloodline transplants. We've been known to have quite the supply of transplantable DNA in our reserves, and so people will spend their ryo to acquire it and get it transplanted within them. And with the inventory I personally have, I will sometimes offer discounted to free rates for Sunagakure shinobi that seek transplants. We've got the Bloodworks and Simulation Battle Arenas, the former pits combatants in life or death scenario with good prizes; the latter pits combatants against each other via simulations, so no risk of death or harm. Additionally we have the Sunagakure Recreational and Academic Campus, which has a number of benefits to it. Recently created by yours truly. And within its campus, is a newly constructed apartment complex for our shinobi, assigned by rank and tenure. You will be given unit J3, indicative of the fact that you're our third jounin. The housing is completely paid for by the village, so you will have no worries about rent."

As Guren spoke about a number of the changes made to Sunagakure as well as the expectations and benefits of being a jounin, the two finally arrived at Oasis. It was a restaurant with a quaint feel to it, equipped with a fully stocked bar. It had been Guren's favorite place to eat and drink at, as they offered a vast variety of dishes traditional to the Sunagakure culture, as well as those that were accustomed to other lands. 

"We can discuss more, as it is difficult to list every change. But let's get inside first."

The two would make their way inside the building, be greeted by the staff, and immediately sat within the "VIP" section towards the rear of the restaurant, away from others. When met by the servers and asked what he'd want, Guren would order miso soup with a side of yakitori skewers. Following Kushimaru's order, the server would depart from the table and proceed to the back to inform the cooks. Once alone, Kushimaru would take the time to ask about Guren's relationship with his predecessors. He'd sigh softly, and look firmly into the eyes of Kushimaru.

"Well I was close to both Lord First and Lord Second. Kenshin, the First, was sort of a mentor to me. He introduced me into the field of iryojutsu, teaching me techniques and practices alike. I was able to take those teachings and apply it to my own style, while simultaneously studying the teachings he had bestowed upon me. He was a good kazekage, one that was feared. So much so that the only who could rival him in power, was himself, resultantly in his untimely suicide not long ago...My other predecessor Lord Second, Mizuki, was a dear friend of mine. We had progressed through the ranks of Sunagakure together, and I had become her deputy kage. Though we motivated each other to grow stronger, I wonder if I was some of the motivation behind her disappearance from the Sand Village. Either way, I was quite fond of both kazekages and I wish they had met different fates. What about you, what was your relationship like with those of Old Sunagakure?"

WC = 792. TWC = 2837