Return from the Ashes

With the dark and gloomy appearance he surrounded himself with, Ashborn couldn't look any different from the image that his village wanted to represent. A beacon of hope, light in the darkness, that's what Hoshigakure tried to be for its people. Whereas the young Yamaguchi would be darkness incarnate. Instead of hope, he brought despair. Chaos and mayhem followed him wherever he went, a path of destruction and death in his wake. His presence alone enough to wreak havoc and lay waste to the dreams of those wishing for a bright future. Sometimes people even wondered how he ever ended up becoming a shinobi.

For someone who belonged to the Yamaguchi clan the hospital would be quite the interesting place, familiar yet ironic. "Feels like home". The ominous feeling others would get upon setting foot in the place would in turn just feel right to him. Being so close to death, what more could one of the Eternal Pact wish for? He would walk over to the reception and address whoever was sitting at the front desk. "Hi, I'm Ashborn Yamaguchi, I was asked to come over today?". For now he would sit down and wait until someone would come and get him, wondering what it could be all about. 

(WC: 210)

As a highly skilled medical ninja, Natsuki Hyuuga was well-versed in treating various injuries and illnesses. However, the charred remains of Keita Uzumaki presented a significant challenge even for her. The fact that the body was protected by armor meant that it had survived intense heat or other forms of attack that would have obliterated an unarmored person.

Despite the difficulty of the situation, Natsuki did not give up. As a medical ninja, Natsuki understood the importance of preserving life, even that of an enemy ninja. She was committed to doing everything she could to save Keita Uzumaki's life and uncover any valuable information his body might hold. She carefully examined the body and searched for signs of life or information to help her. She used all her medical knowledge and techniques to try and heal the body and extract any secrets it held. 

But to no avail. Saddened by the loss, she knew death was an unfortunate reality that she had to face. 

However, then she remembered Ashborn Yamaguchi and his skills in alchemy, and she saw an opportunity to retrieve the lost knowledge from Keita's remains. Natsuki was aware of the clan's reputation for associating with the dead and the rumors surrounding their use of a debased form of chakra to bring the deceased back to life. While she had never personally witnessed their abilities, she had heard enough stories to know they would not be taken lightly.

Natsuki summoned Ashborn and explained the situation to him. "This is one of the guests we had last year at our gates and recipients of my brother's hospitality. Is there something you can do so that the potential secrets in his body are not lost forever?" Perhaps the man would be intrigued by the challenge.

It appeared he didn't have to wait all that long before a familiar face showed up. "I take it your charming brother isn't one for hospitals?" the young Yamaguchi greeted Natsuki in his own way. Formalities aside, Ashborn simply followed the kunoichi until the two of them eventually entered one of the many rooms inside the building. "Surrounded by corpses, I don't know whether to pity or envy you". Death, for some it would mean the end while others like him considered it the beginning. Many people found him strange, but for the Necromancer of Haven it all seemed normal.

Now standing in front of what happened to be one of the attackers during the siege of Hoshigakure, or at least what remained of him, the Yamaguchi listened to the female doctor's request. "A little bit of make-up and he'll be as good as new". Was that a joke? Little Ashborn, stoic and emotionless Ash trying his hands at being funny? Not that he would realize it, more often than not did he react in a certain manner, unaware of what just happened. Cosmetics aside he started to wonder if there was any way to restore the burnt body to its original state.

After a couple of minutes, time spent to gather his thoughts, Ashborn took a couple of steps closer, almost standing over the remains of the fallen shinobi. "Not many have seen this, I'm counting on your discretion", and without wasting anymore time, the young Emissary formed a couple of hand seals before a crimson sphere activated. Slow but surely any damage done to the body was reversed, restoring it to the state it used to be in and effectively reconstructing it in the process. "It's not make-up but it'll do the trick". Did he just defy the laws of human life? Perhaps, but for the Yamaguchi it was simply an experiment, a successful one at that.

(WC: 319, TWC: 529)

- 23 AP The Ashmaker

A sense of relief and perhaps even slight excitement filled the young necromancer upon witnessing the success of the experiment, the once charred and almost fully destroyed body now completely restored to its original state. After all, it would have been rather anticlimactic should the reconstruction have failed. However, that wasn't the case. No, the outcome could be considered more than a positive result, what Ashborn accomplished now could even be seen as a breakthrough in the medical world, especially taking into account that he realized something not through the art of healing but from bending space and time, defying even the laws of human life in the process.

No longer standing over a corpse or a pile of burning ashes the Yamaguchi noticed the body regained all of its original features, he himself unaware of the true identity of the man laying on the table. "Do you recognize this person?". So far Natsuki had simply referred to the individual as one of the unwelcome guests, but perhaps the kunoichi would be able to find out more now that they were able to restore him, almost as good as new. "Any idea on those potential secrets he could have been hiding?". Although most bodies were similar, everyone was unique in their own way.  
Assuming Natsuki would share whatever information she deemed appropriate for him to know, Ashborn would simply listen and learn to the best of his abilities. When asked whether or not he needed something else the young Yamaguchi wasn't sure how to react at first, hardly having had the time to think about anything of the sort. "Whatever you or our Kage think would be fitting" the ruler of the undead responded, allowing himself a brief moment to ponder. Regardless of a possible response from the kunoichi, he then said the first thing coming to mind. "Anything that might help my growth, figuratively speaking of course" Ash joked about his rather short stature.

That being said, the young necromancer would be happy as long as he gained something valuable in the end. "Personal or academical". Knowledge and power, both ways would allow him to get stronger.

(WC: 358, TWC: 677)

Natsuki stood before Ashborn, feeling a sense of gratitude and determination as their discussion ended. "Thank you, Ashborn, for your assistance today," she began, her voice filled with sincerity. "Your alchemical skills have been invaluable, and I appreciate your willingness to help us with this endeavor. We'll be in touch as soon as we progress on this restoration. Once you decide on your reward, I'll ensure you receive the resources you need for your studies. "

Natsuki bid Ashborn farewell with their business concluded, assuring him they would work together again soon. As she exited the room, Natsuki made a mental note to inform her brother, Ayato, of Ashborn's exceptional assistance and dedication. She wanted to ensure that her brother was aware of their progress and that public security was actively addressing potential threats to the village. It was essential to stay vigilant and maintain the safety and security of Hoshigakure, and she wanted to ensure that Ashborn's contributions were duly recognized.

[EXIT]
[WC: 161]
[TWC: 1,425]

---

Claiming for Natsuki with 50% LC discount

875 to B-rank Intersection Method
500 to C-rank Aerial Strip

(Exit)

(TWC: 677)
Claims:
- 24 AP