A New Life in Hoshigakure [P; Ayato]

Keiji and his parents had finally found a new home in Hoshigakure after fleeing from their war-torn homeland. Their new apartment was small, but it was cozy and offered a sense of security they had been missing for far too long. Settling into a new environment can be a daunting task, especially for those seeking asylum from the turmoil of their homeland. Keiji and his parents found themselves in this exact situation when they arrived in Hoshigakure, a safe haven for those seeking a fresh start. The process of settling into their new apartment proved to be an arduous one for Keiji and his parents. Leaving behind the only life they had ever known, they faced the challenges of navigating the unfamiliar terrain of Hoshigakure. As they unpacked their belongings and arranged furniture, they were reminded of the life they had left behind but also filled with hope for the future. As Keiji helped his parents arrange their new home, he felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He knew that his life would never be the same, but he was also eager to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead. The apartment, while small, was a symbol of a new beginning for Keiji and his family. As they settled in, they began to establish a new routine, taking the first steps towards integrating themselves into Hoshigakure society. They spent their first few days in Hoshigakure exploring the city, getting to know their new neighbors, and finding out more about the culture and customs of their new home. The apartment was located in a small complex on the outskirts of town, but it was still close enough to everything they needed. The building was older and a bit run-down, but the inside of their apartment was clean and tidy. The landlord had left a few pieces of furniture for them to use, and Keiji's mother had spent the past few days decorating and making the place feel like home.

In the days following their arrival, Keiji and his parents took the time to explore their new surroundings. Keiji was still adjusting to life in Hoshigakure, but he was excited to explore everything the city had to offer. He had never lived in a city before, and he was fascinated by the bustling streets, the bright lights, and the endless possibilities. His parents had told him that they were seeking asylum in Hoshigakure because it was a peaceful city, and so far, it had lived up to their expectations. Hoshigakure was a vibrant city filled with people from all walks of life. Keiji's parents were determined to learn the customs and traditions of their new home, and they spent hours at the local library, immersing themselves in the history and culture of the city. Keiji, meanwhile, was eager to make friends and find his place in this new world. He enrolled in a local school, where he was met with both curiosity and kindness. His classmates, though initially unsure of the newcomer, soon warmed to Keiji's gentle nature and friendly demeanor. Keiji's parents were proud to see him making connections and starting to feel at home in Hoshigakure. However, the challenges of adapting to their new life were not solely confined to their interpersonal interactions. The people of Hoshigakure were patient and understanding, welcoming the family with open arms and helping them adjust to their new life.

After about a week of living in Hoshigakure, Keiji received a mysterious summons to meet with the Hogokage at the Unseen University. He was surprised and a little nervous, but his parents reassured him that everything would be okay. He was initially bewildered by the request, unsure of why someone of such importance would want to meet with him. However, the thought of meeting the leader of Hoshigakure filled him with a sense of awe and curiosity. He wondered what the Hogokage might have in store for him and what this could mean for his future in the city. He knew he would need to meet with the Kage, as Toneri had told him as much, but he was hoping he would have a little more time to settle in before the meeting would take place. That thought quickly left his mind though, regardless of when that meeting was taking place he knew it was coming and owed it to his saviors to answer whatever questions they had for him. Keiji bid his parents farewell after getting ready and took off for his meeting, summons in hand. Keiji arrived at the building and entered, heading to the receptionist's desk showing them the summons he had received as proof he had a reason to be there. The receptionist smiled at Keiji and motioned to a row of chairs to the side of the room along the wall. He took a seat and waited patiently for someone to tell him it was time for his meeting.

[WC: 822]

Keiji had gotten lost in his thoughts, thinking about what he was going to say and how the meeting would go. He had never met with anyone that was a Kage or even at the level of a Kage, the closest he had come was Rikke, and he probably wasn’t even close. A familiar voice broke Keiji from his trance. He looked up in the direction the voice was coming from and saw that a familiar face was attached to that voice. He nodded in response to Toneri’s statement, “waiting and one’s thoughts can sometimes take a toll on the mind.” Keiji peered around the room for a moment taking in what he could see, and thought to himself that he would have to take a tour of the rest of the building the next time he was here or maybe even after his meeting, if he had time.

Keiji nodded to Toneri after his tip on how to address the Kage, “I will definitely do that, thank you for the tip!” Just before Keiji could ask Toneri a question about the building  a door from across the room opened and a figure that would remind Keiji of some of the characters from his parents stories approached him. When the figure addressed him, Keiji bowed, “thank you Lord Kage-sama.” He quickly peered at Toneri hoping for some sign of approval at his response. As Keiji was ushered into the office he felt a slight easing of the tension that he had built up within himself. He nodded to the Kage, “Yessir my parents and I arrived about a week ago and we can’t thank you enough for the hospitality we have been shown, it has been overwhelming to say the least, but in a good way.”

As they entered the office Keiji was shown to a seat in front of the Kage’s desk, took the seat and looked intently at the Kage as he began talking to him after taking his seat. Keiji understood what was expected of him and his parents while they were making a place for themselves in the village. He figured they would have to prove that they belonged here and wasn’t worried about working hard to make that point, his family wasn’t one to shy away from hard work. “Lord Kage-sama, as I have told Toneri, my father is a master carpenter and my mother an excellent nurse, and while I myself do not have a profession, I am a hard worker and fast learner and will help wherever I can.”  Keiji paused for a brief moment to think about what he was going to say next and how to choose his next words carefully. He decided honesty was the best policy, as Toneri had told him to err on the side of caution.

Keiji went on to explain his story to the Kage and Toneri, he told them about how he was seen as a monster and abandoned in the Tachibana forest. His parents happened upon him by chance and he was only alive because of them and the selfless decision they made to take him in despite his monstrous make up. He would show the Kage and Toneri his black threads and how his body was different from most. “While I don’t know much about my capabilities, what I do know I am happy to share and I hope you know I have nothing to hide.” Keiji looked upon the Kage’s face trying to figure out how the Kage was taking the information and waited for a response.

[WC: 595]

Keiji let out a fairly visible sigh of relief as the Kage began to speak, you could see the weight he had been carrying just  lifted off of his shoulders. Keiji's demeanor changed slightly as well as he began to feel a little more relaxed and comfortable. He was happy to know that he would be of some use to the village even though he didn't have any professional talents to offer. Keiji couldn't agree with the Kage's statements more, he had already found the village to be extremely hospitable in the short amount of time that he had lived there. Keiji couldn't wait to explore more of the village and learn as much as he could about the history and people. His next task was to try and make some friends, he hoped it wouldn't be hard and after the Kage's kind words he couldn't help but feel more hopeful that it would be easier than he initially thought.

The mood seemed to shift as the Kage said "but". Keiji could feel the weight of the word hit him as his stomach sank and he began to feel heavier as the Kage shifted in his chair. Keiji shifted as well as he slowly made himself more upright to ensure he seemed as professional as possible. When the Kage spoke about seeing Keiji's black threads before he couldn't help but feel himself filling up with excitement, he wasn't alone anymore. Keiji had always thought he was different from everyone else and never expected to find anyone like him. He could finally get some answers and learn more about his abilities.

Keiji cleared his throat, "I'm not really sure what my capabilities are, i have never really had to use my abilities before, except for helping me finish my chores and getting around the forest faster. I've never had to use them for anything else before, but like i said earlier I am more than happy to figure out how to make myself useful to Hoshi. So, if learning more about my abilities is the way i can make myself useful then i look to you for guidance Kage-sama." Keiji looked to Toneri and then back to the Kage, "if im not being too forward and if you will allow, i would also like to help Toneri go after Axell Florent. If that is too big of an ask I understand, but please know i would like to help." Keiji got quiet and was trying to figure out if he over stepped in his request, he found himself yet again studying the Kage's face, trying to glean an inkling of what the Kage's thoughts were  on what Keiji was saying.

[WC: 449]

Keiji was initially dejected by the notion that he wouldn't be able to assist in the capture of Axell Florent, but he understood nonetheless. Axell was a dangerous man and Keiji was nowhere near ready to take on someone like that. Keiji looked to Toneri and gave him a smile and nod, showing that he was ok with the decision and knew that Toneri would be able to take care of the problem without issue.  He looked back to the Kage and smiled, "I look forward to proving myself and i hope to not let you or Toneri down. Just give me a list and a schedule and i will be sure to stick to it like clockwork."

Keiji looked back to Toneri after the training instructions were given,  "I would truly appreciate any assistance and guidance you could offer." Keiji would stay and listen to whatever else was discussed and when the conversation was over would thank the Kage and Toneri for the meeting and bow to both. While he wasn't certain fully of the customs of Hoshi yet he felt like bowing was most likely the proper gesture. Before leaving he would ask Toneri to contact him whenever for the training session and let him know he was available whenever it was convenient for him. Keiji would leave the meeting with a smile and very hopeful of his and his family's futures in the village.

EXIT
[WC: 237]
[TWC: 2103]

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