Goto Go The Distance

Kurai stumbling through the forest within the Land of Fire had backtracked a bit to find her way back to Tanzaku Town. The forest began to lighten up as if it were alive  as she got closer to what she quickly learned was Konohagakure. Her body felt tense and sluggish as she wandered closer. At the rate she was going, Kurai felt like it would probably be best to stop to ask for directions, and at minimum check to see the options of possibly trying to travel back home. Once she got closer it was just a matter of time before something went awry. She needed to figure out the best course of action and a village’s information was more reliable and viable for her to get back to her family. A soft voice called out once closer to the gate, ”Hello..?”

Kurai's attired mirrored that of hunters within the area who sought after game, a longbow strung over her shoulder with a small quiver on her hip. It was apparent she hadn't found a shower or bath in recent times but seemed healthy and reasonably fit. Some scratches and grime on her hands also indicated she had either messed with ash recently or some other laborious task. Even covered and dressed as such it would be evident to anyone who saw her that she was young, not Academy Student young but still younger than your typical hunter out in the woods who would have wandered this close to the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Kurai presented both hands open, one covering her eyes so she could see in the light and the other a soft wave to indicate friendliness. A standard technique of greeting inconspicuously that was taught to her by her family.

WC: 294, TWC: 294

The sudden rise and increase in Missing Ninja suddenly visiting Konohagakure piqued Goto's interest, all the more reason for the silver haired Senju to go and take a look for himself. Accompanied by one of his wolves, the Deputy made his way to the village gates. "Aren't you glad to stretch those legs of yours again?" the young shinobi asked his friend. "Don't treat me like some old fool, I can still keep up with you young ones easily" Fenrir replied in his typical grumpy manner. Even though the Cedar wolf came with an attitude, he was one you could count on. 

Arriving at the gates the two of them would greet the guards present, asking for an update on the current state of affairs. Doing so, Goto was able to find out it had been a rather quiet day, only a handful of people finding their way to Konohagakure, consisting of mainly merchants and the like. "Kid", Fenrir suddenly spoke softly. "I know, I already sensed them" the silver haired Senju replied in an equally silent manner. Standing there, the Deputy picked up on a presence roughly fifteen meters away from their position. Walking another five meters to place himself perfectly in the middle of the entrance, he then stopped and greeted the visitor who would be standing ten meters in front of him and his wolf. "Tough luck hunting so far?" the Senju greeted the woman with a gentle smile.

(WC: 242)

- 35 AP Fenrir
+ 10 AP Natural Berserker
+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 1/6

Kurai’s stance shifted as Goto appeared through the gate, the man himself standing quite imposing as the few guards that had taken notice of her treated him first. Her eyes were more locked on the majestic beast that walked beside him. The young girl kept her eyes steady on the predator that caught her scent first between the two. The woe of the hunter was awareness of when the roles have swapped, and for Kurai this moment was now. She did not need anything crazy to identify that a dangerous man had entered her field of view and stood a meet 10 meters from her.

As any sane woman would do when asked about hunting, “Some… not a lot.” She spoke loud enough for Fenrir and Goto to hear her. Her voice was soft like paper, fragile in concept but she seemed like she had more to her story behind that gave it a bit of grit like sand. She kept her hands visible as she got closer as to not strain her voice. If she was told to stop or hear the wolf growl, Kurai would. Otherwise she would end up 5 meters from the pair. Before continuing now more audibly, “May I offer a rabbit?” She asked Fenrir over speaking to Goto directly. “It’s small but it’s better than nothing.” The Phantom added before turning her attention towards Goto. “I did not mean to stumble here. Though I am looking for supplies. If that’s not an option…” she trailed a bit in thought as though her mind was focused or distracted on something else.

WC: 266, TWC: 560

His azure eyes, vibrant blue in color, kept track of the woman's movements, allowing her to enter the space five meters in front of him. A soft, gentle breeze made its way through his snow-white hair, moving it ever so slightly. "Hm, it's been a while since I last had some rabbit" the Cedar wolf mumbled, taking a couple of steps closer in the direction of the stranger. Almost as a predator stalking its prey, he then grabbed his snack by the neck before placing it on the ground. "If you even think about calling me a good boy I'm ripping out that throat of yours" he would say while staring at Kurai. "Language, Fenrir". Although his body language didn't change in the slightest, Goto was rather enjoying the scene playing off in front of him.

While his companion was busy feasting on his meal, the silver haired Senju continued to pay close attention to the woman, listening attentively to the words coming out of her mouth. "Supplies?" the Deputy interjected. Not exactly striking him as a passing traveler or a merchant there could have been multiple or even hidden meanings behind her choice of words. "If you're looking for another rabbit now that you so kindly offered it to Fenrir I'm sure we can find you a replacement" Goto couldn't help but reply in a joking manner. Whatever would be the case, the open ending of her sentence left room for interpretation, perhaps even a suggestion. "Do you have a name, or do you simply go by Rabbit Slayer?". Not exactly the alias he would go with but to each their own. 

(WC: 273, TWC: 515)

- 35 AP Fenrir
+ 10 AP Natural Berserker
+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 2/6

Kurai wouldn't flinch as she offered the wolf the rabbit she had captured earlier in the day. Seeing Fenrir happy brought a smile to her face. The threat provided from him deterring her from commenting any further but alas she did, "It's because you're the best boy." She figured she would tote a fine line with that one but offering a rabbit to a rather aggressive canine would be ill-advised for most who sought information and other woes. Hearing Goto's commentary about her name she gave a light bow, "Kurai Koutaishi. I hail from the Land of Demons originally but have found myself here due to some unfortunate circumstances. I've been subsiding off the land for sometime now." She included as she gestured to her ranger's garb with some protective lining underneath them. As one experienced as Goto, it would be quick and easy to take note of her general features as she presented herself for a more visual inspection.

She was aware of the dangerous line she was totting as according to her family, those who possessed her bloodline were not a merry crew in the world. Although her life was unsavory, she did avoid killing unnecessarily and her general demeanor showed for it. Keeping her hands visible for the Senju man in front of her, her left hand slowly came to her chin and pondered briefly. She held up a finger, gesturing to give her a moment, as she pulled her quiver indicating only 5 arrows were left. "General hunting supplies, though I am seeking other items but I cannot imagine the renowned village known has Konohagakure would be dealing with what I'm seeking. Nor would I imagine have the information I'm looking for." She said hushed and slow contemplating heavily on the idea of trying to find more about her sister potentially within the village. Maybe someone would know about Koutaishi Clan's fiasco in the Land of Demons but considering it had been years ago, the likelihood someone would know considering the lack of villages and settlements there, would be minimal. "As stated before though, it was not my intention to wander this close to the village. I had been taking residence in Tanzaku Town recently." She stated as an added truth to make it clear that her being here was not a random happenstance as many would wander up to gates curious about entry and say something dumb or try to run from the guards for some reason. It was clear she was being cordial and on her best behavior for such an older teenager.

She did have interest in some other more unique items though asking someone about hearts of beasts that had no longer a need to pump would be a rough topic to bring up to the man who stood before her with a magnificent animal beside him as a companion. Perhaps she could garner an animal friend of her own in the future however that would be for another time to delve into the woods and come out with a friend. Her sister and gaining some resource for herself was her top two priorities. It would be a baffling occurrence to find either available for her here in Konoha but stranger things have happened recently to her understanding if the rumors of more missing-nin walking up to the gates of a well-known village held and truth to it. Knowing that knowledge helped provide her some idea how best to behave in this situation, or at least to the best of her ability. She was not a danger now to people but she was aware that those who survive long enough can be taken as threats and seeing someone as resourceful as her might be a problem in the future if left alone or unattended. "Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with as well if it is a question I may ask of you two?" She lofted towards the pair of Fenrir and Goto who stood watch.

WC: 666, TWC: 1,226

A name, they were finally getting somewhere. "As long as you don't get involved in unfortunate circumstances while you're here" the silver haired replied, his answer implying the woman should tread carefully. Be it a warning or just some friendly advice, anyone visiting or attempting to enter Konohagakure would soon come to realize to be on their best behavior. No funny business, fuck around and find out. Peace had finally returned in the Land of Fire and Goto wouldn't allow anyone to interfere with the Leaf's growth. "So, Kurai of the Land of Demons, has trouble followed you here?". She might not be the first Missing Ninja to find their way to the gates, but the Deputy wouldn't mind making her the last if it meant protecting the safety of the village and the people inside.

In the meantime, the Senju continued to watch the woman's movements as she retrieved a handful of arrows to emphasize it was hunting supplies she would be looking for. "It is no longer the Konohagakure you know or have heard about" the silver haired responded, implying yet again that a change took place. The village had known dark times, years of stagnation but perhaps they had entered an even darker era now that they became liberated. Removed of their shackles that held them back, the future was bright even if the atmosphere had gotten dark. Rooted in Unity, Forged in Loyalty.

As the female Koutaishi proceeded, she would claim to have wandered close to the village only coincidentally, finding herself residing in Tanzaku Town for the time being. "I see, and what is this information you were unable to find there?". Even though it was only a small settlement located outside of Konohagakure, it was rumored to be a place where bandits and rogues would often gather. "The name's Goto, Mr. Sunshine over there is Fenrir as you might already have gathered" the Senju would point in the direction of the wolf who was almost finished devouring its meal. "Did you have any more questions?". Even though the conversation progressed naturally, the Deputy never lost sight of his surroundings.

(WC: 355, TWC: 870)

- 35 AP Fenrir
+ 10 AP Natural Berserker
+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 3/6

Kurai would ponder at the words Goto spoke and shook her head in the negative in response to getting into trouble. "No trouble here. Merely passing." She reiterated when bringing up the concept of trouble. As much as trouble followed her, she did her best to figure out a clever turn of phrase but unfortunately saying her actual name and where she was from did not make it easy to say that trouble did not follow her. The Land of Demons was in fact named for its renown of banditry and low-lifes over anything else in particular. Letting a sigh escape her, there was a sense of getting pegged into the correct box on a checklist of things to worry about. A random girl in the woods says she's a hunter of sorts and has stitching across her body, definitely an upstanding citizen when you see her. "I'm actually in search of my sister. She's older than me, and well last I saw her she was about yae-high." Thus Kurai raised her hand to about a meter and a half off the ground. "Much more bubbly and bright than I. But it's been... 6 years or so?" She then included answering his later question before responding to his other statements.

When brought up that Konohagakure was not the same as it once was, she would give a nod, "Many things change." She spoke softly giving her bow a light tender touch as if remembering better times. "I hope this new Konohagakure that I have ended up at the gates to is accepting of someone displaced such as I. Tanzaku Town has been a bit chaotic recently, something about a Phantom stealing on the roads. No one was injured typically and certainly no one dead. Outside of that, I think it's been business as usual there." Even in her ranger's garb, she would provide a light curtsey to the man, indicating at least this bumpkin from the sub-continent had some decency and manners. Continuing with good manners, "Nice to meet you Fenrir-sama, Goto-sama." She stood there quietly pondering for a moment as her eyes in their heterochromia looked upward, "Unless you have the hearts of beasts who no longer need them, I do not believe I have any further questions. If you wish, you can accompany me to the place where I can restock and escort me out. Would be a simple task and make sure I don't run into trouble." Kurai proposed to the Senju knowing well that someone of his caliber would likely dismiss the idea and either let her be or just simply let her in for the quick stock-up and be on her way. She counted her odds that were likely to be simply dismissed.

WC: 458, TWC: 1,784

The girl confirmed she didn't come looking for trouble nor did any follow her to Konohagakure, emphasizing to be merely passing and in need of supplies. However, after a while Kurai mentioned the true purpose of her visit, her sister. "Six years is a long time, what else do you remember about her?". It would be quite a stretch to think the young woman had lived inside the village ever since separating from the female hunter standing in front of him, but if he could help the two of them reunite, then Goto would do so at the best of his abilities. 

Their conversation then shifted once more as she briefly mentioned Tanzaku Town again. "Phantoms don't scare us, we don't exclude anyone, assuming they'll behave". There was no reason to turn away those coming to them looking for help, despite the change in atmosphere Konohagakure was still a place where people could feel safe. "I doubt you are talking about the heart of a pig, or a cow for that matter". Giving her the benefit of the doubt he couldn't help but wonder what she would need them for, the first thing coming to mind a ritual of some sorts. Goto would wait for Kurai to further elaborate before deciding whether or not it was wise to escort her in.

(WC: 221, TWC: 1091)

- 35 AP Fenrir
+ 10 AP Natural Berserker
+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 4/6

Kurai would ponder a bit, it appeared to her that this man seemed intent on helping in what ways he could so perhaps trust would beget trust in this situation. There was always her life on the line but it seemed she passed the first test of formalities. As such it would be in her interest to see what price would be paid for the information that she would be giving up on her situation. As a foreigner to these lands as a whole, not even from neighboring lands puts her as an individual who would likely disappear relatively quickly from the pages of the stories in these nearby lands. As such she gave a description of what a thirteen year old Hotaru would have looked like. Very quickly it was obvious that the description provided mismatched heavily in contrast to Kurai. A further explanation came from the girl though is was quieter than her description. "She was born blessed. I was born on a cursed."

She gave a small sigh to the commentary as she moved her hands and smacked either side of her face as a means to refocus and reprimand herself for losing sight of her task but also being hard on herself. She vowed when she got separated from her sister that she would do her best stay strong and preserve through the difficult times there were going to be ahead. When the question came towards the need of the hearts, her posture slinked a bit worried and concerned but easily smellable to Fenrir, she got a tad scared. "Ah. I." She stammered a bit before rolling up her sleeve revealing more stitching on her body. "When I got separated from my family in the Land of Demons, I was able to learn more about why I was considered 'Cursed' and was sheltered and hidden by my clan. I learned and studied from encounters I had." She began to explain as she summoned forth the black threads through the stitching as right below her elbow separated, leaving her right arm lingering above the ground about half a meter. The threads themselves were controllable by the young woman and actually formed a hand and waved at Goto.

"Through some studying and asking around subtly I was able to discover that if I wanted to learn more elements, it would require hearts of others." She said softly shuddering. "I've had to do some bad things to survive but I ain't a killer!" She firmly said as it appeared her max volume reached a moderate 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. Her eyes a bit teary at the outward vocalization of her bloodline that had taken a hold of her body over that of the clan of which she had indicated she was apart of. She gave a small sniff before her threads receded and her arm returned to where it was attached. She flexed her fingers a bit before letting her sleeve roll back down. "I'm aware that such an ask is improper. I apologize for the rudness I've shown." She gave a light bow at that moment and held it a bit longer than even she had planned to.

WC: 534, TWC: 2,318

He listened attentively to the sister's description, paying close attention to Kurai's words as to not miss any important detail. "Hm, can't say I see the resemblance" Goto spoke under his breath, whispering softly as a sign that he was collecting his thoughts in case the girl's appearance sounded familiar. The female hunter then continued to refer to herself as cursed, while Hotaru appeared to be the blessed. "A curse can be a gift". The Koutaishi then decided to share little bits and pieces of her backstory before a familiar scene started to unfold, black threads revealing themselves and coming out of the woman's right arm.

The silver haired Senju let everything play off right in front of him, visibly not fazed by any of it. "You're not the first of your kind at our gates, although it didn't end all too well for them" Goto voiced, a mischievous smirk on his face. Sparing her the boring details, even though it was quite the opposite, the Deputy continued to listen to Kurai's further explanation. Doing so, he was able to find out that those possessing her bloodline required the heart of others if they would ever want to learn another element. "Even killers can shed tears, my dear". Even if her hands were still clean, she would eventually use them to spill blood.

He would show nothing more than a smile upon hearing her apology, the female hunter herself aware of how her request could have come across. "Rise, Kurai. There is nothing to be ashamed of, you were simply born this way" the silver haired spoke, raising his hand as to let the woman know she could stand up straight. "Why don't you follow me, perhaps I can look into our files to see if I can find anyone matching the description of your sister" he suggested as his arm would motion the two of them to head inside. "And who knows, perhaps we can do something about that curse of yours as well". With a gentle smile Goto reassured her, awaiting to hear her decision. 

(WC: 347, TWC: 1438)

- 35 AP Fenrir
+ 10 AP Natural Berserker
+ 1 Nature Stack

Nature Stacks: 5/6