A Meeting Between Friends

Denkiteki and Azuki both gave their attempts to comfort Junko, both going for the angle that it seemed that everyone had survived this great destruction. Unfortunately, that did nothing to soothe the woman, instead, she only seemed more upset by the fact. Her voice came out meekly as she explained that she hadn't thought this would bother her so much. She compelled Azuki and Den to think about the people and all they had to leave behind.

Den was thankful for his mask, a hysterical grin growing across his face as he fought the urge to break down laughing at the woman's words. Though Junko didn't know it she had struck him. And not just in one way, the blow had been quite forceful in the emotions and memories it had evoked from Den. So many villages. Burned, crumbled, sunken in the ocean. So many dead. So many to blame. Thoughts overwhelmed Den as his mind struggled with the imagery Junko spurred into his mind.

He had once come to this place, seeking the semblance of safety Junko spoke of after losing his own home. He had left the village while it had been entrusted to him, allowing the events that had culminated in Tengakure's destruction. These thoughts stuck out the most in the sea of memories as Den silently reeled from Junko's assertion. The grin faded as quickly as it appeared, Den's brief fit of hysteria hopefully unnoticed by his new allies.

Noticing Junko reaching for him Den stepped closer to the woman, letting her grab his arm and lean against him. As he continued to try and comfort the woman the blind man buried the feelings that had threatened to overwhelm him, putting them away for the time being so as to not have to face them.

If Junko spoke up and asked about suitable basements for the hideout, Den would respond, "If a basement is what we need then some of the buildings over there should be suitable, from what I can sense most of the ones over there should still be intact." as he spoke Den would point towards a street of collapsed skyscrapers not far from the one they were currently on.

Den didn't elaborate as to how he knew this, that he was using his adaptive deprivation skill to detect vibrations in the ground and locate intact basements within it.

WC:396
TWC:2,622

AP costs
-17 for Mind's Eye(4/5)[165 Power]
+10 from Nautral Berserker

AP/Nature Energy Totals
727/842
4/6 Nature Energy Stacks

Cooldowns
Absolute Focus 3/3

As Azuki sits quietly, allowing Junko to hold his arm for support, his outward appearance remains one of nonchalance, yet internally, a myriad of thoughts and emotions swirl within him. The physical contact, a simple gesture of human connection, stirs something deep inside him – a long-suppressed longing for companionship and a sense of belonging.Inside, Azuki feels a warmth spreading through him, a sensation both unfamiliar and comforting. It's a stark contrast to the solitude that has largely defined his existence. This moment, with Junko seeking comfort in his presence, symbolizes the type of bond he's often observed from afar but rarely experienced – a bond of mutual support and understanding, the kind of connection that speaks of deeper, familial ties.

His life as a vagabond, constantly on the move and on guard, has left little room for such relationships. Yet here, in this unexpected setting, he finds himself appreciating the simplicity and warmth of this human connection. It’s a feeling that resonates with a part of him he often keeps hidden – the part that yearns for camaraderie, for someone to trust and share in the journey.

Moved by this realization and the comfort he finds in this newfound bond, Azuki finds the words to express his acceptance and appreciation, albeit in his own subtle way. “So this is what a big sister is like,” he says aloud, his voice carrying a hint of revelation and contentment. The words are more to himself than to anyone else, a quiet acknowledgment of the role Junko has begun to play in his life.

As he utters these words, Azuki allows himself a moment to truly embrace the feeling, the sense of being part of something more than just a team – a makeshift family of sorts. It’s a new experience for him, one that he cherishes quietly, recognizing its rarity and value in his tumultuous world.

In this moment, Azuki, often so guarded and self-reliant, acknowledges the comfort and strength found in bonds like these. It's a significant step for him, an opening of his heart to the possibilities that genuine friendship and connection can bring.

As Azuki sits there, a realization slowly dawns upon him, adding another layer to the already complex tapestry of emotions he's experiencing. He becomes aware of a subtle but significant change within himself – the usually pervasive effects of Jashin's curse seem to have quieted, subdued to a level he hasn't felt before. This unexpected respite from the curse's incessant whispers and urges catches him off guard.

Internally, Azuki explores this newfound calm, analyzing it with a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. The curse, a constant companion in his life, often manifesting as a relentless undercurrent of dark energy, now feels like a distant echo. It's as if the warmth of genuine human connection, the simple act of sitting here with Junko and experiencing a moment of communal support, has somehow dampened the curse's influence.

This observation leads Azuki to ponder the nature of the curse itself. Perhaps, he muses, the curse feeds not just on his chakra but on his isolation and emotional turmoil as well. The presence of others, the shared bond, and the act of giving and receiving support might be creating an environment less conducive to the curse's power.

As he reflects on this, Azuki feels a sense of cautious relief. The idea that positive, human connections could counteract the curse's effects, even if only temporarily, is a revelation. It gives him a glimpse of a path forward, one where he can balance the darker aspects of his nature with the light of companionship and mutual understanding.

This moment, with its subtle yet profound impact, reinforces Azuki's decision to open up to Junko and her friend. It suggests that building relationships and fostering trust might not only provide emotional support but also play a role in managing the darker aspects of his life. For Azuki, known for his self-reliance and guarded nature, this is a significant insight, one that might shape the way he approaches his curse and his interactions with others in the future. "My sensory skills are limited to chakra. I can clear rubble easily." He adds in response to Den.

WC:703 TWC: 2,149

Junko now feeling a bit more at ease due to the compassion shown by her companions felt determined to find a proper place for their hideout. Junko felt a bit nervous previously about setting up a permanent place with Takehiko and Azuki, just purely due to paranoia. However, she was thankful for them at this moment. Upon hearing Azuki refer to her as a "sister" she looked over to him with a bright smile, and then she gave him a happy nod in response to his question.

She didn't have any siblings growing up and was unsure if her father had any more children. While traveling with her mother she grew close to a few other kids, but nothing sustainable. She liked the idea of having a brother, however, and felt somewhat honored that Azuki would think of her as a sister.

If both Takehiko and Azuki allowed, Junko would begin walking forward, pulling them along the street toward the ruins. She would keep her grip loose so that if they wanted to let go they could. As she walked she remained silent and finished composing herself. Soon they would arrive at the spot Takehiko pointed out, and she would release both of their arms if they walked with her.

Walking over to a pile of rubble and examining it, Junko would see a latch connected to a door that looked to still be intact. Quickly she began lifting some of the rubble off of them, trying to stick to the smaller pieces hoping that Azuki would lift some of the heavier things like he had previously said. Eventually, the doors were uncovered, and Junko was able to open them. The hinges were a tad rusty, and the door creaked when they opened otherwise they were relatively unharmed.

Upon opening the doors the group would see before them a set of stone stairs that lead downwards. Hoping the other would follow, Junko would walk in first, and if needed would aid Takehiko in avoiding any spiderwebs. After walking through a 10-meter tunnel it would open up to a moderately sized room that had furniture, boxes, crates, and other miscellaneous storage items.


After examining the room she'd turn to the others if they had followed and say optimistically...
"This could be a good entrance. Maybe we can make a hidden door somewhere behind one of the wardrobes in the corner. So if anyone comes down here looking, it just seems like a normal basement. What do you guys think?"

WC; 418
Total WC: 2582

Denkiteki wasn't normally one for physical contact, in fact, he normally avoided it unless necessary. Den was surprised by the effect this woman seemed to have on him, but it seemed he wasn't the only one whom she was bringing out of their shell. As the 3 of them stood together, Azuki and Den comforting Junko, Den wondered about the longevity of this group. The blind man had been a shinobi since he was 8 and had engaged in combat since 12. He'd lost a lot of comrades over the years until now only a couple of them were left alive. As he stood with these two vagabonds Den hoped that he wasn't making a mistake by befriending them, that things wouldn't end in betrayal or untimely death as they often did.

Den smirked as Azuki referred to Junko as his sister, the expression hidden by the mask as the former Tenkage hoped that this wouldn't turn into a bittersweet memory one day. As the three lingered Den noticed another phenomenon, it seemed the fear-inducing aura that Azuki had been exuding was starting to dissipate. Den felt his anxiety lessen as the dark energy dispersed.

When Azuki mentioned that he could clear rubble easily, Den would nod. "If you want to focus on larger pieces of rubble I should be able to move things of moderate size."

When Junko tugged on his arm to lead him and Azuki toward the place Den pointed out the blind man would follow. As they reached a latch that would lead to one of the basements Den assisted in clearing some of the rubble. He noticed Junko going for smaller pieces and tried to grab the moderate ones, going for large pieces as well if Azuki needed assistance or didn't want to move them. Fortunately, it wouldn't take them too long to tidy up the ruin enough for Junko to pull the latch and reveal the tunnel beneath.

Den would take Junko's offer to lead him through the tunnel, realizing he was starting to enjoy being around her. Even though he would have been fine moving through the tunnel on his own he allowed her to assist him, following her as they made their way through and into the basement.

Compared to the other options this place certainly had more stuff crammed within it. Whether that was a boon or not, Den wasn't sure yet. On the one hand, it would be harder for a potential foe to find any sort of secret entrance, but it did allow for the possibility of a looter to stumble upon their base of operations.

Den liked Junko's suggestion and said as much. "I think making a hideout accessible from this room would be a good idea. It likely won't be cheap to make one, even if we were to carve it out ourselves with Earth Release. Furnishing alone will be pricey, and do we intend for there to be running electricity? I'm willing to put a good chunk of money towards this project, but if this is to belong to all three of us then we should all pitch in."

As he spoke Den felt his Mind's Eye technique fading, his concentration starting to wane after maintaining the technique for a good chunk of time. As he felt the technique begin to fail he pondered what he would have to do in order to make the technique efficient, or if he would have to learn another sensory ability in order to reattain the level of sensory he was used to employing. He cursed himself for being so weak and allowing the 5 tails to have damaged his body so much that he had lost many of the abilities he had gained over the years. He used to be able to sense objects and motion through the natural energy that coursed through the world but now he was forced to rely on what few physical senses he had left.

WC: 661
TWC: 3,283

AP costs
-17 for Mind's Eye(5/5)[165 Power]
+10 from Nautral Berserker

AP/Nature Energy Totals
720/842
5/6 Nature Energy Stacks

In the heart of the ruins, surrounded by remnants of what once was, Azuki, Junko, and Takehiko stood at the threshold of a new beginning. As they descended the stone stairs into the basement, the air grew cooler, carrying the musty scent of disuse. The tunnel stretched out before them, a narrow passage shrouded in shadows, leading to a room that held the potential for a future they were yet to carve out.The room itself was moderately sized, a forgotten space filled with the echoes of a past life. Furniture lay draped in sheets of dust, while boxes and crates were stacked haphazardly, a testament to the hurried abandonment of the place. It was like stepping into a time capsule, one that held secrets and stories untold.Azuki's eyes scanned the room, taking in the details with a strategist's mind. The furniture, the crates, the very layout of the room spoke to him not just of what it was, but of what it could become. He imagined the space transformed into a functional hideout, a haven for their trio to plan, train, and find solace.

As Junko voiced her idea of creating a hidden door behind one of the wardrobes, Azuki nodded thoughtfully. It was a sound strategy, one that would provide them with an added layer of security and secrecy. The notion of building something so tangible, so real, was new to Azuki. His life had been one of transience, of fleeting connections and solitary pursuits. But here, in the company of Junko and Takehiko, he found himself considering the possibilities of a more permanent alliance.The room, with its faded walls and silent witnesses of furniture, seemed to wait expectantly for their decision. Azuki felt a sense of responsibility towards this space, a desire to contribute to its transformation. It was a far cry from the solitary existence he had known, a step towards something resembling a family, however unconventional it might be.

"I'll pitch in," Azuki said, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. "How much do we need for the setup? I can contribute my share." His offer was practical, a reflection of his nature, but it was also an indication of his commitment. He was willing to invest in this collective endeavor, to put in not just his strength and skills, but his resources as well.This willingness to participate in the creation of their hideout was a significant gesture from Azuki. It showed a level of trust and camaraderie that he had not often allowed himself to experience. The very act of pooling resources, of planning and building together, was symbolic of the bond they were forming.As Junko and Takehiko responded, discussing the logistics and costs, Azuki listened intently. He mentally calculated what he could contribute, his mind already turning over ideas on how to best utilize the space. There were repairs to be made, supplies to be procured, and defenses to be set up. It was a project that would require time, effort, and coordination, but Azuki felt ready for the challenge.

The room around them, once a forgotten corner of the ruins, was slowly being imbued with new life. It was no longer just an empty space; it was becoming a symbol of their teamwork, a place where they could come together as a unit. For Azuki, this was a new chapter, a chance to explore the dynamics of working closely with others, of building something that was about more than just survival.As they continued to discuss their plans for the hideout, Azuki found himself more engaged than he had anticipated. The idea of creating a space that was theirs, a base of operations for their future endeavors, was surprisingly appealing. He could see the potential in the room, in the partnership they were forming. It was a venture that promised not only security and strategy but also a sense of belonging.

The conversation about the hideout continued, with each of them bringing their ideas and perspectives to the table. Azuki, who had always been more comfortable observing and listening, found himself contributing more actively. His suggestions were practical, focusing on security and efficiency, but they were also indicative of his growing investment in the group.As they wrapped up their discussion, Azuki felt a sense of accomplishment. They had taken the first step towards establishing their base, towards solidifying their alliance. The room, once silent and forgotten, now echoed with the promise of what was to come. For Azuki, it was more than just a physical space; it was a representation of change, of growth, and of the possibility of forging a path together with others.

WC: 779 TWC:2,928

Happy to hear that her idea had been accepted by the others she began discussing the financial logistics. She would explain that if they were to choose a safe house they each would contribute 23,333 ryo, but one of them would need to spend 23,334 which she would offer to do. After she would remark that if we wanted a ninja den instead we would have to pool together an extra 100k ryo. She seemed to want to get the ninja hideout but didn't feel comfortable outright asking for the others to invest that heavily into it.

After discussing it and coming to an agreement, Junko would ask that they give her the money and she'll have supplies delivered to her home that they could use. For now, there was not much they could do, but once proper equipment and the furnishing were available they would be able to begin. If they agreed and gave her their ryo, she would slide it into her ninja pouch and thank them for agreeing to do this with her. She then would begin to exit the building, assisting Takehiko if he needed assistance.

Soon if the others followed her, they would exit the basement and begin making their way to the ruined gate. Once there she would invite both Azuki and Takehiko over for dinner at her place that night, explaining that they could continue talking about the plans for the hideout over a nice warm meal. She would ask that they come to her home just as it started to get dark since she had to run and get a few things from the market for their meal.

Regardless if they agreed to come to dinner that night or not, Junko would thank them once again and express her excitement fo begin the construction. She would then separate from Azuki and Takehiko, and make her way to the market to gather some fresh ingredients. After she completed her errands she would return home, and begin preparing for her guests.

(EXIT)

WC: 337
Total WC: 2,919

Mission Rewards: 2,000 Ryo / 10 AP doubled from Beloved Presence, and AP converted to RYO
Base Ryo: 4,000
20 AP converted to Ryo: 1,000
C Rank Vagabond Bonus Ryo: 2,000
Total Ryo Gained: 8,000


Claims: (used with max stat discount)
188/188 Handseal mastery for Fear Pull
1125/1125 Healing Hands B Rank
1313/1313 Armament Hellish Breath B Rank
293/1125 Iryojutsu Amplifier B Rank

Den listened as Azuki mentioned he would be willing to pay a share. Junko then began to explain the price of creating a hideout to the two of them, Den noting that the woman seemed to have an idea of what the cost would be off-hand. He wondered if she had been planning for something like this and if Azuki and Den were merely instruments in a plan she had already created.

If she was that cunning then Den had to respect the manipulation, though there was also a very good chance that he was just being paranoid. Perhaps she had been planning to make a hideout for herself and had just so happened to make allies along the way.

"I can contribute to a safe house, and if need be I can cover the entire cost to upgrade it into a Ninja Den from there. I'll see about giving you the money soon."

Den followed the other two out of the basement, allowing Junko to assist him as they made their way up the stairs. He agreed to meet up with the other two later to have dinner, glad that it seemed he was going to have two allies within this land. As the group seperated he made his way further into the ruins, intent to travel through it and try and find some of the other places he had used to frequent before the village's destruction.

WC: 238
TWC:3,521

AP/Nature Energy Totals
+10 AP from Natural Berserker
730/842 AP
6/6 Nature Energy Stacks

[Exit]

Mission Rewards: 2,000 Ryo / 10 AP

Putting all WC towards AP for that 4x bonus. 35x4=140 AP

Gaining 7,500 from A-Rank Missing Ninja Salary

Ryo/AP changes
Ryo: 271,700 +2,000+7,500= 281,200
Bonus AP: 442+10+140=592

Azuki simply nods in agreement with the plan for the hideout, acknowledging the financial commitment that will be required in the future. Understanding the importance of this joint venture, he silently confirms his willingness to contribute, though no money is exchanged at this moment.

As the meeting concludes and they exit the basement, Azuki walks alongside Junko and Takehiko, heading toward the ruined gate. When Junko extends the invitation for dinner, he pauses briefly before accepting. "I'll see you later at dinner," he responds in his usual succinct manner, indicating his plan to join them.

As Azuki walks away from the ruins, his mind is a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions, a rare occurrence for someone who typically maintains such strict control over his inner world. The prospect of contributing financially to the hideout, a tangible commitment to this newly formed alliance, weighs on him, not as a burden, but as a symbol of something new, something he hasn't often allowed himself to experience.

Internally, Azuki acknowledges a subtle shift in his perspective. For so long, he has been the lone wanderer, the solitary protector, reliant solely on his own strength and judgment. But now, the idea of pooling resources, of building something together with Junko and Takehiko, introduces a novel concept – interdependence. It's a notion that challenges his usual way of operating, yet it’s one he finds himself increasingly open to.

As he contemplates the dinner invitation, Azuki realizes it represents more than just a meal. It's an extension of trust, a gesture of inclusion from Junko, and an opportunity for him to step outside the confines of his usual solitude. The idea of sitting down together, sharing food and conversation, is oddly comforting. It's a human connection, a simple yet profound experience that he has often observed but seldom participated in.

Azuki’s thoughts drift to the hideout – the physical space they plan to create. In his mind's eye, he envisions the transformation of the derelict room into a functional, secure base. This place could become a strategic hub, a center for planning and coordination, but also a symbol of their collective strength and unity.

This train of thought leads Azuki to reflect on the concept of 'home' – a notion he has long viewed as elusive. The hideout, with its potential for safety and collaboration, hints at the possibility of a place he could belong to, a notion that is both foreign and intriguing to him.

As he moves through the streets, lost in thought, Azuki recognizes a growing sense of anticipation for the evening ahead. The dinner with Junko and Takehiko is not just a social engagement; it's a step into a world where he can be more than just a fighter – where he can explore the dynamics of friendship and, perhaps, even family. It's a new chapter, one that Azuki, in his own quiet and reserved way, is beginning to embrace.

WC:488  TWC:3,416 [Exit]

Mission Rewards: 2,000 Ryo / 10 AP

Claiming STATS TWC 3,416 = 30 stats points

Changing stats 20 Points from Vigor to Speed . 10 points from Chakra to Speed.       New Stats : 25 Vigor. 110 Chakra,  150 Speed, 25 Strength


https://www.narutoroleplaygame.com/t46533-genjutsu-binding-v7 WC 16/1500