When the hunt began

Akira's days became somewhat of a routine, his prowling through the village taking him pastthe bakery owned by the adopted parents of Asuka Hyuga. Each day, like clockwork, he found himself lingering near the bakery, glancing through the window, just to catch a glimpse of her. He watched from a distance, a silent observer and hidden in the shadows, ensuring his presence wouldn't be noticed through the bustling activity of the bakery and the baker herself.

Asuka's graceful movements as she worked the the flour and dough captivated him, her sweet and softness enticed him. Her joyful and soft demeanor called to him, the very scent of her being wafted into his conciousness, bringing him to a point of obsession. Memories of their time together in the orphanage flickered through his mind, a connection to his past that he just couldn't shake. He found himself drawn to her, a longing stirring within him, yet he hesitated to make his presence known, at least not yet.

But it was today he decided to enter into the bakery, to finally see her in person and allow his presnce to be known to her. He made sure to dress to his highest level of presentability, as he was always the tyhpe to try and impress. His hair was put up into a french braid, and he had brushed it extensively to be sure that it looked healthy and lustrous. He wore his black button up with the silver buttons, his black tight-fitted pants, and a black overcoat with golden accessories lining the pockets, with a bright golden chain hanging from his pocket, into the chest pocket.

He strolled into the bakery, and he would wait in line. When it finally came time for his turn, he would walk up to Asuka, and he would begin to speak. The rest of the bakery was now empty, so he didn't worry too much about his volume as it was just them, at least that's what he believed. "Hi there, darling. I am not sure if you remember me, but we used to be in the orphanage together, me much longer. But you and I used to spend time together. I have been seeing you in this bakery as I pass by and something inside wanted me to come in and at least say hello and to tell you that you are absolutely stunning."

He would bow slightly, mostly in the neck towards her and await a response.

WC: 412

Asuka had recently been settling into her role now within her new home. Though the orphanage was still behind her, she could still feel its impact during her day-to-day. Thankfully she had been too busy to dwell on such things and had been completely engulfed by her work in the bakery. She was still adjusting to the early mornings required to prepare all the baked goods. Due to this she often looked rather tired, and today was no different.

She didn’t look exhausted, but tired nonetheless. As she worked the counter, she was in her regular uniform. She wore a tight white t-shirt that clung tightly to her body so as not to be hazardous while dealing with fire. On her legs, she wore simple black pants that similarly hugged her curvy body. Covering the front of her body was a long black apron that was dusted with flour and a few other dry ingredients. While working she would have her long white hair tied neatly in a bun on top of her head, though a few stray hairs would dangle in her face.

Today she had been tasked with assisting customers, her parents said people bought more when Asuka was serving them. She always had a way with people, though she was unsure of why exactly. She noticed Akira walk into the shop and file into line, for a moment she couldn’t believe her eyes. As she checked out all the other customers, her mind fled with emotions. She had looked for him for months after he left the orphanage, and he seemingly disappeared without a trace.

Finally, it came to his turn, she would walk out from behind the counter and stand roughly arm's length away from him with a joyful expression on her face. She’d blush lightly as he called her darling but didn’t interrupt him. She couldn’t believe that he thought she just forgot about him, about all the time and memories they shared. He and Zansu were the only things that mattered in her life for quite some time, and it hurt quite a bit that they had each grown their separate ways.

She’d allow him to finish speaking before sweetly saying ”Oh my dear Akira, I thought you may have left the village. How could I forget anyone as amazing as you are, I’d recognize that hair anywhere! I’m glad you stopped in truly, in all honesty, I looked for you for some time after you left the orphanage. Please you must tell me what you’ve been doing.”

She’d nervously shift her weight to one side while looking down at the ground slightly. She had always had a small crush on him, though he was seemingly more interested in girls like Zansu so nothing ever came from it. If he began to speak, Asuka would lift her head to gaze into his dark red eyes once more, nearly getting lost in them.

WC:491

As he waited in line, he watched as her joyous attitude seemed to put the customers into a trance with her. He couldn't lie, it was working on him too. Her joy was just so infectious, like a plague wreaking havoc on one's mind and soul that there was simply no cure for. She seemed to have noticed him as she was ringing up the other customers, something that Akira found odd. "Is it possible that she remembers me?" He would think to himself. He was sure that it was a coincidence as he hadn't known her all that well. Sure he would spend time with her at the orphanage, and he was the one that would help her sleep by singing to her at night when she had bad dreams, but even with that he felt so insignificant to her life.

He had many memories with both Asuka and Zansu, more with Zansu as she seemed to be a lot more aggressive towards him. But even with Zansu's forwardness, Asuka was always the one that was on his mind. He would think of her constantly as a child, how sweet she was, how she didn't seem to think anything strange of him and his obessession with pain as it began to manifest. She always seemed okay with him and it was something he respected her for. There would be times that he would sneak into her room, just to be sure that she was sleeping okay. He would listen to her breathe for a time, then he would leave her room as silent as possible as to not wake her.

This all came to an end when she would get adopted. He remembered the day and time. It was just at the beginning of winter, he remembered because she wore a very cute white dress with silver streaks running across the bust and the area just below the waist. She had thin white leggings that you could barely see a few scuffs on her knees from her falling as she did often, especially back then. Her hair was beautifully put up in a bow, with her bangs coming down across the sides of her face. The Hyuga always had amazing eyes to Akira, but hers always seemed to have a special beauty within them. Something he would get lost in for hours when they would sit around the desk studying, or just talking with Zansu.

He felt so different after that day, as if something had been stolen from him. From that day on, everything had changed. He still had Zansu, which he was so thankful for, but he always felt like there was a void within him that he needed to fill. It was a beginning of a rather questionable line of decisions that would change much of his next decade of life, and possibly more.

He arrived at the front and said his greetings, to which Asuka had recognized him by his hair. He would smile and say he did the same. She spoke on the fact that she had looked for him for a time after he left the orphanage, which he found very strange. "Oh you looked for me? Oh sweetheart, why?" She would ask about what he had been doing. This was something that he didn't want to answer honestly, so he decided to avoid the true answer. "Oh I have been working around... the village. Performing different acts of public service, to the best of my ability. But enough about me. Please tell me what has been going on with the most beautiful woman in the village, eh?" He would lean on the tower, being eye-to-eye with his beautiful Asuka. "Tell me all about it." His eyes would become hungry, ever so slightly as he would look down at her lips as she spoke to him.

WC: 643
TWC: 1055

She’d frown slightly as he inquired as to why she looked for him. Did he not see her as a close friend to be concerned about, surely if she had disappeared he would have looked for her. Asuka once again smiled and rubbed the back of her neck slightly, clearly embarrassed then she spoke in a bit of a sheepish voice. ”Well... In all honestly I missed being around you and I was worried that you left without saying goodbye to me. I suppose I should have known better”

Asuka would giggle a bit as she removed her hand from her neck and placed it on her hip. He began telling her of what he had been up to, but he quickly turned the topic to her life. After he complimented her, she’d blush slightly but would continue to smile happily at him. She’d wait for him to finish speaking before responding, not wanting to interrupt him.

”So much has happened! I have my own place, though I only recently moved into it, so it’s rather empty at the time. I also have gotten so much better at cooking and baking, I’d like to think I’m rather good at it. Though I still have so much to learn, I’m going to keep trying.”

Her eyes lit up brightly as she began talking about her various new dishes and her new home. The life she described could seem rather boring to a normal person, but she was content with her pleasant day-to-day. She’d take a peek at a clock on the other side of the counter, then turn her attention back to Akira before saying ”I should be able to get out of here soon if you’d like to take a walk, maybe get some coffee. I’d love to spend some more time with you if you’re not too busy, I wouldn’t want to take off too much of your time of course.”

If he agreed, Asuka would quickly excuse herself and ask if he’d give her a moment. She’d move to the back of the bakery where she asked her mother if she’d be able to take the rest of the day off. After explaining the situation and a little bit of begging, her mother reluctantly agreed and allowed her to leave. Asuka would thank her mother, remove the apron she was wearing, and grab a white shawl to put over her t-shirt.

On her way back to Akira, Asuka would dust off any remaining flour on her tight pants and pull her hair out of the tight bun on top of her head. Her snow-white hair would cascade down the side of her face, and fall messily down her back. After running her fingers through her hair to remove any knots and tangles, she’d then step out from the back room and present herself to him. As she came close to him, she’d speak once more in a sweet and inviting tone.

”Alright I got the ok to leave, are you ready to head out or did you want to buy something while you were here?”

WC:592
Total WC: 1083

He loved hearing her voice, it was a sweet honey to his ears, dripping from the mouth of a sweet rabbit that was waltzing dangerously close into the den of the prowling wolf. Her sheepish tone made his stomach churn slightly, made his mouth salivate at the thought of chewing into her. She spoke of her missing him being around, something that he did find to catch him off guard. He would try to seem unphased by the comment and he would place one hand on the counter, "Darling Asuka. I would never be able to leave you behind. You are far too dear to me to have ever just not said goodbye to."

She spoke of her own place, and her passion for cooking as it grew. His eyes dampened slightly, "I'm so glad that you have been working hard at your passions, dear. It's truly a great sight. I have recently stopped cooking honestly. I have found it to no be of use to me. I'm so busy with my work and all that entails so recently I've been eating out more often than not." He didn't want to tell her of his true reason, that he rarely ate because he just hated the feeling of eating, plus he had appearances to keep up.

She then brought up the idea that she would be able to get out of the bakery soon, and invited him to coffee. He would brighten up at the idea. "Oh! Coffee? I think that would be absolutely marvelous sweet darling. I will wait here until you are able." She would walk off and go to the back, to which he was assuming she was off to ask her mother if she could leave a bit early. He was surprised that she had been so eager to spend time with him. He was simply a passer by in her life, a simple observer to her ongoing crusade against the world. But for whatever reason, she was interested in at least getting coffee, and he wouldn't think much farther than that.

She would return to him, saying that she was able to leave now. He would bow and offer his arm to her, "Then I shall be your escort for the night. If you would indulge me, that is. I shall take you on a beautiful stroll through our marvelous village, to the most spectacular place for a stunning cup of coffee." He would take her arm in his and would guide her through the village. They would walk passed a few shops, one of which was a shop that sold primarily shoes. He looked down at her feet, and he saw that she could desperately use an upgrade.

Without speaking, he quickly turned them both into the shop and he sat her down on one of the benches. He grabbed a box that had some beautiful white suede flats within it. "I think these shoes would look most darling on you. Would you indulge me and try them on?" He would, if she allowed, take off her shoes, and he would place on the new ones onto her feet. When the shoes were on, he would take a step back and motion for her to try and walk around in them. If she got up and walked around in them, he would be immediately drawn to staring at her figure.

Her proportions were perfect in every way, her hands were delicate and her... lower region was enough to cause his mind to go into a tailspin. When she would look at him, he was sure that she would catch him staring, but he would simply clap his hands together and say in a rather posh sounding voice, "Darling those shoes are literally perfect for your figure. I think you should have them. On me, of course!" He would take the box to the counter and pay for the shoes. Should she protest, he would have none of it and he would pay for them and tell the man behind the counter, "Keep the box, my sweet shopkeep. This bombshell of a beauty is walking them out!"

He would laugh as he would offer his arm once again. He would then do as was originally planned and take her to the coffee shop that was just down and around the corner. When they entered, he would join the line with her, and he would wait in line until it was their turn. He would allow the darling Asuka to order first, motioning for her to step forward in the line. Then after catching one more glimpse of her backside he would order his coffee as well. A black coffee with nothing in it. He didn't truly care for coffee, and it seemed like the easiest thing to order.

He would move her to a table, and pull out a chair for her, motioning for her to sit. He would push her in and sit across from her. Staring into her beautiful white eyes, he would begin to speak unless she spoke first. "Now darling Asuka. I must know how you have become so beautiful and why you haven't shared your secrets of beauty with me?" He would giggle slightly as he would stare at every inch of her body. He was enticed, his mind was wrapped around her, and she wanted to feel as though she had every ounce of his attention.

WC: 907

She would squeeze his arm gently, hugging it slightly as they made their way down the street. Without a word, Akira quickly changed their direction and headed into an expensive-looking shoe store. Asuka was a bit unsure of why he wanted to stop here but would follow him along regardless. After looking through some shoes, Akira would pull a box off a shelf and motion for her to sit at one of the nearby benches. She would happily follow his instructions and sit down gracefully.

He would then request that she try on the pair that he had grabbed for her, at first she would deny saying that they were far too expensive. However, after discussing it a bit, Asuka decided to indulge him and agreed to try them on. He then would kneel beside her and pull off the well-worn black flats that she had been wearing, then replace them with white suede ones. Soon he’d rise and stand before her once more before motioning for her to walk around to try them out.

Asuka would then stand and make her way over to a full-body mirror in order to see how they looked. While checking herself out in the mirror she noticed Akira staring at her but wouldn’t make it known that she had caught him. After a few moments, she’d turn to him with an excited look on her face, the shoes seemingly fit her perfectly and were rather comfortable too. He’d clap his hands together and declare that they fit her quite well, he even would go as far as offering to pay for them. She would quickly shake her head and insist that she at least assist in the purchase but he refused the help. This made her feel a bit guilty, she hated taking money out of his hands since she knew there were more important things he could be purchasing instead.

Reluctantly she would agree and follow him to the check-out counter. There he would explain that she would be walking out in them and even called her a bombshell. This caused her to immediately begin blushing as she now grew a bit flustered. He had always been so kind towards her, she seemingly could do no wrong in his eye. However, due to their time apart, Asuka had forgotten how much his affection impacted her. As the transaction came to a close he would offer her his arm once more, and she’d happily take it

They would finish the transaction, and as they returned to the streets Asuka would thank him profusely for the gift. She would explain that most of her money had been going towards decorations, furniture, and more for her new home so she often didn’t buy things if it wasn’t necessary. Asuka had always been the quiet one in the group, though when she was alone with him she couldn’t help but want to speak with him consistently. She wanted to know more about him and his life, she felt as if he had changed so much within the past few years and was excited to get to know the new him.

Soon they came upon the coffee shop, she was rather familiar with the place as she often visited to drop off various baked goods that they had made at the bakery. She’d lean on him slightly as they waited in line together, she felt at ease beside him and wanted to soak up every moment. Finally, it was their turn, and Akira would let her order first. She’d greet the barista by her name and exchange some small talk before ordering a Chai latte with extra cream. Akira would then place his order, and soon they would each have their drinks.

He would then direct them to take a seat at one of the nearby tables and she’d follow his instructions happily. As they approached he’d pull out a chair, then motioned for her to take a seat in it. She’d give him a slight bow before taking her seat and allowing him to push her in closer to the table. He then would sit directly across from her and gaze into her eyes, she’d listen to him with a soft expression on her face as he inquired as to how she had gotten so beautiful.

Her cheeks would begin to turn pink as he complimented her, putting her into a flustered state once again. In all honesty, she found herself rather average-looking, so she simply assumed he was just trying to strike up a conversation. He never seemed that interested in her anyway, while they were younger she felt as if she flew under his radar since he was so forward with a handful of other girls at the orphanage. She’d tuck a strand of her beautiful white hair behind her ear before sheepishly responding to his inquiry.

”Honestly you flatter me too much, there are far better-looking women in the village. There’s nothing too special about me or my body in comparison to many others I know. You on the other hand Akira, seem to draw the attention of those around you everywhere you go so maybe you should tell me some of your secrets instead?”

She’d giggle a bit at her own remark before taking a sip of the tea in front of her.

WC:1069
Total WC: 2152

She would waltz and glide across the room and arrive at the mirror. He would be far too wrapped up in looking at her, that he didn't notice that she had caught him red-handed. When she would turn back towards him, he would snap his eyes back over to her eyes, her beautiful pale eyes. He knew some of the Hyuuga, but his main problem is he didn't spend enough time researching, but he didn't really care as much as he just loved the way the Hyuuga's Byakugan looked. Where they normally looked beautiful, Asuka's particular set seemed to radiate such a joy that it made them far more attractive and easy to look at.

He would pay for them, and in that moment, he would lean over to her and whisper in her ear gently, with an alluring draw that he hoped would catch her attention, "You are the most important thing I can spend my money on. Everything I have ever bought pales in comparison, darling." He would brush his nose against her ear as he would pull his face away from hers. The transaction would be complete and the two would make their way to the coffee shop that was the original destination.

When they would get in line, she would begin to lean on him. He didn't quite think of it at the time, but her touch was something that caused a slight stir in his heart. When they ordered, they got their drinks shortly thereafter, and they sat down at the table. He would set his coffee on the table, and he would commence to not drinking a single drop of it. He knew that he couldn't stand the stuff, but he at least wanted to order something to not see too off from the rest of the patrons within the shop.

When he complimented her, her face would become flush with color. When she did this, his heart would race. It was the moments that brought the inner predator within him out. He wanted to grab her from across the table, and free her from her constraints, but he would breathe and control himself. This was a normal feeling that he had for soft women, but this one just seemed to have something else about her that he couldn't quite touch. But it was the next thing she would say that would truly bring himself to a different plane of existence.

She would say that there were other women in the village far better looking than herself! Then she would say that there was nothing special about her or her body! He would grin at this comment, "Darling I must stop you there. I believe the Hyuuga's were acclaimed for their vision, but I'm scared to say you may have been living this life blind sweetheart. You walk through this village so timid, when truly you are the most stunning woman that graces this world with their presence. I truly couldn't imagine someone else taking your place. Also, if I may be so bold. When it comes to your body," He lookes at her rear end from around the table, "I believe that speaks for itself. Trust me. Words can do it no justice." He would laugh slightly, but he would speak with unending sincerity.

She would ask about his secrets, and this was something that he was unable to truly give out. His entire second life revolved around them and giving them out would be bad for business. But of course he wanted her to know nothing of his second life, so he would instead speak plainly, "Oh my secrets are rather boring. I love the dark and hate loud noises. I propose this. I ask you a question, and if you answer honestly, then you can ask me a question in response and I shall do the same. Agreed?"

If she would agree then he would clap lightly in cheer. "Alright my first question. Have you ever been with a man sexually?" His words would come across the room as a whisper, barely able to be heard by her, but definitely not able to be heard by those that passed by the table. His eyes would be fixated on her's, unmoving, but his face would still have a sense of ease and flirtatiousness. He was curious, but not so much for the answer, but for how she would react to such a forward question. She seemed to be a book that no one had cared to crack open, but this was probably the only book he truly cared to read.

WC: 768
TWC: 2730

Her face would look flustered as she broke eye contact and gazed down at the cup of tea that she was now holding in front of her with both hands. It seemed as if his sweet words had stunned her slightly, though she’d still have a smile on her face. Though she didn’t truly believe his words, she felt flustered by them nonetheless. She paled in comparison to many women she had seen him when they were young and could not help but question if he was the blind one. Asuka would gaze into his eyes once more as he finished, and she’d give him a thankful smile before speaking up sheepishly.

”My dear friend, you’re too sweet truly. I really appreciate your kind words, so thank you, Akira”

She was never the one to be picked out in a crowd or sought after due to her shy and timid nature. Most of her friends growing up were seen as social outcasts, or “bad kids” but Asuka seemingly was drawn to them. Though she attempted to be the mom in the group, oftentimes her friends would be the ones who had to save her from whatever predicament she found herself in. Her clumsiness often put her in a position where she relied on the aid of others, but she couldn’t help but just feel like a burden to them.

When Akira had disappeared, she thought that he simply didn’t want to be associated with somebody like her. That she was maybe just too overbearing and it pushed him away. Countless nights were spent wrestling with these thoughts until eventually she had accepted he no longer wished to see her. She wondered if he only came by to see if she had changed, which unfortunately wasn’t so. Though she was a bit more skilled with her hands from cooking, she still often tripped, hit her head on things, and could be considered awkward to some.

Asuka brought the cup to her lips once more as she listened to him explain that his secrets were quite boring. She didn’t believe him in the slightest, but wouldn’t argue about it for the time being. He was far too charismatic to only have boring secrets, but Asuka was never one for gossip anyway. She hoped that they would rekindle their friendship, and maybe he’d tell her a bit more about himself. For now, she was just happy that he decided to stop in to see her.

He then would offer to play a bit of a game, and she’d nod in agreement as she sipped her tea. She figured that it would be relatively easy, and she could use this as an opportunity to get to know a bit more about him. His next words would shock her however as he asked something rather personal. Her face immediately got red once more and she choked slightly on her tea but was able to swallow it. She quickly placed the cup on the table she raised her hands slightly in front of her as she shook her head nervously.

”I’m not going to tell you that! Why uhh... Why don’t we instead..” She’d look around the cafe nervously as she searched for anything to change the topic to. Thankfully her eyes landed on a handful of board games that the owners had left out for customers to use. ”We could play some board games! I’m sure there’s a deck of cards somewhere if you’d prefer that.

If he agreed, Asuka would quickly stand from the table, nearly spilling her drink in the process. Thankfully she prevented it from spilling as she let out a nervous laugh. She’d tell him she would be right back, then would turn away from him and make her way over to a small bookshelf that had a small variety of games on it. Asuka would attempt to compose herself as she stood there and tried to decide which game would be a better distraction. After her heartbeat settled, she would make a decision, grab it from the shelf, then return to the table.

Though she seemed nervous still, her face was back to her normal skin color. After placing the game on the table, she’d sit in her spot once more and gaze into crimson eyes. She’d pause or a moment as she could feel her heart melting as she looked at him. Quickly she’d snap out of it as she began to pull the game pieces out of the box and started to set the board up. Once everything was prepared, the two of them would spend the next couple of hours playing, laughing, and forming a pleasant memory together.

(EXIT)

WC:790
Total WC:2942

WC Claims (25% reduction from max stats)
2000/2000 Lightning Element Previous training here (199 WC spent)
188/188 Genjutsu Release
500/500 Genjutsu Release Double handseal mastery
1500/1500 Chakra Sensory
555/3750 Strength of a Hundred Skill

His question was met with a rather hilarious reaction. Her face had gone red and she became completely flustered, giving him the exact answer that he was looking for. His laugh would slightly different than his normal chuckle, but instead replaced with a louder cackle as she choked on her tea. She looked to him and said that she wouldn't answer his question, but his question had already been answered so he was sated with what he had been given. He simply smiled, looked into her pale white eyes and nodded his head, "Fair enough." He responded with an alluring tone to his voice.

He knew that his heart was at war with his brain with this woman. He could feel something already growing within him about her, something stronger than simple lust or affection. But he couldn't even begin to acknowledge such a thing, not now and possibly not ever. He had sworn away those feelings so long ago... right? The thoughts raged within his mind as she offered the idea of playing a board game together. A smile crept across his face at the idea, "I haven't played a board game in ages. Probably since the orphanage to be quite honest. I would love to play a board game with you, darling. Simply choose one and I shall be at your mercy."

His smile would widen as she returned to the table with, game in hand. Her beautiful body perfectly on display as she walked from bookshelves back to the table, something that he couldn't seem to stop himself from looking and even staring at. Her hips swayed only slightly, she didn't have the walk of a confident woman, but she had the walk of a delicate flower that had yet to be tainted by the world.

It was that small innocence that she still had within her that seemed to call the wolf to her presence. Her cute movements, adorable noises that she made, it was just everything about her that made her so special. So much more special than any of the other women in the village, which he had seen plenty of. Most of the women that he had seen were depraved, aggressive, filled with self-loathing, and hurt. But Asuka seemed to hold on to the happiness that Akira had lost so many years ago. He wanted her, he knew that for certain. But little did he know to what depths his desire for her would traverse.

Together they played board games for hours. He decided to keep the conversation light, and not bombard her with such hard questions again. He instead decided that their time together tonight was going to be that of light-hearted fun, something that he wasn't the best at having, but he was very good at providing to others. His eyes would wander to her face whenever she was focused on the game, just so he could memorize the angles that resided upon her skin. The perfection that was Asuka herself.

WC: 500
TWC: 3230
EXIT

WC Claims:
WIP