Of scars and what they mean IO

Takeshiyama shifted on the exam room bench, his broad shoulders crowding the space as he waited for the doctor to finish his notes. The clean scent of antiseptic mixed with the faint tang of autumn air sneaking through the cracked window behind him. Outside, the distant noise of festival preparations carried on the breeze, reminding him of what he would soon be free to return to. But for now, he was grounded here, with one last hurdle to clear. The doctor—a steady man with lines etched deep around his eyes, a lifetime of healing scrawled into his tired face—reviewed the final lines on Takeshiyama's chart before snapping the clipboard shut with a practiced flip.

“Well,” he began, “the healing is coming along better than I would have expected, considering…” His gaze lingered on the bandaged stump of Takeshiyama’s left arm, now a little smaller and cleaner with each passing day. “But we’re almost done here, I think. Just one more thing before I officially clear you.”

Takeshiyama raised an eyebrow, his remaining hand moving almost involuntarily to adjust the fabric of his loose dark blue kimono, adorned with subtle patterns of flowing waves that seemed to ripple with each motion. “One more thing?” he asked, voice half-curious, half-guarded. He’d thought today would be the last of the poking, prodding, and checking, the last time he’d be treated as a man defined by his wounds.

The doctor offered a small, apologetic smile, the kind that showed he understood the frustration. “I know, I know. You’re eager to be out of here.” He lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. “But there’s someone else who wants a quick look. The Kage insists she personally examines you before you’re fully cleared.”

Takeshiyama felt a familiar unease tug at his gut. The Kage’s bloodline techniques, though powerful, never quite sat right with him, and he preferred his healing to be straightforward. She had offered before, in her own enigmatic way, to ‘restore what was lost,’ but the idea of that unnerved him more than his own scars.

“Kage herself?” he asked with a grumble, though the words carried no heat. He respected her, and he knew her abilities were unlike any other’s, but still....something he just didn't want.

The doctor nodded. “Yes, she insisted. I believe she just wants to make sure you’re truly on the mend. She’s… fond of you, you know.”

Takeshiyama sighed, glancing down at the bandaged remains of his arm. “Fond of my suffering, perhaps. I still prefer what I can touch and feel.” He gave a small, sardonic smile. “Even if I can feel a little less of it these days.”

The doctor returned his smile with a look of steady understanding. “I think she knows that. But you gave a lot for the village, Takeshiyama. Let her see what she needs, for her own sake as much as yours.”

Takeshiyama nodded, a reluctant acceptance settling over him as he stood up, the floor creaking under his weight. “All right, then. But if she tries any of that ‘blood magic’ stuff…” He shook his head, a glint of humor breaking through.

The doctor chuckled, patting Takeshiyama on the shoulder. “I’ll warn her to keep it strictly professional. I’ll go let her know you’re ready.” As he left, Takeshiyama took a steadying breath, bracing himself. He had not really seen Junko since coming too from his injuries. He hadn't strictly been ignoring or avoiding her, but it was something close. For her part after her offers she had left him well enough to his own devices, still he supposed a final conversation was always going to occur.

TWC - 608

Anxiety wracked her brain as she waited for the return of the doctor overseeing Takeshiyamas healing. Though she trusted the man's expertise, she knew her friend was the kind to simply tough something out because he didn't want to complain. Junko had insisted that she see Takeshiyama before he was released from the hospital and now awaited his arrival. Thankfully her coworker would soon return and inform her that her dear friend had agreed to at least see her. Though she was sure he'd brush off his injuries as usual, Junko knew him better than that and wanted to ensure he was actually fine before leaving. There were also a few things she wished to discuss with him. Admittedly she was worried he was going to leave the village with his debt to her being now fully paid, so she wanted to speak with him before then.

The sound of her high heals clicking against the flooring of the hospital could be heard as Junko made her way towards the exam room. She has been pretty busy since the attack on the village so she hadn't had the time to stop in and check on Takeshiyamas healing progress. Though she knew she could fix him in the blink of an eye, he pushed aside her request to give him aid. She couldn't do anything except support his decision and help him in other ways. Her heart broke at the thought of her dear friend, her protector of sorts, being in such agony. 

Due to her working within the building regularly, she knew that he would be released today and sought to check in on him before his departure. With a clipboard in hand and a large bouquet of beautiful red roses she eventually found herself standing outside of his room. Taking a deep breath, Junko would knock on the door and announce her presence. 

” Takeshiyama darling, it's Junko, can I come in?”

She gave him a moment to respond, and if he allowed her entry she would quickly open the door and step inside. As normal, at least while she was working, she was dressed in pretty plain attire. A black, long sleeve turtle neck clung to her torso and a knee length black skirt hugged her waist. A white doctors coat could be seen draped over her shoulders and it flowed slightly as she moved. Her long, thick black hair was pulled into a tight bun, though her bangs still dangled in her face slightly. Occasionally, the small purple diamond embedded on her forehead could be seen.

Once fully inside, Junko would place the bushel of roses on a side table near him and grab what looked to be his chart from a small shelf. Her crimson eyes would peer over the paperwork, flipping through it slightly as she began to speak. 

”How are you holding up my friend? Your vitals look to be stable and your blood work looks to be coming back as normal.”

Looking up from his chart, Junko activated her Ketsuryugan and began to examine how his internal healing was going. As he responded, she glanced over his damaged body, though he wasn't fully back to normal, he was getting there. For a moment her eyes lingered where his arm once was, though she quickly averted them to inspect a different part of him. Once happy with her evaluation, her eyes would deactivate as she put his chart back on the shelf and turned to him with a soft smile. 

”Considering you wanted to go the difficult route, you're cruising along the road to recovery. My offer to re grow your arm is still on the table, and will always be should you wish it, but I won't push you to say yes. I just urge you to at least consider it, please?”

Though she knew he would continue to refuse, she at least wanted to try once more. Should he respond, Junko would lean against a counter across from Takeshiyama. A look of empathy lingered on her face and she wished more than anything to mend whatever was broken in him. For he next few minutes they continued to talk about his health, his treatment plan, and what he needed to do to fully recover. Once the conversation came to a halt, Junko would pause for a moment seemingly in an attempt to gather her thoughts. Though she was never the one to not speak her mind, it looked as if she was struggling to find the words to say to him. After a few moments she’d finally speak, her tone a bit anxious sounding. 

”Before you go, there was something else I’d like to speak to you about… now that your debt has been paid, do you intend to leave? I know you never intended to be here for long, but honestly I don't know what I would have done without you there.”

Once again she'd pause, giving him an opportunity to speak if he wished. Though her face held its normal neutral expression, the tears beginning to form in her eyes told a different story. Though she couldn't stop him from going, just the thought of his departure from their home brought on a small amount of heartbreak. Ren had gone, Azuki was distant, Takehiko remained at the hospital and Akabayashi had left as well. One by one, those she grew close to had fled her company and it was mentally breaking her. Occasionally she wondered if making the village had consumed her too much, pushing those closest to her away but there was no turning back now. Moving those thoughts to the side, Junko would listen if he decided to speak up. Once finished, she'd continue.

”I ask this, because I'd officially like to request that you join us. No, I'm not asking..”

Standing from her leaning position, she kneeled in front of him. Junko then bowed, placing her forehead to the ground as her emotions began to overwhelm her. 

”Im begging you Takeshiyama. I need you with me, I can't… I can't lose anyone else. My friend, I'm scared. I'm too weak to do this alone, I can't protect my friends and I fear one day everything we worked so hard to accomplish will crumble.”

Unable to look up at him, her head remained down as tears began to stream down her face. As she spoke, her melodic voice faltered occasionally which was followed by some sniffles. Though she knew this was not how a Kage should conduct herself, she wasn't his Kage. She was his friend, and she hoped he had continued to see her as such. 

WC: 1126

Takeshiyama watched as Junko entered the room, the heels of her shoes echoing softly against the tiled floor. She’d always been poised, always carried herself like someone who had been born to lead, yet here, now, her voice carried something deeper—a quiet urgency that hung in the air between them. He could feel her anxiety, an almost tangible energy that stirred memories of battles not so long past.

As she placed the roses on the table, Takeshiyama studied her with his usual quiet intensity. Her crimson eyes flicked over his chart, her Ketsuryugan active and scrutinizing every hidden bruise, every healing scar. When she lingered over the space where his left arm used to be, he stiffened slightly, almost out of habit, yet he said nothing. This was Junko, after all. His friend. She’d been there through the worst of it, and he had allowed himself to trust her judgment, even as he declined her offers for miraculous healing time and again.

He gave her a small smile, the faintest tilt of his lips. “Cruising, eh? I think the road to recovery may have a few potholes,” he rumbled, his voice softened by the rare humor that passed between them.

When she spoke about the arm, her offer both familiar and steadfast, Takeshiyama’s gaze drifted to the bouquet of red roses on the table. Beautiful, unscarred…yet destined to wither with time, just as his wounds would someday fade. “I’ve told you, Junko. I’ll carry my battle scars, and all that comes with them.” His tone was gentle but resolute, and his hand brushed over the empty sleeve as if it held memories of its own. “But I appreciate it, really.”

Their conversation drifted through his treatment plan, the cautious steps he still needed to take, her voice wrapping around him with a soothing familiarity. And though he felt the warmth of their shared camaraderie, he could sense her unease, something unresolved and pressing. When she finally asked him the question—about whether he intended to stay or leave—he went quiet, absorbing her words and her unspoken fears.

When she knelt before him, bowing her head in a display of vulnerability, something tightened in his chest. He’d known Junko to be the stalwart Kage, unshakable, but here she was, stripped of that mantle, asking not as a leader but as a friend. Her voice wavered, carrying the weight of their past and her own silent fears. A raw ache stirred in him, a familiar pang of loyalty he’d long thought belonged to a life he’d left behind.

Reaching out, Takeshiyama gently placed his hand on her shoulder, grounding her. “Junko…” His voice, low and steady, was almost reverent. “I’ll admit, I thought my time here would end when my debt was paid, when my goals where reached within the dohyo, but this village…” He paused, finding words that felt honest, words that bridged the weight of his past and the fragile hope in her eyes. “This village means something to me, more than I expected. You mean something to me.”

He lifted his hand to brush a stray tear from her cheek, a rare, tender gesture. “I don’t know how long I can stay or what the future holds, but I’ll stand by you, as long as I can.” A soft smile broke through his usual stoic expression. “So long as there’s a place for a stubborn old oni with a few scars.”

The promise hung between them, quiet yet unbreakable. In that moment, the road ahead, uncertain as it was, didn’t seem so lonely.

TWC - 1201

(Formal request to join Tsuki)

Junko let out a bated breath as she felt his large hand lay delicately on her nearly quivering shoulder. A few tear drops could be heard dripping against the tiled floor and she attempted to steady her breath. She never was the one to beg anyone to be with her, if they wished to go she normally would let them, but imagining going through turmoil without the one who could ground her the most nearly broke her. Her mind became fogged over as anxiety began to take hold. She could hear Jashins whispers yet again overwhelming her conscious thoughts, though instead of wishing death upon the man before her, the voice instead chastised her for her display.

As he spoke, she held her breath and remained with her forehead to the ground, barely containing the thoughts racing through her head. He explained that he had thought he was going to move on after his debt was repaid and his goals reached, though he paused before finishing his sentence. It was now that she looked up to him, her normally pale cheeks were now full of color and her crimson eyes were nearly flooded with tears. Should he refuse, she at least wanted to look him in the eye while he did so.

Her heart nearly stopped as he spoke of how much the village meant to him and how much she meant to him. She sniffled slightly as a light smile and a look of relief washed away her previous expression. As he wiped a tear from her cheek, she finally began to breathe once more. Admittedly her head felt a bit dizzy from holding it so long, though she didn’t pay much attention to it. He continued to explain that he would stand by her, for as long as he could. A slight chuckle escaped her lips as he mentioned remaining for as long as she had a place for him.

Sitting up, but remaining in the kneeling position in front of him, Junko wiped her eyes and composed herself before speaking. If he allowed, she’d reach her hand out and place it on top of his, if not she’d simply lay it on her lap. Speaking up, her voice was steady, though not melodic as usual. There was no honey in her words, only sincerity and trust.

”For as long as I am in charge of the village, I promise you that I will always make room for you my dear friend.” A light smirk crossed her lips as she continued, now easing back into her normal self. ”Though stubborn and old you may be, I cherish your ability to walk by my side, undeterred by the obstacles coming our way. I will be forever grateful for the kindness you have shown me and I consider myself lucky to have met you all those moons ago. Thank you Takeshiyama”

If he had allowed her to hold his hand she squeezed it briefly before letting go and standing to her full height once more. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as her breath steadied and her gaze briefly shifted around the room.

”Well darling, now that it’s official I have some gifts I can impart to you. Nothing crazy, just a few things to help out in a tough situation should we find ourselves in one yet again. I pinky promise not to do any medical techniques on you, just applying a few seals.”

Should he agree, she would begin by explaining what Jutsu Reduction Zone did, and if allowed she’d do the proper handsels before placing it where ever he decided. If allowed to continue, she would explain the use of the Spellbinding Seal and after doing the correct hand seals, she’d place it wherever he wished. Once that was placed, she’d explain how the Unity Seal worked and after doing the correct hand seals and marking herself first, she’d then place the seal on him if he allowed. With each seal placed, Junko happily answered any inquiries about the abilities if he asked. After she was happy with her work, she offered him a reassuring smile before patting him on the head gently if he allowed.

”One last thing, a token of my appreciation. Reaching her hand into the pocket of her lab coat, Junko pulled out a small silver token attached to a matching silver necklace and held it out to him.”This will help you safely traverse the forest outside of the village without interference. You are the first I’ve given this to, so please treat it with care.”

Should he accept it Junko would happily hand it over, though if he denied it she’d simply pocket the trinket once more. Time passed and conversation returned to normal as Junko fully composed herself once more. As the sunlight beaming through the windows began to dim, she knew it was best to allow him to leave. Their discussion soon came to a close as she began to say her goodbyes.

”As usual it was amazing seeing you, make sure you look after yourself okay, or you’ll be seeing me more often than you wish. I make house calls, so please if you need anything, all you have to do is simply ask. That reminds me, I’ll send you your headband once I return to the office”

Junko gave him a moment to respond, chuckling and shaking her head at any dismissive remarks he tossed her way. With a smile, she offered him a slight bow and a small wave before saying goodbye and then exiting the room. Thankfully she didn’t have any other tasks to attend to so she was able to make her way quickly back to her office. Before arriving, she’d send a telepathic message to Kiko, requesting that she send some Ryo along with a headband to Takeshiyama’s estate. Upon her arrival at the Tower, Junko was informed that the items had been delivered easily to him before he had disappeared into the village.

Sitting at her desk, she filled out the necessary paperwork to officially declare his spot as a Jounin within the Village. Once everything was all set, it got a stamp of approval from her as a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Finally, her day was done, and upon returning to the apartment above her office, Junko spent some time with Ku before settling in for the night.

(EXIT)
WC: 1111
Total WC: 2237

AP Usage: (25% reduction from chakra stat)
Jutsu Reduction Zone 50 Speed/Power - 30 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama)
Spellbinding Seal 70 Speed/Power - 75 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama)
Unity Seal 30 Power - 30 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama and Junko)

Claims:
Giving Takeshiyama the rank of Jounin in Tsukigakure (due to this he receives 30k from his IC rank up and a Tsukigakure ninja headband)
Giving him a Rabbit Charm

Spending WC on Ku
+22 Chakra
2237/2500 Mids Eye of The Kagura

Junko Tsukiko wrote:Junko let out a bated breath as she felt his large hand lay delicately on her nearly quivering shoulder. A few tear drops could be heard dripping against the tiled floor and she attempted to steady her breath. She never was the one to beg anyone to be with her, if they wished to go she normally would let them, but imagining going through turmoil without the one who could ground her the most nearly broke her. Her mind became fogged over as anxiety began to take hold. She could hear Jashins whispers yet again overwhelming her conscious thoughts, though instead of wishing death upon the man before her, the voice instead chastised her for her display.

As he spoke, she held her breath and remained with her forehead to the ground, barely containing the thoughts racing through her head. He explained that he had thought he was going to move on after his debt was repaid and his goals reached, though he paused before finishing his sentence. It was now that she looked up to him, her normally pale cheeks were now full of color and her crimson eyes were nearly flooded with tears. Should he refuse, she at least wanted to look him in the eye while he did so.

Her heart nearly stopped as he spoke of how much the village meant to him and how much she meant to him. She sniffled slightly as a light smile and a look of relief washed away her previous expression. As he wiped a tear from her cheek, she finally began to breathe once more. Admittedly her head felt a bit dizzy from holding it so long, though she didn’t pay much attention to it. He continued to explain that he would stand by her, for as long as he could. A slight chuckle escaped her lips as he mentioned remaining for as long as she had a place for him.

Sitting up, but remaining in the kneeling position in front of him, Junko wiped her eyes and composed herself before speaking. If he allowed, she’d reach her hand out and place it on top of his, if not she’d simply lay it on her lap. Speaking up, her voice was steady, though not melodic as usual. There was no honey in her words, only sincerity and trust.

”For as long as I am in charge of the village, I promise you that I will always make room for you my dear friend.” A light smirk crossed her lips as she continued, now easing back into her normal self. ”Though stubborn and old you may be, I cherish your ability to walk by my side, undeterred by the obstacles coming our way. I will be forever grateful for the kindness you have shown me and I consider myself lucky to have met you all those moons ago. Thank you Takeshiyama”

If he had allowed her to hold his hand she squeezed it briefly before letting go and standing to her full height once more. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as her breath steadied and her gaze briefly shifted around the room.

”Well darling, now that it’s official I have some gifts I can impart to you. Nothing crazy, just a few things to help out in a tough situation should we find ourselves in one yet again. I pinky promise not to do any medical techniques on you, just applying a few seals.”

Should he agree, she would begin by explaining what Jutsu Reduction Zone did, and if allowed she’d do the proper handsels before placing it where ever he decided. If allowed to continue, she would explain the use of the Spellbinding Seal and after doing the correct hand seals, she’d place it wherever he wished. Once that was placed, she’d explain how the Unity Seal worked and after doing the correct hand seals and marking herself first, she’d then place the seal on him if he allowed. With each seal placed, Junko happily answered any inquiries about the abilities if he asked. After she was happy with her work, she offered him a reassuring smile before patting him on the head gently if he allowed.

”One last thing, a token of my appreciation. Reaching her hand into the pocket of her lab coat, Junko pulled out a small silver token attached to a matching silver necklace and held it out to him.”This will help you safely traverse the forest outside of the village without interference. You are the first I’ve given this to, so please treat it with care.”

Should he accept it Junko would happily hand it over, though if he denied it she’d simply pocket the trinket once more. Time passed and conversation returned to normal as Junko fully composed herself once more. As the sunlight beaming through the windows began to dim, she knew it was best to allow him to leave. Their discussion soon came to a close as she began to say her goodbyes.

”As usual it was amazing seeing you, make sure you look after yourself okay, or you’ll be seeing me more often than you wish. I make house calls, so please if you need anything, all you have to do is simply ask. That reminds me, I’ll send you your headband once I return to the office”

Junko gave him a moment to respond, chuckling and shaking her head at any dismissive remarks he tossed her way. With a smile, she offered him a slight bow and a small wave before saying goodbye and then exiting the room. Thankfully she didn’t have any other tasks to attend to so she was able to make her way quickly back to her office. Before arriving, she’d send a telepathic message to Kiko, requesting that she send some Ryo along with a headband to Takeshiyama’s estate. Upon her arrival at the Tower, Junko was informed that the items had been delivered easily to him before he had disappeared into the village.

Sitting at her desk, she filled out the necessary paperwork to officially declare his spot as a Jounin within the Village. Once everything was all set, it got a stamp of approval from her as a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Finally, her day was done, and upon returning to the apartment above her office, Junko spent some time with Ku before settling in for the night.

(EXIT)
WC: 1111
Total WC: 2237

AP Usage: (25% reduction from chakra stat)
Jutsu Reduction Zone 50 Speed/Power - 30 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama)
Spellbinding Seal 70 Speed/Power - 75 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama)
Unity Seal 30 Power - 30 AP (Applied to Takeshiyama and Junko)

Claims:
Giving Takeshiyama the rank of Jounin in Tsukigakure (due to this he receives 30k from his IC rank up and a Tsukigakure ninja headband)
Giving him a Rabbit Charm

Spending WC on Ku
+22 Chakra
2237/2500 Mids Eye of The Kagura

Approved

Takeshiyama felt a certain weight lift from him as he listened to Junko’s steady, sincere words. Her reassurances lingered, not as empty promises but as something far more tangible, the kind of trust he rarely allowed himself to feel. As she reached out and laid her hand over his, he met her gaze and gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

As she explained each seal, his skepticism softened. Junko’s intentions were clear; she wanted only to offer him strength, not impose on the hard-earned scars he wore like armor. He agreed to let her apply the seals but gestured to his back, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Put them here,” he rumbled. “Less for me to worry about if I don’t have to look at ‘em every day.”

With each seal, he felt an odd, subtle pulse—a reassuring warmth that reminded him of his connection to this place, and to Junko. She explained the functions of each as she worked, and he found himself listening intently, filing the knowledge away for whatever battles lay ahead.

When she finished and handed him the small silver token on a matching chain, he examined it for a moment, turning it over in his hand with quiet reverence. “Thank you, Junko.” He slipped the chain over his head, feeling the cool metal rest against his chest, a small but grounding weight. “I’ll take care of it.”

As she mentioned sending a headband to his humble home, he let out a deep chuckle, tapping his temple with a grin. “Appreciate the thought, but my head’s hard enough as it is. I doubt I need a headband to make it tougher.”

He'd laugh, easing the last traces of tension from the room. For a moment, as she bowed and turned to leave, he felt the rare warmth of belonging settle over him. As she exited, he gave her a small wave, watching her form disappear down the hall.

Once she was gone, he packed himself up, and vowed to never set foot in this hospital again.  

Exit

TWC - 1543

claims

Accepting the 30k, Rabbit charm, headband and all seals as already approved.  

25% discount to claim Tsuki No Oni at 1500wc