desdamin

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Team Mitsuyo

Hana Bohi, Genjin Kani, and Kuroki Kyuusagi

"Did anyone invite Mitsuyo-sensei", asked Kuroki. The bottle was almost empty but he doubted anyone would notice if he filled it up with something cheaper, at this point. He did.

"N-no...", Hana answered looking away.

"I... tried", said Genjin, sipping a newly poured cup that tasted a little different, or maybe he was a little too pickled to taste right, "Sensei was very busy."

"Keh, he's always busy", said Kuroki with a frown, "How'd y'even get in ta see him? Thought he had a thousand layers of security."

"I didn't do anything... illegal, if that's what you mean", said Genjin gloomily, "I left a message with one of his assistants and got a form letter the next day."

Kuroki stroked his chin a little and then lowered himself to meet Genjin's height, as he was a little slumped over, "D'ya think he got it?"

Genjin sighed, "I don't know...", and drained the rest of his cup.

"Should have told him there was a kimono sale at... uh..."

"Kyotique", chimed in Hana with an index finger pointed upwards.

"Hah! Yeah, he would shop there! Y'remember the time he stopped a mission halfway through t'go shopping because his kimono wasn't dramatic enough", replied Kuroki with a chuckle.

"S-sensei had his reasons...", murmured Genjin.

"Or what about the time he -urp- took us on that mission to the Land of Silk that we didn't even need to go on", said Hana a little loudly with her eyebrows screwed up into a somewhat childish anger.

"Hah! Oh yeah!"

"It was for cultural enrichment...", said Genjin defensively.

"We spent the first two weeks at a spa", Kuroki countered, "I've never had cubicles that soft-"

"Cuticles", Hana interjected.

"-And then we got into a fight with the other ninja team that had already been sent on the mission."

"Hm...", said Genjin, turning a little red.

"Oh yeah! And you got knocked out trying to stop the fight."

"I-it was the steam from the sauna... I wasn't expecting to get into a fight in a towel on top of a hot tub with a... a..."

Genjin was now a deep red.

"Hah! So y'fainted? Don't blame you. She was cute. Hah! Oh yeah! And then they drew all over your face while you were passed out!"

"ExcUSE me! But YOU were the one that drew on his face", said Hana, "I tried to stop you... And she wasn't that cute."

"...is that what happened? Well, it was a long time ago...", said Kuroki, like an old mystic, "And you're all still single..."

"S-so are you", Hana exclaimed!

"Yeah, but I don't have to be, losers. I've got lots a'girls trying to tie me down", Kuroki replied with a grin.

"Ts! Lecher...", Hana replied pouring another drink, but then started counting the number of characters on the bottle. Genjin gave Kuroki a dirty look and took the bottle out of Hana's hands. She struggled to get it back, but fell on her face.

"Well, maybe you need a lecher in your life, ever think of that, princess", Kuroki shot back with a sly smile. Hana's face stretched into a look of extreme displeasure and she very shakily raised herself to her full, but somewhat swaying, height and said, "I am perfectly happy being single, thank you very much!"

Genjin's face fell into his lap.

"Hello! I'm not too late am I", said a voice from behind.

Mitsuyo-sensei had arrived.

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Team Botan Nakano

Kamui Kaiyou | Makaira Kumonga | Arisu Ayaname

_______________________________________________

"Yeah, and three decks of cards", Maka replied raising an eyebrow. With Botan-sensei talking with the others, only one Konoha genin had the guts to approach and, judging from his appearance, he was unusual for his people. That his first statement had been so direct was almost refreshing. It wasn't as if Maka wasn't used to people staring or trying not to look or talking around the mention of arms, but she found that more often than not she had to broach the subject first. She gave a little smirk. This was going to be fun. "So what's it going to be", she said a little loudly and then called out much louder and almost around the oddly-dressed boy, "Are you the only one brave enough to try your hand at a game?" Ari giggled and grinned widely and Maka threw a sidelong glance at her and the two met eyes for a moment, knowingly. While sure Ari always tried to outdo Maka, it was an unspoken rule that anyone outside their little team was a common enemy and Maka made sure that any winnings she collected would be evenly distributed between them. It never helped to have a resentful play partner. As much as she may like to rub her victories in Ari's face, Maka knew that if she wasn't at least a little boastful Ari would think she was just using her for funds. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Games like this, chance and skill, where attitude and ingenuity was everything, were Maka's favorite things in the world! It was what made the ninja life so thrilling, win, lose, or draw. She knew Kamui didn't really approve of her little operation, but he'd never stop her and he'd never raise a hand against her either. Maka liked to think of him as a kind of stern bodyguard or a bouncer. He was more than strong enough to deal with most who may be a little angry at losing. He was such a sensitive guy, but he could be very cold when he was serious. A cold word and his reputation as a jinchuuriki was usually more than enough to dissuade any from pressing too much further. Maka had to get him to play... One of these days... True to form, Kamui hadn't bothered to join them when the Konoha-nin had approached either. He'd just kept a soft eye on him, buried his mouth in his scarf, and poked at the remains of the fire. He was muttering to himself, which wasn't uncommon. Maka wondered if all jinchuuriki muttered to themselves at random or if it was just Kamui. He didn't seem to be insane. Maka was pretty confident in that bet. "So, brave Natsuo, what's your game", asked Maka. "Do they let you have pocket money in Konoha", asked Ari suspiciously.

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Hideo Sarutobi

"Compromise is a lie told to abdicate duty."

_______________________________________________

"I can handle long range from the water", Botan chimed in, raising his hand slightly as if he were back in school. Hideo nodded to Botan and Ichika and tapped his temple as if pressing a button. Indeed, his eyes widened for a moment and then his eyebrows furrowed, but then his face fell into non-expression again. He addressed Mizuraki flatly, "Your suggestion is meritorious. We will use the clones to explore and flush out the underground, but we will do so in two staggered waves. We will need a team to stay behind and follow through after the way has been cleared or until threat has been assessed. We will need a way for the team behind to reach the island, if the underground proves unable to be traversed. Attacking the shore will require a large enough force to breach their defenses and we will be at a disadvantage. We can only assume that they chose an island for its defensibility. They must be able to use the water. For this to work, we must reach the shore." Hideo to each of the assembled shinobi before proceeding any further, "I will stay behind and lead the underground team. I am the least important of us and I stand the best chance of survival, if our enemies decide to collapse the tunnel. Our most powerful forces should be focused on the beach. Decide among yourselves who I will lead into the caves and who will take to the sea. I presume you are more aware of your charges' abilities than I am", he said with a lazy wave of his hand. He unceremoniously began to walk away only to slightly turn and say, "Ichika, I must talk to you before we begin... follow", and walked into the woods.

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Misaki Mori

"Challenging me? Really? You must really like getting crushed underfoot."

_______________________________________________

Misaki was lighter than the others and landed in the forest canopy relatively unharmed aside from some scratches and some tears in her clothing. Her legs were working again and she supposed the adrenaline from being hit by that hammer seemed to have awakened the last of her nerves... even if she was rattled from the blow. Ts! That duck guy was fluid alright. He swung that hammer like it was nothing... he'd lined up his shot and hit them all at once. At least she was away from the boys. Now that her legs were working again, she didn't know if she could have stopped herself from beating either of them senseless... assuming she could... She spitefully thought back to Hiro's dismissive outstretched hand, snarled involuntarily, and then shivered. She expected to lose to a jounin... but to have been so soundly defeated by someone her own age... it was more than she could bear. She'd never get back to Suna now and L-Lola-sensei... would be so disappointed. She hugged her arms and then shook the thoughts away. Ts! Bastard! She'd trounce him and then leave this place triumphant! She straightened her skirt, which had been caught on a branch, and then made her descent to the ground below. It looked like she'd been knocked pretty far from the training ground and who knew where the others were. She didn't even hear Jin making some stupid pronouncement. With any luck, he'd been knocked unconscious. She landed softly on the summer loam and moved quietly and agilely from behind the trees. There was no telling when the duck man would emerge again. Probably he was hiding in a tree and would drop down. She involuntarily looked over her shoulder. Nothing. Ugh. Probably that duck man knew exactly where they all were and was just biding his time... A roar broke her out of her anxiousness and into a fighting stance. Was that... a bear?!? Was there a bear nearby?!? She looked towards where she thought she heard the sound coming from and decided to give it a wide berth. What was she going to do? She'd heard that bears could climb almost as fast as they could run, but she couldn't imagine that they could jump from tree to tree, could they? That would be ridiculous, right? A bear was like six hundred pounds! She climbed the nearest tree, trying to get back to the canopy, right where she'd started off.

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Jin Kani

"Feel the sting of the honorable crab, the Fabulous Jin Kani!"

_______________________________________________

It wasn't the landing that was difficult, it was the bees. Jin had expertly navigated his head into a gap in a tree instead of landing full into the trunk, but he hadn't counted on the honey globbing onto his head nor the protective bees that followed. Had it not been for his stylish sunglasses, who knows if he'd been able to escape with his eyes intact! What a loss that would have been for the world... Unfortunately, Jin did not have much time to contemplate the inevitable military funeral for his handsome chocolate eyes that would have been hosted by the grieving village; he was far too busy trying to dislodge his head! Sure the bees would have their sting now, but soon it would be Jin's turn to sting! And nothing could sting like the glorious crab! He chomped at the bees as they swarmed his face. That would show them! Eventually, he managed to split the hole open and promptly fell two stories onto his back. Another successful landing, but the bees weren't done with him! They followed and attacked! Jin was going to warn them of their grievous mistake, but his tongue was roughly four times its normal size and he couldn't move it quite the way he'd have liked. Instead, he put his helmet on, which made an unusual squelching sound as it sat on his head. It seemed stuck. There was some sort of sticky jutsu that had affixed it to his noggin! It must have been the bees' doing... The fools! He punched at them in the air! Soon they'd know not to mess with the mighty Jin Kani! The bees were quite formidable and didn't seem to understand just how powerful Jin's great fists actually were! Jin punched dozens of bees at a time, each dozen falling in lifeless clumps upon the ground, some buzzing impotently, but still they kept on, relentlessly attempting to sting the errant Kani! In fact, it took several minutes of fighting with the bees before they gave any ground at all, which was lucky as Jin's face had enlarged about three sizes and the helmet was beginning to get very uncomfortable. But he was undeterred! In fact, it wasn't until he heard a roar from behind that he even looked away! What other dangers had the forest decided to throw at him? Why... it was a bear! Now this was a challenge! "Th! Thith Thithith, bth!" Jin yelled before running headlong at the giant creature, which knocked him headlong away and then licked its paw, as Jin's honey-covered head seemed to be just the flavoring that the bear was looking for...

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

╔══════════════════════╗

✖ ‖ N a m e

Nijira Inuzuka

✖ ‖ A g e / B i r t h d a y

12/ May 7

✖ ‖ G e n d e r

Male

✖ ‖ B o d y T y p e

shorter than average and very thin, he's stronger than he looks for all that, but is all sinew

✖ ‖ V i l l a g e

Konoha

✖ ‖ C l a n

Inuzuka Clan

✖ ‖ F a m i l y

Father: Yusuke Inuzuka
Mother: Kira Inuzuka
Siblings: Ichigoku Inuzuka (older brother), Sanji Inuzuka (younger brother)
Others: Komainutatsuo (puppy) (called Komi for short)

✖ ‖ R a n k

genin

✖ ‖ T i t l e s / N i c k n a m e s

Jira, Niji

✖ ‖ P e r s o n a l i t y

The shortest and scrawniest boy in his family, he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He's quick-tempered, especially when people underestimate him or compare him to his brother, and he's prone to lashing out. He is also known to call himself the "Dragon of the Leaf" and challenge people to fights over perceived slights. He hates the idea of not being able to beat someone who he thinks he's smarter than and struggles with feelings of physical inadequacy. That said, he isn't lazy and his stubbornness and spite is often surprising to people who would like to count him out. He loves his puppy more than almost anything else in the world and he's just about the only person that can cool his anger except his younger brother. He rarely admits that he's wrong and can be a little explosive when confronted. He is profoundly irritated with being ordered to do grunt work or things he considers brainless and will complain about it. Altogether, he has difficulty expressing his feelings, if he's not angry. He has a softer side, but his outside is all prickly. If he wasn't so sure that showing vulnerability would just confirm the worst things he believes about himself, he may venture to reveal himself to anyone but his puppy. He's naturally very curious, inquisitive, and investigatory and his lack of trust in people makes him great at finding out ways people are lying. He loses a lot of his challenges.

✖ ‖ L i k e s

✖ - Komainutatsuo
✖ - Being right
✖ - Discovering a lie
✖ - His little brother
✖ - Beating people larger than him

✖ ‖ D i s l i k e s

✖ - His older brother
✖ - Luck
✖ - Apologizing
✖ - Being outwitted
✖ - Being overpowered
✖ - Being underestimated
✖ - Anyone mentioning his height
✖ - Komi being hurt

✖ ‖ N i n d o

"Potential is something you make for yourself!"

✖ ‖ B i o g r a p h y

Nijira was born premature and even among small babies, he was smaller. His survival was miraculous and even years later, his father would say that he was lucky to have been born. His mother believed instead that he had fought for life, a view that impressed itself on young Nijira. For most of his early childhood, he spent his days playing with his older brother, happily following him around and trying to do just what the big boys were doing. He never could quite. All those games were rough and with Jira's small size, he just couldn't keep up. He'd inevitably end up hurt, but he was just as enamored with his older brother as everyone else.

It was hard not to be. Ichi was so effortlessly strong and playful, always smiling, always excited with life. Even as Jira fell and hurt himself running after Ichi, his brother's smiling face and strong outstretched hand lifting him back to his feet and cleaning him up gave him the confidence to keep going. Ichi didn't dwell on things long and it was hard to around him. He just kept moving and so too did Jira. And for a while, that was fine.

Things changed when his little brother Sanji was born. Now Jira was the older brother... but he found himself ill-suited to it. He didn't have his older brother's effortless way about him and despite being two years younger than him, by the time Jira had started at the academy, Sanji was already taller than him and he was often mistaken as the youngest brother! He didn't understand it... Why did he have to be so small and useless? He'd always thought he was just small because he was younger but there had to be something wrong with him. He was their brother, right? But his brothers were born big and grew tall quickly. His older brother was always so healthy and strong, always achieving with ease... and his younger brother was so effortlessly beloved. He was so kind that even though he was shy, he had so many friends... Jira had none of it.

Was it really just luck? Fate? He learned to detest the idea. It was capricious, unreliable, ridiculous. Why should he feel lucky for having to fight for what was just given to so many others? His perfect brother was more than lucky. If it was luck, then luck meant nothing. Jira didn't want luck, he'd decided. He didn't need it. He'd make his own. He had to.

And the academy did little to help. He was quickly singled out for his short stature and, worse, some even knew his older brother. It very quickly became obvious to him that he didn't compare to Ichi in any way except one... he consistently had higher grades than him. Ichi was very quick to congratulate him on his accomplishments but the older he got, the more Jira felt that he was just patronizing him. And the comparisons to his brainless older brother became more and more constant as he failed to live up to his... height. Jira was different! He was Jira!

After several fights in school (all of which he lost), his parents finally stepped in and gave him his own puppy that he was allowed to name himself. He was at first going to name him Mochi, because he was round and pudgy, but then settled on Komainutatsuo, which he thought was a much more intimidating name. Komi, as he nicknamed him, quickly became his one and only true friend, the only person he trusted... Together, they made up the gulf between him and Ichi. Maybe together, they could surpass him too. He kept his grades up, but now he was more confident in field tests too and it showed. Not that it mattered. Ichi had graduated just as well with near failing grades as Jira did with near perfect ones. Jira never managed to do better in field tests and the one thing that Jira outclassed Ichi in didn't really matter in the end.

✖ ‖ N a t u r e s

Wind, Lightning, (Fire Eventually)

✖ ‖ T a l e n t s

-Tracking
-Quick deduction and induction
-Endurance
-Arguing
-Creative insults
-Singing
-Impressions
-Chakra control

✖ ‖ J u t s u

-Combination Transformation- This is an advanced version of the Transformation Technique, where two or more users combine into one form in order to gain that form's physical abilities.

-Four Legs Technique- One of the "Imitation Beast Ninja Arts", this technique allows the user to move in the same way as an animal. By surrounding their body with chakra and moving about on all fours, the user's speed and accuracy are significantly enhanced, which in turn makes their attacks more damaging. He uses this to supplement his already quick speed and allows him to utilize claws, which he prefers, as he isn't very large.

-Passing Fang- The user moves at a target at high speeds and delivers a body slam. Because of how quickly they move, the user travels in a fairly straight line, necessitating that they anticipate the target's movements in order to ensure a successful strike. As they move at the target, the user spins rapidly in order to pierce targets, drilling even through stone.

-Beast Human Clone- An "Imitation Human Ninja Art", this technique transforms a ninken into their Inuzuka partner. By doing this, the Inuzuka gains a copy of themselves that serves the same practical purpose as a shadow clone but without a shadow clone's steep chakra requirement.

-Beast Tearing Palm- A powerful technique of wind nature chakra that can cut and slash through most material. Jira activates it by summoning chakra in his claws, and then swipes a slicing chakra wave.

-Feral Barrage- A series of speedy and aggressive slashing attacks made with Jira's claws whilst he moves at the opponent. While no individual hit may be special exactly, the strength of the technique is that the forward momentum, slashes, and speed are actually used evasively and to crowd the opponent, making it very difficult to counter from the front or from behind. It is vulnerable to surprise attacks from the side, but once Jira has closed the distance, getting to the side of him is extremely perilous. Can be used on midair opponents, though it loses some of its agility. Requires the use of Four Legs Technique.

-Moon Crescent Kick- Meant to be used as a countering kick in which Jira either somersaults forward or backwards, either kicking the opponent into the air or into the ground. Sometimes used as an interrupt to the Feral Barrage, but more often used when an opponent manages to back him up.

✖ ‖ W e a p o n s A n d T o o l s

Komainutatsuo- His Ninken. A strong fighting dog originally gifted to him to protect him from bullying, he's a very loyal and friendly dog with Jira's best interests at heart. He is Red/orange and cream with with a black nose and resembles an American bulldog or pitbull puppy. He is very light-hearted until someone threatens Jira, in which case, he has only one objective... and that is to protect his brother! He is quite strong for his size and relative young age and he takes to training well, always looking to wrestle or pull one towards something he finds interesting... which is a lot of things. He has most of the same jutsu as Jira except Beast Tearing Palm. He also has Dynamic Marking, which allows him to pee on a target to be able to more easily track it.

-Soldier Pills- special pills that nourish the body and can replenish one's chakra. It is made up of powerful stimulants and nutrients that are near-instantly absorbed into the in-taker's body, and said to allow the user to keep fighting for three days and three nights without rest. At the end of the three days effect, the user is brought to the point of complete and utter exhaustion. When fed to Komi, Komi grows a small gold-colored mane and his fur turns deep red and gold and he behaves far more feral and has greater power.

✖ ‖ F i g h t i n g S t y l e

Primarily a speed fighter, Jira prefers to evade and strike than compete in contests of strength. He's quick thinking and relies on that quick thinking rather than fore-planning to get him through whatever situation he finds himself in. That said, he is quick to adjust his strategy and builds on it as he gets more information. This doesn't prevent him from jumping into situations without information, however, and sometimes, if he is prodded into it, he can fly into a rage. When he's winning he can gloat or taunt his opponent, sometimes to his determent.

✖ ‖ T h e m e S o n g

Nijira's Theme

✖ ‖ P l a y e d B y

Desdamin

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Remi Haruno

"Ah... Don't you think the world will be a little brighter without you in it?"

_______________________________________________

“Stay ready. I’ll let you know when we need to move out again”, said Senju-sensei, which was fine by Remi. By the time they finally arrived at the little encampment the Kumo-nin had made for themselves, he was ready to take a rest. By the spirits of his ancestors had it been a tense run! Even he had barely ventured even a friendly phrase! There was a sense that any noise could have given away... something to... somebody. Remi hadn't been explicitly told any of this, but... it just seemed that way. He briefly wondered if all travel would be so dreary; he'd have preferred if they'd at least been able to stop to see at least one of the small villages they'd skirted and passed... Oh well. "Do a great job, sensei", he called after with a wave and a smile. Her formal demeanor didn't suit his sensei, who Remi had found to be relatively festive for an adult! He decided right then and there that he'd do his best to make sure that she had more to smile about than to frown about and set to doing just that. But first things first! In all the excitement, he'd barely gotten a word with his team! "Alright gang", he said to his compatriots, putting a hand cheekily (in his opinion) on his hip, "These Kumo kids don't look so intimidating. Sure one of them has a scar on her eye and the other has several more arms than average, but together, we've got...", and he eyed Bakuto's puppet arm briefly, "At least as many arms! And Bakuto has far more than just a little aesthetic scar." He nodded with assuredness, "And remember, sensei is counting on us to be ready! Now, what do you think our plan of action should be?"

Des's Character Profile Repository/Test Threaad

╔══════════════════════╗

✖ ‖ N a m e

Nijira Inuzuka

✖ ‖ A g e / B i r t h d a y

12/ May 7

✖ ‖ G e n d e r

Male

✖ ‖ B o d y T y p e

shorter than average and very thin, he's stronger than he looks for all that, but is all sinew

✖ ‖ V i l l a g e

Konoha

✖ ‖ C l a n

Inuzuka Clan

✖ ‖ F a m i l y

Father: Yusuke Inuzuka
Mother: Kira Inuzuka
Siblings: Ichigoku Inuzuka (older brother), Sanji Inuzuka (younger brother)
Others: Komainutatsuo (puppy) (called Komi for short)

✖ ‖ R a n k

genin

✖ ‖ T i t l e s / N i c k n a m e s

Jira, Niji

✖ ‖ P e r s o n a l i t y

The shortest and scrawniest boy in his family, he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He's quick-tempered, especially when people underestimate him or compare him to his brother, and he's prone to lashing out. He is also known to call himself the "Dragon of the Leaf" and challenge people to fights over perceived slights. He hates the idea of not being able to beat someone who he thinks he's smarter than and struggles with feelings of physical inadequacy. That said, he isn't lazy and his stubbornness and spite is often surprising to people who would like to count him out. He loves his puppy more than almost anything else in the world and he's just about the only person that can cool his anger except his younger brother. He rarely admits that he's wrong and can be a little explosive when confronted. He is profoundly irritated with being ordered to do grunt work or things he considers brainless and will complain about it. Altogether, he has difficulty expressing his feelings, if he's not angry. He has a softer side, but his outside is all prickly. If he wasn't so sure that showing vulnerability would just confirm the worst things he believes about himself, he may venture to reveal himself to anyone but his puppy. He's naturally very curious, inquisitive, and investigatory and his lack of trust in people makes him great at finding out ways people are lying. He loses a lot of his challenges.

✖ ‖ L i k e s

✖ - Komainutatsuo
✖ - Being right
✖ - Discovering a lie
✖ - His little brother
✖ - Beating people larger than him

✖ ‖ D i s l i k e s

✖ - His older brother
✖ - Luck
✖ - Apologizing
✖ - Being outwitted
✖ - Being overpowered
✖ - Being underestimated
✖ - Anyone mentioning his height
✖ - Komi being hurt

✖ ‖ N i n d o

"Potential is something you make for yourself!"

✖ ‖ B i o g r a p h y

Nijira was born premature and even among small babies, he was smaller. His survival was miraculous and even years later, his father would say that he was lucky to have been born. His mother believed instead that he had fought for life, a view that impressed itself on young Nijira. For most of his early childhood, he spent his days playing with his older brother, happily following him around and trying to do just what the big boys were doing. He never could quite. All those games were rough and with Jira's small size, he just couldn't keep up. He'd inevitably end up hurt, but he was just as enamored with his older brother as everyone else.

It was hard not to be. Ichi was so effortlessly strong and playful, always smiling, always excited with life. Even as Jira fell and hurt himself running after Ichi, his brother's smiling face and strong outstretched hand lifting him back to his feet and cleaning him up gave him the confidence to keep going. Ichi didn't dwell on things long and it was hard to around him. He just kept moving and so too did Jira. And for a while, that was fine.

Things changed when his little brother Sanji was born. Now Jira was the older brother... but he found himself ill-suited to it. He didn't have his older brother's effortless way about him and despite being two years younger than him, by the time Jira had started at the academy, Sanji was already taller than him and he was often mistaken as the youngest brother! He didn't understand it... Why did he have to be so small and useless? He'd always thought he was just small because he was younger but there had to be something wrong with him. He was their brother, right? But his brothers were born big and grew tall quickly. His older brother was always so healthy and strong, always achieving with ease... and his younger brother was so effortlessly beloved. He was so kind that even though he was shy, he had so many friends... Jira had none of it.

Was it really just luck? Fate? He learned to detest the idea. It was capricious, unreliable, ridiculous. Why should he feel lucky for having to fight for what was just given to so many others? His perfect brother was more than lucky. If it was luck, then luck meant nothing. Jira didn't want luck, he'd decided. He didn't need it. He'd make his own. He had to.

And the academy did little to help. He was quickly singled out for his short stature and, worse, some even knew his older brother. It very quickly became obvious to him that he didn't compare to Ichi in any way except one... he consistently had higher grades than him. Ichi was very quick to congratulate him on his accomplishments but the older he got, the more Jira felt that he was just patronizing him. And the comparisons to his brainless older brother became more and more constant as he failed to live up to his... height. Jira was different! He was Jira!

After several fights in school (all of which he lost), his parents finally stepped in and gave him his own puppy that he was allowed to name himself. He was at first going to name him Mochi, because he was round and pudgy, but then settled on Komainutatsuo, which he thought was a much more intimidating name. Komi, as he nicknamed him, quickly became his one and only true friend, the only person he trusted... Together, they made up the gulf between him and Ichi. Maybe together, they could surpass him too. He kept his grades up, but now he was more confident in field tests too and it showed. Not that it mattered. Ichi had graduated just as well with near failing grades as Jira did with near perfect ones. Jira never managed to do better in field tests and the one thing that Jira outclassed Ichi in didn't really matter in the end.

✖ ‖ N a t u r e s

Wind, Lightning, (Fire Eventually)

✖ ‖ T a l e n t s

-Tracking
-Quick deduction and induction
-Endurance
-Arguing
-Creative insults
-Singing
-Impressions
-Chakra control

✖ ‖ J u t s u

-Combination Transformation- This is an advanced version of the Transformation Technique, where two or more users combine into one form in order to gain that form's physical abilities.

-Four Legs Technique- One of the "Imitation Beast Ninja Arts", this technique allows the user to move in the same way as an animal. By surrounding their body with chakra and moving about on all fours, the user's speed and accuracy are significantly enhanced, which in turn makes their attacks more damaging. He uses this to supplement his already quick speed and allows him to utilize claws, which he prefers, as he isn't very large.

-Passing Fang- The user moves at a target at high speeds and delivers a body slam. Because of how quickly they move, the user travels in a fairly straight line, necessitating that they anticipate the target's movements in order to ensure a successful strike. As they move at the target, the user spins rapidly in order to pierce targets, drilling even through stone.

-Beast Human Clone- An "Imitation Human Ninja Art", this technique transforms a ninken into their Inuzuka partner. By doing this, the Inuzuka gains a copy of themselves that serves the same practical purpose as a shadow clone but without a shadow clone's steep chakra requirement.

-Beast Tearing Palm- A powerful technique of wind nature chakra that can cut and slash through most material. Jira activates it by summoning chakra in his claws, and then swipes a slicing chakra wave.

-Feral Barrage- A series of speedy and aggressive slashing attacks made with Jira's claws whilst he moves at the opponent. While no individual hit may be special exactly, the strength of the technique is that the forward momentum, slashes, and speed are actually used evasively and to crowd the opponent, making it very difficult to counter from the front or from behind. It is vulnerable to surprise attacks from the side, but once Jira has closed the distance, getting to the side of him is extremely perilous. Can be used on midair opponents, though it loses some of its agility. Requires the use of Four Legs Technique.

-Moon Crescent Kick- Meant to be used as a countering kick in which Jira either somersaults forward or backwards, either kicking the opponent into the air or into the ground. Sometimes used as an interrupt to the Feral Barrage, but more often used when an opponent manages to back him up.

✖ ‖ W e a p o n s A n d T o o l s

Komainutatsuo- His Ninken. A strong fighting dog originally gifted to him to protect him from bullying, he's a very loyal and friendly dog with Jira's best interests at heart. He is Red/orange and cream with with a black nose and resembles an American bulldog or pitbull puppy. He is very light-hearted until someone threatens Jira, in which case, he has only one objective... and that is to protect his brother! He is quite strong for his size and relative young age and he takes to training well, always looking to wrestle or pull one towards something he finds interesting... which is a lot of things. He has most of the same jutsu as Jira except Beast Tearing Palm. He also has Dynamic Marking, which allows him to pee on a target to be able to more easily track it.

-Soldier Pills- special pills that nourish the body and can replenish one's chakra. It is made up of powerful stimulants and nutrients that are near-instantly absorbed into the in-taker's body, and said to allow the user to keep fighting for three days and three nights without rest. At the end of the three days effect, the user is brought to the point of complete and utter exhaustion. When fed to Komi, Komi grows a small gold-colored mane and his fur turns deep red and gold and he behaves far more feral and has greater power.

✖ ‖ F i g h t i n g S t y l e

Primarily a speed fighter, Jira prefers to evade and strike than compete in contests of strength. He's quick thinking and relies on that quick thinking rather than fore-planning to get him through whatever situation he finds himself in. That said, he is quick to adjust his strategy and builds on it as he gets more information. This doesn't prevent him from jumping into situations without information, however, and sometimes, if he is prodded into it, he can fly into a rage. When he's winning he can gloat or taunt his opponent, sometimes to his determent.

✖ ‖ T h e m e S o n g

Nijira's Theme

✖ ‖ P l a y e d B y

Desdamin

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Hideo Sarutobi

"Compromise is a lie told to abdicate duty."

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They weren't far from the genin, close enough to be able to keep an eye on them but far enough that they wouldn't easily be able to overhear what they were talking about. As expected, Tenshi was running out of patience and Mizuraki echoed his concerns, but Hideo did not address Mizuraki. He spoke to Tenshi without even acknowledging that Mizuraki had said anything at all. "Of course, Hokori-san. We never planned on leaving you out of this", said Hideo with a small bow, "I will tell you all that I can and perhaps Nakano-san can fill us all in on the rest." Hideo gestured deferentially towards Botan who nodded nervously. Hideo leaned against a tree like a discarded marionette; aside from his hand on the handle of his tanto, his whole body seeming to slump, held aloft by just one leg or perhaps suspended by a single string. His chest heaved twice as he gathered himself up and then finally continued, "We are here because of the Missing-nin in this area. They have something of importance to both the Leaf and Kumo. I cannot tell you what, but I can tell you that the great Kumogakure would not deign to ask our own village for assistance unless it was serious. I do not care what the target is and it is not important that you know. What they have in their possession they should not have and now must be neutralized. That is all that is important. Nakano-san, would you like to fill in the details?" "Y-yes...", Botan stammered, looked down and played with his hands a little, "I-I... Um... My team has been tracking the Missing-nin to their base. It is on an island not far from here, but it is highly defended. The coast closest to us is a tall and sheer cliff. We could sail around, but there patrols and traps. We would be alerting them to our presence... B-but the missing-nin do not sail from the island. We've found the tunnel that they have been using, but we have not explored it. We do not know how well defended it is o-or what we'll find in there..." "That sounds troublesome, Nakano-san. Have you discovered much about their forces", Hideo asked, blankly staring at the ground. "Yes... While most of the criminals are C-rank, they are led by four high-level ninja. Two have kept out of sight, but the two that I know by name... um... There is... Ondori Toutenkou... Iwa would probably appreciate his capture, but killing him should be fine too... And... Um... Ran Shigetsu... Suna really wants her back and she's holding one of the Seven Swords of the Mist..." "Yes, killing her would cause problems with the Suna alliance. Her sister is high-ranking, I hear", Hideo interjected. "Y-yeah...", Botan replied and looked away. He was clearly nervous to be leading the debriefing, so Hideo decided to broaden the conversation. "Now, shall we plan our attack", he asked, opening the floor to the rest of the assembled adult shinobi.

Naruto: Fire From Ember (open/accepting)

Yue Nara

"Stop... being alive. It's embarrassing."

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By the time Yue arrived at the clearing, she was a little winded. They'd kept up a quick pace for several hours in relative silence. She'd wisely decided not to be the front of the V formation, but drafted behind Tomoyuki, who looked to be more brawny and significantly more indefatigable than she was. She was never comfortable in the front of a pack anyway... or part of a pack, for that matter... She'd remained stony-faced throughout the run and, though the extended effort made it difficult, her mind was racing as fast as she was. Her first real debriefing had left her in a strange place. If she had been the arrogant snooty type, maybe she would have been flattered by that ANBU's apparent preference for her team over the team that Remi had been placed on. But she wasn't the arrogant snooty type, she thought. She could scarcely imagine caring about something as superficial as the praise of some self-imposed authority figure. She fumed a little as she followed behind her jounin sensei who had been assigned to her by some committee and took stock. At least they weren't trying to force her to conform to the Ino-Shika-Cho triplet again. When she'd seen Remi at the gates, she'd just about turned around and walked away... not because she hated Remi, but because she hated the idea that she was never going to escape that box, no matter how much she just didn't fit. Though she didn't show it, she'd been so relieved by her "sensei" (as she was supposed to call her now) announcing that she was to be on a team with Natsuo Aburame and Tomoyuki the sand kid. She didn't know much about Tomoyuki, he hadn't been in Leaf that long and Yue wasn't some welcoming committee, but she liked Natsuo as far as that went. He kept to himself, except to ask weird questions, and sometimes he'd wear interesting clothing. It was a kind of small surprise when he'd come into the classroom with a set of two foot long horns or giant swirly glasses or a kimono covered in smiles and other expressions, just the kind of odd thing that broke up the monotony and boredom of class for a few seconds before it set back in like a dull fog. And that brought her back to her jounin... Yue didn't know what to think of her yet. It was obvious by the way she talked that she was used to commanding respect, but the ANBU had treated both her and the other one (Yue seemed to recall being her name was Mizuraki) with very little of it. Yue had naturally bristled at the man (Hideo, she thought), but that only made her think of her mother, who'd have probably spent an hour lecturing him on proper etiquette if she had been there. They'd probably be back at the gates still arguing... Would they ever have left? No. No they wouldn't have. Anyway, the only thing she could discern about Ichika-sensei was that she was a serious person that planned on treating her like an adult and Yue felt unbelievably relieved and terrified by the notion in equal measure. She also seemed to handle chain of command with stride, neither bucking it nor allowing others to buck it. Even Bohi-sensei, the teacher from school, never seemed completely comfortable giving orders. She'd get flustered, resort to punishment, or even bargain sometimes. She'd get compliance in the end, but it was a bit of a struggle. It seemed that leadership was second nature to Ichika-sensei. It wasn't second nature to Yue. It wasn't as if she could have done any better. She just couldn't compare. By the time they made it to the clearing, the sun was beginning to set and Yue wanted to sit down. She'd never run this far before and never this far from the village. On her very first day as a real genin, she was miles from home surrounded by strangers and without any knowledge about what was coming next. Worse, she had to rely on so many people that she barely knew and who she knew she couldn't trust. Whatever cog they wanted her to play in the mission... well, she knew she may be able to... maybe... but she couldn't say the same about the others. What if one of them failed and she couldn't complete her objective? Probably it would be her fault somehow, no matter how well she performed. What was the point? She just wished she had more information... She didn't know where she was in any of this. She was lost. Still, her mind kept on snagging on what the adults were saying and doing. So their liaison was the Kumo rep's brother. He acted as if they were estranged... Maybe that explained why there was a Kumo rep in Konoha in the first place... Ichika-sensei was on her guard. That Hideo guy was acting much more formally. Was he just acting rude to Konoha-nin because he could get away with it? Maybe this mission really was so important if it made him manage his manners in such a way... It reminded her of dad when when mom was worried about something, like that one time she was convinced that someone had stolen dad's wedding ring. It had turned out that one of the deer on their property had swallowed it off of his finger while he'd been sleeping in his hammock, but Yue had never seen him so obliging... and then so quickly lazy once the ring was finally found again. "Go, but be wary. I have your backs should any foul play occur", said Ichika, her first statement since they'd started the mission and Yue was almost surprised to hear her speak. Regardless, she took her words to heart. It was dangerous. She barely knew the genin right next to her and, without knowing near anything about them, she was expected to also meet and deal with these foreigners. This all seemed so rushed, but Yue could not help but feel that whatever was going on, this confusion was planned. There was something she was missing and she didn't know what... but she knew she wouldn't feel comfortable until she figured it out. In the meantime, she thought as she glared at the Kumo genin, she'd just have to be very careful.