Sunflower

Naruto: Odyssey

Minoru

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He was met with the unimpressed faces of his students, feeling more than silly for freaking out about a beetle. His skin crawled as he watched the one the boy was casually playing with. Minoru had never liked beetles or any kind of bug for that matter. They didn't scare him they totally did...it was just that they were gross. His eyes followed Kazuhiko's gaze and his eyes widened and his mouth opened to scream.

"Don't scream sensei. Just bend down, I'll save you." He could hear the smirk in the genin's voice. She held her hands out, as if he was some sort of wild animal that she was trying to tame. He did as she said, squealing when he could feel the beetle moving on his shoulder. When he bent at the waist, fighting the natural urge to swat the big away, she plucked it off of his shoulder and held it in her cupped hands. Koharu looked up at the konin with a wry grin. He wasn't used to seeing the girl smile much. She - and Kazukiko - were much too serious.

"Thank you." The joning said, head hanging in shame. His eues widened when the girl took a step closer, grin widening as he took a step back. She snorted softly before looking down at the beetle in her hands. Minoru watched as she carried it to a nearby bush and set it on one of the branches. He wondered what they were all doing up so early as they weren't going to leave for another two hours. He could see little wet spots on Kazuhiko's and Natsuko's clothes, knowing the only source of the spots was the pale haired girl still standing at the bush. When she returned to them, he could see thather hand was balled. She tossed something at him, and Minoru was man enough to admit that he screamed.

Koharu laughed at him. It wasn't a dignified laugh like she'd likely been taught to have. It was a laugh full of snorts and soft giggles, sounds that didn't fit the girl.

Koharu

She couldn't believe that their sensei was afraid of bugs. She'd tossed a lead at him, finding his reaction hilarious. She didn't laugh often but when she did she seemed to act her age rather than behave like an adult. Once her laughter died down, ahe wiped her cheeks and gave Minoru a grin before heading over to her tent to grab something.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu

Early morning / Land of Lighting outskirts

Koharu was a light sleeper so the noise caused by Natsuko moving around in their tent caused her to wake up. By no means did she enjoy waking up early but she was used to it now and wouldn't complain openly. She rubbed her eyes and nodded at Natsuko. There was no way Koharu was getting back to sleep so she might as well go with her teammate. The attack by the bandits the other day was still fresh in her mind. She crawled out if the tent behind Natsuko and found one of the guards on duty. Minoru-sensei was likely sleeping in the tent he shared with Kazuhiko, or was supposed to be sharing. Koharu couldn't fault the boy, she trained by herself a lot as well. There was something calming about it. Perhaps it was because she could go her own pace rather than being hurried along or slowed down by someone else.

She grabbed Natsuko by the collar of her shirt as she protested. Oh no, she wasn't going to pull this stunt again. The first time she had tried it ended in them just trying to ignore each other in favor of training by themselves. "If you leave I'll put ice down your shirt." Koharu warned. No one enjoyed ice in their shirt. She'd only done that once to a boy in their class before they graduated. He'd been wary around her since. It wasn't that he'd been hurt or that she had put a lot, just enough to make him a bit miserable.

Koharu released the back of Natsuko's shirt, dropping her hand to her side. She'd never tested if her ice was strong or weak against any elements other than fire. Osamu had said it would get stronger with added chakra. At this point she didn't have much, she was still a genin after all. It hadn't even been a full year since they left the academy. "Did you want to have two against one, or free for all?" While her words were directed at both of them, she looked at Kazuhiko. Part of her was a little irritated that Hachiro was worshipping the ground Kazuhiko walked on despite them both taking down the same number of men but she tried to let it go. Kids were impressed by flashy moves. Well, at least the lightning had been flashy. She pushed a hand through her hair, pushing away stray strands as she waited for an answer. She'd left her faithful sword back in their tent and she felt bare without it. Koharu wasn't the best at kenjutsu, she still had a ways to go, but she felt comfortable with a sword in her hands. Minoru never let her train with it though, which was understandable - someone could get hurt - but it didn't stop her from wanting to go get it.

Minoru

Early morning / Land of Lighting outskirts

Minoru was a heavy sleeper, which contradicted his nature as a shinobi. You couldn't afford to be a heavy sleeper while on a mission. He'd given specific instructions to the guards to watch his pupils while he got a bit of sleep. He'd assured them that the kids would behave...Well two of them anyways and they could keep Natsuko under control. Kazuhiko's deadpan look usually did the trick.
He trusted them to behave and stay in the camp. He was spawled out on his bedroll, half covered by a thin blanket and snoring loudly.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu

They weren't shinobi, that much was clear. It was likely they were just bandits that saw them as an easy target, or they seen the intricately stitched silk robes that Hachiro wore and assumed they'd get a heafty ransom for the boy. It was common knowledge that genin weren't highly trained or deadly. They were still learning to be shinobi after all. Koharu could feel the blood pumping inher veins, hearing it loud in her ears, as she rushed at the men. This was her first encounter like this, and she knew that it wouldn't be the last. In the back if her mind she could hear Osamu scolding her for being scared. Those katana were almost as big as she was, of course she'd be scared.

The weight of her own sword on her hip didn't stand out to her until she remembered her iaido. It had helped her, even what little she knew of it, gain confidence in her movements and how to handle a katana. She didn't practice with a bamboo sword, no it was a real sword she used that had been dulled down. Remembering her training helped rein in her fear. She ducked out of the way of a katana blade and rolled a few feet away, taking a breath before doing a single hand sign and slapping her small hand onto the ground. "Ice Style: Frozen Capturing Field!" Ice bloomed from her palm, extending forward and out to cover the man's feet, trapping him. The girl wasn't as proficient in her ice release as she would have liked but she wasn't helpless. The man was trying to pull his feet from the ice, yelling in frustration when his feet wouldn't budge.

A good thing about using this sort of nature transformation was it was a little different than manipulating preexisting ice. First: it was stronger, second: she had better control of it, and third: she could use it whenever she wanted to and wasn't restricted if she didn't have any preexisting snow. Koharu smirked in triumph that she was getting better with it. When she first learned the jutsu she lacked the proper balance of wind and water so her attempts often turned to slush. Needless to say, Osamu hadn't been happy that she'd ruined three pairs of his shoes. The man still had his katana and she grew amused when he began hacking at the ice with it when he realized that the ice prevented him from slipping put of his shoes. With that man busy she focused on the others.

There were six in all, counting the man in the ice, and they seemed focused now on Kazuhiko and Koharu more than they were Natsuko and Hachiro. She knew the boy was in safe hands. Just because he'd annoyed Natsuko didn't mean she'd offer him up on a silver platter to those men. She could remember Minoru's lessons on sparing lives whenever possible. The man had said that knowing when to spare a life was a true measure of one's heart. Koharu had taken those lessons in and made them her own. She wouldn't kill these men - couldn't kill them - but she'd make sure they wouldn't hurt Natsuko and Hachiro.
Her small size was both a blessing and a curse. She was quicker than the men but they were bigger and could easily over power her so she focused on dodging their attacks and waiting for the opportunity to use her jutsu again. One by one she picked off two other men in a similar fashion, sealing their feet up in ice before delivering a harsh blow to their stomachs with the sheath of her sword.

At the end of the small scuffle, she was left exhausted. Three consecutive uses of her chakra was...well, draining for lack of a better word. Not only was she a genin using a jutsu she was still learning, but she also had to balance two different types of chakra to make a whole new one. Koharu doubled over with her hands on her knees and caught her breath. To her astonishment she noticed that she and Kazuhiko took down the same number of men.

"That's not fair." She grumbled between breaths. "But good job, Kazu-chan." Koharu didn't call him that often, usually preferring to call him by his name.

Minoru

They'd been gone for far longer than he would have liked. Already the guards were preparing dinner, giving Minoru time to check on the kids. He expected them to be playing in the water (well Natsuko and their charge Hachiro at least). The sight that greeted him was anything but expected. Six men, all in various states of consciousness, were strewn about it what obviously was a small skirmish. Hachiro had latched onto both Kazuhiko and Koharu's hands and was crying. Minoru could see the large tears and globs of snot from where he'd broken through the trees.

Koharu was the first to speak, even if her voice was tired and unsteady. "We're fine, Minoru-sensei." She planted a hand on Hachiro's dark hair and smiled at the boy, trying to calm him down.

He was having a hard time wrapping his head around the scene. They were just genin, kids of twelve, and they'd managed to take down six men by themselves and their charge was unharmed. He was impressed. Not many their age, and even older, could accomplish that. "Good job you three. Now quickly return Hachiro to the guards." He'd deal with the men. They could just pack up and find a new spot but the kids looked tired. Hachiro took to leaning against Kazuhiko and Koharu looked about ready to flop onto the ground.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu

Koharu weakly protested being drug around. Had it not have been for the bone deep ache in her feet she would have happily accepted Natsuko's offer to soak her feet. Koharu could endure training with Osamu, with her teammates and Minoru, but she couldn't handle aching feet. Koharu's face twisted into a brief, uncharacteristic pout when Minoru ignored Kazuhiko's pleading. "Hmph. Picking favorites as always." She said, not really catching the hurt that flashed over the jonin's face. Oh she knew that Minoru-sensei favored Natsuko, not that she could blame him. Koharu and Kazuhiko were far too serious while Natsuko and Minoru were loud and boisterous.

"Have fun you three. Be safe!" There was no harm in letting them go soak their feet. They weren't used to these long trips uet and he didn't see a problem in rewarding them. Perhaps it would put the girls into a better mood.

"Hey wait for me!" Koharu looked back at the little boy and sighed. No doubt he'd want to go just to annoy them. Koharu didn't mind, her sister was about the same age as he was and she didn't get to see her often so this would be like having her around. Koharu looked back at Minoru and found him smiling. It was tense, sure, but he seemed to trust them with Hachiro's safety. That was a big responsibility. No doubt it was a test of sorts. If they could do this mission successfully then they could take more than errands in the village.
"Three feet away from him, Suko-chan. Minoru-sensei won't let us take another mission if you beat him up." Koharu gave a soft smirk, despite the desire to protest.

The river was beautiful, reflecting the colors of the setting sun. It wasn't very wide or deep so it was perfect. Koharu wasn't the tallest around, Hachiro wasn't much taller than she was, so deep water intimidated her a little bit. She rolled her pant legs up and settled on the ground, making sure there was at least three feet between Natsuko and Hachiro. She enjoyed the cold against her skin, and if the small yelp that Hachiro gave when he put his feet in the river too was any indication, then she was likely the only one that would. A soft giggle came from the girl and there was a look of mischief in her eyes. It wasn't often that she showed this side of her but she needed to get payback for the brat's earlier comment about Natsuko. Koharu wasn't bothered by the white hair comment, she learned to tune those out long ago.

With a few moments of concentration she focused her wind chakra out through her still submerged feet, causing the water to get colder than it already was. Ah, that was better! Hachiro was screeching, holding onto his cold feet in ab attempt to warm them up. Please, it wasn't as if his feet were going to fall off. "Hey Kazuhiko, how does a bit of friendly competition sound?" She asked the boy. They weren't rivals, well she didn't see him as a rival (she couldn't say how Kazuhiko viewed her). Often, though, she liked training with him because they had about equal skill. She felt he was more skilled at her in many areas, but that was her opinion and every time Minoru was asked who was better he'd never give them an answer.

Minoru

He chuckled as they walked into the trees. The guards wouldn't be happy about letting their young master out of his sight but as far as Minoru was concerned the boy was safe. They were all close enough to jump into action if any of the kids yelled, and he thought of his team as being strong. Even Natsuko, if she'd ever believe in her abilities. Minoru couldn't help but to think back to Koharu's statement about favorites. Had he really been that transparent or was the girl just good at picking up on thongs like that? Minoru didn't have time to dwell on the quesion when the guards came back, the sound of clattering wood announcing their arrival.

"Relax, he's safe with my students. They will not let anything happen to him. They are fully cap--"

"They are genin!" The guard captain, who'd gone to relieve himself in the bushes, interrupted him. Minoru sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"The boy is of the Taketori clan, the auburn haired girl is of the Rinha, and the white haired one is of the Wakahisa." The weight their clan names carried clearly didn't end at the Land of Fire boarders. The guard captain didn't seem so certain but another guard, this one at least a decade younger with a fresh scar on his face, looked up wide eyed. Minoru felt a flash of pride in his students. If just their clan names could make someone look like that them he couldn't wait for the day when their own names would provoke such a reaction.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu

She smiled at Natsuko's enthusiasm. Koharu couldn't deny that having the other girl around was a good thing. She could remind Koharu that they were just twelve year old girls, not adults. At home Koharu was talked to as an adult. She attended the meetings Osamu had with his advisors and she even trained with him. Everything in her life was centered around her status as heir to the clan. She was not a child. She was their future. This sort of stuff, being with her team and being treated like a kid, made it all bearable. If only she wasn't so awkward at trying to be informal. (Hey she could have been as bad as Kazuhiko.)

Koharu was also thankful that Natsuko seemed assured that she and Kazuhiko could keep her safe. So much was piled onto her shoulders, and his. So much was riding on them to be perfect for their clans. It was nice that they had someone around that only expected them to be safe havens rather than cold perfection.

"Why's your hair white?" The question didn't catch her off guard. No, the speaker had caught her off guard. She looked at the little boy and gave a small smile. It wasn't uncommon for people, especially children, to ask about her hair. She was aware that it wasn't exactly common in Konoha and many of her classmates had made fun of her for it. She couldn't ever remember a time when Natsuko or Kazuhiko had made fun of her hair. She'd been about to explain that it was common back in the Land of Snow, and that it was the only good thing she had to remember her father bye, but he'd moved onto Natsuko.

Koharu's snorting laughter was quickly drowned out by her hand as she attempted to smother away the sounds. She had to be dignified and there was nothing noble about snorting. This little boy surely wasn't winning any points with Natsuko. Koharu moved closer to her teammate and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Suko-chan. He isn't winning any beauty contests either." Koharu paused at her awkward wording and quickly withdrew her hand to bow deeply towards Natsuko, muttering out a soft apology. Koharu was used to impassive adults as cold as the ice she could wield, not pretty girls who were insulted.

Minoru

He'd thanked the guard captain and gave assurances that this would go smoothly but when he turned around and seen the wide smile on Natsuko's face and Koharu bowing while apologies streamed from her mouth made him rethink what he'd told the captain. With a defeated sigh he moved closer to his team and put a hand on Natsuko's head and told Koharu that she didn't have to bow anymore.

"I see you've already met our charge. He is Hachiro, the son of the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning." He motioned for his students to follow him as the carriage began moving. The journey would take three days, and that was without any interruptions or mishaps. He had a good team and they'd done good on their other missions and their training. This was their chance for some real world experience. The Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning were on...tense grounds with each other. While they would likely jave a run of the mill escort mission it wouldn't hurt to teach them just how this world really worked. From what he understood and had learned about his students was that Natsuko was saddled with the least burden by her family but the other two were the exact opposite and likey all they knew about the world was how their clans fit into it.

"Are you alright?" Minoru asked as he fell in line with Koharu.

"Yes sir." She kept her gaze on everything but the village gates they'd barely just passed through.

When the Wakahisa clan had been brought to Konoha there were a great many people who didn't care if a new clan would live within the village walls but some of the older and bigger clans had raused concerns, namely the fact that the Wakahisa clan didn't tell anyone, possibly beyond the Hokage and his advisors, shy they'd been exiled from Yukigakure. The people of Konoha were welcoming but could be suspicious. Not that he blamed them, he'd been suspicious at first to but once the shinobi from Yukigakure had shown their talent and desire to protect their new homes people began to change their minds.

"You might want to check on Natsuko. That blow to her ego is hurting her more than she wants to show."

Koharu

》 Dusk//Land of Fire border

When they finally stopped for the night she could feel a deep ache in her feet and once Minoru gave the word that they were stopping for lunch Koharu stripped her shoes off and tossed them into a small pile. To hell with being dignified when her feet hurt! The day had been largely uneventful aside from Natsuko teasing them and Minoru trying to impart wisdom as they walked.
The guards set the carriage down and Minoru was in the process of already making a fire, showing off his use of fire jutsu to the sppiled brat Daimyo's son.
So far the mission was fun. Being so far from her family was a little odd and it made her nervous but ultimately she was enjoying it. This was their first real mission after all. Maybe in a little while she'd practice her iaido.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu

At first Natsuko used to bother her. She wasn't used to people being so...open around her. Koharu may have spent a majority of life in Konoha but she was still an outsider, even with the village headband secured around her left arm. Now though she was getting used to the other girl and her antics. Koharu would even work up the courage to play along at times. But why did she always insist that Koharu and Kazuhiko would be anything beyond teammates? Sure she respected him and his dedication to his training but that didn't amount to anything more than just reapect. She watched the other girl curiously before sparing a glance ahead at the boy. Hm, "I don't know...they might make a cute couple." Koharu's usually neutral face cracked into an easy grin. It wasn't often she'd smile around anyone but her mother and younger sister. She was too 'important' to be above such things. Koharu wouldn't admit but she did like the rare times that Natsuko's teasing would cause the boy to blush.

Surely if Osamu could see her now he'd have a heart attack. She was raised to be poised and prideful, even if she was just a little kid. Koharu had once heard her mother and Osamu talking about her. Her mother was against the idea that Koharu was essentially acting like a mini version of her adootive father. Osamu had argued back that Koharu was his child now and he'd raise her how he seen fit. She knew her mother and had a fantastic relationship with her younger sister but most of her memories were of Osamu and his sons. The grin was gone just as quick as it came and she adjusted the grip on her traveling backpack.
Ahead of them she could see Minoru trying to talk to Kazuhiko and she didn't think the man was going to get very far.

"Hey Suko-chan...are you nervous to be going so far away from home?"

She didn't remember the long journey across land and sea to get to Konoha. Her family had been powerful in Yukigakure and, fortunately for them, had made many allies in various countries. Koharu had been four when the massacre of Kazahana Castle happened. A four year old wouldn't remember much. What she lacked in memories she made up for in knowledge. She knew that the Wakahisa clan had settled temporarily in the Land of Lightning until housing arrangements could be made in Konoha.

Minoru

The man could hear the girls behind them and he couldn't help but smirk just a little bit at Natsuko's teasing. It seemed that she had an idea to break their shells, even if it was a little over ths top. That's what he liked about the girl: she didn't just do missions with her team, she tried to ve their friend. While it was common for genin to form strong friendships with their teams occasionally you'd get a genin that kept everyone at arm's length. One of his own teammates had been that way. Minoru hoped that none of his students would end up that way. If anything having to quiet kids paired up with loud Natsuko would do them good. Minoru laughed deeply when Koharu joined in on the teasing. Oh boy was Kazuhiko going to have his hands full if Koharu's shell ever broke.

"Go easy on him girls." At least this journey wasn't going to be dull. Minoru looked back down at the boy next to him as they walked. "So Kazuhiko...how's training?" There wasn't much that he seemed to be able to teach Kazuhiko or Koharu. Both took their training seriously and he didn't doubt that they didn't train at home. He knew that Koharu did. He'd met her adoptive father once and it had been a...different type of meeting. He'd informed Minoru that it was expected that Koharu would practice better on her own than with a team. It took a while for him to understand it but after seeing the sword strapped to the girl's side he understood.
Kazuhiko seemed to be leaps and bounds beyond others his age. There wasn't much use in Minoru beating a dead horse by going over the basics with the boy.

Natsuko seemed to be the only one he actually had to teach. Minoru contemplated getting Kazuhiko or Koharu to help the girl. Maybe they vould get through to her. The journey to the west gate was relatively short and he could see their guest surrounded by a few guards. Great. This one better not be spoiled.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Minoru

He hoped that his studentswere excited for this mission. He...well, he was, but he was also a little nervous. They'd been a fantastic team so far, despite a few setbacks. They were growing as shinobi and he knew their families were proud. That didn't stop him from worrying though. Oddly enough this was the first time since they'd been assigned to him that he was actually on time. Along the way he'd met up with Koharu, a tiny but serious faced girl that no doubt would grow to be a wonderful woman. He towered over the girl and often he had to look down to make sure he hadn't lost her in the crowds. Theur walk had been quiet, as most walks with her were. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence. He knew that she was quiet, did quiet things and generally went about her business without a fuss. She was...different than he'd expected. Hearing you were training an heir to a clan wasn't the best news. Most were spoiled and expected for this whole experience to go by as easily as their lives did. But this one, and Kazuhiko, were different. They strived to be the best, to take all of their challenges head on.

"Are you excited, Koharu?"

He glanced down at the small girl agian as they approached te other two genin that were already waiting for them. He didn't miss the way her lips quirked up at the corners as she watched her teammates. The focus was returned to Minoru and she nodded. "Yes. Mother thinks I'm too young but Osamu-san says I need a real mission." She spoke so formally that Minoru gave a small defeated sigh. Well hopefully having Natsuko around would break that shell of hers. And the one around Kazuhiko.
He felt his own lips twitch into a smile and he gave a soft laugh.

"Go easy on them, Natsuko. It's still quite early." Indeed it was early. A good portion of the village wasn't even awake yet. That was fine though, they had a long journey to the Land of Lightning. No doubt his two serious, sticks in the mud would find this to be an adequate challenge. D-rank missions could only hold their interests for so long. No one wanted to be stuck finding lost dogs or delivering packages throughout the village for a year.

Koharu

There was always a bubble of nervousness that welled up in her stomach, settling heavily in the base of her throat, when she had to greet her teammates. During training she could distract herself with sparring or something. There was no buffer during a time like this though. Koharu nodded at each of her teammates briefly before looking at their sensei. She liked Mimoru so far. He'd neen welcoming of her, even after her rough introduction into his group, and she enjoyed that he didn't pester her with questions about why her clan had immigrated. She could no longer remember the land of her birth beyond the cold and snow, and while she knew why they had left in the first place, she didn't know the fine details. Or why so many were suspicious of the Wakahisa clan. They weren't spies. When the question was presented to Minoru, she looked up at him curiously with an obvious desire to start their mission soon.

"I'm having doubts now, Kazuhiko. I think we should head home."

"But sensei! You said that we were ready. Have you ever spent a year doing kiddie missions? They get dull. Fast." Koharu felt a little embarrassed at her minor outburst. Minoru omly smiled at her and reached out and put a large hand on her hair.

"I was joking. We'll leave soon. I promise. We need to stop at an estate close to the border. We should get there by noon."

Koharu scowled up at the mam and batted his hand away from her head. He laughed quite loudly at that. Such a tiny thing with such an impressive amount of courage. Most would have been disappointed and returned home.

@Dusksong

Naruto: Odyssey

Koharu Wakahisa

Koharu Wakahisa

_{You mean you'll put down your rock and I'll put down my sword and we'll try to kill each other like civil people?}

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Female | 若久 小春 | 12

Appearance:

Koharu stands at 4'8, and as she gets older she will reach a maximum height of an even 5'0. She lacks the typical dark colored hair of the Wakahisa, instead having inherited her fathers pale locks, but her eyes are the traditional stormy green-grey of her clan. She styles her hair into simple waist length braids. Koharu typically wears a long sleeved dark colored shirt with her clan symbol on the back, and a long white shawl that she ties closed with a dark purple sash. She wears black capri pants and the standard shinobi sandals. Koharu is always seen with her katana strapped to her side.

Personality:

Acutely aware that she is an outsider in these lands in more ways than one, Koharu strives to prove others wrong about her and her clan. The girl possesses a serious and driven nature, much like that of her adoptive father. She would rather do things right than not do them at all. She takes her training much more seriously than someone her age should but she knows that without hard work and dedication she cannot achieve her goals. Among her peers she is typically quiet and reserved, largely unsure how to approach them. In the company of those she trusts she can be loud and boisterous.

History:

The Wakahisa clan is a recent arrival to the Land of Fire. The clan originated within the Land of Snow as a prominent family from Yukigakure with several of members acting as the guards of the daimyo. The Wakahisa clan enjoyed a life of luxury and power thar came to a quick stand still when Doto Kazahana, the brother of the daimyo, Sosetsu Kazahana, rebelled and murdered his brother, along with many servants, nobles and a portion of the Wakahisa clan in order to gain treasure. Taking what members they had left, the now disgraced Wakahisa clan left Yukigakure for the Land of Fire. Koharu was the last of the Wakahisa to be born in Yukigakure.

Koharu's place in the clan would have been very different had her father not have died. She was four when her father perished in the fire of Kazahana castle and her mother, a young widow heavily pregnant with her second child, could not provide for her. Osamu, her mother's older brother, took her in as his own despite having two sons of his own. Osamu's sons were both bastards born out of wedlock with two different women and were not the ideal heirs to the Wakahisa clan, something that fueled rumors that Osamu only took Koharu in because she was not a bastard. Osamu's sons, Nobuyuki and Nori, were respectively ten and eight uears older than Koharu and as such were away on missions for a good potion on her life. Nori was killed three years ago in the line of action and Nobuyuki is missing but is presumed to be dead.

Chakra type - Wind & Water:
These types of chakra transformations are able to combine two or more types of chakra to create a new type. Koharu is able to use wind based chakra or water based chakra independently from each other but prefers using ice based chakra.

Kekkei genkai:
The Wakahisa clan was widely known for their nature release kekkei genkai, simply known as Ice Release. While almost all ninja in Yukigakure use ice based attacks, which often manipulate preexisting ice, the Wakahisa are able to combine both wind and water chakra to create ice. When the wind chakra is released, it causes the surrounding vicinity to rapidly cool, allowing for snow (and ultimately ice) to form. There are a few other clans that are able to use this kekkei genkai and it is speculated that they share a common ancestor.

Abilities

Weapons:

• Katana

• Of Wakahisa make, Koharu has two different katana: one crafted for her as a starter sword, and the other a sentimental hand-me-down from her father.

Jutsu:

• Ice Release: Frozen Capturing Field - This techniqe creates a sheet of ice that can trap the feet of nearby enemies.
• Ice Release: Swallow Snow Storm (Class: Offensive) - This technique creates a cluster of ice needles in the shapes of minature swallows that the user launches at their opponent.
• Ice Sword Technique (Class: Offensive) - The user creates a sword using ice release. Jagged and rather unrefined, the swords prove to be effective.
• Clone Technique (Class: Supplementary, E-Rank) - The user creates an intangible copy of their own body without substance. It is considered the most basic of ninjutsu.
• Iaidō - Refers to a specific style of kenjutsu that is concerned with smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing the blood from the blade and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. Used as a means of meditation, it had allowed Koharu the focus necessary to be confident in herself, and her abilities. Because it is a skill practiced with dulled swords with a very real threat of injury, Koharu can easily apply what she's learned to actual combat and has become comfortable with a katana.

Wakahisa clan

Wakahisa Clan
Yukigakure | 若久 | Small

History: With origins in the Land of Snow, the Wakahisa clan started out as a family of samurai three hundred years ago, honing their skills as swordsmen. After the emergence of a kekkei genkai generations ago, the clan moved from using forged swords to using swords made of ice. They also came into the service of the Land of Snow's daimyo around this time, protecting the 'royal' family as well as defending the border. They held this position for centuries before the coup d'etat by Doto Kazahana, the brother of the Snow daimyo. In the chaos, in which someone started a fire either purposefully or accidentally, a large portion of the Wakahisa were lost. Dutiful to the end, they tried their best to protect the family they served and their heritage.
After the successful coup, the survivors were driven from their homeland and forced to settle elsewhere. Trade and political ties outside of the Land of Snow led them to settle in the Land of Fire, and ultimately Konohagakure. They currently thrive in a niche of craftsmen. Wakahisa swords are valued for their beauty, and Wakahisa art such as pottery and textiles are common sights among the homes of the wealthy. They have a small number of members who chose to become shinobi, although their clan has no clear definition of civilians, as all of them have been taught and carry on the traditional sword techniques of their clan. They are all capable fighters.
Notable members:
Osamu Wakahisa- Current clan leader and adoptive father of Koharu. Cold and stern, he will protect his clan and preserve their heritage.
Koyuki Wakahisa- The younger sister of Osamu, she lost her husband, and sanity, during the coup d'etat.
Ryo Wakahisa- Deceased. He gave his life to ensure his family could escape.
Kotari Wakahisa- Young and airheaded, she does not face the same pressures of her elder sister.
Koharu Wakahisa- The middle ground between her teammates.
Nori Wakahisa- Deceased. He stepped into the afterlife at the young age of eighteen. He was the first of their clan to perish outside of their homeland.
Nobuyuki Wakahisa- Missing in action. His actions and deeds propelled him into a high rank within the village's shinobi. His last mission ended with his disappearance and he is currently presumed to be dead.

Minoru Kawaguchi

Minoru Kawaguchi

_{Our lives are remembered by the gifts we leave our children.}

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Male | 川口 実 | 27

Appearance:

Minoru is a tall man, standing around 5'11". He has dark colored eyes and long hip length black hair that he ties into a low pomytail with a red string. Minoru does not wear the standard issue vest; instead he wears a thick black coat that has a thick border of gray diamonds along the hem and collar. Under his shirt he wears a sleeveless gray shirt with a high collar that nearly reaches his chin. Minoru also wears a pair of black fingerless gloves. His pants are black and he leaves them untucked.

Personality:

Minoru is a pretty darn good candidate for being a teacher. He works well with others and has patience that can seemingly last forever...at least when he remembers to be a teacher. There is a limit to his patience and his kindness though, and once that line is crossed he becomes a very short tempered and sharp tongued person. Minoru wants to see his students grow into fine young adults and to carry on his teachings after he's passed on. He has a mild obsession with tea and ditching his students.

History:

Born into the Kawaguchi clan, an old but small clan on the border of the Land of Fire, Minoru is the eldest son of the second heir to the clan. Although he is likely to never inherit the title of head of the Kawaguchi clan, he was trained alongside his elder cousins as a precaution. One can never have too many potential heirs. Minoru never wanted to become the head of the clan, instead he poured all of his time and effort into supporting his eldest cousin, the first heir of the Kawaguchi line. Just before Minoru was set to graduate the academy at the age of twelve, his eldest cousin passed suddenly from illness. Shortly after the death of his eldest cousin, Minoru's father stepped into the vacant spot. Minoru's time and effort quickly went into pursuing a career as a ninja. By the time he was fifteen he passed the Chuunin exams (finally) and progressed rapidly from there. He was asked to take on a job as a mentor for the up-coming graduates from the academy.

Chakra type - Fire:
Common in the Land of Fire, Minoru is one of the majority.

Jutsu & Weapons
Minoru is one of many ninja who lack a kekkei genkai. He favors sealing techniques and genjutsu.

Abilities

Weapons:
Minoru uses a ninjatō but prefers other weapons and means of fighting
Undetermined number of shurkien and kunai held within scrolls

Jutsu:

Enclosing technique (Class: Supplementary, Fūinjutsu) - Using this technique, a wide variety of objects and even living things can be stored within scrolls, to be released when the scroll is opened or under a specific condition.

Fūinjutsu Trap (Class: Supplementary, Fūinjutsu) - Once the technique is activated, the target is sealed into a different dimensional space, within the location of the seal.

Lightning Sword Transformation (Class: Supplementary, Fūinjutsu) - This is a special "ninja tool summon" that allows the user to seal ninja tools like swords or kunai into a scroll or their clothes beforehand, allowing them to be called upon when needed. The ninja tools can be summoned in an instant just by touching the sealing "marks" which can be drawn anywhere.

Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique (Class: Genjutsu, C-Rank) - A genjutsu that allows one to trick others into mistaking the place they're in for another. This technique's main feature is that it can be cast over an extensive surface, therefore any and all who step into the illusion's area of effect will fall under the spell. That said, it might not work so well on people who are well-versed or otherwise skilled in genjutsu.

Genjutsu Binding (Class: Genjutsu, Supplementary) - As the name suggests, the user binds the opponent in a genjutsu, rendering them incapable of movement.

Kawaguchi clan

Kawaguchi Clan
Land of Fire | Small

History: The Kawaguchi clan has ties as old as the Land of Fire itself. They have a small home village located just on the coast and from there they've made a name for themselves. Their origins were as mercenaries, like many of the other families and clans. Particularly adept in having jack-of-all-trade members, they were once sought after. With the founding of Konoha, their use as mercenaries declined as temporary peace came to the land. With this new shift in their livelihoods, the Kawaguchi chose to become caravan guards and later merchants themselves. They have several members of the clan who serve as politicians. Although small in number, the Kawaguchi are still respected in their homeland.
Notable members:
Minoru Kawaguchi- Sensei to team six and well in over his head.
Azumi Hyuuga- Wife to Minoru and a calming, maternal presence for his genin.
Kazuha Kawaguchi-Oldest daughter of Minoru and Azumi.
Haru Kawaguchi- Infant son of Minoru and Azumi.

"When your past catches up to you."

She had been surprised that he agreed that she go with Garrett. Even the blond was surprised. He had expected William to get angry, to lash out at him. A few hours had passed since then . Garret had given the couple some time to themselves while he played with Rose Anne in the garden. There were things those two had to talk about in private. When they finally did come out of the house, Keziah was wiping her cheeks. No doubt she had been crying.
"I’ll make sure they're all safe. If you have any sort of idea of where you're going to be…well…I can try to send word when the child is born. You deserve to know." Garrett wasn't a bad man, only worried about his friend.

When they finally did leave hours later, Keziah was holding as sleeping Rose Anne as the carriage started to move. It would have been easier on foot of horseback but Keziah's belly and Rose Anne presented a problem. Garrett lived on the edge of Lexington in a simple home. He was unmarried but kept a well maintained home. After he had helped Keziah and Rose Anne from the carriage, the man went about taking some of their belongings inside. "You and your daughter go ahead and rest. I'm going to ask around...see if anyone had the desire to tell where William was at.

((Forgive the post. I'm very tired.))

"When your past catches up to you."

Garrett looked skeptical. How could he tell that Keziah would bear a little boy. He glanced at the woman and found that under the blush that now stained her cheeks that she too was wondering why William had said they were going to have a son. The man had a sour look onhis face as he regarded the man. "I understand that hey are your family but why come here when we've already had Redcoats looking for you?" The news of Benedict Arnold's assassination had reached Lexington long before William and Garrett knew that there were some that would turn him in rather quickly now that they knew he was here.

"All I'm doing is looking out for Keziah..." He glanced at the woman again. He held no fancy for her. There might have been a time when they were younger and had toyed with he possibility of marrying each other but those days were long gone.
He had come to learn, just as she had, that he would much rather call her a friend, a sister, rather han a wife. He knew that some people mistook the looks he gave her.

"And that's okay, Garrett. But..." Keziah didn't want hdr family to be in danger, she didn't want to see her husband be captured and given a traitor's death. But at the same time she hadn't seen her husband for so long. Rose Anne hadn't seen her father for so long. She paused her thoughts when Rose Anne walked her way to Garrett. The big man smiled briefly and picked her up, holding her carefully. He had mourned Samuel's passing too. It was rather sad to thk that the man who'd helped Garrett with making a little stick musket was gone.

He sighed softly. "Keziah you know that I'm just looking out for you. I can take you and Rose Anne to safety, give you a safe place to live until you birh your child..." This was her call. He wouldn't, couldn't force her to go with him, just like her husband couldn't force her to stay. "And after the child is born...then...I will help you find your husband again. If he isn't captured first." It sounded harsh, and it was, but Garrett made it clear that if William got caught then there wasn't much he could do. He wasn't willing to risk his life for something that would have no gain.

Keziah looked down at her belly then up at Rose Anne. She needed to do right by them. They were her priority now. She looked back at her husband and sighed. She wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to stay with im, be a family again, but if he was going on the run then she and Rose Anne couldn't go. "William..." would he be upset if she asked to go with Garrett? "I don't know what to do..." she said weakly.