Smiletorn - Blog Posts

smiletorn‌:

A breath of a laugh slips past, despite the priestess’ best efforts to retain a pouting face. Though Isanami is always somewhat of an open book, she had thought that she retained some ability to keep a straight face when she wanted, especially to try and trick people, but alas… some things never change. Perhaps she’s just fine with that too, seeing the teasing smile upon the blonde’s lips.

❛ Fineeee — ❜ The word is drawled out in protest. ❛ You’re right, I wouldn’t. Hmmpphh. I’ll hone my ignoring-Ana-skills then! If I said I was scared of you, then I wouldn’t win! ❜ She huffs, allowing the taller woman to release her smaller body. Smoothing out the wrinkles off her kimono, Isanami tilts her head in curiosity. Still, she gives no hesitation in moving. As soon as the hand is offered, the priestess slips her hand into Ana’s, lacing their fingers together and swinging it playfully.

Wherever the other wanted to go, she’d follow, of course. Still, she can’t help the retort that decides to jab at Ana once more: ❛ What reputation? Far as I know, Ana’s the fluffiest and softest person I ever know. ❜ Letting out another ‘hmph’, Isanami grins shortly after. ❛ Unless Ana wants to compete with certain people for a different reputation. Let’s see… there’s the ‘I’m-Too-Good-For-You’ reputation, and the ‘Everyone-Annoys-Me-So-I-Only-Frown’ reputation…. oh! There’s also the hard to obtain, ‘Imma-Yell-Bad-Words-Every-Other-Second reputation! ❜

A cheeky smile follows. ❛ But eh, I digress. The only Ana I know is this one, even if she tries to scare me. I like winning. It’s fun. ❜ Unspoken would be the question of where they would go, but Isanami has no complaints, therefore, she’ll expect for it to be revealed one way or another.

      “Is that truly a skill you want to hone, my dear Isa-chan?” After all – if she learned to ignore Anastasia too well, Ana would be able to sneak up on her with her ninja skills all over again. The cycle would continue forever. “Truly? I thought you’d want to hone your ability to sense me before I arrived~”

      Did she need to tease her? Absolutely. Though, once they had their hands interlocked, she could only smile. Squeezing Isanami’s hand reassuringly – and marveling to herself at how warm the simple contact was. As someone who was used to being alone a lot ( even when she was around others . . . ), little things like this could be vaguely overwhelming for her. But, she liked them all the same.

      However, as the tiny BRAVE of DARKNESS teases her, Anastasia just smiles & laughs. Fluffiest and softest person she knew? Truly? She wouldn’t argue it. Instead, she just leans against the other slightly – making sure their shoulders touched. “And whose fault would it be, if I’d gained any sort of reputation like that? I’ll have to make the culprit take responsibility for that sort of rumor, you know.” She murmurs – half whispers, in the others ear. However, listening to her describe the others – well, that made her laugh. Startling her a little, honestly. Isanami was so blunt and honest, she could literally imagine some of their faces as the other spoke. “Oh goodness… the more I think of it, the more people fall into those categories.” Even Anastasia could have been in the “frowning” one for the beginning part of returning to the B R A V E S.

      However, being around her smaller friend had cured her of that affliction. “Except… that last one. That’s Kamanosuke exclusive, I do believe.”

      However – with that, Anastasia was leading her on her little adventure. In fact, Anastasia had come to snatch the priestess into following her: She’d prepared a bit of a bento picnic lunch elsewhere, and? The more they’d come to spend time with one another, the less times Anastasia actually asked before doing anything. She would just snatch up her small DARKNESS friend whenever convenient. “Well, then~” She starts, chuckling a little. “If you like winning, you’re headed down the right path.” She explains, winking once, as she continues to lead them.

      It would be a little bit until they arrived. Anastasia had set up near a river, because it was pretty – and? Being a protective Kunoichi, like she was, it was also so she could defend them if something came up last minute. Unlikely, but? She wouldn’t throw them in a situation where they would be defenseless. Isanami meant way to much to her to risk her being abducted again or something along those lines…

@smiletorn continued from [ x ]

      When the young priestess agreed with his words – drunk or not, he found himself cringing a little. Why did he have to say it? Why had he sought her out to say it? Honestly, he couldn’t put two and two together.

      He was an idiot. That was true.

     He was emotional and irrational. He didn’t make his best choices based off of logic or anything – he did what he wanted to, and that’s what made him unreliable as the BRAVE of WIND. And, regardless of how hard he tried, he seemed like he couldn’t get any… better. He’d reached the peek of his skill and yet, his rivals all continued to grow. And with it, grew his own self-loathing. He enjoyed fighting. And to an extent, he was alright with losing. However, it seemed, more and more recently… all he ever did was lose. Again. And Again. And AGAIN. . .

      “… boring as fuck.” That was the only answer he had to Isanami’s comment: “What is life without some grief.”

      Kamanosuke enjoyed to lose to an extent. Pain was more then acceptable. The B r a v e of W i n d was an oddball like that. “But that doesn’t mean ya don’t regret it. Most people fuckin’ do. Why the hell… am I even here anymore?”

      Drunk Kamanosuke wasn’t very fun – in fact? He couldn’t help but obsess a little. Why was he here anymore? Was it still to beat Saizou? Because that wasn’t a dream in his reach anymore. Saizou kept getting stronger and stronger. The best outcome he could wish for at this point was Saizou killing him. But, at this point, the BRAVE of LIGHT and him barely had time to spar anymore… and Saizou kept shining brighter and brighter, while his wind remained the same. “I can’t… do what I wanted to do. I can’t even figure this shit out. I’m still mad. I can’t get revenge on him, and all I can do nowadays is pick on you… and… shit, even you’re getting stronger. What about me, though? I can’t… do shit. I haven’t done shit.”

      Surprisingly, tears were beginning to show up in the former Bandit’s eyes now.

       At this point – he recognized that he was weighing the team down a bit. Everyone was improving except him, and? As soon as a situation arose, it would only take moments for even their LORD to realize he wasn’t worth his weight in a fight anymore. Perhaps it was time for him to take his show on the road again. . . “If you someday surpass me, what the hell am I supposed to do about that? I-I –“ he hiccups then, pulling his legs to his chest once she’d jabbed at his forehead. An action that he barely acknowledged. His self-loathing was strong together. “Fuck, I should just go. I’m not… changing anymore. I’m not growing anymore. Why am I here still?”

      G’luck Isanami. He’s in a bit of a spiral of self-loathing. Drunk Kamanosuke has one of two moods – ether everyone is his friend and he wants more alcohol. Or? He hates himself and everything else. Today is the later.

smiletorn‌:

Personal space wasn’t an issue, it seemed. She remembered when they both were uncomfortable with each other. Their first mission together, finding out that she had to ride on a horse with him, had been dreadful even for the youth that adored hugs. At that time, even if he didn’t show it, it must have been awkward for him, right? Well… even if it had been, she supposed it was that shinobi part of him, accustomed to carrying out missions no matter the awkwardness.

Since then, his touches had been scarce, careful even. Establishing that mutual respect between them, at least, the willingness to work together despite her own grievances, led to many things. The adventures she listed, for one… but? This moment of intimacy, in a hug that Isanami would deem common to her, was kind of…

For lack of better words? It was kind of embarrassing. Even for someone as shameless as her. Being around Hanzo didn’t make her uneasy anymore. She even accepted his head pats time to time. But she wondered why she felt self-conscious of herself — silly Isanami, maybe that’s how you made everyone else feel when you hugged them out of nowhere — before shaking it off mentally. She was fine with the hug and Hanzo. She just needed to figure out the mysterious reason why it was different, but that was a thought for another time.

Accepting her terms, she let out a soft giggle. It wasn’t too much to ask, right? She could only imagine the reactions of the other Braves if they happened upon Hanzo running an errand for her, however strange it may be. Or maybe they were used to it? Briefly, she wondered if any of them saw the time where she decided to bake cookies on his arm…

Anyway! It was his next words that brought her out of her stupor. Rolling her eyes playfully, she reached up and pinched his nose. A scolding gesture, showing her disapproval of his choice of words.

❛ Idiot. It’s not that you want to be human. You are human. ❜ Letting go of his nose, she gazed up at him with a gentle smile. Though the word ‘idiot’ was one of her rarer ‘curse’ words, she figured it was fine to use it for him again. One of her weirder endearments, so to speak, but this time her tone of voice lacked a bite. ❛ Hattori Hanzo-san, you are a human. And humans are allowed to make mistakes. Humans are allowed to be clumsy. Humans are allowed to learn. ❜

Lifting up her hand again and poking him on the forehead, she maintained that smile, though it spread out into a cheerful grin. Getting rid of that solemn mood and hoping to bring his spirits back up. ❛ I’m here, aren’t I? I’ll take your promise for — ah, no, I have another condition for that promise. Do you know the yubikiri? It’s what I did with my shrine sisters whenever we made promises. ❜ A childhood classic, but given their different pasts, she didn’t know if he actually knew it. Admittedly, it was a little childish thing, but he knew by now it was no big deal for her.

So, she wriggled a little in his embrace, a silent message that they needed to separate for a little. Then, she grabbed his hand and brought it to the level of her eyes, which were sparkling with mischief as she hooked their pinkies together. 

❛ Yubikiri genman,         uso tsuitara hari             senbon nomasu. ❜

Humming a little aftertune, she swung their hands back and forth. ❛ Tell a lie, get your finger cut off, and swallow a thousand needles after being punched ten-thousand times. Sounds painful, right? That’s why I’ll trust you won’t break your promise. ❜ When she had been told the meaning, she admitted it was a little gruesome, but it was just a display of words. Not to be taken seriously. Just a little fun for children back then.

❛ But… I’m glad you won’t push me away. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as you need the time. I think it’ll be worth it. Show me what a Hanzo living in the future looks like. ❜ And her next steps towards him, laughing and tackling him into a friendly hug, she kept her head tilted so she could watch his reaction. ❛ And when that time comes, you can be the one to hug me first again. Just so I know it’s the real deal. ❜ Sticking her tongue out playfully, she reached up and ruffled his bangs, having an idea of what his answer would be.

      When the youth pinched his nose, Hanzo flinched a little – not because it hurt, but because he was sorta the king of over-exaggeration, and he was trying to keep her smile there. He wanted her to be happy, and given that he’s the one who had created this uncomfortable situation for the two of them? He wanted to help remedy it the same.

      “… I’ll keep that in mind, Isa-chan.” Hanzo responds earnestly. Finally, it appeared that his tears had entirely stopped, and he seemed to have settled a little. The tightened feeling in his chest was still there – but it was no longer pain. It was no longer DREAD. “Seems like I’m a few steps behind, but I’ve always been good at learning things if I really set my mind to it. So, it seems I have a new assignment.” He adds with a laugh – he’d always been a SPLENDID shinobi. Quick to learn abilities and quick to manage his F I R E despite it being an absolutely chaotic element.

      When she pokes his forehead, he laughs a little – it was a soft noise, still dampened by his earlier mood. But? He was genuinely amused by her response. “Another condition? Alright, I’m willing to hear you out.”

      I mean, the BRAVE of FIRE had no idea what she meant by YUBIKIRI. He’d never heard of it before, it wasn’t exactly the sort of thing you would find people using in the Iga Village. Shinobi were serious people – they had no time for childish things like that. But, he was willing to hear her out. It was a curiosity for him anyways.

      When she wiggled a little, he gave her the distance she seemed to need – and when she reached for his hand, the crimson-haired man gave it to her without question. Allowing her to hook their pinkies together and recite the phrase. “Am I supposed to say it too?” He asks, curious, before listening to what she explains what it means. Laughing a little, he comments: “Priests and priestess’ used to say this? I’m a little concerned.” I mean – it sounded like a like average torture for enemy shinobi, but? Hey, who was he to judge others. “… I won’t lie to you, Isanami-chan.” Hanzo replies, nodding a little. “But, I will remember this promise. You have my word.”

      At some point – he would be able to approach Isanami and show her what she was hoping to see.

      Someday, he hoped to be Ueda’s BRAVE of FIRE more then a shinobi of IGA. Someday, he’d be happy to show her what a Hanzo who lived in the present and lived for the future would be – And though he didn’t know what that looked like, and had no idea how he would go about doing just that… the thought of a future like that? Had him smiling regardless.

      “It’s a deal. I’ll remember that.” And when that day came – he would wrap his arms around his smaller friend, and tell her what he’d accomplished.

      ( … but more then that… he’d like to tell her what a big part of his life she’d become. As his friend. And in many ways, as the person who encouraged him to keep t r y i n g. This GENTLE darkness… had saved him from his own scorched earth policies on life. )

      With that, he finally releases his friend. Smiling as the other ruffled his hair a little. “When I have accomplished all you’ve asked of me,” He starts, standing upright before putting his hand over his heart – bowing slightly, playfully, he winks. “I’ll sweep you up into a proper hug, partner.” And with that, he stands up again. Closing the distance between them once again for a moment, before very carefully moving her hair from her forehead with a careful sweep of his hand and kissing her forehead gently. A chaste and honest thing that he’d never done before. “Until then, you have my apologizes. I know… I can be a bit slow at these things. But if you’re patient with me, I will do my absolute best to meet all of your expectations of me. I want… to be a proper friend to you. So I will figure it out, you have my word.”

      However – when he’d first arrived, he’d just gotten here after a mission. And the exhaustion from it was finally hitting, now that the adrenaline from his own anxiety was wearing down. He looked tired, and his molten eyes looked weary still. However, the smile that sat on his lips was earnest – soft, awkward, but? Kind.

      “… thank you for meeting with me, my friend. I caused a bit of a scene, but? I’m really glad we talked. I need… to rest now. But, when I wake? You should expect that I’ve got some things I’ll be working on.” He says with a laugh. Amusement in his eyes. “I’ll see you later, Isanami-chan.”

“human” ; hanzo & isanami

smiletorn‌:

Hearing his words made her feel more at ease. Exhaling softly, the priestess shakes her head and eases herself into her standard smile. Right, ruminating about what it could be wouldn’t help the problem nor would being anxious solve anything. They were going to find answers and she wasn’t alone in this cold darkness. If she had been by herself, perhaps she might have shut down completely.

Fortunately, the person helping her was a kind person.

❛ Oh, thank you! ❜ She nods enthusiastically, loosening her grip a bit but keeping a firm hold on his arm. It was her way of saying that she did wish to continue holding onto it, if only to give her some semblance of comfort. ❛ And… that’s a nice thing of you to say. That being scared like this… is just human. ❜ She knew others who would say otherwise, that being frightened was just a sign of weakness. And though Isanami did her best to embrace her weakness, there were still parts of her she was not proud of. Doing her best to change, but the process of doing so… difficult. ❛ You’re a good person. I like you. ❜ Humming, she swings his arm a little, deciding to let herself go as the minutes went by.

Though she was still anxious, she figured it was better to be carefree and rely on him since he was more experienced than her. ❛ Will do! Just let me know if you’re gonna do something. Though I’ll keep a loose enough grip so that you can take your arm back if there’s not enough time to warn me. ❜ She grins. ❛ Okay, Messiah! You can just call me plain old Isanami then, none of that ‘miss’ stuff. It makes me feel old. A lot of fancy people like to do that sometimes and it kinda bothers me. ❜ Not that she met with nobility on frequent occasions, but when she did? They were usually arrogant, and ‘miss’ in that regard was used condescendingly. 

His answer to her question does make her tilt her head though. Stopping in her small talk as she contemplates the meaning of what he said.

❛ To make sure it’s safe? Of course it is! The only people that’s been here are kids from our village. And even then, that’s rare because we’re all too afraid to come here by ourselves. What else would be here that’s dangerous? ❜ Arching a brow in curiosity, she glances up at Messiah. ❛ Besides, you’re a famous detective. Inspecting a place like this isn’t your job, right? You solve murders and stuff. I dunno exactly what a property inspector does, but it sounds like they’re supposed to be doing what you’re doing now. Rich people are so weird… but no offense to you, Messiah! ❜ She sighs. ❛ Making it a museum would be nice. I know a lotta people that would be sad to see this place go. Abandoned or not, the elders here have some memories attached. Plus, I think it’s kinda fun to have a test of courage here now and then. Brings all the children together. ❜

Though, that was doubtful. What use did a museum have for nobles, especially in a village like hers? Giving a shrug, she continues to move after him. When she noticed the tone of his voice, she also lowered hers to match, but she was slightly worried she was talking too much for whatever thing was inside the room. ❛ We’re here, right…? ❜

       To be entirely honest, Messiah wasn’t used to people wanting to stay this close to him – there was one exception to that rule, and he did it so often that it was more annoying then welcome. Regardless, it was reassuring to know where she was at right now. When he was on edge with his cane ready to strike if they came across a malicious intruder? He didn’t want to risk bashing the young woman if she’d accidentally managed to surprise him.

      “Fear is absolutely normal.” He says with a soft smile. “To feel fear means you value your life. It means you’re human – and that you want to live. There is no shame in fear. After all,” he pauses for a second – closing his brilliant amethyst eyes, before continuing: “For one to move forward, despite fear, is to be brave.”

      Honestly, she reminded him a bit of a new friend he’d met. Someone who had been so earnest and kind, that he’d seemed like there was no way that he could survive. But, despite his fear, he’d done absolutely everything in his power to try to save everyone. He couldn’t leave anyone behind. He wouldn’t sacrifice others to save himself. That boy was busy right now – trying his absolute best somewhere else. That was why Messiah had had the time to take this mission in the first place. “Am I?” Messiah asks, laughing softly. He wasn’t one who thought that way about himself, despite all of this – but? “I’m truly glad you think so.”

      He nods to show that he heard her though – in answering to both comments: He would warn her before he did something & he would be willing to just call her Isanami. In a situation like this, titles simply made communication more difficult. “Of course, Isanami. I can do that for you.” Of course, he was minimalizing their conversation a little now. Mostly out of concern for the fact that it could be people around . . . But, he would be careful that no harm came to his current companion.

      “… property inspectors won’t come here.” He explains in a hushed tone. “Rumors of mysterious happenings have become rather famous in town. Some have claimed to have been injured in attempted inspections. That’s why I was called in.” It meant that HUMAN’s where more likely the cause then any ghost. But, it was the only way he could explain why the building owners had gone out of their way to hire a top-tier detective such as himself. “The rumors are so vivid and common now, that none will take the job. So? When they reached out to me – I figured I’d look into it before claims of injuries got worse. Or escalated.” To murders. If humans were involved, eventually they would escalate to try to get people to stop showing up in general. And that was why he was truly glad he’d found Isanami.

      If she wasn’t part of these rumors - && it seemed likely that she wasn’t, there was a good chance that a young woman wandering alone would be a convenient victim for those who were here. “… yes. We have arrived now.”

      With that, he falls silent for a bit. Listening through the door – It appeared the piano had stopped making noise now. They’d only heard it for a bit, and that was earlier, however? He still believed it likely that the piano was a mechanical one and that a power surge was the cause of the noise. However, that didn’t stop him from trying to listen in. Where there others inside of the building? The door looked as though it had been opened recently - he could see the movement in the dust. However, he couldn’t see the cause. Nor could he see footprints leading in. ‘… there are other entrances to the building. As well as large windows. I can’t rule out that people have entered elsewhere.’

      With that, he looks at Isanami – putting a single finger in front of his lips to silently communicate to not saying anything for a moment, before he reaches into his coat pocket – it was convenient that they had the door a little ajar, after all: Otherwise this little trick wouldn’t work.

      With that he pulls out a tiny hand mirror with a strange attachment settled onto it. Moving carefully to put it at the top of his cane, and then carefully using it to peek into the room that was their destination. With it, he could tell that the room had clearly been disturbed. Things were uncovered in the room, their dust covers were gone, and many priceless pieces were exposed because of it… however? As best as he could tell, the room was entirely empty of life. So? With that, he sighs a little, and pulls his cane back to himself, before smiling at Isanami. “Empty, for now. We can enter and look around.”

“haunted” ; messiah & isanami

smiletorn‌:

@absortio || X

Feeling the change in movement that indicated he was now taking cover, Isanami decided to carefully slid a fraction of her eyes open. Once she saw that there was nothing to endanger her vision, she opened her eyes fully in order to gaze upon her savior. Her kind BENEFACTOR. When Adlet asks if she’d like to wear a poncho, she nods without hesitation. Anything that he would give her she’d accept. ❛ Yes. ❜ Still, vocalizing her answer serves as just added assurance. Despite how grateful she was, she wanted to keep communication between them as clear as possible.

And he agrees with her own wishes as well, to not kill anyone… ah, this could only be fate indeed! She smiles warmly, sitting away from his arm a little… but that’s only so she can EMBRACE it in her next movement. Hugging his arm and pulling him closer to her, giggling like any girl her age should in a normal situation. Yet this situation was certainly not “normal” by any standard; at least, it was doubtful that any teenager girl’s dream was to be chased in dark forests by scary ninjas. Oh! But being saved and protected by a man, that was surely every girl’s dream! Isanami was told some stories similar to that by the head priest. Could it be that right now, she was the princess and Adlet was her knight in shining poncho?

❛ Okay! ❜ She says, nodding in affirmation when he explains his plan. ❛ They’d never think that we were behind them. I like that idea! You’re amazing, ne~ ❜ Her own attitude beginning to brighten in light of her newly PROTECTED position, she moves a little in surprise when he hands out the heat pad to her. ❛ Oh! I’ll take it, but I think you’re much warmer, Adlet. ❜ She lets go of his arm a bit begrudgingly, but because he had taken the time to give her something like that, she wanted to use it to make him happier. 

She holds the heat pad carefully, but after a few moments she found that her sleeves were blocking some of the heat. Therefore, while listening to Adlet detail the rest of his plan, she decides to pull her sleeves back so her hands could grab the pad. It was dark in the cave, but even with the little MOONLIGHT that slipped in, she could see her hands. Those marks. Panicking, Isanami pulls her sleeves back down immediately and grasps the heat pad closer to her body. ❛ O-Oh, a week? That’s okay. I don’t want to be in a rush… ❜

Isanami grins at his conviction, his PROMISE to her that he would get her to Ueda without a doubt. Her earlier distress forgotten, she nods and plops herself back next to him. ❛ Ueda… I wonder what it’s like. I’ll believe in you though, Adlet. I’m sure there’ll be nothing but good things now that you’re with me, ne~ ❜

      To say that he wasn’t expecting this mission would be the understatement of the year. Honestly, Adlet had simply been traveling when all this started – however? As the “STRONGEST MAN in the WOLRD,” Adlet felt it was his responsibility to help those who come to him with trouble. Perhaps that was silly, but? After how helpless he’d felt as a child? He couldn’t possibly overlook anyone who needed help.

      Especially someone as genuine as this young priestess. She was kind and earnest. She surely didn’t deserve to be hounded by those cruel shinobi…

      “It’s the best way to go without having to risk too many battles.” He comments, smiling proudly. To be honest, it worked better that way – he didn’t want to kill anyone and she didn’t want anyone killed. ( What an ODD duo they made, and yet? How perfect? ) It was good they AGREED on such big subjects. Though, when she clung to him for a big, he just grins and pats the top of her head very carefully. Attempting to reassure her.

      He wouldn’t say it, but he thought the way she was acting was very sweet – childlike, almost, but very sweet. Honestly, they’d known each other for only a few hours, but he could feel a fierce protectiveness beginning to form. Perhaps it was because he was just one of those types of warriors. He bonded strongly with those he attempted to help, regardless. But she was very sweet. And he was very glad that she seemed to be warming up to him as well.

      “Glad I can help.” Adlet chuckles back when she says that she thought he was warm. It was good – after all, weather could be a little unpredictable. Worse comes to worse, they could stay near each other for warmth.

      “If you need to get there faster, we could wait here for about… two days, and then rush a route that would bring us around the path we’d normally take. I know a few shortcuts through the area, but they’re a little risky.” He explains – he wouldn’t alter that they should wait for a bit. It was best for the enemies to pass them by a long shot before they risk anything too tricky. But? He’d let her make the call about how fast they should get going. After all: She’d know her own endurance level better then he would. With that, he pulls the map more into their vision again. He would show her what he meant – and it was because of this? That he was too distracted to see what she was fiddling with her sleeves for. “If we wait for a day or two, they’ll overshoot us. They seem to know that you’re heading this way – towards Ueda.” He traces the straight path there, being shinobi? He doubted they’d take anything but the direct path. “So, if we need to get there sooner? I’d recommend we go a little this way…” With that, he puts his finger back towards their hiding spot, before tracing a line out towards a river. “It’s a little more… crazy. Terrane wise. But? I doubt they’d think we’d head towards a more open area like this, and? It would still lead us straight into Ueda. I’d say… five or four days. Depending on the weather and how face you’re willing to go.”

      However, with her other question in mind – he stops to think for a bit. What was Ueda like? He was trying to head there on business, but he hadn’t actually been there before. “I hear it’s a prosperous little area. The Lord is apparently a… interesting fellow. Not bad, but not… average? At least that’s what rumors say.” He comments, laughing a little. “And I believe that nothing but good will come our way too~ Good luck is an important part of being the Strongest Man in the World.”

braves  || adlet & isanami

smiletorn‌:

@absortio || X

The heat she felt was unmistakable; as exhausted she felt, even she could not help but lift her head, watching in astonishment at the harsh swirl of flames that devoured everything. Indeed, this was the power of fire. That destructive power that was a tool for annihilation… but Isanami knew that flame to be a gentle warmth as well. And even aside from those other missions, the priestess had never seen Hanzo summon flames that powerful as well. That hidden potential reminded her just how AMAZING shinobi were.

It almost made her forget her own wounds for a bit. Almost. That moment of wonder was gone and reality rushed back to remind her of the fact that her shoulder felt just as hot as the flames she had just witnessed. But this wound was nothing; she couldn’t let it affect the MISSION. And more so, she was concerned about what had just happened with her friend.

❛ It’s alright, I’m fine. I’m fine. ❜ She bites out, a bit more harshly than she intended for it to be. She could see his movements, HESITANT and unsure. That wasn’t right either. ❛ Hanzo… are you alright though? You look worse than me, hah… ❜ Her breathing was heavy, wincing as her hand hovered about her wound. She did want to pull the blade out, but she stopped upon his words. ❛ Keep it in… alright. Okay. I suppose I’ve had worse days. That’s okay, me and this sword will be just like friends. ❜

Isanami shakes her head, though, giving a small frown and looking around. Her uninjured arm lifts up to try and stop Hanzo’s motions for a second. ❛ B-But it’s okay, don’t carry me. We need to look for our charges. They couldn’t have run off too far… I just hope their supplies are safe. It’d be a shame if it got caught in the fight. ❜ And the FIRE, for that matter, but she didn’t want to bring that up. Hanzo was probably feeling bad about scaring them off. She looks up, giving the Brave of Fire a tired smile.

❛ I can… walk, so there’s no need to carry me. But I could use a hand in getting up? ❜ She laughs weakly, lifting a HAND and offering it to him.

      There were so many feelings rolling wildly in his mind right now – things he couldn’t control nor could he even identify. He didn’t know what the fear of loss was. He didn’t understand the anxiety of very nearly losing someone who was precious to him. He didn’t UNDERSTAND it, because at a young age? It was stripped from him – his humanity was taken from him, and what had been left in his stead? Was a FLESH&BLOOD weapon.

       As the BRAVE of FIRE, he’d gradually begun relearning his ( h u m a n i t y ). And though at this moment he couldn’t recognize it, this moment more so then most – Displayed it. UNCOMFORTABLY so.

       Hanzo had never abandoned a mission before. He’d never left the side of those he was in charge of protecting. He’d certainly never erupted in such a way that the fires were now. They were a living INFERNO, outside of his control now. “… I don’t think you’re fine.” Those words were spoken through a severe frown, his eyebrows knit with worry. He didn’t UNDERSTAND this anxiety. He had always been willing to accept his own death, and back in IGA? It was an unwritten rule that people might not come back. He’d been willing to accept that. He’d UNDERSTOOD that. This… no. He didn’t… he couldn’t…

      “With an injury like that, especially without the means to heal it, it’s going to be difficult for you to move about. Isa-chan… the blade has to stay so that the wound doesn’t just bleed out. I know you’re not going to pull it out, since we’ve already spoken about it… but… moving around will cause it to cut you more. If you run around, you risk slicing a major vein, and it won’t matter if we have the blade there still… you’d still bleed to death.” He stops for a moment – feeling the words catch in his throat. If she wasn’t careful, something would be sliced that couldn’t be healed. And yes, she was a reincarnation. So? Perhaps IZANAMI being part of her could save her life, but that wasn’t a risk he wanted to make. “If… you insist that we look for our charge, then we can. But I’m going to have to ether insist that you let me carry you, or I’m going to have to take more desperate measures.”

      He wouldn’t bring up the alternative without being prompted.

      There was no part of him that wanted to do the alternative – especially after this SPIKE in violence, he wasn’t sure he would trust himself. The fires that remained were carnage. And most that had spiked around where he’d been in his RUSH of R A G E had burned everything up in seconds. The scorched earth, the “snowing” ash… He wasn’t sure he would be able to do a medical procedure right now.

      Especially when the ALTERNATIVE was him cauterizing the wound with his fire the moment they removed the blade. It would eliminate the need for him to carry her, but it would still have some risks… It was a medical maneuver that stopped bleeding rapidly, by burning it closed. However, he could damage her health if he wasn’t careful… “I could go get them on my own, if you’d like.” Somehow, he suspected she’d say “NO” but… he had to at least try.

      Though there was no part of him that wanted to leave the BRAVE of DARKNESS’ side, if she wanted to be sure their charge was alright? He would go at least try. However, he feared letting the other do much right now. Her health was still at risk. And he knew right now… he wasn’t thinking as rationally as he should be.

      His heart was still beating rapidly. His eyes still showed concern. And his breathing was still… uneven. He couldn’t calm himself down. He couldn’t truly focus. Not on anything else…

steady realization || hanzo & isanami

smiletorn‌:

The other woman’s approval of the nickname had Isanami brightening up. She always loved using nicknames with people she liked, and it was a real shame that usually those whom she liked didn’t really… welcome it, for lack of better words. Still, Juju’s nervousness was quite prone to being contagious. Although the youth was one who liked to spread her own form of kindness and cheer, if there was something that was CONCERNING to the other, she’d like to know that. In case she was the cause for it, being a bit overbearing with her own friendliness.

After all? People here tended to be more RESERVED than anything. It was hard to trust, especially with war and fights breaking out every so often due to the turmoil of the government. Perhaps someone like Isanami was actually quite scary when compared to the people who would rather keep to themselves? Hmm. She’d have to think about that separately one day.

❛ I think it’s good to have that kinda mindset. Y’know, helping others without expecting anything in return. But it’s also good to show others your gratitude. I don’t like to think of it as repayment or anything. Makes it all business-y and like we gotta owe each other favors. ❜ She might be a little bit of a hypocrite when she said that; after all? The way she got Saizou to STAY at Ueda in the beginning was because she held that bowl of soba over his head…

No matter! Isanami had successfully pressured convinced Juju to accept this form of gratefulness. And she was glad that she chose sweets too ― that was always a good way to satisfy the stomach! ❛ Sweets it is~ ❜ Isanami dangles her feet over the edge of the branch, as if having a conversation deciding where to eat in a TREE was normal. ❛ Hmm… I can probably get down by myself with no trouble at this height. ❜ It was said to herself more than anything. Not wanting to trouble her new friend anymore, she gives her fellow light-haired companion a reassuring smile. ❛ Go ahead and wait for me at the bottom, Juju! I’ll be down in a few minutes! ❜

She didn’t know if Juju would listen to her request. After all, the kunoichi proved that she was a soft-hearted individual who didn’t like to see others in danger. And going down from a tree like this was a bit RISKY. However, Isanami would like to believe that she had improved greatly from the last time she was in a tree like this. Even if she hadn’t? Just like last time, at least there would be someone to look out for her should she made a wrong step.

That being said, regardless of Juju’s response, Isanami would make the first move by hoisting her body over the EDGE of the branch. One thing she learned from last time; it was best not to linger too long on a branch. Quick jumps was the way to go!

      Enju couldn’t help but smile a little at the others sincerity. She was a bright companion – cheerful and chipper. Perhaps a little overwhelming, but she knew very few people like Isanami. The only person she could liken her to was the young k u n o i c h i she considered her “little sister”. . .

      “Well, I’d hate to deny you your chance to show your gratitude. That would… be rather rude on my part as well.” Despite being a kunoichi, despite being a very busy one, and being the DAUGHTER of the chief… she would make time for this. After all, ENJU had already risked outing herself for the safety of this stranger. The very least she could do was make sure that the other was truly going to be okay. . . and some sweets did sound good. That was the truth there. “… alright, alright. I’ll just… think of it as getting to know someone, then?” That was why youths these days got together for sweets, right?

      To chat, catch up, or make friends? Her confusion over this was really the obvious sign that she wasn’t someone normal…

      But it wasn’t as though the other didn’t realize she was a ninja already. After showing her technique like that. . . With that thought, sapphire eyes move to look at the other. ( She couldn’t help but be curious on why someone so friendly… was so calm with the presence of a ninja already? )

      Perhaps it was because she, herself, failed to have much of a shinobi like presence? The thought was vaguely disappointing, but – she did offer a soft, sincere, smile when the other chimes about sweets. However, a vaguely panicked expression appears when the other mentions jumping. “Ah, a-are you sure? I can bring you down, you know…” But the other had requested her to wait at the bottom, and? As confused as she was, she was going to do just that – at the very least, so that she could be prepared to catch the other should something go wrong.

      However, as Isanami quickly stepped off – Enju followed suit. She wasn’t given a chance to head down first, however – but she made sure to throw herself down fast enough that, though a slightly rougher landing, she would meet the other down there and have her hands on her hips to help steady her. “… y-your… really brave, aren’t you?” Enju pants out, panic having forced her heartrate up quite a bit. But, she was smiling still.

      Isanami… was going to be quite the interesting person to get to know.

smiletorn:

She was getting nervous, despite telling herself that he would surely appear. Although he had confused her on their first meeting, what Yukimura-sama said at the Ten versus Ten matches before lingered on Isanami’s mind; despite what Sanada Nobuyuki came off as, he was a good person. Therefore, though she fidgeted in place at the gate, sounds of heavy footsteps had the FORMER priestess turning to greet the approaching person.

When his first words were, well, that ― she couldn’t help but smile. It was not like her past smiles that were bright and full of LIFE, but? It was the first time she had felt amused in such a long time.

Nonetheless, Isanami bows at her waist to the Lord. It felt good to see a familiar face, even when they were not that well acquainted. And seeing him gave her more hope that everyone else was still alive.  ❛ Nobuyuki-san. I’m sorry for this sudden intrusion. ❜ In fact, she had many things she needed to APOLOGIZE for. After everything that happened though, where could she start? She had so many questions… so many things she wished to ask of the person whom was her best lead right now. ❛ I’m… glad to see you are well. ❜

A bit of guilt TWISTS into her heart. She probably wouldn’t even need to ask that, had Izanami not inflicted so many wounds on him, using him as “bait”. She wondered if she was overstepping her bounds. She, who had caused so much grief in everyone’s lives, to be here and wanting information on them. ❛ If it would not trouble you… could we talk? I know I’m not your retainer or anything. You don’t owe me anything, in fact, I do owe you much more than what I could ever pay you back for. But… ❜

She tilts her head up, looking upon the stern older brother of the Sanada family with desperation. ❛ I don’t know what else I could do. Where else I could go. Ueda is gone and people say Yukimura-sama is dead and I don’t ― ❜ Her voice cracks and she cuts her words off IMMEDIATELY. She didn’t want to cry, not when she was already troubling Nobuyuki-san with her presence. ❛ I-I’m sorry. Please… give me a moment. ❜ The former priestess brought her sleeves up, pressing them at her face. Hah, even if she thought she had changed, being so prone to her emotions would probably stay with her forever.

      The ELDER Sanada simply stares at the other – dumbfounded by her sudden appearance after 10-YEARS. So much had happened in that time, so much had changed, and yet? Suddenly, a figure from the past appears at his doorstep. Someone who had been SEALED in the realm of the d e a d.

      Most would figure that would be the last time they would see someone. Even Izanagi hadn’t been successful in retrieving someone from YOMI, as she’d been far too changed. And that – was the goddess that now resided in their own realm. The one who had been reincarnated as this young girl. A STORY he would have been reluctant to believe – at best, when his brother had finally filled him in on this… if it wasn’t for the fact that he had been taken HOSTAGE by the vengeful goddess herself.

      “… if you want to speak to me, we should head inside. I can have a room prepared so that we may speak in private.” Nobuyuki finally says, after a few moments of just listening to the other talk. Snapping out of his confusion and deciding he needed to act.

      They should talk. He had some questions himself, but? First and foremost, he needed to bring her inside… She looked exhausted. So? Quickly he ushered out some orders, before turning around. Gesturing with his hand to tell her to come along. “I’m… sure you do have a lot of questions and concerns. I’m willing to hear them out, it’s alright. I have nothing more pressing going on right now.” He was a busy man – and he was in the middle of things. However? This took precedence given the situation at hand. “You can have as long as you need to calm yourself when we’re out of the open. I understand being overwhelmed. Please, take as much time as you need here…”

       He would gesture towards the common room, giving quick orders to keep people away from this area – though to fetch some tea and some food for his guest. She looked like she’d traveled a long way, and it wasn’t likely that she had stopped anywhere. So? With that, he just gestures towards the room. A silent invitation for the other to sit down somewhere. It was hardly prepared for guests, but? The Lord of Numata was improving for now.

“ restoration “ || nobu & isa

@smiletorn continued from [x]

      “Scared? Truly? Of little ol’ me?” Anastasia asks – attempting to keep a straight face, while a smile tickled at her lips. She couldn’t HIDE things from her younger companion anymore. At least, not little things. The fact that she’d purposely snuck up on the younger Brave was as much of a give away as any. . .

      However, since the other seemed to melt into her hug anyways? Despite her complaints? Anastasia would simply have to assume that she hadn’t truly done anything wrong. Leading to her sticking out her tongue, somewhat childishly, at the others “ t h r e a t. “

      “You wouldn’t do that to me.” Anastasia is quick to say, chuckling a little at the others response – seeing the smaller BRAVE also stick out her tongue slightly. Today they were both acting VERY MATURE, clearly. Though, when ISANAMI gives her a chaste kiss on the nose – Anastasia blinks. Her sapphire eyes widening, for once, earnestly – surprise dancing in them.

      Little things Isanami did had a way of throwing her entirely off her game. ( But – I suppose that was a little of what l o v e was, wasn’t it? )

      This loss would only last a fraction of a second. Composure quickly returned with a chuckle and the comment, “Yes, dear. Yes you do.” And with that, the older B R A V E entirely releases Isanami from her hug. Instead, offering out her hand. The non-vocal cue for the other to come with her. “But only this time. I have a reputation to keep.”

“human” ; hanzo & isanami

continued from [ x ] ; @smiletorn

      The fact that he didn’t see this coming was absolutely ridiculous – somehow, Isanami was always just Isanami. The fact that he was crying, the fact that he was emotional, didn’t stop her from doing what she always did. Which? Was taking care of her team, in the only way she knew how. By being unapologetically herself. Including, but not limited to, forcing her teammates to make “fish-faces” to stop them from hurting themselves.

      When she did so, he released his bite rather then fight her. She was right, he shouldn’t act that way. Least of all in front of her. ( . . . no. he shouldn’t act that way at all. not now, when he was part of a team. )

      The Fire Brave did nod then – a silent agreement not to do that again. And to listen to the other. His eyes still glistening a little, he just focuses his molten eyes on the other’s amber hues. He would listen. He wouldn’t run away. And, another way to show it? He hugs her just a little bit more. He wouldn’t disappear. He’d wait. He’d listen. It was the very least Hanzo could do for his fellow BRAVE. Let alone the youth he was confessing all of this to. . .

      When she started going into detail about all their adventures, he felt his lips twitch ever-so-slightly upwards. A small smile forcing itself onto his lips, despite the somber mood. They had a lot of shenanigans going for them, as members of this team, he’d found himself frequently at her side. Enjoying her company. He didn’t mind her giving him unreasonable requests. It wasn’t out of tolerance, it wasn’t him just putting up with her, it was out of the fact that he was simply glad to be at her side. And if that was how she tolerated him? He was happy to comply. And as their time together had increased, so had the amount of times they sought out each other…

      As she kept talking, as he kept listening, he barely noticed he stopped crying. He felt his chest tighten – f e a r, as he recognized it now, as she kept talking. However, he felt himself take a breath when she said she didn’t hate him. And? That if he wanted to be her friend… he would have to live in the f u t u r e.

      What a request. As a shinobi, he’s always been a tool. He’d never planned anything for himself – and the time he did, it was out of spite. And that hadn’t ended well. That had ended up with him losing an arm, and being frozen in a block of ice for a year… but… it had also ended in T H I S. So, was it really… b a d? He’d let her finish. Staying silent, as promised, as she spoke… “Manuel labor, letting you tease me, and living in the future? Living in the present? Not the past… I think… I think those t-terms are acceptable. I can live with that.” He tries to tease back - he knew his voice was a little flat. But? If she was trying to lighten the mood, who was he to ruin it?

      He finally spoke again – his voice still raw. Pained. But, the tears in his eyes now were… relief. Not pain. “I won’t… disappear, Isanami. I promise you, I won’t… I won’t change how I act towards you. If you’re still here. If you’re… still willing to accept me at your side? I won’t… run away. I won’t hide myself behind walls. I don’t… want to push you away. I want to be here. I want… I want to be human.” It was terrifying – to admit that he wanted that. Even if he was absolutely horrified by his emotions.

      Even if he was tortured by what he did – if she wanted him to get his head out of the past, and start living for the here and now? He’d… try.

      “You’ll… have to forgive me. I won’t be very good at living in the here and now right away. But… I’ll learn. I’ll keep learning. I won’t… I won’t give up. If you’re willing to wait, if you’re willing to put up with me being just… stupidly bad at living for the future? If you’re willing to wait for me… I’ll keep trying until I catch up with you. I promise.” Hanzo very rarely used those words – he didn’t make promises. He didn’t make personal deals. As a shinobi – personal anything, was a failure on his part. But, in this instant? He was willing to f a i l at being a shinobi.

      If it meant… that they could be f r i e n d s. That they could be companions. That he could belong here.

      “I won’t push you away.” He murmurs again, nodding a little. Hanzo wasn’t used to people wanting to be near him, but, despite his own insecurities. Despite his F E A R. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt her… not again. Not if he could help it. “… as long as you want me to be here? I won’t go anywhere. Okay?” Somehow, this place had become his home. Somehow, U E D A had helped warm his heart – and open him up to people. Somehow, this rag-tag group of misfits had become his h o m e. And this place? He would protect it… regardless of what it took from him personally.

“discovery” ; ana & isa

continued from [ x ] : @smiletorn

      This was going to be an adventure. Anastasia had known that from the get go – and yet, at the same time, she knew she couldn’t just let this matter be anymore. She was glad she had convinced the younger BRAVE to come along with her for this trip, however? She wasn’t used to these things.

      The “BRAVE of ICE” had never been an expert on emotions. Not since she’d grown up in IGA – not since she’d literally been sold to her master, after her parents had been slaughtered, and she’d arrived in these strange lands. To an extent? It just made more sense to keep to herself. To become numb. To become I C E. And she’d done a wonderful job of that. Of freezing her heart. Of becoming closed off. She’d done what she’d need to… to survive.

      And yet, the DARKNESS BRAVE – had somehow cracked her heart open yet. And didn’t even know it.

       “Isanami-chan, are you ready?” Anastasia asks, tapping on the doorframe of the younger girl’s room. Today, Anastasia wasn’t wearing any shinobi gear. Instead, an elegant kimono – and her long golden hair styled in a loose, but regal bun. She wanted to make this outing… different. She wanted to make it more obvious that this wasn’t the same as their other outings.

       Because she wanted to make it obvious this time. She wanted to make sure the other didn’t think she was teasing – she didn’t want the other to think this was a joke. She needed to set apart this meeting from their others, because… today? She wanted to let Isanami know how she felt. ( And her biggest worry – was that she might not take it seriously. Due to Anastasia’s history of teasing her, she was rather worried about that. ) “I hope you dressed nice. We’re going to be out and about all day, today. I have the whole day off, and I intend to spend it with you. So? You’d better be ready.”

       And she was going to need all day… to try to work up the courage to say what she needed to say.

“haunted” ; messiah & isanami

continued from [ x ] ; @smiletorn

       At the very least he was glad she was willing to listen to reason – hearing him out and calming down a little, even coming to her own conclusion about the storm. Good. She had a working head on her shoulders. This was important, if they were going to be here together. Messiah didn’t work well with others often, especially civilians.

      Especially CIVILIANS who got in the way of his jobs. But? That was another matter. “That is the most likely solution, yes. Electricity can travel through the ground, or if it just happened to hit a powerline or such – it’s likely that it’d just turn on, if sparked into action.” At least, that was far more likely than believing this place to be haunted.

      Right?

      Science had nothing to imply that spirits stayed in any place. Though rumors and stories spun frequently about hauntings and the chaos that it could cause – Messiah was unlikely to believe it without proof. Spirits, strong attachments, regrets, anger… guilt . . ? There were many popular stories to explain “HAUNTINGS,” but? As far as he was concerned, those were the ramblings of a paranoid person. Or of a person feeling “GUILTY” themselves.

      “You needn’t apologize. You’re uncomfortable. That’s perfectly human.” Messiah reassures, as his eyes fixate on the hall – he was trying to see if he could pick any shadows moving in the distance. However, aside from the ones you would expect from flashes of LIGHTNING through dust-covered windows? He couldn’t see anyone moving inside the parlor. “If it makes you more comfortable, you’re welcome to continue holding onto my arm. But, if we find another person in here, I’m going to need it back – and you’re going to need to get behind me.” He couldn’t have her impeding his ability to fight, should he need to.

      And honestly, if she was going to be here with him – he’d almost rather know exactly where she was, then risk her wondering off. At least this way, he can reassure his clients that she was doing not damage to the place and keep her from risk of being sued. Or arrested for trespassing.

      “Detective Messiah.” He corrects, offering an ever-so-slight smile this time. His amethyst eyes shifting from his focus only for a moment to meet the other eyes – “Though, given the circumstances, just Messiah would be fine.” Why waste time in a situation where communication might be important?

      However, he raises his eyebrows a little at her question. Suddenly curious about the land, hmm? How curious. “They’re not in a position to have firm plans, I’m afraid. Given that they know little about what is here, or the condition it’s in – they’re going to need to make sure it’s safe for a property inspector to come through and assess the place. Once they’re finished, it’s likely to have everything here sold and the property destroyed to build something else. At least, that’s what most would do given the state of the place. But? Perhaps they’d refurbish and create a museum? That’s what I’d do.” Perhaps that made him a little… ODD. But he enjoyed old places like this. And it’s hard to copy this sort of building with modern designing. However, as they talk, he starts moving forward – his voice a whisper as he gradually inches forward. He wasn’t going too quick – he would make sure she could keep holding onto him as he continued forward, should she want to. He wouldn’t shake her off or try to move on without her.

      For both of their sakes? It was probably just better to have her come along for the ride anyways…

❛ KAMANOSUKE!!!! Have you ever sneezed so hard that you knocked down a tree or something? ❜

       The moment she started yelling he knew this conversation wasn’tgoing to go well – he could feel himself cringing visibly at the others obnoxiousyell. Not to mention, when it finally “CLICKED” to the Brave of Wind what she’djust asked???

      Annoyance shows visibly in his features.

      Really? Really?? RE A L L Y? ? ?

      These were the sorts of things he was going to waste histime with now? ( And let me premise this with: And they have been getting along– well, okay??? Lately? ) “Seriously, bitch? You hunt me down, screamat me, and asked me something that goddamned stupid?” Welp, their goodstreak can’t last forever – if they don’t have moments like this every once anda while? The rest of the BRAVES would wonder who these imposters are.

      “Have you ever sneezedso hard you put out the goddamned sun? Have you? Because whatever your fuckinganswer is? Then you know the fucking answer! Now get out of here before I kickyour ass!” Kamanosuke has become a bit better in the teamwork department.And? To be fair, the two of them have gotten along surprisingly well for the last while – it was about time one of themblew up.

@smiletorn

❛ Ne, Ana, have you ever been so hot that you started sweating ice? ❜

      “I wish.”

      The first words that left the golden-haired woman weren’t thought out at all. Instead, they simply slipped from her lips. The truth was? Anastasia hated heat. If she could do something like that just to keep her body at a naturally chilled temperature? She would fully take advantage of that skill.

      However, realizing she’d just spoken without thinking, the BRAVE of ICE laughs a little before looking over at Isanami. Wonderly, somewhat fondly - when she’d become so able to just speak her mind. “Remember when we first went to open air baths together?” She asks, laughing a little... she remembered that adventure going... somewhat poorly for a few people who couldn’t stay on their own side. “I couldn’t even stay in the water for too long… I don’t handle heat well. A skill like that would be nice, but... I would likely abuse it.”

      She could barely manage the STEAM in that place… and though open air baths are lovely, she always finds herself half BOILING ALIVE… Unfortunately. And though she can freeze the water particles in their air to form ice when she was in danger, she was more adapted to using natural bodies of water to create her weapons.

@smiletorn

❛ Hanzo, have you ever burped out fire before? ❜ [ i was going through my drafts and there was this conversation isanami had with a friend where if someone ate too much spicy food that's how they breathe fire or something and now i'm going to do the noble thing and spam braves who have control over elements with stupid questions ]

      A snort escapes the BRAVE of FIRE when his smaller companionasks him that – oh god. These werethe sorts of things she thought about? This was what she became curious enoughabout… that she hunted him down to ask? Truly?

       “Have I evermentioned that I love the way your brain works?” The crimson-haired manasks, aloud, as he reaches to ruffle the others hair carefully. He didn’t wantto mess it up, though, he was very amused. “BecauseI do. Truly.” He wasn’t really teasing,ether. As an IGA shinobi, he thought it rather sweet that this was how his smaller companion’s head worked. Howshe ticked.

     As he’d always been a warrior, he couldn’t say that he’dever had such a genuinely innocent thought…

      But? “I think theonly time I did something like that,” He starts, scratching at his cheek ashe averts his gaze. It wasn’t an… overly embarrassing story, but it was stillsilly. An amateur mistake made by an amateur.  “Waswhen I was younger. Part of my training was to take alcohol into my mouth, so thatI could surprise my enemy. My teacher told me I was supposed to use it as anaccelerant. I did, but? I hiccupped? Long story short – I got into a lot oftrouble for setting stuff on fire that I wasn’t meant to.”

     He grins a little, half-awkwardly. If anyone else had asked,he would have just laughed at them for asking a “s t u p i d” question. But sincehis young friend had asked? He would tell her the truth. Even if it didn’t painthim in the light of being the “ultimate shinobi” that the name “HATTORI HANZO” implied.“Keep it between us, though, will you?” Headds, putting a finger to his lips. “Nobody got hurt in that incident, but? If Ilet it be known that I did such a thing, Saizou will know it was me who burnt theside of his home in Iga, while he was out training with his master andAnastasia once…” By that, he was saying this – yep. He’d been young at thetime. But? He had been older then the other two already. He was considered a “professionalamateur” at the time. An official shinobi, but? With limited experience. So?That sort of slip up… well… didn’t look great.

      And so far, he hadn’t been caught for thatincident. At least not by them, so? He’dlike to keep it that way.

@smiletorn