Another day in the Kyoko compound, was like another day walking through a miasma of hatred and fury. She knew what her place was, even those with a handful of feather's held more rank than her. Despite her being the second born of the clan Head, she was 'The Failure', and even children took this as an opening to consider her the end of all their jokes. Despite her being a skilled Researcher, and a valuable asset to the Village, Kumiko was nothing more but a political tool for her family. Her father holding it over her head that the only way to gain status in her clan was securing a good marriage to further the clans holdings.
Her father was power hungry. Which for a clan filled with people that supposedly were the embodiment of Wisdom and Knowledge, was kind of a self-defeating purpose. She never spoke up on such things, it had been years since she had been seriously physically reprimanded, but a back hand now and again was dealt out when she stepped 'out of her place'. Today was no different, as the young woman sat on the edge of the Kyoko clan training courtyard. She was looking into the specialization fields of research, as she was reaching the point in her apprenticeship where she would have to make that choice.
Earlier that day, to the Shinobi Researcher she trained under, she had mentioned that she was interested in researching bloodlines. Interested in learning all about them, and their Traditions and Cultures surrounding them. She believed it would be an admirable thing to study, and the records were basic from what she had been told. The Shinobi she had been assigned to, when she entered her apprenticeship, had mentioned that he thought it was a good idea, but he would have to speak to his higher ups first. Which she found to be completely logical, as they didn't need some wet behind the ears Researcher stepping into such a territory without laying things out properly first.
The young woman's head ducked down, as she pushed herself through the notes from that days worth of studies. Caramel eyes, partially hidden by her glasses, swept over the script before her. With a careful hand she continued to write in notes, and answer the questions presented to her for her research and memorization work. Her Higher up would expect this when her next shift happened, and she would make sure it was completely. She was drawn from her personal thoughts when one of the smaller children, probably only two or three, walked up to her and gently tugged on the back of her bun. Causing a slight pain in her scalp, as the toddler's slippery fingers tugged on the pale lavender strands.
"Ano... Juri-chan, you shouldn't be near me, it will invite trouble." She said softly to the small toddler, and like clockwork, as always, the child's parent appeared. Kumiko slowly tucked her writing utensil behind her ear, as the parent swooped up their child. This was one of the women that had married into the clan, but the look of hatred on her face was clear. "Juri-chan simply got lost, apologies. I did not mean to upset you." Kumiko whispered as she bowed her head and ingratiated herself to the woman.
"Don't talk to me or my child, the only reason you are here is because the Elders haven't found a husband for you yet." The woman snapped back as she left with the child, leaving Kumiko to stare at her work before her.
She blinked a few times, finding that a few tears had gathered, but she found herself pushing them back as always. Closing herself off, keeping herself tightly reigned in. Her face calm and impassive as she stared at the documents she was working on. Inside her heart gave a painful clench because of the lost chance of some sort of positive interaction. She should expect it though, every member of the clan was ingrained with their disdain and distaste for her. She was the only born-Kyoko that was a civilian, which was just not done. From birth, since she became 'The Failure', children were taught to behave, or they might end up like her.
It should hurt more than it should, but Kumiko had long become numb in a way that was probably not healthy for a young woman. As she looked up she noticed her father heading into his reception chambers, the clan elders not far behind him. Behing them walked her brother Daiki, and a few people she did not recognize.
They were probably preparing another possible betrothal for Daiki, as he needed to be married before he could become the Head of the family. Kumiko gave a small huff of dissatisfaction as she watched them, but quickly clenched her lips as her fathers cold gaze landed on her.
Her head tucked down again, as she kept herself sitting on the edge of the training area, returning to her work so as to not draw attention to herself. Perfect Lady, perfect tool, it was the only way to prevent more troubles.
She drew in a deep breath as she focused herself again, and then shuddered at the feeling of the small hairs on the back of her neck. They were rising, causing a shiver to rush through her again, as she let her head slowly come up again.
Behind her stood Daiki, as she let her gaze lift enough to stare at his chin, as she was forbidden from looking clan members in the eyes unless directed. "May I help you, Daiki-sama." She asked softly.
"Dekisokonai*, The Clan Head has requested that I attempt to test you again. To see if you may awaken chakra manipulation. I do not find a reason for it, but it has been requested. You are almost 20, and that is the age of majority in the clan. If you cannot even do simple Jutsu, your fate will be compeltely sealed." Daiki said, his eyes matched hers in color but his conceit and arrogance shone in them like something vile.
"Y-Yes... Daiki-sama, if that is what you wish. When will this take place." The young woman asked as she slowly started to put her materials away. Standing up, and folding her hands behind her in a rather submissive manner, her head bowed politely, as she had been taught.
"As soon as the other clan members clear the field, so when their spars are coming to a completion, than you will attempt a spar. I warn you, I will not go easy on you just because you are a civilian." Daiki stated as he slashed his hand out in a rather agressive manner. "Go get one of the trianing weapons, and prepare. Maybe a good beating will draw it out of you."
Kumiko's face remained impassive, even as her hands clenched tightly behind her back. Her fingers locking around each other and tightening to a point where she wanted to just snap and strike him. But she knew better, she knew better than to strike him. She bowed her head lower, moving down to bow from the waist in a very deep manner. "As you wish, Daiki-sama."
Amongst the streets there lingered 3 peculiar tall figures, 2 masked and 1 without, though evident from the passing gazes and soft whispers, the single individual that walked throughout the streets with a sense of nobility and heroism was one quite renowned, not one gaze fell upon the tall man with an expression of unfamiliarity. The man’s expression was blatant, bleak and absent emotion whilst the male’s demeanour was more so matter-of-fact, the man shared no sense in indulging in greeting those they passed by as he seemed intent on proceeding towards the Kyoko compound, hoping to find an invaluable member who may be of assistance.
As of late, news spread amongst the shinobi about a researcher who sought to delve into the depths of the clan’s bloodlines and given his position as one of the village elders, the idea did run by him and despite his given approval the remainder of the elders still argued about the respect of a clan’s right to privacy. This was to be expected, particular clans did wield Hiden techniques forbidden to those outside the clan and researching the bloodlines would spell disastrous to their traditions and violate the privileges each clan held, regardless, this ambition was one that could not go on ignored.
The 3 figures stepped into the compound as a collective gasp was let out by those that surrounded him upon entry, the famous leader of the sub-organisation to the Anbu Root had arrived and anyone who would know the individual was that if he arrived, his intent was to find a recruit. Stumbling through the immense amount of flooding members throwing their recommendations in his face, he grew irritated, lowering his head to glare at the surrounding patrons which inspired them to stop. Eito smiled, calming those about him before proceeding to the main building where he believed the clan head to reside.
“I seek a recruit” the male spoke informatively and authoritatively before seating himself upon the surface beneath him, lowering his head in a bow in respect to the elder of the famous clan of intelligence and knowledge. The man’s long, flowing brown hair tied into a braid resided down the back of the male, whilst just at the entrance, the multiple members awaited to see whom Eito would decide to be his recruit, each indicating to the village elder that they should recommend their own children. Reaching up, the man stroked the hairs at the base of his chin whilst the 2 masked individuals stood upright beside the seated brown eyed male, prepared to defend the man at any cost.
The clan members indeed sought to graspingly gain attention and recognition from the man that had arrived. The news traveled fast through the compound, and Sato was already preparing as best he could for an arrival. Though he had been prerparing a possible betrothal for his Heir, he begged forgiveness from the future bride and her family, and asked them to leave so that he could prepare at least basically for Eito's arrival. The reception chamber was already prepared and Sato took his position, with his legs folded beneath him and his hands folded in his lap. With a customary sharp wave to his wife, he dismissed the non-essentials in the room - at least those from his clan.
"It is a great honor to receive you, Fuma-sama." Sato said as he gave a rather gentle sweeping gestures towards the door, which swept open and a small maiden bearing a tray stepped in. "Refreshments, if you wish them." He said and then motioned for the girl to set it down. "So you seek a recruit? That is an admirable thing, and my clan is quite honored to have you approach us. Did you already have someone in mind, or were you seeking my suggestion on what I feel is the best candidates from my clan?" He asked as he folded his hands before him. Despite his power grasping, he was a calculating man.
"If it is the latter, than I would suggest my Heir Daiki. A highly talented shinobi, and very talented in the family arts. He is about to do a spar with the Dekisokonai, in order to try to awaken her capabilities. Though I have little hope of it, it would be a good time for you to view him if you wish." Sato said as he maid a gesture towards another door from the Reception chambers. "Through there, and a short walk, is the training courtyard of our compound?"
Kumiko knew that it was coming, even as the clan was swept up in an uproar of an Elder of the Village visiting. She heard the whispers and the training area emptied as people clambored for attention. The woman wandered over to the training weapons, choosing a simple kunai. Unlike other members in the clan, this was as far as she had trained in weaponry. The proper holding and use of a Kunai. It was not her kunai, but a general one for clan use in training, but she found herself shaking a little. She did not like physical confrontation, but she was not allowed to deny requests from the clan members.
"Dekisokonai, it is time." Daiki said as he stepped to the training grounds. His frame towered over her by nearly a foot, as he folded his hands behind his back. He wore a simple training gi, which was a complete contrast to the researcher's uniform his... sister wore. He took a simple stance and waited. "You may attack me as much as you want, but after three blows it will be my turn."
Kumiko shook for a moment as she took in a shaking breath. She knew that this was not going to be good, she was horrible at anything that involved being a Shinobi. She also knew that as the Heir of the clan, even in a spar with open rules, Kumiko was not allowed to respond in a way that might injure the Heir. Furthermore, as the Dekisokonai, she was unable to participate in the traditional family sparring rituals. So she waited for his word, and then started to work on a plan in her mind.
She started by circling him, slow and methodical, examining him and looking for weaknesses. She had known her brother for a long time, and had watched him and others train actively. Her brother always favored his right side for dodgin, but left for attacking. His reaction speeds were invariably different based on where he was attacked from. He was also conceited and arrogant, and that could be used against an opponent. Her speed left much to be desired, but she folded the kunai so that one of it's flat edges was lined up along her wrist.
She darted forward then, using what speed she could manage, and looped herself along to his less defensive side, ducking low - using her small size, and then twisting her body around him to slash upwards hard and fast for his weaker side.
Unfortunately for her, she was not the best at this. Daiki was much better at reaction times, already being a well established shinobi, in his mid twenties. She managed to just barely catch the edge of his training gi, before she realized he had let her hit him like that, and she barely realized he was sticking out a foot to trip her. With a severe lack of proper training the young woman was thrown off balance and rolled on the ground to try to recover.
"One. Two more, and then we see how a beating can possibly activate your chakra." Came the cold response of her brother, a shiver rolling down her spine. Her entire world focused on this fight, pushing and trying so hard to even use chakra in it's basic form, to no avail. That's all she had to do, that's all she had to do to end it, was use chakra. To prove herself, but she could not. Her entire world focused on the fight with her brother, not even noticing if anyone else was present.
Eito stared with a cold expression whilst the head of the clan made his entrance, upon the arrival of the maid, a blade slices through the air, separating both Eito and the made, the blade held by one of the masked individuals as he grasps one of said refreshments and sliding it beneath his mask to indulge in it. As nothing occurred, the blade dropped and a hand gestured for the maid to proceed, the tray now before the elder, the man stares at the tray then returns his attention before pushing the tray to the side, the other masked individual grabbing the tray and tossing it out towards the crowd, intending to frighten them.
“If I wanted your recommendation I would’ve already requested it. I’ve said I’ve come for a recruit and I already know who I want. The member of your clan that seeks-“despite his words, it seemed the clan head seemed far too intent on recommending their so-called heir to the clan. Eito shook his head before arising to his feet, dusting off his already clean pants before walking about towards the training grounds he was gestured towards, masked shinobi in tow. Each step emanated a soft, subtle sound as he arrived; bringing with him the crowd that sought his attention.
He stares off towards the duo amidst the field of combat; one wore a gi whilst the other wore something unorthodox for combat but more so befitting for that of a researcher. He lifts his index finger and points to the one fighting with the peculiar clothing before taking a deep breath to focus a moment. His sensory capabilities tap into the female’s chakra and finds that there’s a bewildering potential about her, smiling, he steps forth into the training grounds as the male bests the female. Whispers linger as it is believed that Eito was approaching the male to offer him a position.
Though, to the contrary, the tall, brown haired elder approached the female, a collective gasp exhume once more as a hand is offered to the befallen female, one of the masked shinobi standing between the male member of the clan and Eito whilst he offered to help the female onto her feet. His eyes narrow as he focused intently on what the unlocked potential may be, though perhaps it was best left unanswered for the time being for him to research later. Provided she accepted the offer, he’d help her up and then stare coldly towards the female.
Sato was a bit surrpised by the rather abrupt way he was dismissed. Almost like a puppy the power hungry man followed after the Elder, and he found a small smile curling across his lips. Already it seemed the Elder had chosen, and surely they would want one of the clans best. He knew that was what Eito-sama was here for. He was well known for finding the best individuals, and Sato was proud that his son Daiki would soon be in a prestigious position. There was already a gathering around the training area, as often happened whenever Daiki tried to unlock the Dekisokonai.
His eyes leveled on the field as the pride started to swell in his chest, and then crashed with a gasp that echoed through the clan members present. "Honorable Elder, that is the Dekisokonai, she is wholly unsuited for your honorable presence. Please, any other clan member, I beg you. It would do us great dishonor for her to besmirch your presence with her inadequacies." Sato said as he stepped forward. "The only thing she is fit for is being made into an honorable Lady wife for somoene of station."
Daiki on the other hand was on attention almost immediately as the individuals stepped into his field of sight. He stayed stock still when one kept him from his sister, watching with an assessing gaze. Unlike his father, he was more calculating, but he found himself cocking his head to the side. "Father, wait." He said as he extended his hand, a look of sincerity on his face - one that did not reach his eyes. His smile was sweet, but his eyes held something else. "Sister, it seems that this Honorable Elder sees something that we do not. So please, go with him." He said as he swept a bow. "It seems you are Dekisokonai no more."
Kumiko was confused, even as she struggled to pull herself up from the ground. Above her was a man that was well known, one of the ones that she would need to await and answer from to begin her Specialization Research. She found a flush covering her cheeks, her lavender hair half fallen from it's messy bun. She was struggling to get up, but the way she had been pushed off balance, her lack of proper recent sleep, and her lack of proper physical prowess was making it difficult.
She stared up at the man in confusion, her teeth snagging her lower lip as she dropped the training kunai and took his hand. Lifting her up would be exceedingly easy, given how little she weighed. As she stood she drew her other hand towards her chest and bowed over his hand, shaking a little from exertion and fear of the moment. She was no idiot, though she was no shinobi, she knew the whispers and the power of those there. At least from the way others seemed to fear them. "Thank you, Honoroable one." She whispered, her voice shaking.
She slowly straightened, as the confusion started to lace her features. Looking over towards Daiki as he called her sister, which had not happened since she was quite small. Still her teeth kept her lower lip caught, as she twitched the fingers of the hand on her chest. She was slowly regaining proper breathing, and she adverted her gaze as she spoke. Her entire posture, to the astute observer, was nothing but submissive towards the members of her clan. "Daiki-sama, tha-thank you." She said her voice shaking. But there was still confusion in her tone.
The voice of the selfish old head of the clan seemingly irritated Eito as his head turned to glare down the other male, the masked individual that caught the glare in his peripherals reached behind them reached to grasp the hilt of their blade, unsheathing it as the blade fell beside them. The blade twirling about in the individual’s hands before they stopped upon hearing a more sensible response from the more so younger male, the glare diminishing whilst his expressionless face returned, he whistles once. Upon hearing the soft whistle, the shinobi sheathes their blade and places both their arms behind their back.
Helping the female up, his eyes fell upon the peculiar assortment of clothing she decided to wear to battle, though it wasn’t the most strange sight, it was something particularly different, though the male took this as a positive sign that the female was quite devoted to research over combat which he needed more so than anything else. Turning his back to her, he begins pacing towards the exit into the streets of Konohagakure with the masked pair escorting him, hoping the female followed closely. Upon hearing the question she had to offer him, he turns his head to one side to meet her gaze before looking forward again.
“The strongest are not the ones who start at the top for they know not what it means to struggle. The strongest often begin from the bottom, fight and struggle to live and then prosper beautifully once they’ve risen. For they not only know what it means to struggle, but they understand the worth of strife and conflict.” The male said before reaching a hand out, one of the masked shinobi then reaching into their Anbu jacket and retrieving multiple sheets of paper before handing it to the male.
“Here, I hold the details of a request in researching bloodlines, or at least the copy sent to me. I assumed this was you since amongst my brief visit to the compound; you were the only one dressed appropriately. You will not be able to accomplish this unless you join me. And as compensation for your efforts, I will place you under my personal tutelage and train you alongside the members of Root to be better than you ever were.” The male nods before offering her the multiple sheets of paper, the first sheet detailed the request sent to the Elders whilst what lay beneath was what Root had to offer her and vague glimpses of each clan.
Kumiko gave a small sound of shock at the fierceness of those that defended the Elder, but she turned her attention towards her brother again for a single moment. She caught his gaze, and saw the surprise there, the surprise of the strength that still lay in her eyes after the many years of abuse she had faced at the hands of her clan. "Thank you brother" She said softly as she turned her attention towards the Elder. He had started to move and she followed as fast as she possibly could.
Her speed was not bad, for a civilian, but she did not have the physical stamina of shinobi. She slowed her pace as she approached, trying to stay on guard as best she could. She kept the rather calm, genteel manner around her, as to make sure that his guards knew that she wasn't going to do anything stupid. When they passed the arch ways that marked her clans compound, she gave a small sound of surprise at his words. That flush from before covered her cheeks as her eyes slowly cast downards. "Thank you Honorable one, I have always been the Dekisokonai, but I will strive my best to be a valuable asset." She whispered, his words had made her heart warm - and had actually brought a flush to her cheeks. That was not something she was used to.
She immediately snapped to attention as he began to talk again, her eyes widening as she stared at the packet of papers he was holding. "Yes sir, I was the one that placed a request about researching bloodlines. I really felt we could benefit from understanding them better. Everything from on a political level, to a personal evaluation of possible risks to the village... Just in a sense that we could understand more about them, in case a powerful member goes rogue and we may not have a strong enough clan member to help us subdue them." She said softly, her voice was much stronger, but there was a vibrancy that came upon her as she talked about the ideal she had for what she wanted to research. It was a lifetimes worth of research. She knew that, but she loved the idea of it.
"And yes sir, I am dressed this way as I am the only Civilian Researcher of the Kyoko blood. The others are Shinobi and wear Shinobi garb for their work. I am restricted to..." Then she stopped as her mind finally processed the other part of what he said, her hands reaching out as she stared up at his face in confusion. She, a nobody, the Dekisokonai, was being offered a position in Root. Her eyes continued to widen in confusion and shock as she stared up at him. Not only was she being offered a position in Root, but a position as a student of the great Eito Fuma. That offer disarmed her more than anything, and she actually was in shock that someone was looking towards her future in such a way.
"Ah... Oh..." She said, blinking rapidly for a moment as she bowed deeply with her hands clapped before her. Her lavender hair falling around her in a dishevel, and her glasses slightly askew as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I, Kyoko Kumiko, would be deeply grateful to accept your offer. I will strive to do the best I can, though I do not feel I will be as bright as the others in Root, I will still do my best to be the best Researcher possible for you." She said a little stronger than she had before.
This was a journey down a new road, and it would likely be a hard road. She had her own hurdles to overcome, and her greatest enemy in this road was herself.
The male makes a gesture with his hand, nodding one of the masked individuals slows to keep up with the rather slow pace the female had to offer, nodding back to her, he begins turning his head towards another path, his stern expression instilled before turning back towards he female.
“I have some matters that require my attention; this man will take you to our headquarters and help you settle in. Your training will begin once you’ve grown accustomed to your surroundings. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and any requests that’ll help your research, do not hesitate.” The male said softly before parting from the group, diverting towards another path as he left with the other masked shinobi.
The one that remained continued along a steady pace, weaving back and forth through the streets of Konohagakure before arriving at their destination, with an arm stretched out to gesture her to enter through a wall, he awaited a response. Raising a single hand to form a seal, a seal illuminates over the wall before vanishing along with the wall shifting into more of a door. Inside, you’d find a vast area, though only a single room with a diversity of desks and a multitude of the researchers responsible for gathering information on behalf of Root.
The group themselves, unlike the remainder of Root, wore the conventional long white coat, a multitude of rooms were closed off for experimentation and although they were not seeing wearing the usual attire of the Anbu all Root members wore, the necessary combat attire could be found hanging along the edges of the building’s perimeter along with their masks residing at each respective researcher’s desk.
A member would approach, provided Kumiko had entered and offer Kumiko he uniform of the Anbu and mask, until the member that had escorted her, shook his head, nodding the member would place the uniform aside and instead welcome her, then allocating her to a desk and bowing before her as he proceeded off into one of the closed experimentation rooms. Another member would then arrive at the desk and offer the information they had on each clans, from the capabilities of the Dojutsu of Konoha, to the list of known members within specific clans and information of specific targets of interest. Mostly of which consisted of the Genin who held potential or whose backgrounds were far too vague and rendered them potential threats.
Kumiko nodded as Eito made his announcement that he had somewhere else to be. She was appreciative that the more talented individuals had slowed down for her. That allowance made a knot clench in her heart, as no one had ever bothered to really adjust themselves just because she wasn't a shinobi. She kept an even pace with them, and they wove her through the winding streets of Konoha.
Her elation continued to grow as they approached a wall. Her breath caught as she realized there must be some sort of Genjutsu or barrier that hid and entrance. The gesture to enter was made, and she bowed her head politely, to show her acceptance that she would go through. "Thank you." She said politely as she waited for him to perform the seal release on the wall. She stepped through and found herself shocked by the rather different energy of the room.
Not energy in the sense of chakra, but the sort of feeling you could get when walking into a room, the energy of people with a like minded purpose. She was approached by an individual and found herself bowing politely. The member that was with her directed the ANBU uniform away, which gave her a sigh of relief. Heavens would weep if she was given that, she deserved no shinobi rank. She cleared her throat as she was directed towards a desk - after being welcomed.
She sat down and then was suddenly animated with joy the moment the folders were placed before her. "Thank you!" She said with a rather brighter response, a real smile on her face as she took the first folder and began her work, her lower lip caught between her teeth as she very quickly lost herself into the Research of Clans and Bloodlines.
