The Leaf falls under the Sun

[Dirtbear]

The trees passed and the wind blew along the path. The smell of jasmine was in the air and it brought a smile to his lips. 'Almost there... I've missed you.' he thought to himself. He spoke out without looking back, " There were missions where... I commanded a team of... genin. They were bright and they valued the teachings I taught them. Honor, compassion, humility, and most of all teamwork. " He paused before coming to a slow walk in front of a giant oak. He pressed his hand on the bark and ran it down to the opened spot where the green flesh was showing. His fingers traced the openings into the tree that still felt fresh and he sighed softly. " There was a mission that led us on a hunt for a Amegakure shinobi that was charged for murder in Kirigakure." he paused as his eyes shut and he remembered the blood on the tree. The memories from earlier, crashing into his mind like a hurricane. He shook his head and looked back into Sora's eyes.


Mao took a breath and began the story, " We followed him to this forest and we ambushed him using some tactics I thought my genin. Koi, my brightest, was skilled with genjutsu. Hiro, youngest genin I took in, was skilled in strategy. Nora, the heart of the team, wasn't skilled in much but she held the team together." He took in a breath and continued, "Koi used my mist to lock the Amegakure shinobi in a genjustu and Hiro held him in a water prison. Koi released the genjustsu and I got close to the man before Hiro released his justsu. In that split second, I lost the most precious thing that belonged to me." Mao turned back and stared at the two indents carved into the tree.


He took another breath and placed a hand on the tree. "The Amegakure shinobi used genjustsu as he was released. It locked me into a world that was... terrifying. I could watch myself move and speak. They didn't know what hit them.... Koi was the first to fall. I watched as I plunged his own blade into his chest. Hiro yelled out to Nora to run but Hiro was stopped short when I... vapourized his body with my mist. That's when I saw the Amegakure shinobi play with me. He stood beside me and laughed. 'You see, I know your weakness, Burning Mist. Your young ones were your downfall. Now their blood will be on your hands... forever.' I stood there, paralyzed. Not able to control my thoughts, my will, nor my body. My vision went black for a minute and when I came to, Nora was in front of me. She was standing there with her blue eyes staring into mine. Her mouth was moving yet nothing was coming out. I looked down to see I had pinned her to the tree with Koi's wakazashi and Hiro's kunai. Her blood... was all over me..."


Mao stopped to breathe in the sadness he carried. "Nora spoke softly as she died, 'It's ok, Mao-taicho. I will still love you...' I didn't understand why it happened. But the deaths were my fault. I skipped genjutsu classes in the academy. Ha. I thought it was stupid. But... you know, things like this happens." Mao stopped and smiled as he rubbed the scars on the tree. 'I'm here, Nora. I'll always be here.' He hid the tear in his eye as he turned to talk to Sora. "So this is the grave." Mao walked over to the boulder beside the tree. He patted the face of the boulder and looked back at her, "And this is my home.... now."

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

All Sora could do was watch him in shock as she listened to his story. She couldn't really relate to that at all. When she first became a jonin and the Hokage asked her if she wanted to train genin, she said no. She didn't want to take their lives into her hands. Mainly because she honestly didn't care for many outside of her clan, that's what she tells herself. The only time she actually let people, two of them died and the other came back in critical condition. No. She wouldn't put herself in that position again. "I'm so sorry. I..." No pull away. Don't get to close to a man you just met. "Shinobi die, Mao. We know what the consequences are of becoming one before we choose." She back away from him. "It is a terrible way to die, by your own mentor. But it seemed like Nora knew that it wasn't you doing it." Sora looked down so her bangs could cover her eyes. How could something like this happen so close to the boarder? Hearing him say "and this is my home now" She looked up at him again. "You can't stay this close to Konoha. Not at a time like this. I don't know if you can tell but things are tense in the village. You should leave while you still can."

 

[Dirtbear]

"Well, if you haven't already heard... I'm a marked man. And only you know my name. I would prefer to keep it that way, Sora. " Mao rubbed the boulder. He looked back at Sora and leaned against the boulder. He eyed her for a while before thinking of something to ask her. "How is it you haven't changed out of your uniform?" Mao pointed at her uniform as it was worn.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

"Of course, but there is always a price." She smirked. When he asked about her uniform the smirk disappeared. "Well I just got from a 2-day mission yesterday. I got submitted to the hospital over night and just didn't get the chance to change yet." She shied away in embarrassment.

 

[Dirtbear]

Mao chuckled to himself and looked over to the boulder. He made a string of hand signs and placed his hand on the rock. The boulders face concaved and opened leading to stone steps down into the earth. Mao walked in and shut the entrance as he stepped down the stairs. There was a dusk smell of earth and a tinge of moisture in the air. He signed and spit out a glob of lava into his palm. The stairs ended to a wall of stone and Mao stuck the glob on the wall. He placed his hand onto the face of the stone wall and channeled his chakra through it. The stone split and the space grew open. The room grew wide and a wall split the two rooms. Some furniture formed from the brown stone and he created two glass half orbs on each side of the rooms. He picked up the glob of lava and split half into each of the holders. He looked back and smiled at Sora, "This is my new home. You are welcome to stay anytime you want."

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora hesitantly followed Mao down the stairs. It was getting dark out as it was, but when the door shut behind her it was pitch black and honestly it scared her. She couldn't use her shadow techniques in pitch darkness. When Mao spit the lava into his palm, Sora released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Now being able to see, she tried to look around. I wonder how far underground this goes. Coming to the end Sora watched him as he made the stone split. "It's amazing." She whispered as she watched as two rooms formed before her eyes. Looking back at him, she felt heat rush to her cheeks as he smiled at her. "Sorry, little one. I have to return home tonight. Maybe we will see each soon." With that she made a few hand signs and poofed out of the the underground room.


Sora re-appeared in her room. Sighing she undressed and walked into the shower. The hot water felt good on her skin. She closed her eyes and let the hot water pour down her body. Running her hand through her long hair she thought over what happened the past few days. It will start soon. I just know it. Suddenly she heard a knock on the door. "Yes?" She called out. "When you're done come talk to me." The voice was low and hard. Knew it. "Yes father!" Hearing footsteps walk away she turned off the shower and put her hair into a side braid. Walking back to her room she pulled out a royal purple kimono with a white dragon design along the bottom and a crescent moon symbol on the back by the neck. Putting it on she looked in the mirror. Now she looked like the heiress. Sora headed downstairs.


Once down stairs she was greet with her father and a few other ninjas she recognized. One was a member of root and two others were members of the branch family in the Hyuuga clan. The three of them bowed when Sora entered the room. "Father. What is going on?" She walked over to the tall man standing farthest form her. He had short plum colored hair and hazel eyes. He wore a traditional kimono and sandals. "Sora, I believe you know what this is about." Looking at the root and two Hyuugas she nodded. "It's starting isn't it." Her father nodded. "Tomorrow night. You, and a group of the medics will be stations at the hospital. Your job is to make sure the hospital won't be able to take care of their wounded." Why was she always stuck with the medical work? Sora's face was stoic but inwardly she wasn't too happy about it. "Now go to sleep. You will be preped in the morning." Sora did a small bow to her father and left.


Now laying in bed Sora couldn't stop thinking about the rogue Kiri ninja. She had to warn him about it. That will have to wait till tomorrow. She rolled over to her side and fell asleep.

 

[Dirtbear]

"Little one? " Mao asked Sora as she flickered away. 'Ha.... little one... funny. ' He sighed before into room. He found the bed, though as uncomfortable as it was made out of stone, he found solace there. His eyes were heavier as his head laid on his bag. He closed them and saw his team standing in front of him. At in their gear, smiling at him after they completed their first A ranked mission. 'How accomplished they felt. They would have been great shinobi one day... ' a tear rolled down his cheek as he remembered his past. In the red glow, sleep overtook the haunted man and sent him away to another violent nightmare.


The morning came in what seemed like years for Mao. His eyes opened and he dragged himself off the bed. He dreaded the mornings that followed the nightmares. 'Nothing a rinse couldn't fix... and a drink.' He walked up the stairs and found the entrance. He exited and looked around again just to be safe. Satisfied with being alone, Mao made a hand sign and the burning mist came and went.


The fog was heavier by the waterfall a couple miles away. Mao had set it up to keep wandering eyes from seeing him as he bathed. He sat under the falling current and relaxed on the surface of the river. He watched his hair dance on his skin while the water took lead. He smiled and thought was time to head into the village again. He couldn't get ramen off his mind, 'Or that Anbu girl...' He added. Sora Araii was someone he was going to see more of, if time allowed him. He laughed to himself and walked to the riverbed. He dressed into his clothing and lifted the collar on his coat. He tightened his forehead protector over his hair, concealing the crimson fire it held from prying eyes. After he finished, Mao began walking towards Konoha to get some ramen to eat.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora had woken up at the break of dawn. Her father prepped her on what was to be expected today. It was basically what he said the night before. She and other medics of her clan will be working at the hospital. Her job was to make sure things didn't go smoothly when the time came. Now, an hour later, Sora was looking at her self in the mirror. She was in a freshly cleaned anbu outfit. In the mirror she could see the two markings that stood out on her body. One, was on her upper arm. The marking all anbu members get. In all honestly she held no ill will towards the Hokage, but it was because of the family she was in that she had to do what she was going to do. Her hand instinctively went up to her face and touch the S shaped marking on it. This. This was the thing that kept her loyal. One day she will rule this clan, and if all goes well it will be soon.


Sora put back on the kimono she wore to bed that night. She had no missions today so it would be suspicious if people saw her in her anbu uniform. Last but not least she slipped on her shinobi sandals and let her hair out of a braid. Because of it staying in the braid all night, her usually strait hair was in beautiful waved down her back. I have to warn him. Finally she headed down stairs. "Sora? Where are you going?" Her father asked as he saw her head for the door. "I just need to do something and then I'll be ready Father." She called back and exited the house. She jumped up on top of the buildings and headed towards where she last saw Mao.


Finally reaching the Konaha gates she spotted him. "M-little one, finally I found you!" She called out landing right in front of him. "You need to go." She looked around, the two guards at the gate eyed her. She got closer to Mao. "You can't be in Konoha today or tonight." She looked up at him with plea in her eyes.

 

[Dirtbear]

"Bahhhh. I just got here. It's ramen time! " Mao dismissed Sora and kept walking forward. He didn't pay no mind to the guards. He was too busy starving for some ramen. He continued to walk around looking for another ramen shop. He looked back to Sora, " You think... that one place will allow me back in? It was delicious...." He pulled a frown on his face and stared at the floor. He really enjoyed the broth they had.


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[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora growled at him. She hated being ignored but she followed him anyway. "Of course they aren't going to let you back in." She snapped. "And I don't like being ignored like that."

 

[Dirtbear]

Glancing back to Sora, Mao sucked air through his teeth, "I did no such thing. I heard you. I responded. And I'm getting ramen..... though not at the same place, sadly." He slowed to be right beside her as she walked with him. He looked her up and down, 'Though you do look... nicer like this..' , He thought to himself. "It's your fault, after all."

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

"Oh so it's my fault that I reacted the right way towards a rogue ninja who is wanted in this village." Noticing him looking her up and down she blushed a little. "It's only a disguise." She moved the cloth on her shoulder to reveal the anbu uniform underneath. "Today is the day, Mao. The attack on me was the last straw. The war is coming and there is nothing we can do to stop it."

 

[Dirtbear]

"Yes it's your fault for ruining a wonderful day and not letting me drink more of that delightful sake." He said to her in reply. He saw the Anbu grays and laughed softly. Mao looked over the streets and thought of the ramen he could be having. He kept walking and found a tea house off to his right. He grabbed Sora's hand and walked into the tea house casually. He smiled at the other guests and the server and lead her to the seat far in the corner. He stood and bowed his head slightly, "Please, after you, heiress."

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

She rolled her eyes at his choice of place. What is with us ninja and tea houses? Sora let her-self be led into the tea house. Mao's hand felt warm around hers. To bad it won't last very long. He brought her to the corner. "Heiress? Is that what you are going to call me now?" She couldn't help but smile at him and then sit down. "So why did you drag me here? My father is expecting me back soon."

 

[Dirtbear]

" Well, for starters, I'm missing out on ramen because of you. And... the other, I needed to get out of the streets. You know.... rogue ninja and all. " Mao smiled and he shooed the server away. He watched Sora and thought of what he wanted to do. " Who is leading the attack? Whose involved? And why hasn't the Hokage stopped it yet?" he asked her with his face closer to hers.


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[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora hesitantly looked around before responding. "The Hokage hasn't stopped it because he doesn't see the Araii clan as a threat...but he doesn't know that the branch house of the Hyug clan is also involved." She whispered. "As much as I don't like the idea of war, my squad was attacked two days ago by leaf anbu that are loyal to the Hokage. They killed the squad captain and another member. The other squad member died because she was trying to protect her medic. And the captain....the captain was my best friend. If only those idiot anbu looked for the marking on the face they would have spared his life." Sora slammed her fist on the table. It took her a moment to get back on track. "Sorry, it just bothers me that they would kill one of their own." She un -clenched her fist. "Anyway my father is the one leading the attack, and if I want to rule my clan some day I have to help fight."

 

[Dirtbear]

The story was somewhat equivalent to his last few days. Though nothing like an uprising or anything like that. That was grand scale compared to his rogue status at Kiri. He stared at Sora when she slammed her fist on the table. Mao waited until she finished and assessed the strain she was under. "You know, fighting your village for independence is normal. But putting the villagers at risk is unforgivable. Innocent people shouldn't be harmed in the process. You keep that promise, and I'll stay out of the way." Mao whispered to get sternly. He placed his hand over hers and added, " And if you don't hold that promise..." He paused to grab her hand and pull her an inch from his face, "I'll make their deaths haunt you for as long as you breathe." He smiled and his eyes were playful again. Mao backed away and slowly released her hand, lingering over her skin as he pulled away.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

She took a sharp breath when he pulled her closer to his face. It took her a moment to regain focus. "Do you really think there aren't deaths that haunt me as it is? What makes a few lives fo people I don't know in comparison to those I have lost because of a mistake I've made." When his hand pulled away from here's, she pouted. "But I won't kill villagers unless they get in our way." Sora looked down so her bangs covered her eyes. "You know, you're different than most rogue. Many dont even care about villagers, much less ones that aren't even from their old village." She quickly glanced at him.


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[Dirtbear]

Mao looked past her when she questioned him, "Yeah, well, that's for me to worry about, heiress. I have my reasons for leaving my village, just as every other rouge ninja does. But that doesn't make all of us equal." He stood up and stopped beside the table. He looked down on her for a few seconds before opening his mouth, "I'll be watching over you, heiress. Just to make sure things go well. I'm sure my intervention will... bring attention to me. So, try not to get me involved." His face formed a false smile to cover his anger. Mao waved at her and exited the building. He walked down the road and thought of everything happening. Mao slowed his pace and he looked around, taking in his surroundings. There wasn't any tension between the villagers and the shinobi, as it should be. But the shinobi were a little anxious and they couldn't hide the tells of worry. Mao looked up to the face of the mountain where the Hokage were carved on and thought to himself, 'I wonder how grandmother would handle this.... then again, she wouldn't be happy that I left the village...' He shook his head and his bangs poked out under his bandanna. He saw some gasps from the villagers but he didn't care. He was beginning to tire of hiding his birthright. He kept walking towards the direction of the Hokage's office.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Before Sora could say anything he left the building. After he left, people stared at the heiress. She could hear some of them start to whisper. "Who is he?" "I've never seen her talking so casually with a man before." Sora twitched at the comments and shot up. Since they didn't order anything she was able to storm out of the tea house. Is it really that weird to be seen with a guy? I am a girl after all. After a minute of storming through the streets, her anger calmed down. Suddenly someone landed in front of her. It was an Araii. "It's time, Lady Sora." Sora nodded and headed towards the hospital.


Standing in front of said place, Sora couldn't help but stand in awe at it. Konoha did have a huge hospital and because of the Late Hokage and her apprentice, it was the best in the nation. Sighing Sora knew she couldn't go through with this and by this she meant only being a medic in this situation. She was tired of always doing things on the side lines. For gods sake she was the heiress of a strong clan. "Lady Sora where are you going?" A few girls stopped in front of her. "The plan is set you can't just leave." "Watch me." Sora growled and the Araii girls moved away.


As soon as the sun started to set screams were heard in the northern half of the village. Large amounts of smoke rose into the air as buildings began to burn. Sora was running down the streets, still wearing her kimono. Anbu suddenly appeared in front of her. "Sora Araii stand down! If you come with and stop this pointless fighting we will spare your clan." Being in anbu for so many years, Sora knew this was complete bull-crap. Before they could respond, she did a few hands sign. "Hidden Shadow technique: Royal Dragon!" Shooting out from the shadows a dragon roared and slashed at the anbu. Only a few were able to dodge the large attack. Those that got hit were sent flying back. The dragon retreated back closer to Sora. This jutsu kept her in a somewhat vulnerable state. When this jutsu activates the dragon attacks but she can't really move. The dragon cautiously watch the two anbu as they circled her. As long as the sun stayed up the Araii clan would be hard to defeat. But father made the mistake of choosing sunset to start the attack. She wouldn't have much time before her jutsu's would be worthless. She would have to rely on medical techniques to hurt her opponent, and that takes up a lot of chakra.

 

[Dirtbear]

The sun was grim on his shoulders this day. Mao had many things roaming his mind. The heiress. His village. His oath to his students. His endless terrors. The heiress, again. Mao sighed heavily and hated the atmosphere he left with the young woman. He got closer to the Hokage's office and saw he had to avoid the guards or they wouldn't allow him in. He kept to the shadows of the trees and vanished in the mist and small embers that followed. He emerged in the balcony outside of the Hokage's window. Within seconds, the Hokage was in his shadow.


"I don't believe I recognize you. Though your protector on your arm is Kiri, I don't believe you are currently on record to be within Konoha. Who are you, stranger?" The Hokage said out as he leaned out on the balcony. His short salted hair blowing in the wind. He had a small scar on his cheek and the look of an intelligent man. Mao removed his bandanna and let his hair flow over his coat. He saw a glimpse of a shimmer appear in his far right. The Hokage waved him over and asked him to wait beside him. The young man stood at the Hokage's side. "Well? I notice your hair is like that of the Uzumaki clan though, you obviously aren't and Uzumaki. And judging my your eye color and your hair color, you might be of the Terumi bloodline. And if memory serves correctly, she only had a daughter. And her daughter, had only one son. That must be you, Mao."


Stunned at the man's cunning and his blunt use of his name, Mao didn't know how to respond. He just coughed and leaned against the railing with his back facing the village. Mao took a breath in and glanced over to the Hokage, "I didn't think you knew my family, Hokage. It's been too long that anyone has spoken my name other than one other person. Though as we speak, I must warn you, the tension between clans is going to break tonight. " He looked over to the ninja that appeared as he nodded in response. "Hokage, the Araii and the Hyuuga branch family have initiated a coup-de-etat. ANBU teams and jounin have engaged them on the streets north of the village. What are your orders?" The man knelt with his face to the floor.


"Go. Aid the others. I'll stay here and cooperate with a relief force to keep the villagers safe." The Hokage looked over to the young man as he spoke. Mao looked over to the Hokage and shrugged, "I'll be staying out of this, if you don't mind. I want to keep my head on my shoulders without people wanting to collect that bounty." Mao laughed out. Yet the Hokage didn't join in on the laughter. He simply nodded and waved Mao off before disappearing into leaves. Well then... I guess I'll be watching.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora was able to take out many of her opponents with her clans technique. It wasn't long till her clan was able to take control of most of the north. The only place they weren't able to touch yet was were the Nara families lived. Shadow vs shadow didn't really work. Even with the Hyuga branch family, they wouldn't even dare touch the Hyuga compound. Even though it had only been an hour since the battle even started, Sora felt exhausted. Shit. The sun. She looked up at the sky. Now was the time when the females in the Araii clan would kick in with their medical ninjutsu, which means they were good at close combat. It was time for her to retreat and meet up with her father and some of the Hyugas. She jumped up onto the rooftops and started to head home. Recognizing where she was, she knew she was close to the Araii compound. Close to being safe. Sora was so focused on getting to safety that she didn't realize what was about to happen.


Out of no where a ninja came and tackled her to the ground, which since she was on the roof, was a far fall. She cried out in pain when her head slammed on the ground. Her right hand glowed green and she pressed her palm forcibly on his chest. The man screamed out in pain as her chakra invaded his body causing tissue and organ damage.The ninja rolled off of her. Only have chakra for one more of those attacks....oh come on. Suddenly she was surrounded again. It was a battle she knew she wasn't going to win but she sure as hell tried.


After only taking out one of the ninja, her wrist were caught and held tightly behind her back. She hissed as chakra draining cuffs were put on her wrist. "You're coming with us, Heiress." The ninja spat and teleported them to the southern part of the village, where it was surprisingly quiet. "Hokage-sama, we captured the Araii Heiress." The ninja spoke into his head set. Sora looked up at the man. Her Kimono was destroyed and ripped all over the place. It was at that moment Sora was happy she put the anbu uniform on underneath. They would have been able to see everything. She wondered what was going to happen now.

 

[Dirtbear]

After the Hokage left him, he followed him. Though admittedly, it was much more difficult to follow the Hokage than most he's pursued. Hokage was skilled in transportation justsu's from what his grandmother told him. He made it to where he was had left to. An open meadow beyond the training fields and where he noticed ANBU coming and going. The Hokage grinned when Mao emerged from the shadows onto the open grass. "Not many follow a Hokage with this many ANBU guarding him. Though I'm glad you came, Burning Mist. It's not everyday a rogue ninja helps another village. But don't feel like I'm not cautious to your intentions." The Hokage's men appeared again with someone in tow. The moment they spoke of the Araii Heiress, Mao's eyes shot upward to where she knelt. He cursed under his breath and couldn't hide from her view. He had no disguise and didn't try to hide his features. He cast his gaze on her with a stoic face.


Mao stared at the Heiress and finally spoke out, "So, why is she called the Heiress? Is there something different within the clans here in Konoha?" He said. He didn't know much about Konoha or its clans and families. Mao was just a hunter and that was his skill. He didn't care for knowledge in politics or in bloodlines, even though his was one that was sought after. He waited patiently for the Hokage's response, if he was going to get one at all.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Sora waited for what seemed like forever before she was picked up and practically dragged over to the Hokage. Her plan was to ignore the man and not say anything, but that changed when she heard the other person talk. Her head shot up and her eyes instantly landed on Mao. No. Why is he here. Why is he here with the Hokage. Sora felt a sharp pain in her chest. Betrayal. This is the exact reason why she never got close to anyone.


Before the anbu holding her down could answer Mao's question, Sora shot up causing said anbu move back so he wouldn't get hit in the face. Instantly two more came and tackled her to the ground. "How could you!" She yelled. "Is this what I get for trusting someone outside of my clan. Betrayal? You said you wouldn't take part in this yet there you are, standing next to him." One of the anbu that was top of her, grabbed a fist full of her hair and pulled it back. Sora his in pain. "I would be quiet if I were you." All three of the anbu looked at the Hokage and the man standing next to him. If the man and the Araii heiress were close then he probably shouldn't be trusted.

 

[Dirtbear]

With eyes dark and cold, he looked over to Sora. "I suggest you do as the man says. Considering you know nothing, Sora Araii." He shook his head and looked over to the Hokage. 'I can't believe the stupidity in this girl. Now they KNOW I know her. And I can't hide that now.... Ughh... women and their ridiculous emotions.' he thought to himself. Mao lifted his hands signifying peace. "Now Hokage, I mean no harm nor do I want to meddle in the affairs of Konoha. I just want to hide from my own problems. I just wanted safe harbor in another village or none at all. Though, I do ask a favor..." He looked over to Sora currently being held by the hair, "Let her go. Hell, maybe give her to me. I'll take her out of the village or whichever you choose. I just want out right now. Don't like the feel in this village." Mao suggested.