A fail of a day (open)

Tanzaku town's outskirts consisted of a field filled with brilliant green grass, tall oak trees surrounding a meadow and large rocky ruins that symbolized an old temple that had fallen. It seemed the perfect training ground for any shinobi who entered and it seemed to be the opposite of the busy city inside. The air was sweeter here, not polluted with the scents of smoke and who knows what. The steps to the city were easy to see, and the big red doors marking the entrance to the city was just up the hill those stairs followed. A small vendor's shop had closed on the bottom of the steps, so the place was silent. Who would know there was another here?

He was laying in the fields on one of the ruin stones. A small, skinny boy, looking at least eight, with messy un-cut hair, tattered clothing and a scar under one eye. His clothes looked as if they'd been through hell and back out, with dust collecting on his skin and hair. Bandages, almost completely unwrapped, hanged on his wrists and ankles. Both eyes were closed, and he looked rather tired despite the peacefull expression on his face. One thing was for sure, he was not royalty. More like the opposite....a peasant. And he was asleep. Not a good thing when one is out in a forest area where missing-nins could be around anywhere.

Sota had been through a lot today. For once in his life he'd been caught stealing bread, and he barely escaped the genin who went after him. Now he had a nice bruise on his knee from hitting it during the chase. Afterwards he had ran out on the outskirts to wait for the hype to fade away. Juring that time he decided to train, and of course he ended up training too hard. Now he was asleep on the ruins after climbing it, and was having thoughts about getting that bread back. A Tekugi like Sota didn't want to be ignored by a vendor...he was gonna go back there sometime. And he had failed getting the bread! That really frightened him. Two of his worst fears realized in one session....what next? Sota groaned in his sleep. He also basically fainted juring training. There ticked off all threee phobias. The kid wanted to waken, but he was exhausted.

Just a few more minutes and I'll get up....Any time now...

Ooc: I'm sorry, but I cannot help but to ask...are you on a bleach site...bleachgotei..and if so are you stark...? Because you are a very good roleplayer, and my post won't be as long because I'm typing on my iPod >_<

Ic:
On such a peaceful day a girl happened to be on a stroll. The girl didn't seem like much however, she was a shinobi. Despite that fact she was a pacifist and did not fight unless to protect anothers life. As she strolled through the area she could sense a slight energy that was not one of a shinobi. The girl blinked before decidingly following that energy until she nearly tripped over the boy.

"Im sorry..." she said as she stood next to the boy. Of was not like her to be so clumsy, however the area put her in escay and daydreams. As the girl focused her sight she realized it was not a shinobi at all but a average person or a peasant. Her instincts kicked in and she crouched to sit next to the boy, "My name is Kura TenshiTenki, what is yours?" she asked in a polite manner smilin a bit.

It was not like kura to introduce herself to strangers however as she observed the boy she knew quite well that he met have been through a lot. Kuras values were to take care of anyone in need, and from the looks of the boy he needed someone even a a friend. As she noticed more about him, he was very young and she then noticed the bruise which made her frown. She did not like the fact that the boy was injured and from where he was probably couldn't take much more damage.

Kura pulled out an apple from her pack and gave it to him keeping her smile, "Are you hungry...? I have some more food if you need some.." she said digging though her bag seeing if there was something more beneficial for him to eat then just an apple. Kura pulled out a sandwhich and then held it out to him waiting for him to take it.

Sota felt something hit his side as if tripping over him. He summoned what little energy he had to open his eyes. Black orbs opening wide, blinked a few times to adjust to the lighting. It had always been like this for him. He was always having trouble getting up once he closed his eyes. Most would see this as an early sign of starvation that could quickly lead to death, but he didn't think much of it. After adjusting, he pulled hiself up as the girl apoligized to him for her blunder. He was still feeling a little groggy from that training, and held his head with his hand making a small huff as he swallowed the bit of pain he was feeling.

''My name is Kura TenshiTenki, what is yours?" she asked in a polite manner smiling a bit. He caught that part at least and looked towards her now. Leave it to Sota to be able to hear one thing out of a thousand. He didn't show any expression, since he was a little wary of the stranger. There had been many shinobi and people offering him things and talking to him trying to get him to walk with them. Sota didn't know if he could trust the woman, so he remained silent. Wasn't silence his usual answer anyways?

When she took out an apple and offered it to him, he felt his stomach growl as his eyes longingly stared at the food. Remembering the bread incident, he wasn't helped as he looked at the apple. She also handed out a sandwich, and Sota made a small moan as he didn't know whether to take the food or not. His dignity told him not to, that he could grab his own food, but his instinct told him to accept. He gently took the sandwich and looked at it, wondering if there was anything wrong with it. Not seeing anything suspicious, he nibbled it. Of course, the food tasted great and he took another bite. Munching, his eyes were filled with gratitude when he looked to the girl. He was starting to trust her, and was happy to have the added energy.

Although he wasn't much of a talker today, he'd have probably said thanks if he wasn't in the middle of chewing.

As Kura saw the first distrust it did not bother her in the slightest. He had every right to suspect she could not be trusted. In any shinobi's right mind they would not have considered another's help unless allies. Kura's system did not run on those things, she just saw them at pointless. Kura's thoughts began to ponder as she was thinking about the boy and what he could possibly be doing all the way here.

Kura shook her head as her attention came back as he took the sandwhich and before that his stomach growled. She laughed a bit as she could not help it. Kura sat down and waited; she did not want to bother him while he ate. She was actually interested on his story as in why he was half dead in the middle of almost no where.

Luckily she had a bunch of stuff with her today as she was making a delivery run to a friend in a nearby village. Kura then just picked up her backpack and began to shake it until all the contents poured out. How so many items could fit in that backpack no one could understand. Only that the pile of food was definately at least 10 times the bags size. Kura scattered the food looking for something more substantial for him to eat. Of course, Kura would not have been surprised if he ran off a bit intimidated as she sometimes did pull things out of the air which was not exactly 'normal.'

Kura smiled a bit when she found a pot and bowls. The pot was about the size that a small child could fit in as it was a cooking bowl. She got up and came back a few minutes later setting up a small work area. A fire soon sprung up with a some quick handsigns and soon had the pot boiling. Clunks could be heard as she was cutting carrots and potatoes to be in the pot to cook. Soon went in some cooked ham that would boil. Lastly, Kura poured milk in the small pot and stirred it a few times. Forgetting her manners she sighed, "Are you allergic to anything..?" she asked as she should have asked before she began cooking the stew.

Sota Tekugi noticed she was laughing after his stomach growled. Too tired to argue about it though, he merely finished the sandwich. Already feeling a little better, he smiled slightly but kept his face away from her eyes. He was still trying to figure out what she was doing here. It was like him to be this way, after all, he was beaten around in the city too many times. If he hadn't, he probably would've trusted many by now. But a feeling a anxiousness usually swept over him near vistining eyes, and a fear of being hurt and being knocked out by another was too horrid for him to grasp.

As she emptied her backpack though, he was altogether surprised at the contents inside of the bag. His eyes slightly widened in shock. That bag had to be at least ten times bigger than the backpack itself. How would one be able to fit in inside. Trying to keep from becoming out-of-coolness, he watched as she took out a cooking pot. The cooking pot was huge to him, as he was quite small. It made him a little shocked to say the least. After she brought it out and fixed up an area to work in, he noticed the handsigns she used to make a fire.

A shinobi? Is that the reason she could fit those things in her backpack? He thought as he watched.

Sota had always been fascinated, even while in slavery, that there were such things as shinobis. In fact, he himself wanted to enroll into the academy someday to become a master of the arts. He had been training out here even, which proved he was determined to make it. If only he wasn't so small and homeless, he might have made it. Watching her making the food, he felt his stomach rumble a little again. Being near food always did this.

''Are you allergic to anything?'' The woman asked and Sota absentmindedly shook his head. He wasn't allergic at all. Which was surprising, since his family had nearly always had some sort of allergy that affected their work for....'Boss'. The Tekugi had been working for years, and he betted they still did. Trembling as he remembered, he watched her still. She was a little intimidating with her shinobi skills, which was one reason he couldn't run away. He was sure he'd be caught if he tried. Besides, a genin nearly caught him once. If she tried, he'd probably have more than a bruise.

Kura smiled as he was not allergic. The stew was almost done cooking which was good. Kura did not push the fact with how he probably was treated. However, since he did not close his mind up, his thoughts concerned her. She could even feel his own dread and depression. The thoughts were then sorted through as Kura could not but to pity him. To live in those conditions must have been brutal for him. No one should ever be treated like that. She however was most surprised when she stumbled upon the slaves fact. It has been years since slavery was abolished, but apparently not here.

Kura poured him a bowl of soup and gave it to him with a spoon. It was a lot for one sitting but she was not going to take no for an answer. "Eat, in your condition, you should have a good meal.." she said in a calming tone but also a tone that meant you will eat, no is not an option. More like a motherly aspect for her. Pouring a bowl for herself, she sat next to him and took a sip of hers. "Tell me....does it hurt...?" she only looked at the soup knowing he did not need to explain if he did not want to. However, she could not stand that people were still being hurt like this, it drove her crazy knowing people were enslaved.

"Do you miss your family...?" she asked then mixing her soup. If there was one thing she would do, was make sure to get that family out of slavery and get them a home. No one ever should deserve such treatment, it was unacceptable. The wind blew gently and Kura let out a heavy sigh. Kura did not want to force him to talk and she would not. She only wanted to help.

Sota looked to the soup he was now being offered with a small pout. He was waking up even more, and his determination of not failing was coming back. The bread incident was still lingering in his mind. He could tell by Kura's tone that she wanted him to eat. He stared to the soup as he took it in his hands. Gratefully, he started eating again. Having not many manners, he was trying to scarf it down fast. Half of the reason was out of fear, half was just plain hunger.

Slavery had been abolished after his family was taken from their farming home to go to the work lands that Boss controlled. Although abolished later on, Boss merely moved away from Tanzaku Town so that nobody could argue. That had been before he was born.

When Kura sat down and asked her first question, his eyes widened. He hadn't told her anything aloud, so how did she know? Or maybe it was the bruise and scratches she was worried about. He hoped that was it. So he nodded yes, but wouldn't go into much detail. Living in isolation had hit him hard and he wasn't one to speak too much of his past. The second question told him she was actually talking of his past. The little boy looked up once again, sipped his soup once again, and actually found the courage to speak.

''I don't have one anymore....'' He said in a slightly cold tone. It was his family after all who made him leave. His Uncle had made him run away. So he was blaming it on his family. Still, he wanted to rescue them when he was older, which was his goal. To become a ninja, and to become so powerfull he could beat the Boss in one srike.

He finished his soup once he wolfed it down, then noticed his bandages were on too loose. He started pulling them tighter. Although he wouldn't say, he was glad that Kura was there.

Kura thought about what he said and bit into some of the meat and swallowed. She was not quite sure what to think about this situation now. At least she knew, he had something in his stomach like anyone should. Kura poured him more knowing that he might be full, but oh well. Being full is better then being not as full. Knowing that he was still a bit cautious she would not prod the subject that much more.

As she heard his coldness in his voice she lowered her head a bit. Kura sort of knew how it felt, always being pressured by her father and her mother never stood up for her well being. The abuse would been enough to drive anyone off a cliff. Kura shook her head, sure they had bad times, but that was no reason to forget your family. "You know...even though you may not be happy with your family at the moment, they are still family...you can't ever forget that fact..." she said eating a potato before continuing. "I mean, family is family, and you should always love your family even if you might not have the best relationships with them, ya know?" Kura smiled as she began to reflect on her own past and family. It did sadden her at some parts but also made her stronger.

"One day, you'll have a story you can share with the world, you will be able to say that you are a survivor of what happened." There was a new tone in her voice, it seemed like a hope almost. Kura then seemed to have a brilliant idea as her smile seemed to widen. "I have an idea, why don't you come along with me? I mean, I can train you so you can become a ninja, and one day you'll be able to protect what's dear to you!" Kura's eyes glinted with a new anticipation for this boy. She knew he could become a great shinobi if he worked at it.

Kura watched him tighten his bandages. She then patted his head, knowing quite well what he was going through. Quite frankly although it was not her business, she could not feel but to feel obligated to help him. Besides, that is what Kura did, help people!

Sota listened to Kura's words, keeping silent. His black eyes stared at the ground even after he was given more of the soup. It was hard for him, being only an eight year old, to be willing to forgive. Especially when he was kicked out by his Uncle. His Uncle had never really given a dang about him. He wondered what his Uncle had told the family when he left them. Maybe he told the truth and they hated him for it. But he knew his goal was to save them once he was able to.

Sipping the soup and feeling full, he was suprised he wasn't running away still. Like he had thought earlier, he had usually been long gone by now. He was battling to decide what he would do. It tormented him that he wasn't able to trust, but he was afraid she would forget about him if he did run. An idea came to mind....to test her trust, but he didn't know if he should or not.

"I have an idea, why don't you come along with me? I mean, I can train you so you can become a ninja, and one day you'll be able to protect what's dear to you!"

His eyes went wide at the offer. He looked up despite hiself with awe in his expression. Could she do that? Obviously she was a shinobi, but was she really wanting to do that? Nobody really wanted him. In fact he wasn't worth the lint in someone's pocket. The idea was startling to him.

But his mind remembered something as well. Many say things to lure kids into their traps. She could also be luring him towards an orphanage or worse. Sota painfully remembered slavery, and that there was a chance Boss had sent out people to send him back. Back to the whip. Back to his Uncle....who wanted him dead. Sota looked back to her, scared now and confused on what she might really be thinking. He stepped back, not sure again.

If she truly meant her words, how could she help him??

ooc: Plot twist of doom! Hope you don't mind it.....

kura saw his confusion and only sighed. She let her head drop a bit and nibbled her soup loosing her appitite. She knew quite well how skeptical he probably was and she could not change that. It was not like her to be acting like this to everyone despite how she was now. Many people feared that she could just be another person trying to hurt them. That indeed was not at all true, many times she sucked the pain up to make sure others were safe. A pecular thought came to the rememberance of fighting her old friend koto to save a childs life.

Cringing a bit at his reaction he seemed to feel a bit uneased. It offended her that he couldn't trust her, but he had every right not to. Shaking her head she put her soup down. All her life she only wanted to help people, but no matter what she did it never seemed to work. Perhaps that would be bad for this child anyways... The one problem was if she got too attached to someone he enemies would go after to make her do what they wanted. That was only one of her dilemas with power.

Despite her reputation for being caring, most people knew there was a demon in her. It was a good demon never the less, but that always seemed to make her loose peoples trust. Kura shook her head and looked at him and smiled "I understand you probably don't trust me...an you have your reasons...but I will make myself clear that I would never harm a person for no reason..in fact I wouldn't hurt anyone ben if they were a threat to my life.." she got up and shuffled through her backpack beginning to pack ip

"I understand you probably don't trust me...an you have your reasons...but I will make myself clear that I would never harm a person for no reason..in fact I wouldn't hurt anyone ben if they were a threat to my life.."

Sota could tell that Kura was hurt as he backed away. It was like she was reading his mind....and understood his dillema. The eight year old probably couldn't fully understand what that meant, but he had a small bit of trust with this girl he was still trying to hold on to. He had never been able to trust at first sight. It was very easy to understand giving what his life had always been like. Sota wondered if he could really trust. She looked like somebody he could trust, although he felt a strange aura about her that made his chakra seemingly weak in comparison.

He now feared for her beginning to leave. It was a phobia of his, to be forgotten, one of the three phobias that plagued a child like him. This one was strong, since he thought she'd probably never want to see him again if she left. She was packing up already, and his heart sank in sadness. He had a scared expression as he stood up, leaning on his heels and stumbling a little before balancing. He was a little on the fragile side today, as was evident by the stumbling. Not as bad as the other days, since he had been given more food than usual. He stood and gathered up some courage, a determined expression on his face.

''.....I want to go with you.'' He said as determined as possible. It took a lot of courage to say that. And he didn't know what to do.

Kura momentarily paused, looked at him, and continued to pack. "Alrighty then!" She had a grin on her face as it has been a while since she had taken someone with her to train. First thing was first though, clean up. Quickly she saved the rest of her soup which she poured into a container, and then into her backpack. How everything could fit, was for her to know and teach him about later. Remembering he was still at a young age she would have to be careful. He probably didn't know a lot about self defense, so that would be first on the priority list. She finished packing but left her backpack sitting there and smiled. "All right we have two options, start your training now or travel a bit, rest and start tomorrow, which one?" Kura asked as either way it did not matter, and it was fully up to him to decide.

There was a slight breeze as the grasslands were calm, perfect place to train if he wanted to start, or if he needed another day, they could walk a bit then fall asleep. No unusual things could be detected so they were safe from any threat, or at least for now. The faster they could do their training the better, as self defense was very important. She would first teach him about taijutsu then teach him about his chakras. Construction on learning was very critical for him to then actual apply what he has learned. So really this was a lot like home schooling someone.