Drowning in the Void, Surfacing

"Weak..."
"Helpless..."

The voices echoed through infinite darkness, endless reminders of doubts, fears, a mental beatdown that never ends. They continued...hours, days, weeks, months...a year. A loop of torment, no end in sight, no light within the void of darkness. As if nothing had become reality...but the voice echoing through the night. Was this reality? Was the voices right?

"No..."

Adrift in the well of shadows, a weakened voice emitted. Tsukiyo...her eyes opened half mast, as they had a thousand times before...seeing nothing but herself...hearing nothing but the echos from beyond the shadows. "...I won't." her voice lacked conviction, which only resulted in laugher from beyond. "Wake...up..." Tsukiyo growled to herself in the endless void. "I won't...let yo-" she sounded as if she was suffocating, drowning within.

"No choice..." was all that responded...vague as everything was. Tsukiyo shut her eyes and grit her teeth...a growl emitted from her--the woman's cheek markings flared a bright red. "Wake...up!" she mentally screamed. But no avail...the darkness continued. The woman's growl grew in aggression, as she kept telling herself over and over...this had to be a dream. This couldn't be her reality. She needed to wake up.

Laying in a luxurious bed, with sunlight pouring through large windows into the room painting her face, was Tsukiyo. Motionless. Only breathing, but never waking for the past year. But...slowly her mouth shifted...teeth clenching...a light wince to her eyes. The growl was weak, quiet, but there...Tsukiyo was growling. It slowly got louder, before more movement came. She shifted about, as if struggling, the wincing as if in immense pain tightening, her hand even clenched the blanket placed over her. The sounds had not gone unnoticed, a woman would come to the doorway, looking into the room. Her eyes went wide seeing movement from Tsukiyo--but still wasn't ready for what came next--literally leaving the unknown woman on her ass.

Tsukiyo suddenly shot up from the bed, taking in a huge breath--a gasp even as she sat up, before shifting to heavy breathing, as if she'd run a marathon and then some--sweat even dripped from her brow as her hair fell and framed her face. She took a moment to catch her breath, her eyes having a 1000 mile stare, before her hand reached up and gripped the side of her head, her eyes flashing back to reality before she winced, closing the eye on the side of her head she held. She dropped that hand and grabbed the blanket, throwing it off herself and setting her feet to the floor. She'd go to stand, but didn't even make it fully up before dropping to her knees on the floor, wincing again.

By now the woman who'd been floored by Tsu's sudden awakening had stumbled to her feet, and now approached Tsukiyo. "Miss Tsukiyo please don't rush yourse--" she was cut off. "Where am I?!" Tsukiyo demanded, looking up from her downed position with fire in her eyes, the blue markings upon her face shifting red as she forced herself to stand. "Who the hell are you?!" Tsukiyo continued, approaching the woman intimidatingly. The woman, who was a simple civilian hired to take care of Tsukiyo during her coma, backed up in fear, but continued to try to calm Tsukiyo. "Please calm down Miss Tsukiyo and I'll explain everything!" she'd say through fear--knowing even a weak Tsukiyo was a major threat to her.

Tsukiyo stopped her approach but kept her fired up glare on the woman for a moment, before quickly glancing around, taking in her surroundings. She let out an annoyed breath and looked back to the woman, standing more upright and in a less threatening, more neutral stance. "...What is going on, where am I." she'd ask, much more calmly--although with that signature calm fury Tsukiyo was known for.

"You've been in a coma...I am your caretaker, your brother hired me a year ago to keep watch over you, and take care of you." "A year ago?" "I know its a lot to take in but yes, your coma...you've been in it for the past year. This is you and Tengoku-sama's home...he had a whole wing of the manor dedicated to you, including your bedroom an--" "Okay okay...enough for now...just...." she took in a deep breath, and a very slight blush came to her face. "Point me to the bathroom..."

It'd take about a half hour, maybe even 45 minutes for Tsukiyo to finish up in the bathroom, getting herself a well needed shower...surely she'd been kept clean by her caretaker, but nothing beats a full nice shower. Tsukiyo would put on about the most generic clothes, she didn't care how she looked outside of being clean--and she understandably didn't feel in top shape...comfort would be nice. She'd return from the bathroom in a simple pair of black sweatpants, and a tee shirt--just a hint snug about her curvy figure. She'd likely lost a few pounds throughout this whole ordeal. She'd be met with the same woman as Tsukiyo walked out, still drying her lengthy locks with a towel as she eye'd the other woman...she was a bit taller, bit older then her, maybe 30? She wasn't imposing at all, but Tsu still kept a weary pink eye on her. "...If what you said is true, then where is Tengoku..." she'd say, voice still laced with annoyance.

"...I want to see Ten." she'd say, although her voice shifted, this was said much more softly. Almost sadly. A young woman who needed her only family.

Tengoku had been out working as per usual. His skill set to tracking down those who had evaded capture during their crimes. Bandits, pirates...even missing nin. He had been tasked originally with just tracking but as his skills had improved they actually had started having him deal with the more basic of the criminals. Dangerous opponents like the wanted Nozomi if she appeared would still require a whole elite squad but the simple ones who mostly never made it passed chunnin level. Well he was considered plenty for those. So it was that Tengoku was out in the field with his wolf mask on. He had tracked down a band of murderers attacking traveling merchants and was now standing in their base. As if anyone could hide from him. The paladin of Konoha. Tengoku had dressed in a white Yukata with a yellow Kimono loosely over it with black lining. Around his neck was a soft black fabric that went down his right arm to a glove that covered all the way to his hand all but two of his fingers. Designed to help his grip on his weapon. Black boots covered his feet and his Tetsudashi steel katana rested on his left hip. His long white hair spilled over his shoulders with his white wolf ears sticking out of them. Amber eyes almost glowed with power but there was a warmth to his smile. His headband wrapped around his right upper arm. His wolf mask had blue markings on the cheeks like his sisters.

His wolves were watching the manor in his absence. They had security but those folks were mostly to discourage petty thieves. Still three dire wolves would send a proper message not to fuck with wolf manor. Apt to its name. Regardless Tengoku would smile behind his mask as the group tried to surround him for an ambush. As if he couldn't detect each one of them easily. They would launch through the air but for Tengoku it may as well have been slow motion. In an instant he had bounced between the entire group before they even finished their jumps. Each one with a solid palm to their torso sending them flying into the warehouse walls. Knocking them out without killing any of them. They needed to stand trial after all. The moment each of them were incapacitated he would reach up to touch the button for the mic on his mask. Reporting a need for a collection team. Of course he would remain with the lot of them and look around the place. Collecting evidence of their crimes including murder weapons on their person. Once the collection team arrived he would indicate where each individual was and where the evidence piles against them were. All of it was being collected while Tengoku stood overseeing it when a messenger came bursting in. Panting and sweating. He took a second to collect his breath as Tengoku watched him quietly. Once he had managed he would speak up.

"Master Tengoku Sama - Your sister...she...she woke up!"

There was a moment of shock for Tengoku to process it before electricity crackled around him. The entire collection team would have to brace themselves from the burst of energy as Tengoku sped out of the warehouse with such force the walls rattled and a couple people were almost blown over. Through the woods and then the streets of Konoha most would just see a crackle of electricity. No sign of what had caused it. The gates of the manor were easily cleared with a hop as the wolves lifted their heads but even they could not keep up. The doors to the front of the manor blew open with a crash at his passing and in moments he was outside of his sisters room where he finally stopped. His breath caught in his throat as he removed his mask and placed it to the side of his head. He was different than she would remember. Stronger by far and built like a true taijutsu specialist. He would open the door a moment before stepping in and filling the frame with light from the manor framing his person. Speaking quietly and as shy as he had once been.

"Big sister....are you....Have you returned to me?"

Tsukiyo had barely got out her words, maybe 3 seconds passed, before her sensitive ear burned with the sound of doors crashing open in another part of the manor, the woman's head turning as she dropped the towel she'd been using to dry her hair, looking towards the door to her bedroom. Footsteps almost frantic, but quick, coming through the manor and into the wing that had her room. The sound drew close, right up to the door...Stopping for a moment. Tsukiyo stepped over closer to the door, maybe 10 feet away, as they'd open.

Pink hues looked at the lit figure in the doorway. Exactly who she wanted. It didn't matter that he was a year older, or built much more robustly, she recognized her twin. Tengoku was seemingly in awe or shock, questioning her return--he'd barely have the words out before nearly being tackled by Tsukiyo, the short woman pressing her face into the fabric of his white yukata, and her hands gripped onto the kimono that loosely hung over the man's shoulders. Her hands trembled, if only slightly, the woman closing her eyes as for a moment she listened to Tengoku's heart beat, having her head against his chest. He really was there. She finally escaped the nightmare that had consumed her for so long. For the longest, she'd always been the solid one, the one who'd comfort, the emotional stone between the twins...but today, she was just an upset girl needing the comfort of her brother's presence.

"I'm not alone..." she muttered under her breath, likely would've gone unnoticed if not for Tengoku's effectively super hearing. This was seemingly a response to the 'voice' that'd tormented her that whole time, but likely confusing without that context. "You're actually here..." she'd say, much more directly too Tengoku, if not softly spoken. She took a moment to gather herself, getting in a steady breath before stepping back and looking up to her taller brother, pink eyes glazed with tears. "Its felt like forever...since I've seen your face." she'd say, cracking a weak smile through the emotions she was dealing with. Somewhere in between all this...the other woman had slipped away to leave them be. Surely, they'd need to talk...Tsukiyo had missed a years worth of events, clearly Tengoku was stronger--just look at him! The world had likely changed quite a bit since...'The Day'.

Tengoku had been unsure of what it was like for those who went into the deep sleep. He assumed they dreamed but he wasn't sure about what. Clearly his sister had felt it was traumatic She had rushed him to try and tackle hug him and he would shift his weight so it wasn't like charging into a brick wall. He had seen it coming after all and had time to react to it. Still she would bury into his torso. She was smaller than he remembered but he was just happy she was up and about. She would cling to him and his arms would wrap around her. Like vices that didn't squeeze too tight but offered a sense of protection. As if there was nothing in this world that could force its way through him to get to her. She wasn't alone and he wanted her to feel that from him. He heard the woman leave and the two were alone for a moment. For a moment he would just hold her in silence. This wasn't a dream. It was okay and she was back. He could stop being strong enough for the both of them and let her pick up the role again.

"I'm here." Was all he said for a moment as they sat there for what felt like an eternity. A moment of bliss he hadn't dared hope for for some time. However after a minute he would smile and pick her up like she were simply a toy. Moving into the room and setting her in a chair by the window where he had spent countless hours. He didn't want to set her back in the bed either consciously or otherwise. He opened up the shades on the window to reveal a large green property with trees and three dire wolves playing in the small forest they owned. A fence running along the property. He would pour her some water in a glass before handing it to her cautiously. Making sure she had the strength to hold it before letting go. He would sit on the bed himself and place his hands on his knee's as he grinned happily. Speaking in an excited tone as he was so eager to get her all caught up on everything. A lot had happened while she had been sick and he had done a lot as well.

"So a quick summary. Uh the world kind of went to war. Konoha beat Iwa but aside from some economic agreements mostly pulled out. Probably because they then went to war with Kumo. That said I haven't really been involved in either because I don't feel we are in the right. I have been mostly assigned to work within the village and its surroundings. I sparred with one of the Uchiha and layed him out flat and met a Jinchurikee. I also kind of have two students now. Maigo is an Uchiha with a lot of heart and Matsu is from the explosion release clan with a lot of attitude. Matsu lives here so you're bound to run across him eventually. Oh and I met another Jounin named Ashitaka. He is young but he is the head of the Senju clan and makes my weapons. Oh and they started calling me the paladin of Konoha. Can you believe that? I even started practicing raiton ninjutsu!"

Frankly, the woman wasn't surprised by the hug--in fact its what she'd expected during her moment of emotion. This would go on for a bit, long enough for her to gather herself...what she didn't expect was to be picked up like she was a child, with a couple comical blinks of confusion as she was taken to a chair by a window within the room and let go, her tilting her head just a bit as she watched him go to open a curtain. "You've gotten a lot...stronger. Like...physically." she'd mention with a silent sigh following. If it truly had been so long since she'd been conscious...surely he'd gotten much stronger, while she was still the same--hell maybe not even in top shape, she definitely didn't feel amazing.

She'd look out the window, pink hues taking in the view--giving her a better idea of where she was. Things had changed, thats for sure...she was happy to see Tengoku's pack of Wolves still around, spotting them from the window off in the distance, still on the property. She'd look back to Tengoku, just about the time he went to hand her a glass cup of water. She'd take ahold of the cup, and continuing to watch as he went to sit down on the edge of the bed she'd apparently spent the better part of a year or so in--depending on when this all happened.

She'd go ahead and take a sip of water while he began talking, the young man excited to fill her in on what had happened during her absence from this reality. Which...would turn out to be a lot. She thought it'd be...well, a quick summery--and sure, it was...as quick as that much info could be. At some point she slowly started going more and more wide eye'd as he kept going. Eventually she simply shook her head and took another, bigger, drink from the glass. She'd finish this drink about the time he finished up, her lowering the glass to set it in her lap--both hands gripping onto it as she looked down at her own reflection in the water.

"...Seems I missed a lot. Heh...thinking of you with students is funny." she'd say with a hint of a chuckle, and slight smile tugging at the edges of her lips. "You've managed to do a lot without me...I'm proud of you Tengoku." she'd go on to say, while genuine--there was almost a hint of sadness behind her words. Tsukiyo kept her gaze down, staring into her own reflection on the water still. After a moment she'd shut her eyes. "Sorry that I haven't been here." Tsukiyo said quietly, her grip on the glass tightening just slightly, before she'd take in a breath and let it out slowly. She'd open her pink hues--hints of red in them as she'd go to stand up, moving to place the glass of water on the nearest nightstand by the bed, turning to look at Tengoku, eyes meeting his. "...You said Konoha went to war with Iwa and Kumo--what happened to Masaru?" she'd ask, curious considering last she knew--he was Tsuchikage.

Tengoku would feel his cheeks heat up as he lowered his gaze to the side about being called stronger. It was certainly true that he had been training even harder since she went under. He had to be strong enough for the both of them during that time so it was to be expected. His trials against the other jounin he had sparred with or met had shown him where he stood. Shown him how much stronger he needed to become. The truth was he wasn't the strongest in the village but he could at least protect something now. Truthfully he was just happy not to feel alone anymore. They had been a team since childhood as long as he could remember. She covered his weaknesses and she covered his making them an extremely potent team. Together he doubted there was any single target they couldn't take down. Still she would continue to state her pride for him and apologize for not being there. His eyes would look to the ground as he frowned. He was so confident around others now but he still felt like he was so shy around her. Apologizing to him just felt awkward. Still she would inquire about Masaru and he would look up to her with amber eyes. No longer silver like they had once been but filled with power.

"Masaru was leading Iwa to victory from what I understand. However he was beset with an illness and has faded from the world. I do not know where he is now....But a part of me suspects Konoha of foul play. Our Hokage has led us to war with half the world...honestly I hate it. We had no business in Iwa except greed and forcing our opinions. Now Iwa owes Konoha and we have turned the war front to Kumo. I don't agree with any of it....yet I know soon I will be dragged into it one way or another. It's a comfort to have you back with everything going on."

Tengoku would sigh and rub the bridge of his nose as he felt a head ache coming on. He didn't agree with the nations policies but he wasn't in a position to change anything. Even talking openly against the war could be seen as sedition by those in power. He couldn't risk what they had built by openly standing against it. He had liked Masaru but he had also feared the mans gruesome tactics. Perhaps he considered Masaru a friend but not nearly on the same level as his sister. Still he would take a breath before smiling and sitting up a little straighter.

"That aside I made a push to make sure you woke up to at least one dream come true. We are the proud owners of wolf manor which we are currently sitting in the east wing of. It's expensive but no expense was spared for luxury when you woke up. That lady from earlier is your personal attendant and will run errands or bring you anything you wish to eat. We changed our stars sister."

Tsukiyo's pink hues would remain on her brother, taking a small mental note of his body language, his glance down--the frown. But she'd remain quiet as he would go to answer the young woman's question. The answer she got wasn't reassuring though, and the idea that there may be some foul play in Masaru's decline sparked a bit of anger within her heart. But this was only shown with a subtle twitch of her sightline, shifting ever so slightly away from Tengoku, then down briefly, before returning to him.

Her brother by now was showing signs of agitation, maybe a headache from thinking about all that. Seemed a lot of changed in her absence...she was about to speak up, but the young man would sit up a bit more--smiling to her, and going on to talk about their new home. Well...new to her, at least. "Wolf Manor huh...seems fitting." she'd say as she'd walk over closer to Tengoku, turning on her heel and sitting down beside him on the edge of the bed, her eyes scanning the room, taking in more details then her quick glances earlier could really allow.

"Its nice...big change from just a few years ago. A shack in the woods...guess the location isn't too different, but this is no shack." she'd go on about the Wolf Manor--bringing up the place they'd called home for many years before...how different this was comparatively. A soft, longer sigh would flow through her nose as she shut her eyes. "Sounds like all I ever did was hold you back, if you was able to do all this without me." her voice would come across quietly, but almost lacking in emotion--Calculated and analytical in her tone. "Maybe what happened was for the best. That I be removed from the picture." she'd go on, eyes opening, her gaze out in front of her but seemingly focused on nothing.

"...Guess I need to get stronger, so I can keep up with you. Can't let you get too far ahead." she'd say, her spark coming back to her voice, as she'd nudge him with her elbow before hopping back to her feet...maybe a hint too quickly, as she'd take a second stumbling step to keep herself upright. "Alright Ten-Nii, where is my equipment...I'm not gonna catch up sitting in here." she'd say, giving her brother a smile.

Tengoku would watch her as she seemed to take it all in a moment before she sat next to him and he smiled. It was nice having her back and awake. She seemed to be taking it all in stride mostly. His fingers shifting to play with the headboard a moment as he listened. He still seemed bashful as he thought of her as the stronger older sister. So when she mentioned something foolish like being in his way there would be a loud crunch as he had accidentally ripped off a chunk of the head board. A whole section of it was in his hand as he stood up quickly. Amber eyes flashing before he looked down and noticed what he had done. Like a child that had just broken something he would idly try and hide it behind his back before flicking it out the open window. As if that would somehow make it seem like he hadn't done anything. Like she hadn't just watched and heard it happen. Instead he would shift gears a moment before speaking passionately.

"You're wrong! You were the reason behind all of it! Getting you the care you needed and making sure you had your dreams made true when you woke up! You inspired everything and you....um...you paid for it...kinda."

He trailed off a little bit about the reveal that he had spent her money actually purchasing the land and manor. And paying the servants and well....everything. He still had the majority of it but he would look down and to the right as he revealed that she actually had purchased everything technically. Still she wanted to know where her gear was so to change tactics (Aka distract) he would shift over and open up her walk in closet. There was an assortment of clothing for her to choose from but at the back there was an armor stand with all her gear organized on it. He would step to the side to let her investigate it if she liked before replying to the last part. Trying to distract from the destruction he had caused to her bed and to her bank account.

"To be honest I don't feel like I am too far ahead of you. If anything most of my training was to catch up to you. I uh...well I am just now taking on a squad so I guess I have made a little progress."

The young woman's eyes had flickered only a moment to see Tengoku messing with the headboard of the bed, but quickly focused back to his face, making no further thought of it...that was until her ears burned with the crunch, and she'd blink a couple times in slightly confused disbelief as she seen the bit he'd just snapped off. Opps. The following actions, almost childlike, of trying to hide it--and even flicking the broken piece out the window only resulted in a giggle from Tsu. It was obvious she'd noticed...she may had been a bit out of it, but she was still a Shinobi.

Then hearing Tengoku continue, claiming she was wrong, claiming inspiration for him driving him to push harder and do all this...then...ending with mentioning she'd paid for it. This was met by an instant shift in her expression, a cold stare, displeasure on her lips, it'd almost be as if fire lit behind her as she took a step forwards closer to him. Then another. She'd crack her knuckles. Another step...by this point right in front of him. She looked almost as if she was about to hit him...but all it'd result in is a light punch to the shoulder, with so little effort it'd tickle more then anything. She let out a deep breath and looked up at her taller twin. "I'm not surprised really. If I been like this for this long...I'd expect you to make sure you're taken care of with that money." She'd go on to say, turning around and taking a few steps away as she did, giving him space to shift gears and move to show her where the woman's equipment was. She'd spin on her heel, tilting her head as her pink eyes fell on him walking to the closet.

She'd follow not to far behind, just in time to look in as he stepped aside, seeing the assortment of clothing--and finished off with an armor stand displaying her gear. This brought a smile to the woman's face. Her ear burned as he spoke again, to which she simply shook her head. "I can tell when you've gotten stronger...I have known you all our lives ya'know. " she'd say, her eyes still focusing into the closet on her gear. "You've improved a lot, I can tell. You look so different I barely recognize you..." she'd go on to say, a hand reaching up without even looking and landing on the young man's shoulder--hanging there for a moment before she'd step forward, hand sliding off his shoulder as she entered the closest.

"If you give me a few minutes of privacy I should be ready." she'd say, spinning on her heel and smirking before closing the closet door, disappearing into the walk-in. She'd wait to hear Tengoku walk away before going ahead and getting dressed in her gear. She'd step over to the armor stand and reach out to start grabbing things from it. As her hand touched the fabric of her outfit, a flash across her mind brought her to her knees instantly. An echo. 'Weak...' burned in her mind, the woman wincing and grabbing her head, a sharp pain striking her...but her wince slowly morphed to a hint of anger as she grit her teeth. She wanted to question what this even was...but she'd suppress it for now...gathering herself up and pushing herself back to her feet--Tsukiyo going on to get dressed in her gear.

It didn't take to long, but wasn't exactly snappy either--10 minutes, give or take--she didn't keep track. She may or may not have taken a few minutes just to look at herself in a full length mirror in the walk in closet...more likely then not. Eventually the young woman emerged, for someone who'd spent months in a coma, she fixed up nicely, still as beautiful as she ever was...if anything, she'd lost a bit of weight. Her outfit wasn't quite as 'tight' as it used to be. The silver haired stunner's pink hues shifted across her bedroom, glancing to see if Tengoku had remained there, or headed out--likely ready to meet her outside. Either way she wanted to get back to it...even if the young woman's body wasn't quite on the same page.

Tengoku would see his sister coming at him cracking her knuckles. A single bead of sweat would form on his brow as he lifted his hands nervously. Ready to take a hit but still it seemed as if he was properly intimidated by her. To his surprise he would close his eyes as she reared her hand back and feel only a light tap on his shoulder. Well for him it was barely even registering that she touched him. Still he would open one eye at first and then the other. Listening with ears twitching as she admitted she expected him to use that money for the purposes he had. He smiled as she continued to compliment how much stronger he had gotten. His eyes looking away out the window as his fingers fidgeted with the edge of the bed. Still she would tell him to give her a minute while she got ready. He would smile at the idea of training with her again before nodding. He would rise to his feet with a bright beaming smile before he spoke to her in a soft voice. Something many wouldn't expect from someone of his status having never met him.

"It's really good having you back big sister. It wasn't the same without you."

Jovial at the idea of having her back and still not certain this wasn't an elaborate dream, Tengoku would turn and place his hand on the edge of the window. Grinning to himself before launching himself out from the top floor and landing into a light walk. He wasn't extremely graceful but he had a certain power now. Like such a drop didn't bother him in the least. He of course would miss her moment of pain but wait outside for her. Once she was ready and came down to meet him they would start small. A short hike along the property on day one. But day by day he would urge her out of the manor and go for jogs and eventually runs with the wolves. Hunting deer together and getting some light sparring in. Of course he was still extremely vulnerable to any of her genjutsu so unless she let him win she would win every time. Though he showed off some raiton ninjutsu that he didn't need any hand signs for and his sword that she had sealed for him originally. Recrafted to be an S/S now instead of an A/S with a senju wood handle. They would continue this for about a month until she was back to her usual self.

After about a month of training Tengoku had been pulled away more and more for Hokage business. Having taken the office during that time and was now working hard towards rebuilding Konohas reputation as anything but the warmonger people saw them as. Relations with the other countries were tense at best. Even their 'allies' were borderline tugging away their connections. Today Tengoku would be found napping in a tree in the backyard. Having just gotten home from an all nighter trying to figure out the paperwork needed for this and that. He was of average intelligence so most of this was challenging for him. Still he had done his best to keep his frustration from showing when his sister was around. But it was clear he was mentally and physically exhausted. He had been avoiding asking for her big brain power for now because she was in recovery.....but he just wasn't sure if he could do it right without her much longer....perhaps there was something to give her some incentive.....

The long silver haired woman had been happy her little 'joke' of hitting him went over as she hoped it would, even if she was much smaller--and at this point, weaker then Tengoku, she was still his sister he has known his entire life...still a bit of a hot head. Well, at least before. Tsukiyo had clearly chilled out a bit during her time since coming back to Konoha, she'd softened a little...even if that fire still burned inside her. Still, as their actions went on, the young man seemed happy she was back. Even speaking up as she was about to go get ready, her ears burning with what he said. 'Big sister'...heh, that concept had lost itself over time with how big and strong Tengoku had gotten over the years. Still, she'd cast a quick smile over her shoulder towards him in reaction to his words. Even glanced long enough to see him yeet himself out a window, which drew an almost inaudible giggle from the woman.

Once she was ready and came out, and unlike Tengoku she'd take the normal way out. Soon enough she'd join the young man in the yard...and almost as if they hadn't missed a beat, she'd get right back into it. Hours turned to days, days into weeks. Training, hunting, getting familiar with Tengoku's wolf pack. Eventually weeks turned into a month--Tengoku had gone away for business, and Tsukiyo was still finishing up getting back to her normal self. She held down the fort while he was gone, of course, until he returned.

As the day went on Tsukiyo would be relaxing a bit in the manor, but had gotten curious what Tengoku was up to. The young woman looked around the manor at first, but had no luck in finding him. She was no sensor nin like him, if it was the other way around--he could find her in a heartbeat. Still, she took to searching the grounds, which didn't take to long before she'd approach the tree Tengoku was napping in. She'd walk up to the tree, hands going to her hips as she looked up at the snoozing Hokage. At first she almost looked annoyed, but it shifted to a smirk, even light smile. He was clearly working hard and she could see it. Still proud of what he's done.

But. She was also his rude sister.

The woman's smile shifted back into more a smirk, as she reared back her fist. Using chakra enhanced strength, she'd punch the tree, not enough to break it--but enough to violently shake it, easily enough to knock Tengoku from his perch in a rude awakening. Meanwhile, Tsu stood simply smiling innocently with her hands behind her back.

Tengoku had been slumbering peacefully. However he had grown since they were children. His ears twitched as she approached and slowly pulled him from his slumber. However her scent did the opposite. It relaxed him instead of allowing him to fully wake up. he knew that scent and that scent meant safety. He had known it all his life and spent a great deal of time with it recently. So he relaxed some more in his sleep. Had it been anyone else he would have woken up on the spot before they got within ten meters. Instinct for survival running deep within him. Still he was not the boy she had remembered growing up. Instead when she reared back and hit the tree hard enough for it to shudder from the impact along the entire length Tengoku would lose his perch. However his reflexes and awareness kicked in quickly. His hand reached out as he fell and dug into the branch he had been laying on turning his body so he was feet first. Landing in a crouch with leaves raining down around him as he stood tall. The picture of a strong hokage of the village hidden in the leaf.

Tengoku would stretch his hands above his head as his back audibly popped before rolling his shoulders and his neck. A good nap while he had a moment. The wolves and guards came running at the sound of the impact though. The wolves considerably faster. The guards were mostly there for show since Tengoku had insisted that he didn't need a team of jounin within the village at all times. If he couldn't handle a threat they were just going to die trying to defend him most likely. As important as he knew he was to the village he didn't want to be responsible for their deaths. Still he would yawn as the wolves slowed and the guards spotted his sister and quickly turned to appearing as if they weren't coming to them and just patrolling. Not wanting to get caught in another genjutsu with her or something else on accident. If the siblings were squabbling they wanted to stay out of it. The wolves however were more comfortable around them. Coming up as one of them nuzzled her hand and the other two sat nearby watching and panting. Tengoku would cross his arms and frown a little with sleepiness filling his eyes.

"Keep up that behavior and I may have you filling out all the villages paperwork in my stead." he would comment grumpily before rubbing the back of his head and sighing. Back in the day he would have landed with a solid thumb on his ass but now he was way stronger. His reflexes beyond human. Still being awoken so abruptly was jarring which left him grouchy. Still those amber eyes would shift to look at the tree where she struck. His right hand would reach out to trace where her knuckles had annihilated the bark and left an imprint. A smile playing on his face all the same. "Although it does seem like your strength has returned. Perhaps its time to attempt some field work..."

While maybe handling it much better then he'd have years before, Tsukiyo could still barely contain a giggle when she'd watch her brother drop from the tree--and land rather gracefully. He'd clearly come a long way since they'd returned to Konoha. And maybe while not as strong as Tengoku, Tsukiyo had come a long way with the shift in her personality. She was clearly still the same woman as before, but she'd lost a lot of her greed over time, or at least controlled it much better. She'd become nicer...even 'friendly', which was unlike the rude stubborn almost mean woman who'd come to the village some time ago. What a wild ride that has been.

But still, the woman played innocent, still acting as if she had nothing to do with the tree or making him fall out of it. Although the sound of approaching footsteps did shift her attention, if only briefly, before it returned to Tengoku--the woman more or less ignoring the guards who'd panicked at the impact of her punch. What she didn't ignore though was the wolf, who came up and nuzzled the woman's hand, prompting her to pet it once or twice before scratching behind its ear, turning a kind smile to the wolf as she continued.

Her ear burned with Tengoku's voice, hearing his 'threat' to make her do his paperwork. She simply denied her involvement. "No clue what behavior you're talkin' about." she said while she continued to scratch the wolf's ears. "Besides, you know I'd have that paperwork done in minutes." she'd go on to say...the man before her had become stronger, stronger then her for sure, but she was still one of the most intelligent shinobi in Konoha, a genuine genius...And at this point writing came quickly to her. Paperwork would be cake for her...but she also had no desire to. Was Tengoku's job as Hokage...she was still getting used to that fact.

She'd turn her attention back towards her brother as the man was inspecting the tree, noticing the damage her tamed punch had done. He was right, she was back in top shape--one may not have known she had been in a coma so long with how she felt now. Still, she needed to make some changes before returning to the field...and she knew just who could make those changes for her. She'd always been one to stray away from using equipment--weapons, armor, gadgets. But she'd been thinking while getting back in shape, and had changed her feelings on it.

"I feel ready to return to the field, but I need to make a trip first. I got to pick up some things...but I won't be gone long. What I actually was looking for you to talk about." she'd say, without even realizing it she'd turned the direction from Konoha that the Heavenly Emporium was--the rough direction she'd have to go to get there once she went on that trip. Still, shouldn't take her long. "I'd ask you to come with me, but you got duties here in the village....Hokage-sama." Tsukiyo said, the last bit almost a bit mocking in how she said it, but Tengoku would know she was only teasing...she'd expressed plenty how proud of him she was. She'd eventually after spending time with Tengoku, head back to her room and prepare to go. She had to earn some money, but the woman was more then smart and skilled enough to do that with ease.

-Exit post-

Tengoku would smile before raising his right arm straight up in the air. His left arm curling behind his head to use his hand to grab his arm and stretch. A slight popping of his back and shoulder before he sighed in relief. She would jest about being able to take care of the paperwork quickly and he would smile a little to himself. He didn't have any doubts in his mind what she was capable of. If anything he had seen her come back to full strength and then some since her return. His amber eyes would shine slightly before he brushed himself off of some twigs and bark. His scent more like that of the cabin in the woods now than it usually was back at the manor. Still he would listen as she explained about needing to travel briefly to go and improve her equipment. He would glance her over before nodding slightly. His own equipment was due to arrive any day now. He had gone to the heavenly emporium with much the same goal in mind. Equipment that matched his current strength and position in the village. So he would encourage her to do the same.

"Alright big sister. Go ahead and do what you need to do to get to the next level. I will keep this place from burning down while you are away. Keep an eye out though and be safe. Konoha has a lot of enemies."

Tengoku would watch her go off and leave for her short journey. He hoped she would find what she was looking for and come back quickly. He really could use her help running the village. And defending it. Not an hour after she left though a messenger bird would arrive with a scroll to the manor. Seeking him out specifically. He would accept the scroll before opening it and tapping it with a slight amount of chakra to unseal it. Sure enough his order had arrived. Before him would be several gold and jeweled pieces of shoulder, forearm and shin jewelry along with one precious wakizashi. Quietly he would outfit them all to his person before attuning himself to the lot of it. The Wakizashi and his katana and then the armor. He could feel the surge of power within him and let out a gasp of air as the armor unfurled. Covering him with impressive armor.

Tengoku would unsheath the wakizashi before cutting the air with it quickly and at impressive speed. A mere blur with the flick of his wrist. He would smile before turning and throwing the wakizashi like a kunai. Sticking it into a nearby tree up to the hilt. Once it was imbedded he would tilt his head and hold out his hand. Bidding the weapon to return to him. As if by magic the weapon would rattle before yanking clean out of the tree and back into his hand in a flash. He stood there looking like an angelic warrior with his black and silver sword. With a smile he would sheath it and tie it to his waist next to his katana. A slight focus of chakra and the armor would fold back in to jewelry for him. Not even a pinched bit of skin. Kara....a truly magnificent craftsman or woman in this instance. In his mind Kara was the most superior artist with a blade in the world. He doubted anyone could really match her. With all that done he would depart back to the house. New gear of his own equipped and ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.

Exit thread
7 posts = 70 exp