[Gurē Shō]

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In the dimly lit room, a mysterious man wearing a white mask delivered his message to Shō with an air of intrigue, "You are invited to become a Hunter-nin." No formal letter, no official summons – just a private conversation shrouded in secrecy. Before Shō could gather his thoughts and seek clarity, the enigmatic figure vanished into thin air, leaving him confused and bewildered. Thankfully, he had a week to think about his response.
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Hunter-nin, a term exclusive to Kirigakure, referred to a team akin to the ANBU in other countries. However, unlike the ANBU, they were embroiled in far bloodier and perilous missions, befitting their name as "Hunters" The allure of this prestigious role, with its potential for garnering reputation and experience, seemed like a dream come true, especially as his clan had high expectations for him to bring glory back to their name.
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Yet, Shō was far from excited about the prospect. Why? Well, it was because he had never been fond of violence. Fighting and taking lives as a Hunter-nin clashed with his pacifist personality. It was akin to a vegetarian being forced to consume meat every single day… Maybe that was not the best analogy but you get the gist. The distress it could cause him was unimaginable.
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The decision to simply decline the invitation seemed like an easy solution, but life is rarely that black and white. Rejecting this opportunity would still bind him to the responsibilities of a Chunin, which involved fighting as well, though likely with less intensity compared to the role of a Hunter-nin.
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Moreover, the thought of being treated as an outcast by the clan elders for turning down such a promising chance to elevate their status also weighed heavily on his mind. However, what troubled him most was the knowledge that other clan members would be invited to fill the position, considering that all Gure were born with a stealthy ability due to their innate kekkei genkai. It might even include his own sister. The thought of her taking part in such violent pursuits gave him pause.
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Contemplating his options, Shō gazed up at the vast expanse of the bright blue sky. A moment of introspection lingered before he finally set his mind on seeking advice from more seasoned shinobi at the academy. Perhaps, amidst the wisdom of those with experience, he would find the clarity and guidance he needed to navigate this intricate and life-altering decision.
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[407 words]

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[Sora Minami]

Sora was tired. So very, very tired.

The Tokubetsu Jounin had been up all night and most of the day, grading papers and putting herself through the most rigorous set of training kata she could devise, testing them against clones of herself over and over, pushing every envelope she could until her whole body was soaked in sweat and trembling from exertion. She glanced at the clock from her place in the center of the room, a makeshift dojo she’d set up in the middle of her small, cramped apartment- the thing said it was only half past two, not yet time for her to quit. She wanted to, though. Oh god, how she wanted to.

"Not yet." She whispered, lips parting in a ragged breath as she raised Samidare above her head, forcing herself to keep going. She couldn’t quit. A Kage didn’t quit. A Kage couldn’t quit. A Kage had to be strong, had to know how to fight and run and lead all at once. Her sensei had been able to run for days at top speed without stopping, Captain Zaizen and the team had been just as capable, while she… she had always lagged. Not much, never enough to jeopardize her place as a Hunter-nin, but enough. Enough to know there was a gap that she felt keenly, even with her departure from the corps years ago.

It meant she wasn’t ready. Not yet. Sora lifted Samidare above her head, arms trembling as she gestured towards her clones with a nod, the three Kage Bunshin huffing as they too raised their blades-

And froze, each of them twisting their heads in unison as someone knocked on her door.

Gurē Shō

[Gurē Shō]

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Shō slowly walked the awfully quiet corridor with care as the dim light casting long shadows on the walls. He was determined to find the right door, one that held the answers he sought. His eyes scanned the numbers on the plates, searching for the correct one. When he finally spotted it, he double checked the plate, not wanting to make any mistakes.
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Taking a deep breath, Shō mustered the courage to knock on the door. Knock-knock-knock. The sound reverberated through the hallway, and for a moment, he hesitated. Doubts crept into his mind, and he questioned if he was doing the right thing. Was seeking advice from Minami-sensei the best course of action?
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"Hmm… it should be okay. The academy suggested that I come here. I wonder why, though." Shō wondered in his heart, trying to find reassurance in his decision. He had heard whispers of Minami-sensei's expertise and wisdom, which was likely why the academy recommended her. Still, the thought of sharing his struggles with someone he barely knew made him uneasy.
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Just as he was about to knock the second time, a realization struck him. He had forgotten to mention his name when he knocked. "Oh, pardon my rudeness, I’m Shō, from the Gurē Clan." he quickly added, a touch of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I am facing some difficulty right now, and the academy recommended I seek your advice."
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His admission hung in the air, and Shō waited with a racing heart outside the door. His heart beat with a mix of nervousness and hope. He wondered if he was being a burden, imposing his problems on someone else. Yet, he knew he couldn't face these challenges alone, and the academy's recommendation gave him a glimmer of confidence that seeking Minami-sensei's counsel was the right thing to do.
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"Hopefully, this is the right timing." he muttered to himself, trying to quell the uncertainty swirling in his mind.

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[321 words]

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[Sora Minami]

Sora heard the words, the unfamiliar voice, the subtle hint of nervousness. It was unlikely the boy (and it had to be a boy by the way his voice cracked) was lying to her, not about something so banal- the other instructors did this from time to time, sending their students to her for advice on certain things, usually some Bukijutsu technique or another they wanted to master, though this sounded… different. The apprehension in Sho’s voice was thicker, more personal than what she’d expect from a kid asking about some jutsu or another. It put her on edge, honestly. Moreso than normal.

"Come on in." She said, loud enough for the boy to hear her through the door. Her clones dispersed with a thought, their chakra returning to her in a rush that helped the Tokubetsu Jounin feel slightly less exhausted than before, though not by much. She was covered in sweat, her hair was a mess, and Samidare was still out, resting comfortably on her right shoulder as she turned to face her guest, uncaring that she was wearing little more than a tank top and shorts to meet with a complete stranger.

She’d gotten over such conventions during her time in the Hunter Nin, and hadn’t bothered to pick the habit back up- much to most every visitor's annoyance. She never arrived to work in anything but appropriate attire, but in her own place? Well. If she couldn’t dress how she wanted, what was the point of paying so much for a damn apartment in the first place?

"So. What d’you need advice on?"

Gurē Shō

[Gurē Shō]

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After a moment of uncertain silence, Shō found himself contemplating whether it was appropriate to take his leave. However, just as he was about to turn away, a resonant, feminine voice called out, inviting him to enter. With a deep breath to steady himself, he straightened his posture, cleared his throat, and meticulously checked his attire before mustering the courage to open the door and step inside.
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"Ojama shimasu." Shō uttered with polite formality as he entered the apartment. Inside, his eyes were drawn to the sight of a matured, yet beautiful lady. Her hair, with its vibrant pink hue, may have been a bit disheveled, but it still held a captivating charm. Shō's heart skipped a beat momentarily, but he swiftly pushed aside any distractions, reminding himself of the purpose that had brought him here. It was a crucial matter that deserved his utmost focus.
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Observing Minami-sensei's attire, he couldn't help but notice just how incredibly casual it was -- perhaps a bit too casual for their first meeting. A moment of hesitation washed over him as he questioned whether this was the right time to approach her.
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Nonetheless, he offered a light bow as a sign of respect before cautiously proceeding with his request, meticulously selecting his words. "I'm uhh... here to ask for some information regarding the position of Hunter-nin." he stammered slightly.
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Preferring not to be intrusive and wanting to ensure that Minami-sensei was comfortable, he turned his gaze slightly away from her and politely inquired, "May I know if this is the right time?" It wasn't like him to be overly concerned about such trivial matters, but he wanted to make sure he wasn’t bothering anyone.

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[279 words]

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[Sora Minami]

The boy was unfamiliar to her at first glance. Shorter than her by a few inches, with pale skin, matching white-blue hair, and that semi-feminine air some found attractive. It was a ploy, of course; the boy was as much a Shinobi as she was, capable of killing at the drop of a pin, but most wouldn’t be able to tell that from just looking at him. A good infiltrator, maybe. Definitely not one of her students though. She’d have remembered the hair, if nothing else. And then he spoke, and she understood why they’d sent him to her.

"It’s fine.” Sora said, lowering her weapon slowly as she strolled over to where its sheath lay against the wall, sliding the blade into its saya with a level of care one might reserve for a fragile piece of art, rather than the deadly weapon that it was. It was better if she didn’t have a weapon in her hand for this conversation. "Please. Find a seat."

The Jounin paused, taking a deep breath before turning to face the boy, her face flat and devoid of emotion as she looked him over once more. Yes, she could see why the Hunter Corps would want a boy like him, even without knowing what he could do; the younger they joined, the easier it was to mold a Shinobi into a killing machine. The question is, what caught their attention?

"I need to know two things. First, your name and specialization." She said, plopping down on the small couch set into the corner of the room, her sky-blue gaze focused on his face and the subtle shift in expression that would come with her next question. "Secondly, how comfortable are you with killing? Because you’ll be doing a lot of it as a Hunter-nin."

Gurē Shō

[Gurē Shō]

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Upon receiving a subtle nod of approval from the kunoichi, Shō searched for a seat. Despite his tender years, he made sure to sit properly in the seiza position to convey respect. Some might not care, but he couldn't predict what kind of person she was. Adhering to the traditional way seemed like a safe choice.
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The room fell silent for a couple of seconds as the kunoichi gathered her thoughts. At that moment, Shō's own gulping became audible. It was a tense moment for him until she spoke. Her questions were short and simple, yet directly addressed the problem he was facing. There was no beating around the bush, and Shō found that refreshing, in a good way. He never liked conversations filled with hidden meanings.
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"Shō of the Gurē clan." the young boy replied, his expression and tone more firm than before. "Major in ninjutsu, minor in genjutsu and is decent in stealth." His words flowed smoothly, a testament to his self-discipline. Yet, when confronted with the question revolving around killing and comfort, his otherwise assured demeanor faltered. He could never link these two words together, never.
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Time seemed to stand still, awaiting for his response, this time for a longer moment. "I hate killing," he finally uttered, with a tone carrying a weight of sorrow and experience. "And I have seen enough." he added. No further elaboration was necessary, especially in the presence of a fellow Kiri-nin, where the scars of the devastating Civil War and the Sanbi Rampage remained etched in the minds of those who had lived through those dark times.

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[266 words]

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[Sora Minami]

Sora nodded along at the boy’s first answer, not speaking but watching all the same. He seemed to be an honest sort, not likely to lie to someone, but you could never be too careful with Hunter-Nin candidates. People caught the Corps' attention for a variety of reasons, personality being one of the largest after talent, and the preferred personality for a Hunter-Nin was less than trustworthy when it came to anything other than killing their target. Still, it seemed obvious why they’d want a boy like him; with his clan’s abilities and a talent for Genjutsu, he’d fit right in as an assassination or sabotage specialist. Knowing the current regime though… Assassin. Definitely.

Then Sho dropped his mask of politeness, and she understood his dilemma.

"I see." She said, running a hand through her frazzled, unkempt hair as she leaned forward in her seat, thinking. There were so many things to unpack in those few words; the tone, the sorrow, the weight behind his voice. He understood, far more than a boy his age should, how horrible it was to take another life. How black it stained the soul. The fact that he had come to her, rather than his parents, rather than anyone in his clan spoke volumes of what he knew their advice would be. What they would pressure him into, no matter how he felt about it.

"You already know what you have to do, Sho." Sora said after a long stretch of silence, at last looking up at the boy, meeting his gaze with her own. So he could see the storm inside. Not all of it, just a peek. But enough. "We both know your clan won’t let you say no. So the question here isn’t if you’ll agree to it. Because you have to." The boy had no choice. Not about this. His parents, his clan, hell half the village would shun him if he turned down the chance to be a Hunter-nin. Not openly, not blatantly, but enough for him to know. To always remember how much they despised his morals and spat on his choice.

The Tokubetsu Jounin took a breath, lips parting as she readied herself for what came next. Because the hard part wasn’t knowing what he had to do. The hard part was how he’d react to what he had to do. "The question here is- when the chips are down, and your orders are clear, can you do it? Because if you can’t…"

If you can’t, then you better learn how.

Gurē Shō

[Gurē Shō]

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Shō found himself genuinely surprised by the kunoichi's response. It was not just her decisive tone or vast knowledge that astounded him, but her keen ability to peer beyond the surface and understand his predicament on a level that all outsiders could not fathom. What made it even more astonishing was that she achieved all of this within the span of a conversation that hadn't even crossed the five-minute mark. Her perception and insight were nothing short of remarkable.
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"Indeed, you have guessed correctly. My clan would never permit me to decline this opportunity." he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and defiance. The Gurē clan, scattered across the globe, held little political influence within Mizu no Kuni, and this chance to shine was too precious to be relinquished. "I would hate it even more if someone else in my family were chosen for this position, or worse, if my family were to face the consequences of my decision and was shunned by everyone else."
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With a deep sigh, he found himself lost in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the ground as if searching for an escape from this nightmarish reality. Yet, there was no escape, just the harsh truths of a world where he had witnessed his best friend's life extinguished before his eyes, and the very same world where people slaughtered each other over political differences.
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The mere thought of his sister being forced into the life of a bloody hunter-nin or witnessing his family's isolation was unbearable. The choice before him seemed clear.
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「 僕がやらなきゃ　誰がやる 」

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❝ If I don’t do it, who will? ❞

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After taking a deep breath, he lifted his head and looked directly into his senior’s eyes. "What lies ahead of me?" He inquired, seeking some insight from her experiences, hoping it might prepare him, even slightly, for the trials that awaited him.
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"And also, is there anything else I should do before taking on this position?" he asked sincerely. It wasn't a plea for tips on becoming a better hunter-nin or mastering more efficient killing techniques. Instead, it reflected his earnest desire to know if there was anything he could do to mitigate the impending nightmare and preserve some semblance of his cherished values amidst the dark path he was about to tread.


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[385 words]

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[Sora Minami]

Sora nodded in response to Sho’s words, her eyes cold and sad as the boy spoke, piecing together what he had to do, what he would do if (and when) the time came. She had been there, made those choices, taken those lives for her country, for her friends, for her own survival, but it never got easier. The best decision she’d ever made was leaving the Corps- and also the worst. There were people who still wouldn’t talk to her because she’d left. People she cared for, people she held in high regard who simply ignored her now. She had lost friends, lost connections, lost so much in choosing to leave… but it had been the right choice. One Sho would have to make, eventually. Just not now.

"What lies ahead of you is pain, Sho." She replied, voice quiet as she lowered her gaze from his face; if only so he wouldn’t have to see what it was she was feeling right now. The emptiness. The understanding. The pain. "You will be worked to the bone. You will chase targets for days, weeks, months, years. You will fight and fight and fight with no end in sight. You will watch your comrades die and see your family grow distant… and there is nothing you can do to stop it."

Sora paused then, gathering herself as she stood, her limbs weak from exertion but steady with the grit and will she had always possessed, the sheer furious refusal to stop that had helped her through so many situations. And would help her in this one. The Tokubetsu Jounin walked over to the boy, standing above him for a moment before she knelt, arms wrapping him up in a tight, knowing hug as she spoke into his ear.

"But that doesn’t mean you will always have to kill. You can choose to spare people, sometimes. Capture them. And when you do have to kill, you can make it quick. Clean. Painless." That was a lesson she had learned far too late into her time as a Hunter-nin; not every kill had to be brutal. Not every target had to be slain. Not every mission had to stain your soul. "Be strong."

Gurē Shō

[Gurē Shō]

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Pain… there seemed to be no escaping it so long he was alive. Despite his longing for a different answer, he knew deep down that was the only reality he would be facing. With each passing moment, Sora's words seemed to intensify, drowning out the world around him. The sounds of the present faded, replaced by a high-pitched ringing that echoed through his mind. In the depths of his consciousness, fragments of some broken memory resurfaced in his fragile mind.
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Images of bloodshed and destruction played out like a vivid nightmare. The haunting scene unfolded before him. A landscape scarred by blood and fire, innocent lives caught in the crossfire of senseless violence. Women and children, some desperately running through the crimson mud, others lying broken and maimed. Shō found himself kneeling in the midst of this hell hole, his attention drawn to a lifeless figure lying beneath him - a girl, her identity shrouded in the chaos of war. Who was she? The question remained unanswered as he was abruptly pulled back to the present reality, back to the comforting embrace of Sora.
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The warmth of her hug offered a refuge, grounding him in the present moment. "Sensei…" He sighed with relief before addressing her sensei he was fine. He looked at his palm, contemplating the path that lay ahead. He could not help but wonder if the memory he had witnessed would become his future, hand soaking with blood, walking through piles of bodies in order to reach his objective.
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The questions tormented him. Would he become the very person he despised the most? Was this the reason for the perpetual conflict that plagued the world? Was there anything else he could do to avoid this grim fate? The realization of the world's senselessness left him disheartened. He yearned for a day when peace would reign, when the incessant fighting and bloodshed would cease.
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As he locked eyes with his sensei, he sensed that she had endured more than he could imagine. Her sincerity was evident, but her words were also painful to swallow. It was a little selfish, but Shō felt relief knowing he was not the only one facing this daunting journey into the depths of darkness. Yet, the relief was quickly replaced by a strong sense of guilt as he realized that countless others would also tread the same path of pain and torment after him.
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But at this moment, he could not afford to dwell on this thing. As his sensei had just said, he needed to be strong - strong enough to survive and endure the trials ahead. He quietly looked at the old family picture he kept in his wallet, drawing strength from the memories of his loved ones before finally gathered himself from the ground. He offered the sensei a polite bow, a gesture of respect and gratitude before taking his leave.
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"I'm sorry for the trouble… and thank you, sensei."


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[490 words]

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[Sora Minami]

Sho’s reaction to her words was… visceral. His eyes went blank, his face going slack as he drifted off into the nether realm of thought and memory, everything about him dimming in the glow of whatever trauma he was recalling. Sora did nothing to stop him, to pull him back; she simply held the boy, firmly but not provocative, waiting. There was little to be done when a person got like this, when the scars of the past reared their ugly heads and ripped their scabs clean off to fester anew. You just had to weather it, to endure and muscle through the pain, no matter how awful you felt. Because it faded, eventually. Everything did, in time.

"It’s ok." She said as the boy began to compose himself, withdrawing from her embrace with slow, deliberate steps. Sho took several deep breaths before he spoke again, bowing with the same formality from earlier, and for a moment she almost laughed; he’d stand out in the core like a Sand shinobi on a boat with that politeness. And those morals.

"It’s no trouble, really." Sora said as Sho bowed, lips parting in a soft, sad smile. "I’m always happy to help a child in need." Children like Sho were why she had left the corps in the first place, after all. Seeing kids die, seeing them suffer as they took a life, seeing them break beneath the weight of that responsibility… it was more than she wanted to bear. Not if she had a choice.

"If you ever need to talk, I’m willing to listen." She understood, better than perhaps anyone in the village, how deep those scars ran. The Tokubetsu Jounin bowed back to her guest as he left, repaying his formality with her own, the exhaustion seeping into her limbs. Samidare sat in the corner, patient and ready for her- but for once, she didn’t pick it back up. Not now. Tomorrow she could begin again, pushing herself to rise high enough to do something about the horrible world they lived in. But tonight?

Tonight I mourn. I mourn you, Gure Sho. And the innocence you should never have lost.

fin

Gurē Shō