[Himishi Haruka]

[googlefont="Fleur De Leah"]

Himishi Haruka

Today was grim, it was horrible. Haruka wanted so hard to forget how the events of today went. She took a detour and got some Fried Octopus after her wounds were checked, she was hungry after exerting so much energy. She didn't want to go hungry, she needed her energy for the next day. As for her earlier opponent, it must have been some cruel sick joke, pitting the two cousins against each other. It felt like it was a trap and even worse, they both had the drive to succeed. It was literally pitting them to either fight to the death or to the point they can no longer fight. Haruka herself chose to fight until either she or Jou were unconscious, she didn't have it in her to even think about the other option. The Kunoichi doesn't even know if he got discharged during her detour or if he was still being patched up. The medical ninja can pull miracles but they can't, his injuries weren't that severe for a specialist, he'll no doubt be ready for tomorrow.

But, Haruka wasn't going to his room to talk strategies nor check if he wanted anything. She was still carrying her leftovers, Haruka didn't trust leaving her leftovers around her roommate. Although a little cold, they still tasted delicious. No, instead, she came right to Jou's room. Haruka took a slow, deep breath, she was going to need it. She began knocking on the door. "Jou, are you here?" She paused, waiting for an answer. It was kind of late, so where else would he be?

"Jou, please open the door. Are you in there, can you hear me out?"

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(s) Utilized:
Tomekenzangan (Tōzasō) | All-Seeing Eye of the Present
Haruka achieved both the rare dōjutsu and the even rarer Tōzasō state of the eye. Being a direct evolution of Iwakusō, boons of both can be accessed by the Genin. With crystal clarity, the girl is capable of recalling information and memories down to a surreal level. As if she could live in it, it also grants her capabilities to look through memories and implant her own or even reconstruct the other's memory through the use of clan jutsu. It can also gives her great ability of her own intelligence locked behind the eye. From the Tōzasō aspect, Haruka attains a great level of perception both in tacking and reading any given situation, exponentially increasing strategic or investigating abilities. The strongest boon is the ability to track movement from both powerups granted by the past and present eye. Every minute detail is tracked at great speeds for Haruka.

Unnatural Intelligence
Even before the Tomekenzangan, the girl has always had an almost metahuman intelligence, able to decipher a large number of details in seconds and map out events with marks like a video into the event. The Genin is even capable of quick, logical thought, all while maintaining a long term-memory of the details. Boosted by the Dōjutsu's passive effects, the girl's ability to recall and process new information increases exponentially. Every cognitive ability is boosted allowing the girl to process and retain much information new or old. Haruka easily surpasses genius levels thanks to both the great boons of her blood and her eyes.

Weighted Training: Reflexive Combat:
After a routine set by Rentaro and further enforced by Haruka, the girl has developed a weaker but enhanced physical trait in two areas, the first being her reflexes to aid in the reactive abilities her Tomekenzangan cues. The second is more of a nimble body to evade larger actions with a nimble intricacy similar to that of a freshly minted acrobatic shinobi. As time progresses, she will have more of a boost, albeit half of that of a dedicated boon in either area.

Jutsu(s) Utilized:

Equipment Utilized:
04 | Body conditioning weights (1 per limb) {Continuous)

[Himishi Jou]

Pain. That is what Jou felt after the events of that first fight. The pain wasn't all physical, however....It was just as emotional as well. Even before finding out who his opponent was, Jou felt so much pressure. He felt that once he stepped into that stadium, he wouldn't just be representing himself or the village...but the clan he hails from as well, and that alone was enough weight on his shoulders. He didn't believe that his parents would show up to watch, but Jou still kept thinking about them...about what they might think of him afterward. Little did he know that they did show up...and how he solidified their lack of faith in him.

Then of course was the opponent herself. Jou was shocked, taken completely off guard at the fact that his first fight was going to be against his dear cousin, Haruka. At first, Jou was hesitant...but then he saw this as an opportunity. With her going up against him, Jou realized that he didn't have to go through the burden of representing the Himishi alone. He had someone who understood him...who wanted to succeed as much as himself. He was pit against someone who he looked up to, who saw him as an equal....

...Or so he thought...

Jou was currently alone in his dorm room, wherever his new roommate was the boy wasn't sure. Jou wasn't in bed though. Instead, there were a few books laid about on the bed, some open while others were closed. One of them was his torn notebook, with Okada Taki's autograph barely visible. Jou did not spend most of his time sulking about what happened. He had been studying...but not only that. Jou was on the ground next to his bed shirtless, in the middle of doing push-ups. There were still a few patches on him, but he was mostly recovered. As he continued his push-ups, Haruka's voice continued to rattle through his head....mostly of her wanting him to give up and how she doesn't want to hurt him.

The young Himishi felt like a fool, actually believing that Haruka saw him as an equal. He hated being looked down upon and taken lightly. He wanted to prove Haruka wrong, he wanted her to not go easy on him...and he got his wish. That fight was a wake up call for him...showing that not just her, but all of those people who have doubted him...were right all along.

Jou is weak...pathetic...but he's no quitter.

Then Jou heard a knock at the door, causing him to stop. The moment he heard...her voice, Jou quickly looked up at the closed door. He said nothing at first, his serious expression turning into something a little more reluctant...and upset.

Jou remained quiet as he got up to his feet, still just staring at the door. After a few seconds, he took his shirt from the bed and placed it on before stepping to the door. He quietly brought a hand to the doorknob...but hesitated. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before reopening them. He didn't want to see her right now...but couldn't bring himself to be overly blunt about it. He finally opened the door, but only a little. He peeked his head partway out without making eye contact with Haruka. "Did you need something...Haruka?" Jou asked, his tone a bit neutral and almost lifeless. He remained in that position, hoping that Haruka would get the message that he didn't want to let her in...

Himishi Haruka

[Himishi Haruka]

[googlefont="Fleur De Leah"]

Himishi Haruka

The girl's knocks were slowly answered as the door gave in, slowly opening. Haruka held back her next wave of knocking in case it was too much to see a white-haired Himishi poke his head through the door. She could easily tell how reluctant Jou was by the simple act of him not daring to look at her. It broke Haruka's heart and melted the remnants. She didn't like seeing Jou like this, she wanted to turn back time, to make sure they never or will never fight. The Kunoichi was at a loss but she reached in her bag and pulled out a new notebook. She handed it to Jou through the crack, along with a pen. "I didn't just come here to give you a new gift, I came because I wanted to talk... and to give you this... Would you like to talk? I understand if you don't... I just want things back to before we fought... And I need you."

Haruka herself didn't like begging, it was pointless to waste energy on something so minor but she couldn't help it. This wasn't something minor, it was a bond she didn't want to lose to time and it felt like she was fighting an uphill battle. All she wanted was something that could benefit both parties. An outcome that was ideal but didn't seem graspable. "Jou, please, can we talk?"

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(s) Utilized:
Tomekenzangan (Tōzasō) | All-Seeing Eye of the Present
Haruka achieved both the rare dōjutsu and the even rarer Tōzasō state of the eye. Being a direct evolution of Iwakusō, boons of both can be accessed by the Genin. With crystal clarity, the girl is capable of recalling information and memories down to a surreal level. As if she could live in it, it also grants her capabilities to look through memories and implant her own or even reconstruct the other's memory through the use of clan jutsu. It can also gives her great ability of her own intelligence locked behind the eye. From the Tōzasō aspect, Haruka attains a great level of perception both in tacking and reading any given situation, exponentially increasing strategic or investigating abilities. The strongest boon is the ability to track movement from both powerups granted by the past and present eye. Every minute detail is tracked at great speeds for Haruka.

Unnatural Intelligence
Even before the Tomekenzangan, the girl has always had an almost metahuman intelligence, able to decipher a large number of details in seconds and map out events with marks like a video into the event. The Genin is even capable of quick, logical thought, all while maintaining a long term-memory of the details. Boosted by the Dōjutsu's passive effects, the girl's ability to recall and process new information increases exponentially. Every cognitive ability is boosted allowing the girl to process and retain much information new or old. Haruka easily surpasses genius levels thanks to both the great boons of her blood and her eyes.

Weighted Training: Reflexive Combat:
After a routine set by Rentaro and further enforced by Haruka, the girl has developed a weaker but enhanced physical trait in two areas, the first being her reflexes to aid in the reactive abilities her Tomekenzangan cues. The second is more of a nimble body to evade larger actions with a nimble intricacy similar to that of a freshly minted acrobatic shinobi. As time progresses, she will have more of a boost, albeit half of that of a dedicated boon in either area.

Jutsu(s) Utilized:

Equipment Utilized:
04 | Body conditioning weights (1 per limb) {Continuous)

[Himishi Jou]

Jou could hear Haruka rummaging through her belongings and the moment she took what she was looking for out, the boy glanced over to see the new notebook and pen. There was a hint in his expression that he wasn't expecting this. He did have plans on buying a new notebook after the exams, but he was certainly not going to trash his old one. It may be partially destroyed...but it still had The Bakudan's autograph on it! Even though...she was the one responsible for destroying it in the first place.

"Um...Thanks..." Jou would take the notebook and pen, but still did not look Haruka in her eyes. Despite Jou being a little thankful, a part of him still wanted to just close the door and be done with this....but she still wanted to talk. Jou had a strong feeling that this wasn't going to be quick and simple. "H-Haruka, I don't know....I-I..." He then winced a bit the moment she said that she needed him. He then had brief flashes back to that fight, and some of the things he said to her. He felt a little angry thinking about it. What did she even need him for? To continue to make her look good...superior? That's what Jou's mind immediately went to, but he didn't dare to say any of them, not out of respect but guilt.

"I'm sorry b-but..." Jou then glanced over at Haruka, not only taking notice of how different she has become...but at the pained expression on her face. It reminded him of Keiko..his sister. Jou could never forget how disheartened his sister looked after the awful things he said to her, and what's worse...is that he can never truly apologize to her.

With that, Jou let out a small sigh and gave in. Quietly, he backed away before opening the door to let Haruka in, but he still did not look at her. If she came in, Haruka would probably see how neatly kept Jou's side of the room was except for the books he was studying spread out on his bed along with the torn notebook. Jou then sat on the edge of his bed and placed the new notebook on his lap, looking quietly down at it with a frown on his face. He wasn't sure if things between him and Haruka would ever be the same..but he couldn't bring it in himself to just push her away.

Himishi Haruka

[Himishi Haruka]

[googlefont="Fleur De Leah"]

Himishi Haruka

Such a cautious and deflated thanks. It hurt Haruka just to hear it, but even with the tone, he grabbed the gift. Haruka thought that would bring her joy, comfort her that he accepted the gift, but it only brought an emotionless state. There was nothing there, no joy, no mediation, it was just silence. Deafening silence. She didn't know what exactly he thought, but deep in the pit of her stomach, she felt like he hated her. The Kunoichi felt like she was playing dangerously close with fire, but she'd rather know she tried to rebuild the past than let it decay to a cold, rotten future. She wanted to push against the door, to force herself in, however quite honestly, she was terrified of how he'd react.

He was sorry? Was he going to reject her, his own cousin, and slam the door in her face? Haruka only held her breath, something about him was giving her the worst feeling in the world and she couldn't understand why. She didn't understand why but as it seemed like hope was lost, he sighed and backed away. The door was opened for her but Jou was not looking at her. He refused to look at her. The Kunoichi took cautious steps in and saw how tidy he tried to keep his side, but the was a mess of books on his bed. It reminded her symbolically of Jou, of herself. They both tried to maintain their looks, their appearance, but at least for her, they were a mess inside. A stain on the hourglass, an imperfection in the castle of glass.

She watched as he sat down, the new notebook lightly on his lap. Haruka took a gentle breath as she tried to find the right words. "Jou... you know I will always love you... I would never hurt you on purpose... So why... Why did you push me, push us to fight?... I want to know cause I don't feel like I know you anymore, and I'm scared." Haruka was trying so hard to keep herself composed but it was so hard to even stand, she held her ground however for she did not know where the ground was safe. Jou, please, please just tell me. She thought as if he could hear her thoughts, an impossible probability. She crossed her hands in front of her waist before grabbing her left arm. She wasn't comfortable like this, it didn't feel at all like things did before and she feared this being the new normal.

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(s) Utilized:
Tomekenzangan (Tōzasō) | All-Seeing Eye of the Present
Haruka achieved both the rare dōjutsu and the even rarer Tōzasō state of the eye. Being a direct evolution of Iwakusō, boons of both can be accessed by the Genin. With crystal clarity, the girl is capable of recalling information and memories down to a surreal level. As if she could live in it, it also grants her capabilities to look through memories and implant her own or even reconstruct the other's memory through the use of clan jutsu. It can also gives her great ability of her own intelligence locked behind the eye. From the Tōzasō aspect, Haruka attains a great level of perception both in tacking and reading any given situation, exponentially increasing strategic or investigating abilities. The strongest boon is the ability to track movement from both powerups granted by the past and present eye. Every minute detail is tracked at great speeds for Haruka.

Unnatural Intelligence
Even before the Tomekenzangan, the girl has always had an almost metahuman intelligence, able to decipher a large number of details in seconds and map out events with marks like a video into the event. The Genin is even capable of quick, logical thought, all while maintaining a long term-memory of the details. Boosted by the Dōjutsu's passive effects, the girl's ability to recall and process new information increases exponentially. Every cognitive ability is boosted allowing the girl to process and retain much information new or old. Haruka easily surpasses genius levels thanks to both the great boons of her blood and her eyes.

Weighted Training: Reflexive Combat:
After a routine set by Rentaro and further enforced by Haruka, the girl has developed a weaker but enhanced physical trait in two areas, the first being her reflexes to aid in the reactive abilities her Tomekenzangan cues. The second is more of a nimble body to evade larger actions with a nimble intricacy similar to that of a freshly minted acrobatic shinobi. As time progresses, she will have more of a boost, albeit half of that of a dedicated boon in either area.

Jutsu(s) Utilized:

Equipment Utilized:
04 | Body conditioning weights (1 per limb) {Continuous)

Himishi Jou

[Himishi Jou]

The moment Haruka came in, it felt like Jou was letting all of his nightmares inside. It didn't even feel like he was speaking to his beloved cousin anymore...but a stranger. No, a stranger was not even accurate. Who Jou once saw as his rock, the foundation of who he wanted to be was nothing more than just a walking constant reminder of how much of a failure he is. It practically pained Jou to be in Haruka's presence now...yet he still let her in. Maybe a part of him wanted things to go back to the way it was...but at this point that felt like an impossibility.

Jou sat there quietly on his bed, not giving Haruka eye contact. His attention remained on the new notebook on his lap, letting this awkward air of silence fill the room. She was the one who wanted to see him, so Jou was waiting for her to say something. After a bit, Haruka finally started to speak, and Jou kept his attention downwards the whole time. Jou was starting to feel bad, practically hearing the pain in Haruka's tone...but that feeling of guilt did not last long. It was the moment that Haruka mentioned Jou pushing her to do this that caused the white-haired Himishi's eye to twitch a little. The moment Haruka finished, Jou exhaled a bit through his nose. It was subtle, but there were clear hints of frustration.

"You think...I'm upset about getting hurt?" Jou then let out a small, partial laugh before slowly shaking his head. "It's things like that...is what's really making me upset..." Jou added before placing that notebook onto the bed, almost as if he finally made his choice on something. "I don't think you knew me at all, Haruka." Jou added before clasping his hands together on his lap. It might've been painful to hear, and it was certainly a bit painful to say...but Jou needed to get this across while trying to keep himself as calm as possible...and not have that outburst like he did during the match.

"You want to know why I pushed you? Haruka...it's because you wouldn't push yourself to fight me." Jou finally looked up at his kin, looking into her eyes with an almost stern expression. "I didn't want you to look down on me, see me as someone frail...weak. I have been constantly trying to show others this...but everyone treats me as if I'm some sort of...helpless animal." Jou then went back to looking down again, his hands now resting on each knee, gripping it a bit. "I thought...that maybe you were different from everyone else...That you didn't see me like that...but that look in your eyes during the match...and your attempts at trying to make me give up...it made me realize how wrong I was about you." He once again looked up at Haruka, a pained smile forming on his face.

"I guess I don't know you anymore either, right Haruka?" Not a single tear was shed from Jou this time. He felt bitter and betrayed...but he did not cry. "But...I guess you...and others weren't wrong...about me." Jou's smile lessened. "You did show me...that maybe I am still frail....But I will fix this...on my own." The pained smile Jou had then faded, making way for a serious one.

Himishi Haruka

[Himishi Haruka]

[googlefont="Fleur De Leah"]

Himishi Haruka

She was watching him, she wish she hadn't. It seemed to provoke him even more than what she wanted. He may have been looking down but he was clearly frustrated. Haruka felt of throat tighten, she didn't want to see him like this. He let out a curt answer in the form of a question, it was clearly rhetoric and meant to cast doubt on her before stating exactly her worry made him upset. The Kunoichi felt like she was stabbed in the heart, from the front. A way she didn't expect the pain to come from. The allegation he threw at her, it sank her hope as the pain was written across her face. Jou continued to explain yet smie through it all, No... I didn't think that, I swear! I just didn't want to hurt you, to fight you! Haruka wanted to make her stand however, the words stopped at the growing pressure in her throat and she felt helpless. All she could was tear up and cover her mouth, it was all she was good at.

Haruka looked away as he finished, this was not her intent at the slightest. "Time... it's never on your side..." It was barely a whisper and covered under Haruka's breath. It seemed her hope had been a fleeting one indeed and while she desperately wanted to rebuild the bridge, Jou was there simply adding more fuel to the fire. "Read the first page of that notebook. Good luck finding a teacher who can help you, who's qualified to even help. If you truly feel that way, then I shouldn't even be in your life. I've been doing everything to help but clearly, you don't need it or want it. You don't need me... you got your wish." Although short, Haruka started to see him as she saw everyone... a pointless waste of energy.

She didn't expect the conversation to be long, but she didn't expect it to go this way. She quickly walked out and slammed the door behind her, she didn't even move a foot from the door until she fell on her knees, sobbing at the figurative death of Jou. Who he once was was dead, the Jou she knew and loved, who she would do anything for, he was gone. That doppelganger, that changeling. He wasn't Jou nor could she reason with it. And that feeling reminded her how alone she was, it reminded her just how much her family really cared without her eyes. There was no other feeling lonelier than that.

If Jou were to ignore the sobs and crying outside and did what she advised him to, he would find a note written.

To Jou... No matter how much you hate me, no matter how much you won't forgive me, I want you to know this one thing; I will always love you.

SPOILER: Click to show

SA(s) Utilized:
Tomekenzangan (Tōzasō) | All-Seeing Eye of the Present
Haruka achieved both the rare dōjutsu and the even rarer Tōzasō state of the eye. Being a direct evolution of Iwakusō, boons of both can be accessed by the Genin. With crystal clarity, the girl is capable of recalling information and memories down to a surreal level. As if she could live in it, it also grants her capabilities to look through memories and implant her own or even reconstruct the other's memory through the use of clan jutsu. It can also gives her great ability of her own intelligence locked behind the eye. From the Tōzasō aspect, Haruka attains a great level of perception both in tacking and reading any given situation, exponentially increasing strategic or investigating abilities. The strongest boon is the ability to track movement from both powerups granted by the past and present eye. Every minute detail is tracked at great speeds for Haruka.

Unnatural Intelligence
Even before the Tomekenzangan, the girl has always had an almost metahuman intelligence, able to decipher a large number of details in seconds and map out events with marks like a video into the event. The Genin is even capable of quick, logical thought, all while maintaining a long term-memory of the details. Boosted by the Dōjutsu's passive effects, the girl's ability to recall and process new information increases exponentially. Every cognitive ability is boosted allowing the girl to process and retain much information new or old. Haruka easily surpasses genius levels thanks to both the great boons of her blood and her eyes.

Weighted Training: Reflexive Combat:
After a routine set by Rentaro and further enforced by Haruka, the girl has developed a weaker but enhanced physical trait in two areas, the first being her reflexes to aid in the reactive abilities her Tomekenzangan cues. The second is more of a nimble body to evade larger actions with a nimble intricacy similar to that of a freshly minted acrobatic shinobi. As time progresses, she will have more of a boost, albeit half of that of a dedicated boon in either area.

Jutsu(s) Utilized:

Equipment Utilized:
04 | Body conditioning weights (1 per limb) {Continuous)

[Himishi Jou]

It hurt Jou to say these things to Haruka, it really did...but he needed to be heard. Haruka didn't seem to get the picture as to why Jou was feeling this way...no one ever did. Everyone's first instinct when it comes to Jou is that he cannot take a hit like he were some fragile thing that would be quick and easy to break. Jou was starting to get sick of it, but he always tried his best to keep it to himself, bottle it up....but to have someone like Haruka who he trusted the most see him like this....it felt like he was arguing with his sister all over again...

Even the look that Haruka gave, the tears she started to shed...Jou couldn't help but see Keiko instead of her at that moment, causing the bittersweet smile that was on Jou's face to lessen a bit. Haruka had said something under her breath, something about time? Jou was able to hear her loud and clear afterward though....

Jou looked down at the notebook at first as it was mentioned, but as Haruka continued, the young Himishi slowly looked up at Haruka once more. She wasn't continuing any attempts at trying to fix this...She was clearly hurt by this, and can she honestly be blamed? "H-Haruka...I..." As she started to take her leave, Jou quickly stood up...but was motionless. He couldn't work up the nerve to do anything about this. Haruka wouldn't even look him in the eyes anymore. Jou just watched as she stormed out, and slammed the door. Jou didn't even wince...He was too distracted by everything that was happening. His expression had only gotten worse the moment he heard the sobbing from the side of the door.

"H-" Jou slowly crept to the door, his hand hovering over the knob for a few seconds....but instead of grabbing it...he clenched his fists as he started to bite his lower lip in frustration. Why should he feel bad? Haruka still clearly didn't understand? He did the right thing...But...she was still the only Himishi besides his sister who tried to put in the work to train him...who didn't just give up on him. And this wasn't counting whoever had instructed Haruka to help him in the first place which is a mystery of its own to Jou.

The young Himishi sighed lightly before looking down at the notebook in his hand, just now noticing he still had it. He opened it to the first page...and the painful message was there clear as day.

Tears started to roll down Jou's face and he let out a sniff. He wasn't sobbing like his poor cousin...but he was hurt, not just from her...but himself as well. This was just like Keiko all over again…except Jou was killing Haruka emotionally…

After wiping his eyes, Jou rested his back gently against the door before slowly sliding down until he was sitting, his eyes not once being taken off of the book as he listened to his kin's painful sobs on the other end for however long she would remain there...

”….And I will always love you too.” He whispered under his shaky breath, very unlikely that Haruka would hear through her sobbing….

Himishi Haruka