Watching A Growing Generation

[Viola]

Nineteen…Twenty…

Twenty. Twenty kunais flew toward targets. Twenty targets missed. And those clan kids had the gall to laugh. And the teacher there, gray locks with a green leaf vest on—disgusted Viola from the pit of her heart. How did she teach these kids when they waste such precious resources? These same group of kids found it easy to hit the marks with ease two weeks ago. They were being silly and intolerant. Gray-haired just smiled and waved them off to do kid things. Viola could feel the kunais clank against each other as the woman cleaned up their mess.

From within the shade, the kids felt further away. The lump in Violas' throat has developed from the marble of inferiority to a burning hatred of those more fortunate than others. The very others that have their own halls and sections of the village. The others that were able to reserve spots for their offspring. The others that donned clan robes and smirks. The others that often came in, injured, battered, defeated but not lost in battle. The others that had the stench of a prestigious clan. Those others should be considered lucky that Viola had only the guts to splice skin from behind the masks of a healer.

Her hand could grace the back of her hand, imagining the stitches she would need to give these kids, years from now, when they became real ninja. The weaving she would need to expend on them, the same docile smiles they would shine to her like the rest do.

A pretty lady like you are in the perfect field. . .

A girl like you should be promoted. . .

An orphan you say? That just adds to your appeal!

Those clan members were sickening with the comments. Viola found peace in only remembering who really chose this life: her. She found it peaceful. She found it profitable. Not the others. Her eyes still hung their gaze upon the kids, no older than nine, running around. They were playing ninja essentially, not quite ready to be specialized to be ninja. Not ready for the stiches she would sow. Not ready for the chunks of flesh to be gripped out of their bodies. Not ready for the deaths they would see in and outside the village.

The tree Viola stood underneath gave her shade from the groups’ sporadic gazes, looking but not seeing who exactly watched them every Friday. The gray hair woman already knew Violas’ story: she chose the high road in deciding not to interact with her. Whispers from gossipy old folk reach ears of all.

Yards away from her would be the concrete building where the actual classes were held. Red doors were accommodated for the children at one entrance. Hanging over this would be the leaf symbol, a sign of allegiance to remind those stinky clan offspring where they really lived. Viola stood there, motionless. Leaves were stiff in the tree above her, as summer has clung to life. The heat had won weariness over the old and exceptionally young; but not these academy folk.

Deeply engrossed in thought, Viola continued to watch. Within the shade, she would pierce her gaze into the blissful happiness the kids shared with each other on this summer day. Within the shade she would hide her repressed chuckle when kids would stumble and fall and cry like whiners.

Anyone could catch her body—dressed in her usual jean shorts and gray tank top. Her skin, still pale due to her addiction to the shade in summers, would most likely stand out to anyone who would pass by.

[Viola]

Violas eyes flickered at the teacher as her grey hair began to sway forward. Something about that smile made Viola fear. Her slim legs graced the grass in no rush, children playing within a few yards of her presence. What was a frail woman like her doing here? Just trotting herself around like it was a normal summer day. She was supposed to be teaching. She was not supposed to be prancing like the game in the forests. She was not supposed to be giggling away at the children folly. She was to mold the future generations.

Viola tried to keep her gaze steady, but kept losing her attention to the flowers that began to bloom in the grey-haired ones trot. A scent that smelled of slumber crept across Violas’ nose, to which she would answer with her palm. Clutching her nose tightly, Viola began to use the tree behind her has support. Even to that the sensation of the tree felt more like goop.

“Was this what they called genjustu?” thought Viola.

Viola had only an introduction to genjustu, not how to exit it. She could feel the gentle slumber come across her eyes, flowers blooming further up into air as the woman came closer.

An outsider view of the events would show Viola standing idly as she was before. Violas’ eyes would be void of color. Her body remain motionless as the teacher came closer. Many students exchanged quick glances to each other. None of them truly cared for Violas’ existence and began to question their teachers’ means of putting the girl into a genjustu.

Things would continue as normal despite the suspicion, with the grey-haired teacher approaching Viola. Her eyes quickly grew more solid. A resolve of aggression could be found in the lines in her the elder womans face. Her name was well-known in Konoha due to her past:Una of the Yamanaka clan.

Unas’ combination of flowers and deep subconscious evoking genjustu has led to her name being known across the village. Her existence dates back to some of the earlier known stories of the warring state of the world. In her prime she was key in gaining intel and strategy. It was until she lost her husband and children she was constantly in battle. She began to deny mission request, causing tension between the ANBU corps she worked within and the Hokage. As the years elapsed, time began to set in for Una. Her thirties and forties were full of guarding the village parameters, nationalism growing at an exponential rate. Her hate toward anyone but the Leaf village grew, and any traveler under her eye had the smallest margin of error until her genjustu ate their subconscious to a pile of rubbish.

The current Hokage saw it best to fit her as an academy school teacher to rest her poor soul. Has Violas high disdain toward kekki genkais’ caught an unlikely eye? And what will this development leave for Viola?

[Uchiha Itashui]

A young man in his early twenties strolled along the main street, which spanned miles throughout the village that was dubbed Konohagakure no Sato. He often enjoyed a leisurely walk after work, especially the areas with more tranquil scenery. He'd never admit that the Academy, although swarming with energetic children, had a positive vibe - the surrounding area of trees and gardens was quite the place to relax. And, well, watching the youngest generation of Konoha's Shinobi frolic around was somewhat awe-inspiring. It was something he'd never mention to another soul, but there was gratification and pleasure knowing, for the most part, he was active and able to serve - so that the children and people of the village would be safe. Despite his outwardly cold disposition, that hard, hollow shell of an exterior, Itashui was kind-hearted. Perhaps this was one of the unorthodox methods of expressing his care... somehow. It was safe to say that Itashui was a complex individual.

As he strolled along the street, his steel oculars, dark as obsidian, observed the children playing about. His stride was short, given that he took his time. However, as more time progressed that he spent watching the children, he realized something oddly peculiar. They stopped playing, they were watching their instructor? Eyes squinting, he'd notice the older woman nearing... someone who was standing underneath the shade of a tree? It wasn't anything casual or friendly, least from what he could tell - given the looks of the children and the expression of the elder Sensei. He needed to get closer, gather more Intel and assess the situation. Something wasn't right.

Rounding the situation, opening the gate to the Academy grounds, Itashui would make sure he circled around from a further distance so that the older female wouldn't catch him from the corner of her peripheral vision. It was more or less to avoid causing a disturbance in her 'ritual', so to speak. Some of the children pivoted their head in his direction as he advanced on 'Una', moving toward her from behind, so that she couldn't fully grasp his presence. As he neared the two females, Itashui would come to the realization. The Hag was putting the other under some sort of Genjutsu? For the victim to stand so idle, void of 'light' and as if in a trance, it was more or less the obvious conclusion. He was familiar with Genjutsu, but he couldn't help but wonder what exactly was this woman's motive for such a thing?

Once close, he'd move from behind her to pulse his own Chakra, more or less, along Viola's shoulder, the surge of Chakra effectively disrupting and breaking the Genjutsu. He'd glare at the elderly woman, voice stern, cold and hostile. "What do you think you're doing?" Quite the incident he stumbled upon, he might even assume that this would require further investigation -- perhaps this woman was outliving her days as a Shinobi; and this was certainly a case... This wasn't something you engage in front of children, either. At least, it didn't seem like a lesson, nor did it appear that the woman with pink tresses volunteered for the cause. His tone laced with venom, he'd act, if necessary. Hell, with this random occurrence, it might be best to act anyway. Though, he'd regret causing a ruckus in front of the youthful students.

[Viola]

Slightly before the Uchiha came to disrupt the process, Viola found herself trapped. Her breathing became quite labored in this genjustu as she fought the sleep Una was imposing on her. Unas’ crystal-like eyes caught Violas’ in a staring constant. Viola gradually lost the ability to suppress the dark thoughts she had been mulling over. The sweet scent of flowers overwhelmed the façade Viola worked hard to upkeep.
Within the crystal eyes of Una, grey clouds began to flicker. Thoughts that once were internal began to spin out of control, in infrequent bursts of screams. Luckily for Viola, only a few of these ear piercing rang through both of their heads. Una found internal thoughts that were generally toward the incompetence of her teaching rather than the dislike Viola carried for clan-born brats.

A sudden jet of chakra ran against Viola, effectively scrambling her vision once more. Her eyes felt strained. Viola shook her head a few times for good measure, any words being spoken at this time going unheard. Things still felt very much blurry. Slurred speech ensured still, until she heard a familiar chirp of a certain annoying academy teacher.

Meanwhile, what others would hear would be vastly different from the slurred speech Viola heard. Una was taken aback. Usually Unas’ jurisdiction around here was set in stone with little patrol. A police officer—here near the academy? But, with a solid face youngin like him—he would not take a simple excuse.

“Well, you see. Sometimes I grow suspicious of our youth and their devotion to our village. Why not kill two birds with one stone and practice my genjustu? I stay here most of the day teaching the younger generation. I don’t get much use of my genjustu with not being sent out on many missions…don’t you understand?” spoke Una in a hushed voice. Her body language would seem polar opposite to the confident stride she gave beforehand. She stood outside of the shadow the tree had casted underneath Viola. Her hair was slightly damped by the amount of sweat that grew on her forehead. Most genjustu casters would tell that Una was passing her prime and much use for her power had been diminished over the years. Even a simple mind manipulation left the elderly woman covered in sweat.

Unas’ eyes stayed locked onto the Uchihas’, arms crossed as the children scurried off to hiding places near to snoop. The odd nature of the situation led them to believe staring in plain sight would relinquish their ability to listen without interruption. Whispers from the students could be heard—as children are typically louder than they conceive.

Una sensei is strong—she stunned that girl with just a glance! When do you think we’ll learn how to do that?

Do you think she can do that to us?

Ooo, an Uchiha like me! I hear I can be a cool police man too when I grow up!

Viola could barely make out much of what the instructor had said—but namely thought of it as bullshit otherwise. But, gathering from the childish voices Viola heard as well as the difference in the womans stance—someone of reasonable clout stood beside Viola. She elected not to look; fearing it would be one of those stinky Uchiha. Often in tense situations like these Viola hid in silence and hoped for the best. Viola kept her lips shut and her eyes toward the ground, hoping that the scenery around her would not change once more.

Children NPC words(said)
Una NPC words(thoughts)

[Uchiha Itashui]

Itashui couldn't fathom the turmoil Viola was currently facing, but with genjutsu, the range and extent was a stretched variety in a sense that anything was really possible - to some, that was all too frightening how something so mental could impart something so physical. Genjutsu was fear inducing to most! However, focusing a quick glance in the Haruno's direction, Itashui took note that the young woman was returning to 'normalcy'. Instead of the devoid look in her irises, Viola's gazed darted back and forth, as if struggling to return to reality. But, it was ultimately a good sign. It meant she'd resurface without the effects of the genjutsu.

"Well, you see. Sometimes I grow suspicious of our youth and their devotion to our village. Why not kill two birds with one stone and practice my genjustu? I stay here most of the day teaching the younger generation. I don’t get much use of my genjustu with not being sent out on many missions…don’t you understand?" Her body language was submissive at best, but this man would firmly hold his ground. Studying her features and tone of voice, Itashui would flick his wrist, stating bluntly. "Your job doesn't entail that kind of work anymore, now, does it? A sensei to the students at the academy should not be meddling in those affairs of treachery. This 'youth' before me also doesn't seem like the level of student that would need questioning, especially by you. You teach your students, that's the bottom line and this woman has likely passed the Academy tests. So, no, I don't understand," He paused his explanation, noting how drenched with sweat the woman was. It seemed that utilizing her genjutsu was taxing. That was certain. Another thing that was associated with sweat: lying. It could have been either or at this point, especially the cowardly behavior she plastered upon her figure for this facade. Did she think he was stupid? He witnessed the assertive and domineering nature she flaunted while she had Viola under her grimy clutches.

She looked straight at him now, but she would find little amusement or understanding along his sharp, cold visage. Neither was he impressed, and perhaps the woman needed to be belittled. "You don't seem like you could handle much of those genjutsu days, anymore. " The verdict had yet to be disclosed, but the arrogant and rude male wanted to gauge the woman's reaction. And, well, whenever Viola decided to discuss the situation from her own opinion, that would be appreciated. He wasn't gazing in her direction to determine if the genjutsu had fully dispersed, yet; unaware that she chose to remain silent.

[Rinoa]

Having been abandoned by Itashui to finish the report to their Hokage of the recent findings did not leave Rinoa in a good mood. She was mildly irritated by his behavior - who just has the gall to up and leave like that?

During this day, the proud brunette hurried through the streets, fully intending on finding Itashui and giving him a piece of her mind. For goodness sakes, they were partners, he could at the very least be professional about certain things. Leaving her to do the report was not professional at all.

She stood for a brief moment, exhaling to relax herself. If she were to find him... Where would he be? As she racked her brain for a moment to find the answer, she realized she couldn't. She didn't know her partner well enough to even begin to think like him!

She could feel the creeping sulking feelings coming forth and slouched. Not too far was the Academy; usually watching the youth rejuvenated her when she felt discouraged, as she did now. Rinoa shuffled her way into the direction of the Academy, unaware that Itashui was indeed there.

[Viola]

Una found herself pushed into a corner by the man; not having much to say to his retort. Her feet would steadily step back toward her students, replying, “I’ll…talk to you after I get done with the lesson, okay?” Unas eyes connected with the Uchihas’ to gain trust between the two. That, or meet an unfortunate eye justu that wouldn’t allow for the lesson to proceed much further.

Una had a feeling, deep down, the Uchiha wouldn’t display discipline in front of the young children behind them. Besides, that would give her time to formulate a response to snake her way out of trouble. Mentioning Violas’ unique situation would open a can of words in itself as well. The girl—Viola—had barely finished her basic training in the Medical ward. But, to Una, this was a losing battle as it stood now.

The kids would continue to chatter until they noticed the subtle shift in movement from their sensei. Immediately the students would scatter across the Academy, lining up in their roll call. Not sure of all the fast words the Uchiha had spoken, they knew one thing: the lesson was going to continue right now.

Viola would listen to the ongoings, her face to the ground. As Viola listened to the voice near her with more clarity, she surmised it had to be one of those Uchiha scum. She could tell by his “holier-than-tho” attitude. She hated the idea being saved by one of them. Her lessons at the Medical Ward needed to advance quicker. No longer did she want to be an object to be saved by one of those disgusting clan bloods.

Viola kept her face stolid, her stance straight, and her eyes to the ground. Surely it wouldn’t be too long until the Uchiha backed out and went on with normal patrol. That would allow her enough time to escape home. The questioning would start with that grey-haired demon and end there. Viola hadn’t a clue what genjustu entailed on the mind, or rather, what the teacher learned of Viola in the short casting of it. She remained silent, not wanting to speak. Viola found it in her best interest to wait until spoken to, as to not incriminate herself.

[Uchiha Itashui]

"Yes, you go ahead and continue. I'll be lingering." Itashui muttered, his voice bland, but not hinted as a threat. He figured now was the perfect time to inquire about Viola's situation. His eyes observed the children returning to their lesson, briefly averting to ask the Haruno woman, "So, what exactly happened? What were you doing out here, anyway?" More questions would arise, but, assuming the pink-haired woman regained her senses by now, she'd be more than capable to answer the questions. The investigation had begun. He noticed the woman's gaze lingered on the ground. Was she indifferent about the situation? Would she rather not discuss what happened? Balance was stable, which meant equilibrium wasn't tampered with -- the genjutsu had surely worn off by now. Strange. He wasn't even being cross with the victim, so would she brush him off? He was more lenient and less harsh with those he'd vow and swear to protect -- did that bother her? The fact that he spared empathy to people, sometimes?

While he might have unknowingly left Rinoa to handle the report, Itashui could see an issue here also needed disclosure. He didn't know she was nearby, but he was noticeable at the Academy, standing outside of the sphere of shade the tree beside him offered. His gaze didn't settle on Viola for long, returning to the lesson at hand. He'd naturally await for a reply, hoping she would provide any information, really.

Not a total douche-bag? Surprising!

[Rinoa]

As she closed in on the surrounding area of the Academy, upon the training grounds most visible, her eyes drifted over to notice the ebony locks that could only belong to her partner.

With a dramatic little huff, she straightened her posture and moved in his general direction. While her normal reaction would be to loudly exclaim and verbalize her dislike for his recent behavior towards her, she noticed his own gait. At such, her eyebrows knitted together, though that didn't cease her stalking approach on her superior.

[Viola]

Viola hated the sound of the voice before her. Why did clan born maggots have to be the police of this town? She kept her face to the ground--afraid if she were to face him she would say words that will soon regret.


"I come here every Friday...it's a different picture than the people that come back from missions or fights that I need to treat on a daily basis. A change of scenery can do everyone some good," Viola mumbled, trying to detach herself from the usual hate breeding self she was. Perhaps the Uchiha pitied her enough to let her go without much more questioning.


She tried to keep her body as docile as possible. Perhaps being a vulnerable little puppy in this picture would make her case weigh more heavily on the grey-haired demon. Her arms stayed at her sides, her head still facing toward the ground. Her pink hair dangled in the shadows, wavering as the wind began to kick up.


"If I don't look at him...if I don't threaten him...if I barely acknowledge him...that will make him go away.."​ thought Viola in spite of the obvious interaction that will still ensue. She was quite unaware of the footsteps approaching the two now.

She remained there for a few seconds longer, in case any "words of wisdom" left. She was overwhelmed with the scent of disgusting clan people edging into her life. It felt as if the choice she had to make today was chosen by the actions of others. His voice still rung quite clear in her veins as her blood ran through his.

"Playing follow the leader like sheep to a shepherd is not superiority. My clan is the number one warmongering group of all within these confines. They have to much political pull as I fear and more children will die pointless deaths do to a nation that cannot protect it's own."

And with those words in mind, Viola charged on her way to her choice. After a stop at her place to take out the rest of her beloginings, her journey would soon begin to find out the real truth of the world.


[Exit]

[Uchiha Itashui]

Sensing wasn't really his forte... least it wasn't something passively triggered by the male on a daily basis. Itashui nodded softly, gaze still positioned on the sketchy old-hag, understanding the woman's concept. "I understand what you mean by that. Definitely the better slices of a shinobi lifestyle -- I do enjoy the determination of these children, but I also spend my time working so that one day I hope we don't ever have to rely on the next generation to do any fighting..." Although hardly noticeable, the edges of his lips curved downward, his frown but a crack amongst his hardened exterior. "Sadly, it doesn't seem to be the case, but one can still hope and aspire for that dream, I guess." Was his guard down? Was he softening for some odd reason? He didn't know, but he felt perturbed by the sudden feeling. Something was bothering him, that was certain... but what? Pondering for but a brief moment, he then shook his head to snap back to reality. "Well, you don't seem to be disturbed by this... do be more careful in the future... especially around this woman. I'll probably document an incident report and keep her under surveillance -- she'll not go unpunished, I assure you." He paused, thoughts reeling. Was he slacking, losing his touch? He could feel the pressure at his head, the sign of an incoming headache. Hand moving to soothe his temple, he'd break the silence. "Farewell." It seemed Viola had gotten her unspoken wish, as Itashui began to wander off, not even noticing his partner creeping toward their position. If undisturbed in his walk, he'd depart, likely to try and recollect his rigid composure and console the headache clouding his 'performance'.

[Exit]