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Post by Shūinii on Mar 25, 2009 22:35:28 GMT -5
The book store smelt of dried and wet ink alike. Common books were not the only things sold here. It's shop keeper was a writer, a composer, a poet, and a retired shinobi. His own works, along with the works of others, were sold here for a fair price, making it the hottest book store in the village. Many people came to his shop to discuss recent news, as all of his customers to date found him to be a very kind and funny man, earning a place in their hearts as a wise friend. There was no one that he feared within the city, as everyone loved him and his generous nature. However, there was one man outside of the village who struck fear into his heart, and the hearts of many others.
"Shunsuke."
"Ah! Shū! You startled me... to what do I owe this honor?"
"I seek a man titled as Hyōgo Yokimaru. What can you tell me of him?"
"Yokimaru? What reason do you have to find this man?"
"The same that sent me to first find you."
"Ah... yes... well... I'll tell you what I know, but only you must promise me that no harm will come to him because of my words."
"You'll tell me else I'll end your life right here and now."
Shifting his aged hand from his most recent book, Shunsuke released a heavy sigh and set down his quill. He always preferred to write in ink rather than lead. He could not argue with the hooded man, and he could not turn him in either. He owed him his life, and Shū wouldn't think twice about claiming it for his lord.
"Yes, I suppose you're right, as always. Here is what I know..."
Slipping out from the shadows and into the light casted from the open windows, Shūinii moved with the grace of a cat, circling it's prey and taking a seat in the shadowed seat. It was about midday, and the assassin had plenty of time to spare.
"He is not who he makes himself out to be. The man was not born of Konoha stock. Instead, he originates from the village of Iwagakure, born and raised by the ninja there."
"Go on."
Shunsuke cleared his throat.
"He was one of the shinobi that lead the assault on Konohagakure during the great ninja war. Many shinobi died, both Rock and Leaf alike. Few had fled, but not Yokimaru. He sought an alternate route of escape."
"He surrendered."
Nodding, the shopkeeper stepped around bookshelves to close and lock the door from the outside world.
"Yes. He was marked as a traitor by his fellow shinobi, and was captured by the Konohagakure shinobi, locked away in a cell for many years."
The assassin's gaze drifted from the secret spilling man and locked onto a book, reading it's spine before looking to the next.
"Throughout the years, he proved himself loyal to the village, and was let out of his cell on one condition."
"He was still a prisoner of war. No doubt they cursed him, tying a thin leash to his neck."
"Yes, they placed a curse seal upon him and allowed him to work for the village, being sent out on dangerous missions. Many that nearly cost him his life, and even more that scarred both mind and body forever."
"Yet he is still a sane man, and is wanted dead by my employers."
The shopkeeper nodded gravely, hating himself more and more for each word spilled out of his mouth.
"After many torturous years, he was set free, allowed to live amongst the people as a normal man, but they never once took their eyes off him. There are still some that watch him even now, but they shall soon grow tired and settle in like the others."
"So then he is free to hide in the city streets if I were to chase after him. Good. I enjoy a challenge."
"You speak like the madman that you are. Yokimaru may be crippled in heart, but his body is as strong as many men. He can surely equal you in bladed combat, or any other form of Taijutsu. He is far from reckless, and he refuses to make a step without plotting what could go wrong after he plants his foot on the ground."
"Watch your tongue, Shunsuke. He is but a paranoid samurai, I understand this, but paranoia isn't what it used to be. People gain a sixth sense with paranoia, and I do not doubt that he will see me coming even if I were to strike from behind."
"If you know this then, why go through with the contract? No man can cut through steel."
"This is true, but I do not plan to aim for his steel. Underneath even the hardest of armor lays flesh and a heart. Every man sheds tears, as well as blood."
The shopkeeper had already fled to the safety of the counter, in order to support the heavy weight that was being thrown onto his shoulders. The assassin held a book in hand, skimming through the first few pages.
"I already know he is away on a mission, and won't return for a few days at the latest. He has formed his newest team, has he not?"
"Your a sick man, Shū. You're willing to put the lives of innocent children at stake to take down one man?"
Pressing through the door, Shūinii fled to the crowd with the book still in hand. The shopkeeper sighed with great fear as he nearly tumbled over his own weight on the counter. Fleeing to his book, he found his quill missing.
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