On the Edge of Society

---

Chakra 49.5/50
- Sensory

Seemingly another day under the sun in Sunagakure. It really did seem like a non-stop presence, the only reprieve Sunagakure ever got from the Sun's baking rays was either at night, or more recently, the two times a storm as been brought over the top of the village. Those storms was the only source of rain Suna had seen in likely years...but must've been a relief for the citizens of Sunagakure. The one who'd brought those storms over Suna was one such person baking under the Sun now...but he was used to it and not even phased by the heat, wind rustling his clothes as he bound from rooftop to rooftop across Sunagakre.

The fast Shinobi was not going his full speed, but still to most he was nearly a blur as he moved, feet carrying him smoothly across rooftops, and with easy leaps he cleared streets and height differences in buildings alike. He'd make it to the top of a particularly tall building, what one would even call a Sky scrapper within the village, and two mismatched hues peered out, glancing around the village. A soft sigh passed his lips and he'd go on, Azuma sliding down the side of the building before leaping to the next. He was making his way to the outer walls of Sunagakure, why? Who knew, only Azuma apparently.

Finally he'd make it, landing atop the Great Sand Walls, and peering out across the desert...almost as if he was waiting for something. But no...he had no real good reason...the man was bored and wished to get out of his home, and had more recently been able to find peace to quietly think to himself atop the walls surrounding the village. Other then the stray patrol, no one really bothered him up there. He was too preoccupied to even notice he wasn't the only one who came to the walls of Suna for some peace and possible time to reflect on thoughts...not spotting he was only maybe 75 meters down the wall from Kurenai. Azuma sat down on the wall and sighed as his amber and white hues peered across the vast Desert...he loved his home, but at times, he really couldn't stand it. Growing up the Desert was all he knew...but as an adult who's traveled the nations, he knows there is much much more out there. Another quiet sigh passed between his lips as he watched out across the shifting sands.

One of the ants broke the norm. He ran so fast through the streets and leapt so hard across the rooftops her eyes had some trouble keeping proper track of his form. Thanks to the walls of the houses, it was like he blinked in and out of existence. Always reappearing further than she had anticipated thanks to his superior speed. He was probably part of the collective of 'shinobi' she was part of, but unless he wore a headband there was no actual means for her to confirm that thought. He'd ran up the wall. Like he was about to meet her for some reasons unknown. But eventually he halted at a remote distance, still quite away out of her sensory range. Forcing her to narrow her eyes to catch something about him that seemed familiar. She spotted nothing distinctive other than amber and white. But he was the closest ant-turned-human she could find.

Rising to her feet, Kurenai pulled the crimson hood over her head and allowed her cloak to hide the general contours of her figure. Leaving only the lower end of her white dress visible. With a casual step - which was still faster than the average human - she walked over towards the hopping stranger. A short walk later he'd enter the edges of her sensory. Making it much easier for her to track him even though her eyes still had a hard time reading the finer details of his presence. Later still, she'd be within his hearing distance as the sand walls cringed under her shinobi sandals. And eventually she'd stand next to him upon which she'd crouch and wrap her hands around her knees, eyes of curiosity fixated upon him. That was to say, though her gaze was set on him it easily felt like she looked through or beyond him.

"You're no ordinary human.", she began. "Are you a shinobi?"

---

Chakra 49/50
- Sensory

The Desert Rogue remained upon his perch on the high walls that protected the village both from invasion and the Desert itself, a hostile place it was. His eyes would continue to gaze out across the sunlit dunes...his mind was swimming with the recent events of the village and his own life. Being so high up a refreshing breeze would come in from the east, and shuffle his outfit. He had on a white silk Yukata, loosely tied around his form and bound by a belt-like headband baring Sunagakure's symbol. The mark of a Suna Shinobi. His pants and shoes could be described as 'typical', black pants that ended about the shins--bandages covering sight of any skin leading down to black shinobi shoes.

Of course, as always, the man packed his entire arsenal of equipment...A warrior at heart, he'd never leave his tools behind, even on a 'casual' day. He sat with one leg stretched out straight, the other bent and him resting his elbow on his knee--letting his hand hang loosely in front of him. As the wind blew it would reveal his forearm guards he'd obtained from a local smith. His long black locks was pushed by the same breeze, giving a fair profile view of his face from a distance.

A subtle sound of footsteps burned Azuma's ear, but he didn't move, not a single tell he even noticed someone was approaching. The young Jounin activated his sensor ability, and could instantly get a read on the teenage woman who'd be approaching from his flank. The man's perception was high, and she was well within his range, even before she had moved earlier to approach him. He could tell she had no ill intent, and remained relaxed. Likely someone who'd pass by, maybe a patrol, or someone getting some exercise walking the walls length. Made for a hell of a Jogging track.

But this person would approach, and stop rather close to him. He'd avert his eyes, Kurenai able to see a single Amber hue turn her direction as she kneeled down beside him, looking at The Desert Rogue. He's turn his head slightly more, and she'd be able to see his other eye, a white hue different then the other, and a scar that silently told a tale of battles past. The teenage girl was looking at him...no, almost through him it seemed. She would be the first to speak, asking him if he was a shinobi. The Jounin would give her a somewhat forced, but likely convincing smile. In his thoughts he'd been working himself up, was a bit hard to put on a smile. "Yes. I'm a Jounin from here..." he'd say, voice smooth and kind, albeit rather deep.

His head would turn just a bit more, now fully facing Kurenai. He was quickly analyzing the woman before him. She was young, likely a Genin--if even a Shinobi at all--she was mostly covered in her crimson cloak, making it hard to find a headband. "I'm Azuma." he'd introduce himself, keeping a smile on his features. Despite appearances, and even truths, the man was rather friendly, even though he was a battle hardened shinobi with a past no one would envy. He was making a guess based on what she'd said, but he had the feeling she may be new to the village. Most people don't start out a conversation with 'You're no ordinary human', and he could sense she was no normal citizen. Too much of a presence of chakra. "Maybe I'm wrong, but are you new around here?" he'd ask the young Spider girl.

_________________________
CP: 109.5/110
Techniques Used: Sensor Technique.

A jounin. She had heard about those. They were part of the shinobi clique. Higher rank. Which meant they were stronger? She wasn't all that sure about it but it was probably something like that. From his demeanour she could tell that he was calm. Confident. Not someone who would easily qualify as prey in a situation of survival. He also revealed his name. Azuma. Not one that she was familiar with, but then again, she was hardly familiar with anything within human civilisation.

"Yes, I'm new. I'm Kurenai, a genin. Ei brought us in after we killed a sand wurm.", she'd reply in turn. All the while she'd sit down to a more comfortable way, legs dangling over the wall as she looked into the same direction as Azuma did. Other than the Suna headband, nothing revealed her as a shinobi. No bag, no hip pouch, no weapons, no armour. Just her dress and cloak. And the chakra he had perceived. "Are you here to watch the people in the streets? I think they're a little odd, sticking to the roads in between the walls. It makes me think of rats in a maze."

She spoke with a casual air. No malice, nor a condescending attitude. In fact, genuine curiosity was easily visible upon her face. Like she was looking at something entirely new in her life. Discovering odd and magnificent things for the first time and trying to figure out how it all fit into the grander scheme of things.

---

Chakra 48.5/50
- Sensory

Azuma would get an introduction from Kurenai, and the mention of another name seemed to pique his interest, the man raising an eyebrow upon hearing Ei's name. The teenage girl ended up taking a seat beside Azuma, which he didn't mind, and had a follow up question about why he was here...honestly. Good question. Why was Azuma here? The man turned to face back out towards the desert, gaze leaving Kurenai for the time being. "No...I come up here to get away from them...there is an odd peacefulness up here...hardly anyone bothers you...the breeze feels nice. Its a good place to come and reflect..." he'd answer her, after thinking up a reason for him to be there. He'd think for only a moment about the rest of what she said.

"Lot of them stick to the streets cause its easy...most citizens can't walk up walls or jump rooftop to rooftop like I can..and even if they can, it conserves energy to remain on the ground with the crowd. I'm just weird and rather avoid the crowd for now..." he'd say, the last bit he let trail off a little as he continued to stare out across the desert. Finally he turned back to face her.

"You said Ei brought you to the village? Hmm...I don't remember her mentioning anything about it or fighting a Sand Worm." he said, glancing up as he pondered, trying to remember. He looked back to Kurenai pretty quickly. "I'm actually Ei's former teammate, me and her grew up together here in the Village." he'd explain briefly, smiling. At this point he was picking up she wasn't used to societal norms, and could maybe use a bit of guidance there.

_________________________
CP: 109/110

Azuma's reasons were of the sort the spider would never have thought about. Peace, solitude, the wind. Thinking about it, about her past, the things he had named were rather normal to her. Though the Tsuchigumo lived as a brood, spiders were solitary creatures as soon as they left the broodmother's nest. What he called peace and solitude were perceived differently for the eternally patient spider who merely waited for the next prey to pass by. The wind he enjoyed was a natural element she so used to she practically disregarded its existence. The same went for rain, though the sun in this area had a certain way of reminding her of its freshness. Even going so far as to make her wish it came back more often to refresh the environment.

In perspective, he considered himself weird for avoiding the crowd. She didn't understand. Avoiding the crowd was nothing strange to her even if in her case she actually looked up the crowd for learning purpose. Had she no reason to observe humanity, she'd be by herself too. Hiding in the underbrush, sitting in a giant web, watching what passed by until she found something to hunt. That was how things were to her. And entirely out of place for this human. How different were the two, going into the opposite direction of humanity.

"Team mate?", she asked with interest. Not too sure what she had envision with that. Was it something similar to how Mitsu and her had taken down the sand wurm? A cooperative necessity to deal with a threat? Because they certainly weren't the type to share hunted food quickly. Neither did they consider each other valuable enough to keep one or the other alive. In many ways, they were simply rivals forming a truce towards a single goal even if they had no inclination to hunt each other for nourishment. Spiders maintained an odd relation. "I grew up in a forest. Until I was...", she fell away, counting the time prior to her independence. "... six weeks I lived with my mother. Maybe a little more? Then I went to explore the world. Do you and Ei have the same mother?"

Oh ignorance. How blissful art thou.

---

Chakra 48/50
- Sensory

It'd seem she had a slightly confused reaction to what he'd said, the way she'd say 'team mate' questionably shared the idea she wasn't exactly certain of the topic. He'd raise an eyebrow, but she continued on before he was able to explain. First she spoke of where she came from briefly, which sounded a bit odd to Azuma out of context. He clearly took her as she appeared, and not for the Spider within. Then her question, it caught Azuma off guard a little.

He pretty quickly shook his head no, his smile turning a bit nervous. "No no--Me and her are team mates, not siblings." he'd quickly say, voice inclined a little. In light of recent going-ons between Azuma and Ei...that would be beyond awkward if they was related. Their bout of rooftop romance in the rain, the sharing of a bed together that night as they slept. The thought had to be shaken from Azuma's head. "We met when we was teenagers, not to much younger then you, when we was assigned to a team together. You said you was a Genin right? Maybe you too will end up assigned to a team with other Genin and a Jounin like myself as your sensei..." he'd explain to her, voice more settled and back to normal then before.

He'd quietly sigh and turn his focus back out over the desert. It was a harsh landscape...even only a short time after they had a full day of unending rain, the dunes still remained dry under the harsh sun, only small pockets in low areas showing any sign of recent weather. Azuma of course was the source of Sunagakure's recent rain...his bid to impress Ei nights before had lead to the man summoning a large storm over Sunagakure. Anyone at the time would've remembered it, but few knew Azuma caused it with his jutsu. Still, something bugged The Desert Rogue. What was it about this young girl that seemed so off...this six weeks with her mother before separated from her seemed strange. Was she an orphan then? Or was something else going on there?

"May I ask what you meant by what you said, Kurenai? You said you was with your mother for only six weeks...then went to explore the world?" he'd ask, his head not turning, but his eyes shifting back over to the young Genin sitting aside him. Something was strange here, he wasn't getting it yet, but was picking up on the pieces. Maybe her words earlier...saying he was no ordinary human...maybe they held a clue. She too was no ordinary human, more so then him. He was possibly considered 'superman' for his abilities...but still human.

Chakra 47.5/50
- Sensory

Mismatched hues watched on as Kurenai would go on to explain briefly what she'd meant, although it still left the man wondering a bit, what she said spoke of an unnatural upbringing. The older man listened to her, taking in the information she gave, trying to process it into something that'd make logical sense to the man. Finally, after searching his mind for an explanation, it dawned on him. Was she a Tsuchigumo? Now...it all begun falling together. Azuma wasn't a world class mind, he left being the brains around here to Ei, but he was far from stupid--still among the best of Academics with his mind.

His gaze turned towards her, and his head tilted if ever so slightly to the side as his head turned to face her. "I think I'm starting to understand...Kurenai, would you be of the Tsuchigumo clan?" he'd ask, an attempt to confirm his suspicions. He may still have been off...but the time frames, they was so short--much more akin to the life of a Spider. No human could walk within six weeks of birth, hell not even six months. For her to have been walking, and out on her own...well, she was either lying, or not exactly 'human'.

He wasn't fully familiar with the clan, only knowing of their links with Spiders, and their shape shifting ability. Honestly, he had no idea about what the extent of their abilities was...he didn't know of the different broods and the abilities each had, only having a vague idea of the clan overall. If she was...it'd be interesting, even in his years of travel, he'd never met a Tsuchigumo. Until now.

Either way, still listening for a response from her, the man would shift his position, foot sliding more up under him, pushing him up and he'd rise to his feet. The man was rather tall, even if Kurenai stood up, she'd be a fair bit over a foot shorter then the 6'2"--or 189 cm Jounin. She still had plenty of time to grow though, she was young. Azuma was nearly a decade older then the curious Genin. Granted...he was becoming the curious one, trying to figure out the young woman.

"...would you be of the Tsuchigumo clan?"

It'd be her turn to look at him in surprise though she couldn't tell if it was because he had not figured it out until now, or because he had actually heard of her clan. She'd flash him a smile either way, nodding firmly in confirmation. It reminded her about Mitsutaka's use of a last name. She didn't use any of those, wondering if adding 'Tsuchigumo' to her name would be a proper thing to do. At the same time, as an 'adopted chlid' the name Kanagawa was supposed to be another name of which it would be appropriate to carry it in public - or so Mitsutama had mused considering he knew so much more about human habits.

"You have heard of the Tsuchigumo then? Most haven't, while those who have don't always take kindly to our true nature.  It is for that reason the mindweavers told me not to use my clan's name. Then again, there really aren't many of us who use any other name but their given name anyway, so it doesn't matter too much. It's also odd to have more names than is necessary but that's probably because we don't care as much for them as others. I bet you have more than one name, yes?"


Chakra 47/50
- Sensory

Being the ever perceptive man he was, he noticed the look of surprise on her face as he glanced back to Kurenai after he'd stood, the mention of the clan's name may had for a brief moment took the teen off guard. Maybe she was used to most not being as well versed as Azuma, but ever since he was younger...after his first Chuunin exams went so downhill, he had dived into bettering himself by all means. This meant flexing his mind as much as his muscles. In his research he'd try to find out as much as he could about any clan he could get his hands on info about. But sadly, his info on this clan was limited. But enough for him to recognize it. Her smile and nod is all he needed.

He'd listen to her, giving a small nod to her first brief question of him having heard of them. Although it was likely rhetorical. He'd hear her perspective on names...maybe a bit of an odd topic shift, but she seemed sheltered from normal human society. Growing up a spider must do that to some. When she asked if he had multiple names, he'd blink a couple times in a hint of confusion at her question. She was an odd one...but Azuma didn't mind. In fact it intrigued the Shinobi.

"Mhmm...Names are so often common its almost needed that you have at least 2 parts to your name. My surname is Asakaze...granted I'm not sure where it comes from--my mother's last name wasn't Asakaze, and...heh. Who knows 'bout my father." he said with a bit of a shrug. Azuma hadn't ever known his father...and the only time they ever met face to face is the same moment Azuma lost his eye--the scar from this tale plainly visible on his features. But he hadn't known it, even today, having not known the man he faced in battle that day in the mountains around Kumogakure was his father. So it didn't matter, for now. "Then...ya'know...there are also nicknames...I'm called a couple of things other then just Azuma." he added almost in passing.

He turned to face her fully, body and all, giving a small smile to the teenager. "I'm a sensor type...I don't feel any ill intent coming from you...so whatever that 'true nature' is can't be too bad...besides, everyone has their things others don't like...its part of life" he'd say as he smiled to her. He didn't fear the Spider. Even if he was unsure what she meant, not knowing of their Spider-y ways and the wild nature behind it, but...she seemed like a kind soul either way. Call it a gut feeling...well, with a little sensor aid. Being able to feel one's intent was helpful. Kurenai should know just the same.

---

Chakra 46.5/50
- Sensory

The young Spider was quick to respond to Azuma, it didn't seem any time was wasted before she spoke again. Her following burst of giggles brought a small smile to the jaded Shinobi's features, it'd seem she was already becoming a bit more comfortable around the man. She wasn't as reserved as she had been when she first approached him. A curious spider this one was.

Azuma couldn't help but let out a subdued chuckle at what she said, the idea of large spider out of the blue to scare the pants off an unsuspecting victim forced the Jounin to give a soft 'heheh' in response. He sighed quietly following this, his eyes shifting, averting down as a few thoughts crossed his mind. It was only a short moment though, his hues rising back up to look to the young Genin. An almost more sad smile came to his features.

"Well...I do hope humanity doesn't do to much to damage your feelings towards us...not all humans are horrible people, but I won't pretend they aren't out there in greater numbers then not. But..." he turned to face back out over the Desert, eyes left the cloaked girl as he looked out across the Desert. The sun was beginning to fall low in the West. "We're not all bad." he finished, voice a bit quieter then before. He paused for a bit, a few moments of quiet, before he turned to her again, proposing a simple question, features of the stoic man showing a depth of seriousness in what he was to say.

"Would you be interested in becoming my student? Its up to you, but I can offer what insight I can to help guide you...Plus I'd be lying if I said I'm not intrigued to see what you can do."

"So I've been told by the elders. I am curious about human nature but I will not hesitate should it threaten my life. Survival is an important instinct to all of us. To hunt or be hunted. To eat or feed. Is it true humans no longer rely on instinct? It seems like an strange thing to do..."

It was more a musing than a real question, her eyes set on the little presences in the distance. Walking the streets in quiet expectation one of them would walk the walls again. They did not. There really weren't a lot of people who felt like doing that. Recalling the words Azuma had spoken earlier, she reminded herself vertical movement consumed energy. Limitations of the human species? That was always a possibility. There were many differences between the two kin, after all. And then there were similarities which didn't escape her either. Between her and Azuma, for example, none seemed to mind the strokes of quietude before they picked up conversation again. Both eyed the people down the streets. And she assumed both of them would kill when the need to do so reared its head. Perhaps Azuma was right; not all of them were bad.

As the wind gently picked up for another passing breeze, Azuma hopped onto a different topic altogether. One of student and teacher. Unmoved she looked forward as she mulled over the suggestion. To her, the decision was not a matter of 'yes' or 'no'. It was a matter of what it meant to have a human teacher for a Tsuchigumo. People thought differently. They did not have eight eyes to watch the world with. Their tastes varied greatly from the often ascetically dressed arachnids-in-disguise and their emotions often got the better of them. Their morals differed from the laws of nature, many taking value in things that mattered not in life. There were many of those doubts that drifted to the surface of her mind, knowing she'd be on her own and away from her kin. No Mitsutama; no familiarity. This adventure would be all hers to experience and all hers to tell.

Breaking the silence between them eventually, she flashed him another smile and said, "That sounds like an interesting exchange... Azuma-sensei. I can imagine all the candy and cake already."

---

Chakra 46/50
- Sensory

Her words burned his ears, he wanted to quickly deny what she said--but he was halted by the fact, at least for others, what she said was mostly true. Azuma may have been a more unique case, he did rely on his senses and instincts in battle, its what made him so effective. But he realized most humans didn't do this, most had thrown away their instincts, only letting it rear its head when its to late--basic concepts of fear being about all Humans did when it came to their basic instincts. He decided to not reply, even if he wanted to tell her he did let his natural instincts aid him in his day to day life.

But the man had posed another more pressing question for the Young Spider. He stood in wait of her answer, letting her think over what he asked. She did seem to take her time to think on it, but he was patient, nor would he push if she declined. Azuma was never really the teacher type...but as he was getting older and his mindset was shifting, the idea of having students--teaching them to be better combatants...it was an interesting concept to him. Add in his curiosity when it came to Kurenai and her abilities, it only seemed natural to ask her.

But as the teenager would smile in Azuma's direction, and speak up her answer, he couldn't help but smile back. Azuma-Sensei...it had a nice ring to it in his mind. Her comment about 'cake and candy' only drew a brief chuckle from him. "I do hope you find it a fruitful endeavour" he'd respond, the pale Shinobi with a face telling tales of battles past continuing to smile to his new student. This could be an interesting shift in his life...but he had a lot of experience, sharing it with others seemed only right to him. Granted, this was the last thing he thought he'd be doing today when he came out to sit on the village walls.

"I just hope you're ready for that. Won't be all 'candy and cake', I wanna see you become the best version of yourself within. I'll do my best to pull that side out of you."

She chuckled in turn at his words. Of course it wouldn't be all candy and cake. In fact, the opposite of that was exactly what the Tsuchigumo were used to. Being spiders, wildlife was their homeworld. Hunting, surviving. In the mind of the spider the world of humans was meek and easy; possibly a wrong judgement based on her ignorance on the matter, but she spun no illusions when it came to the real dangers of life. That said, 'pulling out the best version of herself' was a curious saying that made her wonder. How much stronger could she become? What unknown facets of her life and personality awaited her discovery? The human world was uncharted terrain. Certainly there would be moments where her natural strength would not suffice. A scary forethought.

"I'm looking forward to it.", she said reassuringly; her eyes fixed on the future.

---

[EXIT]

90 XP

A slight smile was drawn on his features as he heard the young spiderteen chuckle at him turning the words she spoke back on her. But he'd meant his words. The man had always been one to mean what he says and be honest with everyone. Just his thing. Either way he knew this would be quite the change for himself...Azuma as a Sensei? This wasn't his typical thing, he hadn't ever had students before. But he had a wealth of knowledge, and wanted to pass it on to someone...the man was 24 with no kids of his own, not like he had anyone else but the younger Generation of Shinobi to pass his experience onto.

But the day was getting late and their time there was becoming limited. He'd tilt his head slightly as he presented her with a question. "You hungry by chance? Come on let me treat you to some good food." he'd say with a smile, gesturing for Kurenai to follow him. One way or another she was down for some grub, and would follow the Jounin off the walls to find some place to eat and chat.

--Exit Post.