#serpentinthetree

Source: Unknown (If someone knows the artist, do let me know please)

A clan’s secret technique could be its lifeblood, and those clans with such a thing tended to guard it jealously -- but it was one thing to guard a technique, and quite another to keep hints of its existence from slipping out into the world. This was all the more the case when one’s techniques might be of interest to someone powerful, with all manner of interesting ways to find information.

The insular Batori clan, of the Land of Water, might be thought proud and wealthy and a little different, to ordinary people; to those more knowing, more alert, their reputation might have a sinister edge, something a little cruel. (But then, such rumours tended to be drowned out by darker things in Kirigakure, where ‘sinister’ and ‘cruel’ had been the watchwords for any number of people at some point in that village’s bloodstained history.)

To the few, though, who might winnow out more grains of truth, there were whispers of long lives, youth extended beyond any natural span, and power whose price might be the suffering and death of others.

And these secretive Batori, these users of strange jutsu, had lost a son. That in itself was a rumour that few might uncover, yet there it was: they had failed to bind their youngest heir into true clan loyalty, and worse, had failed to slay him for escaping it.

Now, on an island of the Land of Water, deep in one of that land’s forests, a boy of perhaps fourteen or fifteen crouched in the branches of a tree, his gaze fixed upon the figure curled up between the roots below him. It looked like him -- it even carried a sense of chakra and life that might convince those not relying upon sight alone -- but it was a decoy.

For the past few days, he’d felt as though someone might be looking for him. He was going to draw them out, tonight, with that vulnerable-looking decoy, and see exactly what this person, whoever they were, wanted with him.

“Lord Orochimaru!” Dr. Viper’s greeting was slightly over enthusiastic and almost manic sounding. It perfectly matched the wicked smirk on his face as he entered his research partner’s lab. (The Lady Anko had directed him back here, after effectively managing to remind Viper of her slightly threatening presence and not to lock himself and her husband in the lab for an entire week again.)  The mad scientist was holding two scrolls- a highly effective method of storing and transporting materials he had FINALLY gotten the hang of the last time he had visited Orochimaru’s world- in his right paw.

A lot of things really. Most of which I doubt I’d even be able to express properly.

The thing that pulled me towards Tsunade in the very beginning was that she was the first female ninja that was introduced as someone “legendary”. Even that in a mere mention. When she is actually introduced, she was the exact opposite of what I had expected…and had she not been thus, I would have lost interest at that very point. She was though..unexpected. And surprisingly twisted. A mess. And I loved that. She had my complete attention from that point onward.

I could relate to her personality. Her angry outbursts are something I’m rather prone to doing myself. Not something I’m proud of. ^^’‘‘ And something that ended up being the COD of two of my printers. ._.’’’ Her pretense superiority during every situation. The mask she wears. The way she carries herself as if everyone and everything is beneath her even when she carries so much burden - of not only the past but also her responsibilities.

By nature, Tsunade is an escapist. Which I am as well. But she can also take responsibility. Something I learned from her. She pretends to be very distant and cold but has more compassion than most fictional characters (and almost all humans) I have come across.

She has suffered too much. Yet, can still somehow find the will to move forward. I learned from that. From her empathy. From her devotion to all she loves. From what extents she can go to for the ones she loves and believes in.

[Note:Crack drabble. Because...it was just needed. xD As promised @serpentinthetree. ^^’‘]

The words had just spilled from her lips really. Before she could realize what she was saying or be able to stop them. Much to her annoyance and his obvious amusement. Amusement that had lingered until his presence in the room. Amusement that still made her huff.

But then how was she to suspect anyone would ask her that?

One of his minions at that?

Crossing her arms almost sullenly, she pulled herself further into the shadows, trying as had as possible to make herself seem invisible.

Fine the girl was new. And...rather bubbly. Eccentrically so. But to still ask her that?

Why she liked him?

Tsuande groaned...before stiffening. And hoped no one had heard her. A moment. Two. And when sure she could hear no footsteps heading her way, released a weary breath. Honestly? This was what had become of one of the legendary sannin? Cowering in shadows?

This was ridiculous.

Not like she had said something that bad. At least it was better than...some details that should not be spoken of. Openly. Ever.

She hadn't traumatized anyone.

Okay so maybe the mental image might be slightly traumatizing for a select few. But then...not like she had said anything that wasn't true.

Huffing, she held her head high and walked back, refusing to let a momentary slip of tongue make her feel embarrassed.

She had said nothing wrong.

He did make a mean hot chocolate.

Tarot Card Questions[ @serpentinthetree ]

The Star: If your muse had one wish, what would it be?

Peace. Real peace. Where villages had alliances and used diplomatic means to settle their differences and people worked together to take care of their own. Where a surname or family crest or village headband didn’t mean more than the person it was attached to. Where people looked out for those that couldn’t and didn’t act out of fear or selfish desires.

🍙: Do you practice a religion? If so, which one? For what reason do you practice it?

“I do what’s customary, but mostly out of habit. It’s not a big part of my life views...”

Send a Symbol, and they’ll tell you about:

🌷 - Their Mother

“Her name was Miki. I actually look a lot like her, though her eyes were even darker than mine. She was… kind. That’s probably part of the reason she couldn’t make it through the Academy, and never became a ninja. That and her trouble with focusing her chakra, she told me. She was always there for me, and she liked to come and sing me to sleep at night when I was young. She was always so gentle, and she was proud of me whenever I accomplished anything. Even when I didn’t have friends, I had my mother, at least. Losing her was the worst part of it all.”

🌻 - Their Father