Rise & Fall | Private (Kamai)

Kikyo would always hang around by the sea. There were barely any people to socialize - although she never really minded the company. As a matter of fact, having company was always welcomed - which was perfect for her to clear her mind all by herself. A lot has happened to her recently and it felt as if it were all coming at her at once. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but as a shinobi, Kikyo learned how to overcome the pressure. The regrets of attempting to become a shinobi did creep onto her from time to time, but she would never actually feel it. At least, not yet. In the long run she might feel it, but she would never turn back.

The blonde haired girl had met some interesting people she wouldn't expect to see. She met a random academy student back at the training grounds, in which she had yet to get her name,  and a fellow academy student that was in the same class as Kikyo named Satsumi. She'd admit, she was a bit odd in appearance, but at the same time interesting to dissect. There were other people that Kikyo met as an academy student, but the majority of them didn't leave an impressionable impact on the girl for her to remember. She couldn't even help but feel rude just for thinking that, but it was the truth and it couldn't be helped.

Kikyo exhaled a soft sigh as she sat near the sea. Her feet were stretched out in front of her as both of her hands were placed on the ground a bit spread out so she could use them to support her posture as she leaned back a little. Kikyo closed her eyes as she proceeded to tilt her head upwards as she heavily breathed in through her nose and released a hefty sigh through her mouth. Both of her eyes then opened back up to view the mist that covered most of the village. It was bit of an eerie sight to wonder into as a foreigner, but it was nothing to the natives. Well, most of them. Kikyo would've been in the unpopular opinion group.

She didn't have plans of staying around a lot longer than she planned. She came here for a few short minutes just to get some peace and quiet from not only the rowdiness that goes on in the training grounds, but also from the academy. Just thinking about those two places alone made Kikyo cringe in discomfort. It even made her shake her head a little to get rid of the sounds that popped in her head.

Whether or not she had to leave the sea sooner wasn't necessarily on her mind. What was on her mind was tranquility. Pure tranquility.


[WC: 466]

Today was just a normal day for Kamai. She hadn't been out training or in class learning, a "day off" as it were. The polychrome haired girl was out walking one of the various summon animals that her family raised and trained with. The most peaceful place in Kiri was the beach which is why she brought the energetic pup here rather than a pet park. Due to its vacancy it was also an ideal place for Kamai as she tended to avoid talking to people if she didn't have to. Even the handful of stragglers that were present wouldn't opt to talk to their neighbors as everyone knew why each other was there.

The tails of her scarf and a few strands of hair blew in the wind as Kamai glanced up at the mist that blocked the view of the sky. It was a good thing that this was a ninja village otherwise the citizens would have a hard time preparing for the weather. With the aide of chakra, the shinobi here were able to briefly clear the mist or go up beyond it to get a reading. The weight of a stick being dropped in front of her feet brought Kamai back down. The thing likely would've caused her to trip had she not been on guard, the pup she was with could be rather rambunctious so she needed to be even though it was impractical that she'd be attacked by an enemy. Picking up the damp wood the girl would chuck it with all her might not paying attention to where it might land.

Kamai would now look out into the ocean while sticking her thumbs in her pockets as the pup went to retrieve its "toy".

WC: 291

Kikyo felt herself daze out in the moment as she pondered about in thought. There was just so much stuff going through her mind she couldn't concentrate correctly. She was here to find peace in her mind, not to reminiscent what happened to her and think about the future. What if she never graduates? Better yet, what if she dies? Would it still be safe to say that it was worth it, even if it cost her life? Kikyo felt herself slightly frown at the thought of dying. It wasn't death that she was afraid of, it was meeting death before she reached her goal, let alone dying as an academy student.

Thankfully, - on Kikyo's part of breaking away from these grim thoughts - she snapped back to reality as she felt something hit her back, and with some force on top of that to the point where it stung a little. Kikyo flinched in only a tiny bit of pain as she used one of her hands to rub her back while she fixed her posture to better rub her back. This made her create a small wince as she rubbed her back. "Geez..." She mumbled to herself. Whoever threw that had some strength in them, she'd admit. When the blonde haired girl turned around, she noticed a puppy running towards what seemed to be some wood pick it up and run back to where it was thrown.

While her eyes followed the puppy, she noticed another person entered in the scene. Of course, why else would the pup be there, let alone wood hitting her back. It was another familiar face Kikyo had seen in the academy, but was another face she didn't know too well. What Kikyo can say is that it was another girl who had an exotic look. It'd be interesting enough if there was a trend of this, to say the least. She didn't know much about the other girl, other than the fact that she was no people's person. The blonde haired girl would stare at the other girl for a few seconds while she placed the hand that was rubbing her back down before she spoke up.

"Next time, watch where you throw that thing... and how you throw it. You could've broken a spine here." Kikyo joked with a chuckle. She'd then pause for another few seconds, though shorter than the first time, and continued, "Would you like to relax with me? Relaxation is always better when there's another person." with a reassuring smile. Was it a proven fact that relaxation was better with another was something Kikyo wasn't sure of, but Kikyo didn't mind the company. She'd always welcome it, no matter now exotic looking the person looked.


[WC: 457 | TWC: 923]

Kamai's eyes flicked over to find the body of the voice she heard when she did it was a girl. Someone she'd seen at the academy before but never talked to. Apparently, she got hit with the stick Kamai through, sad since she was aiming to be a ninja. Though Kamai couldn't really blame her, this beach was peaceful and it was far too easy to get lost in thought. The girl chuckled at the end of her sentence to let Kamai know that she wasn't mad. There was a pause where Kamai would've nodded and continued on her way but the girl started talking again. The girl was inviting Kamai to relax with her and she was trying her best to be convincing with not only her word but a smile that followed after them. It was a bit odd not just because they're in the "Bloody Mist" Village but also because she was just inadvertently attacked by the one she was now trying to spend time with.

Eh, Kamai shrugged her shoulders. She didn't really have anything to do and would likely walk the entire length of the beach before moving to a new spot. So the polychrome haired girl walked over to the blonde stranger and sat. While she wasn't one hundred percent adverse to people the Momochi would definitely excuse herself if the girl tried to become instant bffs.

WC: 233

Well, Kikyo's assumptions were right in the money when she viewed this girl as someone who wasn't a people's person just when she was about to walk off after giving a little nod at Kikyo's joshing comment. Not a single word was uttered from her mouth. Hell, an apology for hitting Kikyo on the back with that stick would've been a great start. Not that she was bothered by this, but she did feel a little bit of annoyance build up inside of her. Still, she managed to maintain her smile and not let her annoyance become visible on her face.

Luckily the other girl was willing to sit next to the blonde haired girl by walking over and sitting next to her. It was something, at least. "I forgive you for throwing that stick at my back." She said. Since an apology was issued, Kikyo might as well verbally accept it. Maybe it was a petty move of her and should've left the incident behind, but someone in this village had to act like they had a heart in them and knew how to socialize normally. At least the other girl was willing to comply, nonetheless.

"I know we've seen each other around at the academy, but I don't think we've really caught each other's names. My name is Kikyo." Kikyo said as she introduced herself. She'd then wait for a bit for the other girl to introduce herself and then would proceed to ask along the lines of, "So what specialty are you going for once you graduate?" assuming that the girl would survive the requirements of graduating. Not that she had any doubts on the other girl's abilities or anything, but in a village where the community can be severely harsh, some moments can be surprising while others just might be expecting.


[WC: 305 | TWC: 1,228]

Upon sitting next to the girl she offered Kamai the acceptance of an apology not given. She would've corrected the girl for saying that she threw the stick at her as if that was her intent but she was going out on a limb in an attempt to make a friend. Besides, there was no point in likely pissing her off when Kamai had been having a good day. When the girl established what they both knew she also gave her name. "I'm Kamai." The Momochi would say in response. With that, the girl went straight into a pool of questions, the first of which Kamai hadn't really given much thought. "I don't know." She started. "I'm pretty good at everything so it doesn't really matter." She paused for a bit and then asked, "What about you?" To keep the conversation from dying. So far it was something that K wouldn't mind engaging in and not some preteen-teen senselessness about boys, make-up, or gossip. While she was a make-up wearer and did have an eye for fashion it wasn't something she jumped at the chance to talk about. The polychrome haired girl would look out at her pup while waiting to hear a response from the other girl.

Not wanting to make assumptions but what she could tell from their interaction so far was that the girl would likely pry into why Kamai hadn't been giving it thought. She might even go off about her saying it didn't matter and/or question why she was even trying to be a ninja in the first place. Luckily Kamai has had these talks before, with her parents, and it wouldn't be draining and she would be mostly prepared for what was to come. She also hoped that the girl wouldn't mistake her nonchalance as arrogance.

WC: 303

Kikyo was can definitely confirm that this wasn't the first time someone would claim that they're good at everything and, unfortunately, this girl wouldn't be the last. The first time she heard it, she was caught off guard. Nowadays, it isn't a surprise at this point. She had no problem with people who think they're good at everything. It was one way to keep one's head up and stay on the positive side. Kikyo wouldn't say she herself was perfect at anything, but she did have a lot of confidence in her speed, which she can proudly admit was one of her strongest assets. "Well aren't you a cocky one? But it's good to see people confident on everything they can do." Kikyo added with a soft shrug and a light giggle.

When Kikyo was asked what she was going for, she immediately answered, "Most likely ninjutsu. I did have some thoughts on taijutsu, but I don't think my assets for the specialty is prepared." She did have some strength in her, and she did know how to throw a punch or two, but it was more on the fact that she focused on speed rather than power. It was safe to say that Kikyo wasn't so confident on her strength, but that didn't mean she didn't know how to fight. It was all about the damage being given.

"I know that you've... claimed you're good at everything, but I mean if you were to pick one specialty, since I know you can't pick everything, what would it be?"


[WC: 259 | TWC: 1,487]

Nope, the opposite of what she hoped happened. The girl commented that it was good that she was confident in her abilities while shrugging with a light giggle. I guess she's heard that before. Kamai thought to herself while it was also possible that she was joking because of that Kamai didn't read more into it. After asking her question the girl met her with a reply almost instantly. "Assets?" The polychrome haired girl would ask curiously about what had to be some kind of item. What else could be used to improve on taijutsu other than some kind of technology? After her mysterious mention of why she wouldn't be going for taijutsu, the girl would ask another question. It was actually the same as before but Kamai didn't mind and would give a definite answer this time. "I guess I would have to go with ninjutsu or maybe medical ninjutsu." Following that response, it was Kamai's turn to shrug.

The eyes of the Momochi would still be tracking her pup, it'd be a real pain if it went too far. While it could swim the ocean was a far stretch from a kiddy pool in the backyard. As they sat an ocean breeze that smelled of sea salt would wash over them.

WC: 213

Another person who was going for ninjutsu; Kikyo nodded at the other girl's response and then added, "I'm also going for ninjutsu. Looks like we've already gotten something in common." The blonde girl smiled. There were other options she would've went for, and there were a lot to pick out from. She felt as if ninjutsu was the most suitable candidate for now and hopefully in the near future, she'll be able to explore more on specialties and branch out from her comfort zone of ninjutsu. It was something she hoped to do if she ever graduates. "When" would've been a better word choice, but she wasn't someone who would stay positive all the time when it comes to the future.

She noticed that the other girl's eyes were stuck on the puppy. Kikyo wouldn't blame her, she would probably do the same to make sure that it wouldn't wonder off. Plus, it was a cute creature if she said so herself. "So... what's your puppy's name? It's very cute. And how old is it?" Kikyo asked as her eyes went onto the puppy. She found herself more to be a kitten person than puppies, but then again any animal that was cute was okay in her book. She remembered begging her parents to by her a pet since she was an only child. Kikyo figured she could get one to occupy her and keep her company. Maybe one day she'll have a puppy or kitten of her own if she has the time.


[WC: 255 | 1,712]

Kamai also nodded to the girl when she restated that she would be studying ninjutsu after they graduate. The polychrome haired girl also noted that the girl didn’t go in to detail about her “assets”, understandable but a tease nonetheless. It wouldn’t be wise to tell someone you might have to fight to the death about any aces you might have. Though it did serve as a good scare tactic, with the right person it might scramble them and cause their focus to be off feeling like they didn’t prepare enough. Of course, Kamai wasn’t one of those people and even if she was she wouldn’t let it show, especially not during the actual day of. Although she now had the chance to try to one up the girl or faint weak. If she did the latter it would seem as though her saying she was good at everything was just to look cool. However, the girl took the conversation in another direction.

She was now asking about her pet. “His name is Gemana, he’s 6 months.” Kamai would answer. People usually ask the name and gender so it was interesting to hear Kikyo ask about the age. Another common question was the breed though that was a little harder to answer given that this wasn’t a normal dog. If this person was pet owner themselves they should be familiar with the Momochi clinic. Even if she wasn’t it was in a place that you’d pass by at least once or twice during the week, so the clan symbol painted on their faces should be enough to spark the memory. “Do you own any pets?” Kamai would ask to keep the conversation going. It was pleasant so far and she didn’t have anything else to do at the moment so it wasn’t a bother either.

WC: 305

"Gemana..." Kikyo echoed the name. "That's actually a pretty cute name for him." She said. It sounded a little odd, but it was cute nonetheless, not to mention that it was a male, so she didn't have to ask its gender. She was more or less a little curious about its breed. She was more of a cat person as mentioned before, so surprisingly enough she didn't know a lot of dog breeds. Of course, Kikyo didn't want to make herself look so clueless, so she decided to leave that part out. It didn't look like any other dog she'd see on the streets, that's for sure. Nonetheless, she decided to leave it alone. At least for now.

Kikyo shook her head in response to whether or not she had any pets. "Unfortunately not... but I do wish to get one eventually, if I have the time." She answered. Given that she's more focused on her studies, she wouldn't really find any time to take care of a pet. The least she could do is to get a home of her own so she can have more room for herself and her pet. As much as she'd love to get her own pet kitten, now wasn't the appropriate time to do so, even if her friend and parents would allow her.

"So do you like animals in general, or just dogs?" She asked. Kikyo figured that wouldn't be the case, but she was interested to know if the other girl was into other animals besides dogs.


[WC: 256 | TWC: 1,968]

Kamai flashed a quick smiled when the girl said that the pup’s name was cute. It felt weird to say thank you when she wasn’t the one that gave it to him. When the girl replied to Kamai’s question her answer was also a bit weird. “If I have the time” What did that mean? On the far side of the spectrum it could mean that she had some terminal illness and sticking with the theme of death, there might be someone after her. Though on the other side the girl may have just meant she has planned out her future and a pet might slow her down. In any case Kamai nodded, acknowledging her response. It wasn’t her place to pry and if someone had been walking by they’d think these two youngins were talking about babies. When the girl asked another question Kamai’s answer was, “Yea, I like all animals.” Short and to the point and also a bit dry.

This animal y’all was kind of elementary but aside from ninja stuff what else did they have to talk about? The weather? That would be even worse, you only talk about the weather after an awkward situation. Kamai folded her legs into a pretzel and placed her elbows on top of her knees, leaning forward slightly. ”Uh, I don’t think I have a favorite animal.” She would say before it could be asked. ”They’re all cool in their own way.” She would add before asking the girl if she had a preference.

WC: 254

"Huh, well, that's understandable I guess." Kikyo said. The blonde haired girl honestly figured that dogs would be the other girl's favorite animal just because she had a puppy. Or maybe that would've been too obvious to even ask, though from what Kikyo gotten as an answer, it was not so obvious. "I love cats. They're a lot more tame than dogs." She explained. She wanted a pet that doesn't have high level of energy to deal with and something that was more calm and perfect to relax with. Therefore, a cat was more suitable for Kikyo. They weren't exactly a favorite of hers, but it's something that she would honestly see herself with more than any other animal.

"So, you like all animals huh? Including underwater ones? Like fishes or even sharks?" Kikyo asked. The blonde haired girl herself was positive she didn't like underwater creatures nor wouldn't even consider them as pets. A shark? Far from it. However, they were good to eat so she wouldn't complain. "I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't even have fish as a pet; I'd eat it." She joked with a soft laugh. Maybe it was a little too crude for a joke like that, but Kikyo would be lying if she said she wouldn't do it.


[WC: 215 | TWC:2,183]

The polychromed haired girl nodded to Kikyo when the girl responded to her somewhat odd reply. The girl then went on to answer Kamai's question by stating her favorite animal to be cats. "Yea that's true." She would comment on the girl's explanation of why she liked the felines. Kamai would nod again, looking at the girl when she added on to her new question before Kamai could give a verbal answer. The corners of Kamai's mouth turned up while an eyebrow was raised. It wasn't haha funny but it did cause her to smile somewhat. Maybe this girl could become a friend. She thought to herself before going to talk again. "They certainly are good for eating but the bigger ones like dolphins and whales would be amazing to have as a pet." There was a hint of exclamation in the girl's voice telling that she has thought about it in the past. "So what brings you here today?" Kamai would ask genuinely wanting to talk more with the girl and possibly develop a friendship. While it is true that they don't happen over night or in a single day it was worth a shot. And even if she was unsuccessful the seed would be planted.

WC: 207

It was a little... odd to hear that someone would want a dolphin or even a while for a pet and even get excited about it. Kikyo wasn't one to really judge, so she just nodded in acceptance. "Well to be fair, I've heard more interesting pet choices." She said with an unsure chuckle, which was true. A whale or a dolphin wasn't too far off from catching the blonde haired girl off guard when it came to pets, but she heard more... "interesting" pet suggestions. A snake, a rat, hell, someone even wanted a bug for a pet much to Kikyo's confusion and mild hatred for insects in general. "But hey, who am I to try and change what people would want or think?" She continued with a shrug.

When Kikyo asked what brought her to the sea, she couldn't help but sigh in frustration. A lot of things brought her here, from the genin exams to the beast sealed inside her. "Well, I sometimes come here to just... think about stuff. Just take my mind off of whatever was bugging me and let peace guide me through. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't." She explained as she released another sigh. Her statement was vague, but she decided to go into deeper detail of what was mainly bugging her inside. "It's the genin exams. I don't really see myself killing a classmate to become promoted. Defeat? Yes. Kill in cold blood? I'm not too sure." Kikyo muttered. She could do it, she just didn't have the mentality to even handle it.

"What about you? Are you nervous for the exams?"


[WC: 271 | TWC: 2,454]

There was a lot of sighing after Kamai's next question. And it was rather depressing, how much trouble could a young girl have? They were in the Bloody Mist, after all, they got away with a lot of shit other villages would consider questionable. Hell in Konoha an entire clan was kept under close watch because of a suspicion and they ultimately died because of it. However, Kamai would nod to the girl's words as she could understand the reasoning. And then the girl brought up the genin exam. While that might have been one of her worries it wasn't the biggest. Of course, the polychrome haired girl didn't know what was and didn't have any clues to formulate a guess but she was certain that wasn't the only thing eating at the blonde.

Kamai shrugged when the girl turned it around and asked her if she was nervous about the exam. As she said before she was pretty good at everything they needed to know in order to showcase their skills as ninja but she wasn't going to reiterate that. If she did it would make her look cocky and she wasn't. Instead, she just answered honestly albeit with a shrug. "Not really. All we have to do is show them that we know what it is to be a ninja. Killing is apart of that." The girl held back a few strands of hair that were picked up by the breeze. "It seems really harsh to have to kill a classmate, especially if they're a friend but that kind of thinking is exactly what will lead to one's death." She looked at the girl briefly before looking out into the sea. She wanted to see if Kikyo was catching her drift, even is she wasn't Kamai would continue. "Regardless of who, if someone is aiming to kill you your only choice is to kill them first." The girl's words seemed cryptic but were one hundred percent true.

WC: 329