I am not a great shinobi..
Legends, as time passes, can become distorted and exaggerated, but I don't wish to be known as something I'm not…
I cannot be compared to the Sannin, the Sound Five, the White Fang of Konoha, The Seven Swordsman of the Mist, or the Yellow Flash….
I was a Jonin of what you may know now to be Danchougakure….the Village Hidden in the Heartbreak…
When I was born there, it had a different name…it had a prosperous population of artisans and hard-working people….
Located in the Land of Fire, we remained largely neutral, fulfilling the requests of our Feudal Lord faithfully and loyally….but, as is the case too often in life, our loyalty was betrayed…
When the village was attacked in the Third Great Shinobi World War, we were left to die….
Most of us did.
But this isn't about my village….this isn't even about my country…this is about two ninja fighting for something greater than themselves…
This story is the battle between myself, Oreshouteki, and Asuma Sarutobi…
"You asked for me, Daimyo sama?" Asuma knelt in front of the Feudal Lord as night overtook the Land of Fire, the lights of the capitol sparking to life to fill the void left by the sun.
"Asuma-san….it has been reported to me that there is an assassination attempt on my life." The flames flickered violently in the cool night breeze, a colder force than that gripped Asuma's heart.
"Is it known who is behind this attempt?" The Feudal Lord rose from his cushioned seat, flowing strides taking him to the balcony which looked out over his city; the seat of his power.
"As a matter of fact, the assassin himself has been identified. He is traveling here from the Land of Wind; crossing through the forests outside of Konohagakure to make his attack on me. You are familiar with the area?" Although the Daimyo knew each of his personal protectors well…he also had a penchant for forgetfulness.
When one ran an entire nation, there was much to remember.
"Yes Daimyo-sama. I was born and raised there." Asuma had not left Konoha on good terms…and he wondered if, even years later, his father had remained displeased with him…
At least I don't actually have to go TO Konoha….
"Then I believe you are the perfect man for this mission. Do you believe you will need any assistance dispatching this would-be assassin? With the Guardian's numbers diminished to 6, we don't have men to spare until it is brought up to full strength." Asuma looked up, a confident smile reassuring the Feudal Lord that the son of the Third Hokage was a man he could rely on.
"No sir. All I need is the report to get started with my search." The Feudal Lord motioned lazily at a single file resting upon his desk, a dark blue folder that Asuma grabbed and proceeded to exit the room.
"And one more thing Asuma-san…" Stopping, the elite guardian turned, waiting for any more instructions.
"Not only me, but your fellow Guardians and the Land of Fire are counting on you. Make us proud." Nodding, Asuma left the room; the attendants closing the large, ornate doors as he began to study his target…
Sitting alongside the silent Chiriku, Asuma could easily have been alone in the room, thumbing through the profile one more time before heading to sleep for the night; his supplies packed for the mission and his comrades alerted to his departure.
"Age 34.…Specializes in taijutsu based around dodging and counterattacks…Wind-based Chakra…."
"You know,if you stare at that report any harder, it may burst into flames…" Chiriku laughed, never leaving his meditative resting position as Asuma put the report to the side. Chiriku was right; he had nearly memorized the entire file and knew all he needed to know about this ninja from the Land of Wind…..
"I wish I could go with you, but I understand the Fire Lord's wishes. You leave in the morning?"
"At dawn….though I'd rather leave later…"
"Would leaving later help your search Asuma-san?"
"No…but it would give me more time to sleep." Sharing a laugh, the two bid each other goodnight….it might be a while before they could enjoy each other's company again…